Hey guys,
This is the last chapter of this arc. I will take a couple of weeks' break before I start posting new chapters again.
I am very excited about the next arc, the 3rd ninja war.
I hope you enjoy this chapter.
Thanks for your support.
______
Poll
Thanks for your votes, guys; please keep voting
Where should Yukina go after the Fourth Ninja War?
Bleach 94
Cultivation world 116
This poll will be open until I finish writing the 3rd ninja war saga
_______
After finishing their tea and snacks, Yukina, Mei, and Ema left the guest lounge and made their way toward one of the Terumi clan's training grounds.
Ema glanced at Mei and commanded, "Mei-chan, trap Yukina-chan with the Rock Prison Jutsu and maintain it for as long as you can. If you fail to sustain it, you will be punished."
Mei stared at Ema, eyes wide. "Aunt, are you out of your mind? I barely mastered this jutsu! It drains too much chakra, and I can't sustain it for long—it's a B-rank jutsu!"
Ema ignored Mei's complaints and declared, "This training will help you hone your earth affinity and achieve complete mastery over the Rock Prison Jutsu so stop complaining."
"Given that Lava Release is among your kekkei genkai, perfecting your Earth and Fire affinities is crucial to unleashing its full potential. Stop behaving like a spoiled child and start embracing your role as a proud kunoichi of Kirigakure."
Mei sighed in resignation at Ema's words and gave a serious nod to her.
Mei's hands moved swiftly through a series of hand seals, then she drove her palms into the ground, letting out a fierce yell.
"Earth Style: Rock Prison Jutsu."
"POP, POP, POP, POP."
"CANK, CANK, CANK, CANK."
The ground trembled violently, and one by one, rocks erupted from the earth around Yukina, swiftly converging to encase her in a cocoon of stone.
_____
With Yukina
Yukina glanced around the rock prison encasing her and smiled with satisfaction as she sensed the powerful earth chakra nature radiating from the jutsu through her hidden sense.
Yukina sat cross-legged on the ground, and the katana Ema had lent her resting on her lap.
Her eyes were closed as she concentrated on sensing the earth chakra around her through her hidden senses.
Yukina was astonished by how much her hidden sense had improved; the flow of earth chakra nature felt incredibly clear, and she concentrated intently on it.
After five minutes, Yukina opened her eyes slowly; her eyes were so incredibly sharp that they could cut anything in their way.
Yukina slowly rose to her feet, casually gripping the katana's handle in her right hand.
"SHINKKKK."
Yukina casually swung her katana at the rocks imprisoning her, and Mei's jutsu was sliced in half.
______
Outside the Rock Prison Jutsu
"BAAM, BAAM."
Ema and Mei were stunned when they saw a silver flash sliced through the Rock Prison Jutsu, and in the next instant, it shattered into chunks of rock, tumbling aimlessly to the ground.
"THUD, THUD, THUD, THUD, THUD."
After regaining her composure, Ema burst into laughter and exclaimed, 'KAHAHAHA! THAT WAS INTERESTING, YUKINA-CHAN—YOU MANAGED TO CUT THROUGH THE ROCK PRISON JUTSU EVEN WHILE MEI-CHAN WAS REINFORCING THE JUTSU WITH HER CHAKRA.'"
Yukina chuckled quietly at Ema's comment, lowered her head in a respectful bow, and spoke.
"I'm truly grateful, Ema-sensei, Mei-chan. Without your help, I never would have improved this much."
Mei and Ema smiled at Yukina's words. Ema then said, "It's too early for you to thank us, Yukina-chan; you still have one final test before you can leave this training ground."
With a curious expression, Yukina arched her brows and asked, "What test?"
Ema tilted her head, a sadistic smirk curling her lips as she spoke. "Mei-chan will unleash every Earth-style jutsu she knows on you."
"Should you succeed in slicing apart every Earth-style ninjutsu using only your Kenjutsu, you may leave. Fail, and the two of you will stay trapped in this training ground a while longer."
Yukina let out a giggle, a wild smirk twisting her lips, while Mei's eyebrows twitched in visible annoyance.
Ema paid no mind to Mei's reaction and ordered sharply, "Now start."
Mei flipped backward, putting some distance between herself and Yukina.
After completing a series of hand seals, Mei drew in a deep, steady breath.
"Earth Style: Multi Mud Projectiles."
Mei spat out multiple mud projectiles from her mouth, each one flying toward Yukina with incredible force, speed, and momentum.
Yukina stood in place, unmoving, her eyes closed as she lightly gripped the katana in her right hand.
