Watching the two before him, Yuhi Shinku smiled.
He wasn't planning to teach them any jutsu just yet. Instead, he wanted to talk to them about all sorts of things they needed to know as ninjas.
These were advanced lessons from the Ninja Academy.
"Shape transformation and nature transformation?" Yuhi Kurenai raised her hand and asked curiously. "What are those?"
Glancing at his daughter, Yuhi Shinku explained, "They're changes to chakra."
As he spoke, he formed a ball of chakra in his hand. Under the watchful eyes of Yuki Yuichi and Yuhi Kurenai, he transformed it into various objects.
"Look. This is shape transformation."
"You need shape transformation to perform and train in jutsu."
Yuhi Shinku didn't pause. He looked at the two of them and continued, "Take the Fire Style: Dragon Fire Technique you've been practicing, for example."
"That jutsu requires shape transformation, but it doesn't demand much. You were able to use it even before you'd learned about shape transformation."
"But some other jutsu require you to use shape transformation and nature transformation together."
Yuhi Shinku explained patiently, occasionally demonstrating for them.
As Yuki Yuichi listened, things gradually became clearer to him. It didn't take long for him to understand the difference between the two.
He could think of shape transformation as control over chakra, while nature transformation increased its power.
For example, needing a high degree of shape transformation actually meant needing excellent chakra control.
Nature transformation, on the other hand, made the flames stronger and hotter.
When he used the Dragon Fire Technique, for instance, its flames could normally reach a temperature of five or six hundred degrees. But if he added nature transformation, they might reach eight or nine hundred degrees—or even a thousand.
Yuki Yuichi understood completely now.
He planned to work on his chakra control tomorrow, then train in nature transformation later.
Seeing his expression, Yuhi Shinku nodded to himself. He'd understood after hearing it just once. No wonder he'd raised such a clever redhead.
Yuhi Shinku glanced outside. It was already past seven in the evening, and it was completely dark.
"You two should get some rest," he said. He took some money from his pocket and handed it to Yuki Yuichi. "I'm leading a team on a mission tomorrow. We might be gone for five or six days."
"You two can eat out while I'm gone."
Yuki Yuichi took the money, counted it right in front of him, then looked up. "It's not enough!"
"Not enough?!" Yuhi Shinku was stunned. He'd calculated it carefully. How could it not be enough?
Seeing his expression, Yuki Yuichi said with righteous indignation, "We'll be training during that time!"
He glanced at Yuhi Kurenai and put on a woebegone look. "I'll be fine. I can go hungry for a few days. But Kurenai's still growing!"
"Poor Kurenai, having to go hungry..."
Yuhi Shinku: "..."
If you wanted money, just ask for money. Why drag Kurenai into this?
As he stood there speechless, Yuhi Kurenai glanced at her father, then at Yuki Yuichi. She decisively took his side and said pitifully, "It's okay, Yuichi. I'll go hungry with you..."
Yuhi Shinku took a deep breath and pulled out another bill worth ten thousand ryo. "All right, all right. Take this."
Ten thousand ryo was a lot.
A bowl of Ichiraku Ramen cost only sixty ryo, so ten thousand could buy a whole lot of meals.
Besides, he'd already given them some money. They had more than ten thousand ryo in total.
Sure enough, Yuki Yuichi took the bill and grinned. "I'll take good care of Kurenai!"
"Uncle Shinku, don't worry. You can go in peace!"
Yuhi Shinku: "..."
He'd never been this speechless in his life.
The way Yuichi put it, you'd think he was about to die.
Yuhi Shinku glanced at the money in Yuki Yuichi's hand, snorted, then went to organize his supplies and ninja tools.
As the team leader, he still had to prepare properly.
Even if the mission was only to clear out bandits.
Handing Yuki Yuichi ten thousand ryo had stung a little. But when he remembered that his three excellent students would earn money for him, he felt better.
S-Rank Missions paid over one million ryo each and were the most difficult.
A-Rank Missions paid between one hundred and fifty thousand and one million ryo each.
B-Rank Missions paid between fifty thousand and one hundred and fifty thousand ryo each.
C-Rank Missions paid between ten thousand and fifty thousand ryo each.
D-Rank Missions paid between three thousand and ten thousand ryo each.
As the jonin leading the team, he would receive half the payment, while the other half was divided equally among the other three.
So a newly graduated Genin was basically a bona fide slave.
Still, that was just how things worked in this world.
Being a team leader wasn't easy, either. You had to teach them all sorts of ninja knowledge and keep them safe.
Watching Yuhi Shinku's back, Yuki Yuichi thought to himself, I want to be a team leader one day, too!
Easy work, few responsibilities, close to home, and the money came in fast. Best of all, he wouldn't have to wear himself out taking on missions.
That was Yuki Yuichi's ordinary thought at the time.
He turned to look at Yuhi Kurenai, grinned at her, and handed her half the money.
"Kurenai, we've got money now!"
"Mm!" Yuhi Kurenai took the money and smiled gently at Yuki Yuichi, her eyes full of affection.
She'd deliberately played along with Yuki Yuichi when he asked for more money. She didn't need that much, but if Yuichi wanted it, she was happy to help.
Not noticing Yuhi Kurenai's expression, Yuki Yuichi leaned close to her ear.
"Come to my room tonight. I've got something nice to show you."
Yuhi Kurenai froze. Then, as if she'd thought of something, she said bashfully, "That doesn't seem right..."
"We're still too young..."
Her last words were so quiet they were almost inaudible.
Yuki Yuichi didn't hear her. He looked at her earnestly instead. "Come on, come on. It's something really nice."
Watching him, Yuhi Kurenai hesitated, but eventually nodded.
Only after Yuhi Kurenai nodded did Yuki Yuichi relax. He put an arm around her shoulders, and they sat in the little courtyard watching the stars.
Feeling Yuki Yuichi's scent, Yuhi Kurenai's cheeks turned pink. She slowly leaned her head against his shoulder.
Yuhi Shinku stepped outside and saw them. He paused, then smiled and went back in to finish organizing his supplies.
Ninjas' fates were surprisingly alike.
Most either died on missions or fell in battle. Very few lived to old age.
Yuhi Shinku didn't think he would be one of the lucky ones. He only hoped that if he died on a mission someday, Yuhi Kurenai would have someone to rely on.
Yuki Yuichi was capable of being that person.
Besides, the two kids had grown up together. They were childhood sweethearts and had a good relationship.
And Yuki Yuichi had been raised by him. He knew the boy inside and out.
He was mischievous, but he really was a good kid.
Before you continue