Over the next few days, Ryusuke was rarely home. He spent every day training at a secluded waterfall.
During that time, only Sakura came to Ryusuke's house.
As for Hinata and Ino, they had probably begun their Hellish Training as well.
After using Sakura to create the illusion that he had gone out to train, Ryusuke suddenly wrote, "Out training. Leave a message if you need anything," on the sign outside his house, then quietly left Konoha.
In just over two hours, Ryusuke arrived at Tanzaku Street in the Land of Fire.
"Hm?"
The moment he entered Tanzaku Street, Ryusuke activated his Red Eye's Telescopic Vision and X-ray Vision, preparing to search for Karin's location. Then, as if he had discovered something, his brows rose slightly.
A few seconds later, Ryusuke's eyes lit up. He muttered, "Could she have awakened that ability? The timing really does match up!"
So Ryusuke stood still, as though waiting for something—or confirming something.
"...Ryusuke-kun!"
Before long, a girl's joyful cry reached Ryusuke's ears.
Looking toward the voice, he saw a red-haired girl running toward him.
Seeing Karin rushing over, Ryusuke had already confirmed his suspicions.
But when Karin arrived before him, he still feigned surprise and asked, "Karin, how did you know I was here?"
"Hehe... because I sensed your chakra, Ryusuke-kun!"
Karin's cheeks flushed. The way she grinned foolishly at Ryusuke made her look like an infatuated fangirl. In an excited, worshipful tone, she said, "Your chakra is so powerful, Ryusuke-kun. It's as dazzling as the sun."
"When did you learn the Sensing Technique?"
"I never learned the Sensing Technique. Other than basic ninjutsu scrolls, Kusagakure has never taught us outsiders any other ninjutsu."
As Karin led Ryusuke toward her residence, she explained with slight confusion, "I don't know what's been going on