She swung the katana with effortless grace and lightning speed, slicing each mud projectile in half as they flew toward her.
Ema was stunned as she witnessed Yukina's Kenjutsu skill, her mind racing, and she thought to herself.
"Incredible! She is a true prodigy. Her Kenjutsu skill already surpasses that of many chunin, even though Fuguki-sama only recently took her under his wing."
"Her talent is astounding—she could even inherit Fuguki-sama's place among the Seven Ninja Swordsmen when he steps down or passes away, should she choose to."
Mei was stunned too when she saw how Yukina cut every mud projectile in half just now.
"Her Kenjutsu skill is close to Kotaro's level; the only difference is that Kotaro cut through my Lava-style jutsu when we fought, while Yukina-chan cut through my Earth-style jutsu."
Mei smirked with excitement and began unleashing Earth-style jutsu in rapid succession.
"Earth Style: Multi Sharp Rock Bullets Jutsu."
"Earth Style: Great Spikey Boulder Jutsu."
"Earth Style: Mud Explosive Wave."
"SWISH, SWISH, SWISH, SWISH."
"RUMBLE."
Yukina's eyes widened as jagged rock projectiles hurtled toward her at blinding speed.
Behind the projectiles, a massive spiked boulder hurtled toward her with unstoppable force, and trailing it was a towering mud wave, propelling the two jutsus forward and amplifying their speed and momentum.
Mei smiled in satisfaction as she watched the result of the three jutsus she had just executed. She sank to her knees, gasping for breath. 'I did it… I managed to combine all three jutsus.'
Her face drained of color as she realized Yukina remained rooted in place, showing no intention of dodging.
Ema was about to intervene but froze when she met Yukina's gaze—Yukina's eyes were sharp and piercing, like twin swords.
"WIIISSSSS."
The katana in Yukina's hand began to whistle sharply, though only she could hear it.
Yukina narrowed her eyes as she heard the katana emitting a sharp whistling sound and thought, "this sound!!"
All of a sudden, Yukina felt a sharp sensation in her heart. She glanced at the katana with wide eyes, then smirked and raised it above her head, gripping it firmly with both hands.
She then swung the katana downward with all her might.
Mei and Ema watched in stunned silence as a surge of silver sword qi erupted from the katana, slicing through Mei's jutsus with precision.
Both Mei and Ema froze in place, stunned by the immense silver sword qi they just saw.
"CRACK, CRACK."
The katana in Yukina's hands began to fracture, cracks branching out like a spider web across its blade.
"CRASH."
In the next instant, the katana splintered apart, scattering fragments through the air.
Yukina looked at the katana's fragments blade in sadness and thought, "could it be I just now I heard the voice of the katana."
"I remember Fuguki-sensei telling me that only true masters of Kenjutsu could commune with their blades, and that even he had communicated with the Seven Swords of the Mist in the past."
"Could it be… that I communicated with this katana just now?"
"I need to clarify this with Fuguki-sensei when I return home later."
Suddenly, Ema used Shunshin appear at Yukina's side, her eyes filled with concern as she asked, "Yukina-chan, are you alright?"
Instead of answering, Yukina stared blankly at the katana's fragments, confusion flickering in her eyes.
Yukina shook her head slowly and gave a small smile to Ema. "I'm fine, Ema-sensei."
Mei approached Yukina, her eyes wide with awe. "That sword was unbelievable, Yukina-chan. You cut through my combined jutsus with just one strike."
Yukina smiled at the compliment, but her gaze lingered on the katana's shattered blade as she replied, "I am still unsure how I was able to cut through your jutsus Mei-chan… and the price was heavy."
Ema clapped her hands together and said, "You don't need to feel so bad about the katana, Yukina-chan. Remember, luck is also a part of strength."
Yukina's gaze lingered on the katana's shattered blade fragments, her eyes brimming with emotion.
Ema sighed when Yukina didn't respond to her and said, "That's enough training for today, girls; you both did well."
Mei smiled at Ema and Yukina nodded her head.
With a gentle smile, Yukina said to Ema and Mei, "Thank you for your assistance. I believe it's time for me to take my leave."
Mei and Ema smiled and nodded at Yukina. Ema then added, "Alright, Yukina-chan, you're always welcome here. And if you ever need my help, just come find me."
Yukina nodded and bowed once more to Ema in gratitude, then departed from the Terumi clan compound.
______
After an hour
With Yukina
As Yukina made her way back to Fuguki's house, she couldn't stop thinking about what had happened during her training with Ema and Mei.
