"Teacher."
Natsuki walked into Orochimaru's study.
Although the current Orochimaru hadn't yet pursued the jutsu of immortality, he already harbored the ambition of learning every technique in the ninja world.
When he wasn't out on missions, he usually stayed in his study, researching various ninjutsu and secret arts.
"I defeated Seniors Choza, Inoichi, and Shikaku today."
Natsuki got straight to the point.
"Mm."
Orochimaru nodded slightly.
He understood Natsuki's strength well.
In terms of kenjutsu alone, the boy could already be considered Tokubetsu Jonin level.
The only problem was his lack of stamina.
But defeating three third-year students was still trivially easy. Nothing to be surprised about.
"Senior Shikaku's shadow techniques are very interesting."
Natsuki continued. "Teacher, I have two ideas for shadow-based jutsu."
He was laying the groundwork for his "self-created" Shadow Space and Shadow Assassin.
Both abilities were extremely useful. He estimated he'd use them frequently.
After a few deployments, he definitely wouldn't be able to hide them. Better to bring them up himself.
"What ideas?"
Orochimaru looked up.
"The Nara clan's research on shadows focuses entirely on controlling or attacking enemies."
Natsuki spoke slowly. "I think we can change the approach—research how shadows affect oneself instead."
"That's related to the Nara clan's role in the Ino-Shika-Cho formation."
Orochimaru said casually.
Ino-Shika-Cho always operated as a unit. The Nara clan's shadow techniques were designed to serve the team.
"My idea is to open a space within one's own shadow."
Natsuki's voice deepened. "Then hide oneself—or various items—within that shadow space."
Orochimaru's calm expression froze.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was known as the Professor of Ninjutsu, but Orochimaru was no slouch either. He had researched countless techniques in depth.
He immediately grasped the applications for these two shadow jutsu.
Undoubtedly, they would be immensely helpful to any ninja.
"My Yin Release is weak, so I'll need Teacher's guidance."
Natsuki added.
The Nara clan's shadow techniques were fundamentally Yin Release.
"With your current strength and age, creating Yin Release ninjutsu isn't normally feasible. But your concept is genuinely excellent."
Orochimaru stood, retrieved a scroll from the bookshelf, and handed it over. "Read this first."
"Thank you, Teacher."
Natsuki glanced at the cover. Four characters: Yin Release Fundamentals.
"If anything is unclear, come ask me."
Orochimaru added.
"Understood."
Natsuki paused, then asked: "Teacher, could you take me on missions?"
"Why the sudden question?"
Orochimaru looked mildly surprised.
"I want to adapt to ninja life early."
Natsuki explained. "And combat is the fastest way to improve."
"True ninja life is brutal. You need to be mentally prepared."
Orochimaru considered for a moment. "If your resolve hasn't changed by summer vacation, I'll take you on missions."
As always, geniuses had privileges.
The Ninja Academy could no longer contain his student. The boy needed exposure to the broader ninja world.
"Thank you, Teacher."
Natsuki exhaled with relief.
It was currently June. Summer vacation would arrive soon. He wouldn't have to wait long.
"Creating shadow jutsu isn't something to rush. Your priority is still mastering Konoha-Style Kenjutsu."
Orochimaru reminded him.
"Yes, Teacher."
Natsuki nodded. "I'll go train now."
He didn't directly ask Orochimaru for a summoning beast from Ryuchi Cave.
That would seem too eager.
After all, technically speaking, he wasn't officially Orochimaru's disciple yet.
After a slight bow, Natsuki left the study and headed to the courtyard.
Not long after, Nawaki arrived and trained alongside him.
Nawaki was still practicing Water Release ninjutsu.
Like Sarutobi Hiruzen, Orochimaru knew all five elemental natures and could teach Water Release as well.
---
Night fell.
Natsuki returned to the Konoha Orphanage.
Only now did he have time to test his Shadow Space.
He looked at his own shadow.
Shadow Space!
After activating the ability, he felt a change in his shadow.
Natsuki immediately took various ninja tools from his pouch and dropped them into the darkness.
