It was still early.
After Kurenai Yuhi treated Team 8 to a hearty meal, they didn't disband but headed to the Hokage Tower to start missions.
Team 8's first task was, naturally, a D-rank mission.
At first, Hinata and Shino were intrigued.
But when Kurenai led them to a foul-smelling ditch and tasked them with clearing surface debris, their interest vanished.
For Hinata and Izayoi, who could walk on water, it was effortless.
Same for Shino.
He'd mastered tree-climbing and water-walking in third grade.
These techniques, not taught at the academy, were basic requirements for clan heirs.
Even if Izayoi hadn't taught Hinata, once her Gentle Fist reached a certain level, Hyuga Hiashi would've taught her.
They were key to dual-task Chakra Control.
Mastering this stage boosted Gentle Fist's power and eased learning other clan techniques.
Seeing all three had learned these untaught skills, Kurenai was mildly surprised.
But considering Hinata and Shino's clan roots, Izayoi's skill, and his bond with Hinata, it made sense.
To them, it was no big deal.
Soon, Kurenai grew troubled.
She'd planned to use this mission to teach advanced Chakra Control.
Now that they already knew it, what should she teach next?
Izayoi, unaware of her thoughts or dilemma, would've warmed to her if he knew.
Though called sensei, a Jonin instructor wasn't a classroom teacher.
Beyond student-mentor ties, they were also superior and subordinate.
A Jonin's job was guiding fresh Genin through missions to become competent ninjas.
If fond of a subordinate, they might deepen the bond, passing on skills.
If not, once a team member hit Chunin squad leader, the Jonin could step back, only reuniting for high-rank missions.
So, Jonin weren't obligated to teach Ninjutsu.
Genin could learn through other means—like earning merit on missions to trade for village techniques.
Of course, Genin could only access basic Five-Element Ninjutsu, long commonplace in the ninja world.
Only those mastering form and nature transformation could trade for advanced techniques.
Barely two days in, Kurenai was already planning to teach them her skills.
Such a dedicated sensei was rare.
Team 7 would weep—stuck using tools for trash cleanup while Hatake Kakashi, reading smut, didn't even teach tree-climbing or water-walking.
After finishing their first mission and splitting the reward, Team 8 disbanded at the Hokage Tower.
"Hinata, let's treat ourselves tonight."
"Mm!"
With their first earnings, Izayoi and Hinata hit the market for ingredients, eager for a feast.
But as they returned to Izayoi's place, planning to cook and fetch Hanabi, things shifted.
"Hiss…"
At the entrance, swapping shoes, Izayoi's brows furrowed, a sharp breath escaping.
His bags slipped to the floor.
"Izayoi-kun, what's wrong?" Hinata asked, voice laced with worry.
"Hinata, my Kekkei Genkai… it's awakening!"
Clutching his eyes, leaning against the wall, Izayoi's face twisted in discomfort, but his lips grinned, voice brimming with excitement.
Hinata's mouth fell open, shocked and thrilled. "Really? Izayoi-kun, you… you have a Kekkei Genkai?"
"Yup, and you're the only one who knows."
Izayoi rested a hand on her shoulder, smiling. "Help me upstairs, Hinata. I need your help with something."
"Yes."
Hinata nodded, face serious, ignoring the groceries, and supported him up the stairs.
In his room, lying on the bed, Izayoi closed his eyes. "Hinata, grab some bandages."
"Okay."
Hinata stepped out, returned with a medical kit, and handed him a roll of bandages.
Izayoi wrapped them around his eyes, then said, "Open my bedside drawer. There's an eye patch inside."
"Yes."
Hinata nodded again, pulling out a black eye patch and placing it in his hand.
After putting it on, Izayoi formed a seal, his potent sensory range blanketing Central Street.
Seconds later, he dropped his hands, voice grave. "Hinata, my inherited Kekkei Genkai awakening—don't tell anyone, not even Hanabi right now."
"I understand, Izayoi-kun," Hinata nodded solemnly.
She didn't need the warning; she'd keep it secret.
Izayoi was just a civilian without a surname, alone. If word of his Kekkei Genkai spread, it'd draw unwanted attention.
If it was a Fire Country Kekkei Genkai with a living clan, he could join them.
But if it was foreign, hinting his ancestors migrated to the Fire Country—even if settled before Konoha's founding, with a clean background—he'd lose the village's trust, his future capped.
Their future together would vanish too.
So, this secret stayed buried, even from young Hanabi.
"I've got a feeling it'll take days for my Kekkei Genkai to fully awaken."
Izayoi continued, "If Team 8 has missions, use a Shadow Clone to impersonate me. Wear my clothes first, or Shino'll notice. Have the clone say it's my clone, and I'm refining a new Ninjutsu."
"Yes."
"Find an excuse to keep Hanabi away too."
"Okay."
"I'll be blind for a bit, so I'll need you to bring me food. I might use a cloaking jutsu to hide. If I'm not here, call out, but don't use your Byakugan."
"Got it."
Hinata memorized every word.
"Then I'm counting on you, Hinata," Izayoi said with a smile.
"Mm-hmm!"
Hinata nodded eagerly, cheeks flushed with excitement.
All her life, Izayoi had cared for her. Now, she could return the favor.
She buzzed with anticipation for the days ahead.
She even considered going home to draft a daily schedule.
---
Every 200 power stones 1 bonus chapter will be uploaded faster.
And if you want to read 30 chapters early, you can visit: Patre on . com / KangTL (REMOVE SPACE)