The moment Yukina reached for the door of Fuguki's house, it opened from the inside. Yuriko's eyes widened at the sight of her, and behind her stood Fuguki, his lips curved into a small smile as he looked at his student.
Amusement flickered in Yukina's eyes as she looked at her aunt and Fuguki. "Aunt Yuriko, what a surprise! What are you doing here?"
Yuriko cheeks flushed crimson at the question, her thoughts flashing to the intimate time she had spent with Fuguki not long ago.
Yuriko glanced at Fuguki for help, but he only smirked in amusement, leaving her no choice but to turn away from Yukina's question in embarrassment.
With a mischievous glint in her eyes, Yukina leaned closer and said, "Tell me, Aunt Yuriko… did you have fun with sensei?"
When Yuriko heard those words, she couldn't take it anymore and shunshined away.
Fuguki burst into laughter as he watched Yuriko shunshin away in embarrassment. "HAHAHA!, GIRL, YOU ARE VERY INTERESTING; YOU REALLY NEED TO LEARN TO BE MORE GENTLE."
Yukina giggled at Fuguki's words, then stepped into the house and settled in the lounge. Fuguki soon joined her, taking a seat opposite her.
After a brief pause, Fuguki gave Yukina a warm smile and asked, "So, girl, how did your time in the summoning realm go?"
Yukina smiled at the question and began recounting to Fuguki her experiences in the Dire Wolves realm, including the trials she had faced.
Fuguki was taken aback by what he heard, and his eyes gleamed with pride.
Fuguki became quiet for a few moments after hearing about Yukina's experience in the Dire Wolves realm. Then he said to her, 'Girl, we need to start developing a training plan you.'"
Yukina looked confused and asked Fuguki, "Training plan?"
Fuguki nodded seriously and said, "Yes. When you first became my apprentice, you told me you wanted to master every shinobi art and every jutsu you could. Developing a training plan will get you there."
"I had intended to be a bit more lenient with you, given that you are still a child, but it seems that is no longer possible—the Third Ninja War now looms on the horizon."
Yukina's eyes widened in shock when she heard this.
Fuguki ignored her expression and said firmly, "You must grow stronger quickly if you hope to survive the coming war. The wolves' summons could prove invaluable, so your immediate priority is to pass their trials without delay."
Fuguki paused briefly, then said, "From what you mentioned about the third trial, we'll need to work on improving your physical strength. It will take time and effort, but you have to push yourself to finish all the wolf clan trials quickly so you can sign a contract with them soon."
After hearing Fuguki's explanation, Yukina nodded seriously and, after a few moments of deep thought, posed a question.
"How should we go about preparing my training plan?"
Fuguki fixed Yukina with a serious gaze. "The first thing you need to do is identify your priorities and your style, girl."
"Your immediate priority is to secure a summoning contract with the Dire Wolves."
Yukina nodded in understanding and Fuguki continued.
"Since your fighting style as a shinobi is close-range style and centers on Kenjutsu, we'll focus on sharpening and honing your existing skills."
"Every day, you will train to improve your physical strength and hone your Kenjutsu. I will ask the head of the medical department to provide a nutrition plan to help you improve your physical strength more quickly."
"Your training plan will be organized on a monthly basis."
"Your training plan for the first month will focus on physical strength, Kenjutsu, Taijutsu, and Shuriken jutsu."
"The second month training plan will focus on physical strength training, Kenjutsu practice, chakra control, and strategy."
"In the third month, your training plan will focus on physical strength, Kenjutsu, and Ninjutsu."
"After you complete the third-month training plan, we will repeat the first-month plan in the fourth month and continue this cycle until the war begins, ensuring you are strong enough to survive it."
Yukina considered Fuguki's training plan for a moment, then nodded in agreement.
"I would have loved to learn new shinobi arts and jutsus, but I can't afford to be picky now—not with a war looming."
"I don't plan on dying in the upcoming war; I'm enjoying my second life far too much."
Seeing Yukina agree to his training plan, Fuguki nodded in satisfaction before speaking.
"Juzo told me that you have mastered three of the Water nature transformation exercises."
Yukina smiled when she heard Fuguki's question and replied, "Actually, I've mastered all the water nature transformation exercise ."
"Prior to my return to the village, I had completed the final exercise in the Dire Wolves' realm."
A smirk crossed Fuguki's face as he listened, and then he addressed Yukina.
"Good, very good. Girl go to my library and start reading every book you can find on water-based ninjutsu and water change in chakra nature theory."