A sense of weight settled onto him.
But it didn't currently affect his movement.
He could also store food or medicine.
A thought struck him.
This Shadow Space is perfect for taijutsu specialists like Might Guy and Rock Lee.
It was essentially built-in weight training.
---
The next day.
As soon as Natsuki walked into the Ninja Academy, he noticed something different.
Every student he passed looked at him curiously. Bold girls approached to chat and ask for autographs.
For the first time, he understood what it felt like to be a celebrity.
The news of his victory over Ino-Shika-Cho had clearly spread throughout the school.
But the Ninja Academy had many geniuses. Being the center of attention would only last so long.
As usual, after finishing theory classes, Natsuki left the academy with Namikaze Minato.
But today, he didn't go directly to Orochimaru.
Instead, he headed for the Uchiha clan compound.
Natsuki observed his surroundings as he walked.
The Uchiha compound felt like a self-contained village—its own little world.
Truly worthy of a legendary ninja clan.
Combined with their notoriously unstable Sharingan, no wonder Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo paid such close attention to them.
I wonder if Uchiha Fugaku has become clan head yet.
Natsuki recalled that Fugaku was five or six years older than Uchiha Mikoto—probably around seventeen now.
In the current ninja world, lifespans were generally short. Living past forty was considered a long life.
At seventeen, Fugaku might already be leading the clan.
But he wasn't here to find Uchiha Fugaku.
He was here for Granny Cat.
Granny Cat's origins were unknown, but she was the contractor for the Ninja Cat clan.
She also ran a ninja tool shop. Most of her customers were Uchiha shinobi.
In the original story, both Uchiha Sasuke and Uchiha Itachi had treated her with great respect.
Natsuki passed through the compound and soon arrived at an empty area.
The "empty area" was actually a complex of abandoned buildings.
The Ninja Cat clan's stronghold and Granny Cat's shop were located there.
"Who are you, meow?"
A ninja cat wearing red clothes appeared before him.
"I'm here to see Granny Cat."
Natsuki replied.
"Not just anyone can see Granny Cat, meow."
The ninja cat licked its paw.
Seeing this, Natsuki immediately offered a silver vine drink.
He had already guessed who this ninja cat was.
Under Granny Cat—or rather, within the Ninja Cat clan—there were two high-ranking cats named Hina and Denka.
Hina liked adding "meow" to the end of every sentence.
And it was extremely greedy. Anyone who visited empty-handed would receive a very cold reception.
"You're not bad, meow."
Hina's eyes lit up. It held the silver vine drink with both paws and took a sip.
An intoxicated expression instantly spread across its face.
Natsuki's mouth twitched.
Why does this look exactly like catnip?
He remembered the original story mentioning that the Ninja Cat clan loved silver vine drinks, so he'd bought plenty in advance.
Under Hina's guidance, Natsuki met Granny Cat.
"You're not a child of the Uchiha clan."
Granny Cat examined him.
"My name is Natsuki."
He got straight to the point. "I came because I want a ninja cat as a summoning beast."
"Ah—Lord Orochimaru's student."
Granny Cat spoke bluntly. "As long as a ninja cat takes a liking to you, you can take it."
Did Orochimaru's reputation really carry that much weight?
Then again, Granny Cat probably wasn't doing this out of respect for Orochimaru specifically—but out of respect for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
She had no desire—or need—to offend a ninja from the Hokage's faction.
"Thank you, Granny Cat."
Natsuki followed Hina deeper inside.
Ninja cats blanketed the area—covering every surface.
His strategy was simple: bribery through food.
The moment he revealed his treats, every ninja cat in sight became excited.
"Pick me! Pick me!"
"I can do backflips!"
"Boss, I can sing! And give massages!"
Natsuki's gaze landed on the cat who'd spoken last.
It was completely white and quite beautiful.
"Then you it is."
He pointed.
"Thank you, Boss, meow!"
The white cat said happily.
If a summoning beast didn't find a contractor, it could only stay here in the abandoned district.
This one had long wanted to explore the outside world.
Now it finally had the chance.
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