Yukina looked at Fuguki, puzzled, and asked, "I've already mastered the four exercises of water change in chakra nature. Shouldn't I be focusing on learning and mastering water-style jutsus now?"
Fuguki nodded after hearing Yukina's question and then replied.
"Girl, you need to develop a broader vision. The Second Hokage of Konoha, Tobirama Senju, could perform high-level water ninjutsu without any source of water."
"Although I never met him personally, my sensei revered his mastery of water ninjutsu."
Yukina widened her eyes in surprise at his words, then nodded seriously to Fuguki, who continued speaking.
"Yukina do you know why I am telling you all this?"
Yukina shook her head to Fuguki after hearing his question.
Fuguki gave a small smile to Yukina and said, 'Because I believe that you might one day surpass even those great shinobi."
Yukina's eyes widened at Fuguki's words, and he continued speaking.
"You are a very talented kunoichi, Yukina. You are intelligent, driven, and eager to improve. If anyone could rival the great shinobi of the past, it would be you—I have no doubt about that."
Yukina gave a soft smile at Fuguki's words, then quickly stood, bowed to him respectfully, and walked toward his library.
After entering the library, Yukina began reading books on water change in chakra nature and water ninjutsu theories, just as Fuguki had instructed.
Her eyes blazed with determination as she said to herself, 'I will live up to sensei's expectations. I will not only catch up to those great shinobi, but surpass them.'"
_____
With Yuriko
Feeling deeply embarrassed after meeting Yukina, Yuriko decided to wander aimlessly through the village to calm herself.
While walking, Yuriko spotted her favorite dango shop nearby and decided to grab some to calm herself.
When Yuriko stepped into the shop, she couldn't help but be surprised to see Haru waving at her.
Yuriko smiled and walked toward Haru's table, taking a seat elegantly next to her.
Catching the way Yuriko sat in silence, her cheeks turning pink from time to time, Haru smirked knowingly. "My, my… Yuriko, what's with all the blushing? Don't tell me you've already had a little encounter with a handsome man before coming here. Spill it—we're friends, aren't we?"
Yuriko shot Haru an exasperated glance before sighing deeply, then finally began recounting the events that led to her sleeping with Fuguki.
"My brother asked me to meet with my niece, Yukina, since I'm the only one who got know her. He wants me to set up a meeting so he can try to convince her to join the Yuki clan."
At the sound of Yukina's name, Haru's eyebrows twitched. She vividly remembered their encounter at the hospital just last week, and Yuriko had made it clear then that Yukina was her niece.
"Ugh, that demoness! I swear, I'll teach her a lesson for embarrassing me in front of Fuguki-sama."
A loud giggle escaped Yuriko as she remembered Haru's complaints about the time Yukina had embarrassed her before Fuguki.
The moment Yuriko's loud giggle rang through the dango shop, several men turned their heads, their gazes fixed on her with eyes smoldering with desire.
Yuriko and Haru ignored the men and Yuriko continued.
"I went to Fuguki-sama's house, but Yukina-chan wasn't there, so he invited me in, and we drank together."
Haru became very interested and leaned in, listening closely to Yuriko.
Yuriko blushes as she started to remember how things started between her and Fuguki.
""As we drank together, Fuguki-sama's touches grew bolder—his caresses and kisses sent shivers through me, and I found myself increasingly aroused by him."
"He then stripped me naked and carried me to his room."
Haru laughed loudly at what she heard, her mind drifting back to a few days ago when she had slept with him.
She then leaned closer to Yuriko and whispered, "Fuguki-sama really knows how to please a woman."
Yuriko blushed at Haru's words, averted her gaze, and nodded her head shyly.
Haru giggled at Yukiro's reaction and asked, 'So… what happened next?"
Yuriko blushed profusely as she recounted the intimate time she had spent with Fuguki on his bed before she accidentally met Yukina.
She also told her about what Yukina had asked, which had forced her to flee in embarrassment.
Haru laughed aloud at what she had just heard, shaking her head. "This little girl is still the demoness I remember," she said with amusement.
She leaned close to Yuriko and whispered seductively, 'Next time, let's both sleep with Fuguki-sama. It will be fun—after all, we both know how skilled he is at pleasing us.'"
Yuriko's face turned bright red as she shook her head. "No way, it is embarrassing."
"This time it was my mistake. I want to get married for love, Haru."
Haru laughed softly at Yuriko's words. "Relax," she said. "We'll do it at my place—completely private no one will know a thing. Just the two of us having fun with Fuguki-sama."
Yuriko blushed at Haru's idea then she nodded her head slowly to Haru.
Haru savored her dango with a triumphant smirk, her mind buzzing with anticipation. "Things are about to get fun," she thought.
_____
At night
At night, Yukina left Fuguki's house and began walking toward the Hozuki clan compound.
Yukina arrived in front of the luxurious blue compound, its towering gates was in golden color The walls were painted in a deep, calming shade of sapphire, accented with intricate golden patterns that hinted at the wealth and status of the clan. Manicured gardens flanked the entrance, with delicate flowers swaying gently in the breeze, and the faint sound of water trickling from a fountain added a serene touch to the otherwise imposing façade. Yukina paused for a moment, taking in the sight, feeling awe into such grandeur.
Having taken in the exquisite beauty of the Hozuki clan compound, she slowly made her way toward it's golden gate.
The moment Yukina neared the Hozuki clan gate, the guards bellowed at her together.
"HALT."
Yukina halted, her gaze fixed on the gate guards. "My name is Yukina," she announced. "I have come to see my mother."
Upon hearing Yukina's words, the gate guards' eyes widened in surprise, and warm smiles spread across their faces. A handsome guard stepped forward and addressed her.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Yukina. Please, follow me—I will inform the Matriarch of your arrival."
Yukina gave a small nod before following the guard through the gates of the Hozuki clan compound.
_____
In the Hozuki clan guest lounge.
While waiting for Yukira, Yukina enjoyed the assortment of snacks presented by the Hozuki clan maids.
The door to the Hozuki clan's guest room suddenly creaked open.
When Yukina turned her head, she saw Yukira and Zangetsu stepping into the guest lounge.
Yukina smiled at them, marveling at Yukira's stunning beauty.
Yukira dashed toward Yukina and wrapped her in a tight, desperate hug, sobbing uncontrollably.
Yukina was deeply moved by Yukira's emotions; as an orphan in her past life, she had never known a mother's or father's love, and now in this life Fuguki was the closest she had to a family.
Yukina's ears caught Yukira's voice trembling as she said, "I'm sorry I wasn't there for you. If you hate me, I'll understand. Yukitaro left me no choice—if I hadn't obeyed him, he would have killed you."
Yukina's eyes widened in disbelief, and Zangetsu gritted his teeth, cursing Yukitaro silently.
"Damn you, Yukitaro! How low can you sink? If you weren't already dead, I'd kill you with my own hands."
A deep sigh escaped Yukina, and after a moment of trembling silence, she breathed, "Mother."
Yukira's eyes widened at what Yukina had called her, and this time, tears of happiness streamed down her face.
"I don't blame you—after all, I have no right to. In fact, I am grateful to you, because you gave birth to me."
Yukira was surprised by her daughter's maturity as Yukina continued speaking.
"I've made friends with wonderful people, and I have an amazing sensei guiding me to become a skilled kunoichi. I'm truly happy, so there's no need for you to blame yourself anymore."
Zangetsu smiled at Yukina's words, and even Yukira—who had long been weighed down by self-loathing for being forced to abandon Yukina—suddenly felt a lightness she hadn't known in years, as if the burden on her shoulders had been lifted.
Yukira then said, "Yukina-chan, how would you feel about joining the Hozuki clan? As the first young lady, your future would be bright and secure. I promise I'll make up for all the times I wasn't there for you."
Yukira then glanced at her husband, searching his expression for any sign of objection to her proposal.
Zangetsu smiled in satisfaction after hearing his wife's proposal, and he added.
"If you joined the Hozuki clan, you would not only gain the status of the clan's first young lady, but I would also train you personally, giving you access to all Hozuki clan jutsus, including our secret jutsus."
Yukina sighed after hearing Zangetsu's words. She paused for a moment, then shook her head and spoke. "Your proposal is intriguing, but I must decline. I have no desire to get involved in clan politics. Right now, I'm content and enjoying my life as it is."
Yukira was about to argue with Yukina, but Zangetsu gently placed a hand on her shoulder, stopping her.
He then said to Yukina, 'We understand, little Yukina. If that's what you've decided, we will support you. After all, being a family means supporting each other.'
Yukira's eyes widened for a brief moment before she offered a soft, elegant smile.
They then sat down, and Yukina began to get to know her mother.
Zangetsu smiled at the interaction between Yukina and Yukira, touched by how happy Yukira looked. 'You deserve to be happy, my dear,' he thought. 'I will always protect your beautiful smile, no matter what.'"