He kept his own strength and reaction speed at just a little above Rin Nohara's level. That way, he could handle her attacks while still putting enough pressure on her to push her to improve.
Before long, Rin's breathing began to turn uneven.
Using tailed beast chakra was draining far more chakra than she had expected, and that power was constantly trying to break free of her control.
She could feel the agitation rising inside her—that urge to unleash more, to destroy more.
"Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!"
Another water dragon rose from the ground, but this time it was far larger than before.
With a low roar, it lunged at Kiyohara, moving much faster than earlier.
"Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation!"
A blazing torrent of fire poured from his mouth like a waterfall, crashing into the water dragon in an instant.
This collision was more violent than any of the earlier ones.
What the clash of fire and water produced this time was not steam, but an explosion.
A massive shockwave burst outward from the point of impact, whipping up fierce winds and throwing dirt into the air, forming a brief dust storm.
Rin was knocked back several steps by the shockwave and dropped hard onto the ground.
"You okay?"
Kiyohara had only shown a fraction of his real power, and Rin was already struggling to keep up.
Rin's talent in combat was somewhat average. Even after gaining the tailed beast's power, she still did not know how to use it very well.
Hearing his voice, Rin looked up.
"I'm fine… I just used up a bit too much chakra."
Kiyohara crouched in front of her and checked her over carefully.
There was a burn on her left shoulder, caused by the aftershock of the flames.
Kiyohara's Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique already had a range of around ten meters, and just now he had used Fire Release: Great Fire Annihilation, multiplying the flames' range several times over.
Rin's wound was not deep, but the skin was red, with a few small blisters forming around the edges.
"You got a slight burn," Kiyohara said. "I'll treat it."
He raised his right hand, and green medical chakra appeared in his palm.
It was just a standard Mystical Palm Technique, but in Kiyohara's hands, the effect was even better than what many medical jonin could achieve.
Rin did not refuse.
She watched as Kiyohara's hand moved closer to her shoulder.
The moment the medical chakra—life-filled Yang Release chakra—touched her skin, it brought a cool sensation that eased the stinging pain.
She could smell the faint scent coming from Kiyohara, and her cheeks began to heat up. At some point, her heartbeat had started to quicken.
Thump, thump.
"What's wrong?"
Kiyohara noticed something off.
"Your heart's beating so fast. Are you feeling sick somewhere?"
"N-no… it's nothing."
Rin shook her head in a panic, but moved too much and tugged at the wound, making her suck in a sharp breath.
"Don't move."
Kiyohara pressed a hand lightly against her shoulder.
"It'll be done in a second."
His palm was warm. Even through the thin white jacket, Rin could feel that warmth clearly.
Her face felt even hotter now, as if it were being roasted over a fire.
The reaction left her both confused and embarrassed. He was only treating her. It was only normal physical contact. So why was she this nervous?
And besides, he had treated her before. She had never felt like this then.
Kiyohara continued healing her injury.
He looked up at Rin and saw that she was keeping her head lowered, her cheeks flushed, her lashes trembling slightly.
"All done."
Kiyohara withdrew his hand.
"Try not to get it wet for the next couple of days."
"Thank you," Rin said softly, still not daring to look up.
Kiyohara stood and brushed the sand off himself.
"You've improved a lot. Your control over the tailed beast chakra is better than I expected. You just need more practice to stabilize it."
Only then did Rin lift her head. The blush on her face had not fully faded yet.
"I… I'll keep working hard."
"Don't push yourself too much," Kiyohara said.
"Mm."
Rin nodded and finally stood up.
Her legs were still a little weak—half from chakra exhaustion, half from how tense she had been just now.
Seeing the way she was wobbling, Kiyohara held out a hand.
"Need me to help you?"
"No, no, I'm fine!"
Rin waved her hands in a hurry, only to nearly lose her balance. She quickly grabbed Kiyohara's arm to steady herself.
The moment their hands touched, Rin instinctively wanted to pull away as if she had been shocked, but Kiyohara had already turned his hand and caught her wrist.
"I'll walk you home," he said.
Rin did not resist this time.
She let him support her as they slowly walked out of the training ground.
"Kiyohara-kun…"
She spoke up.
"What are your plans next?"
She asked it mostly to distract herself.
"I'm leaving for the Land of the Sea after this."
"The Land of the Sea? That island nation?"
"Yeah. A giant sea monster has been attacking fishing boats there, so Tsunade-sensei and I accepted the investigation mission."
He paused.
"And I'm also interested in the Summoning Island there."
"The Summoning Island…"
Rin remembered what she had learned in ninja school geography.
"They say it's a gathering place for summoning beasts, with lots of rare species."
"Exactly. I want to take a look. Maybe I'll find a summoning beast that suits me."
Rin nodded.
Most ninja formed contracts with summoning beasts. Whether for combat support, intelligence gathering, or special abilities, summoning beasts were an important asset.
"Then… be careful," Rin said softly.
"The Land of the Sea is far away, and missions across the ocean always come with a lot of uncertainty."
"I will."
Kiyohara nodded.
"Actually, I can ask Tsunade-sama if you can come with us."
"Huh?"
Rin had not expected him to say that.
"Really?"
Hope instantly filled her eyes.
"Of course."
Kiyohara nodded.
The environment in the Land of the Sea would be ideal for training water-style ninjutsu.
They kept talking as they walked, and before long they arrived at Rin's house. It was an ordinary two-story home, much like most ninja residences in Konoha.
Warm light shone through the windows. Her parents were probably home.
"We're here."
Kiyohara let go of her hand.
The warmth around her wrist vanished, and Rin suddenly felt a strange sense of loss.
She unconsciously rubbed her wrist, as if Kiyohara's touch was still lingering there.
"Thank you for walking me home," she said.
"Go on in and get some rest," Kiyohara replied.
Rin nodded and turned to open the door, but then stopped.
"Kiyohara-kun…"
She gathered her courage.
"Later on… can we spar again? I want to… I want to get stronger."
Kiyohara smiled faintly.
"Of course. Anytime."
It was only a slight smile, but it made Rin's heart race all over again.
In a panic, she turned around, opened the door, and rushed inside like she was fleeing.
The door shut behind her. She leaned against it, breathing hard, her face burning as if it were on fire.
Outside, Kiyohara stood there a little while longer before turning and leaving.
Rin really had improved a lot, especially in her control over tailed beast chakra. She had already reached a fairly solid level.
She still could not fully bring out the Three-Tails' power, but at least she would not lose control easily anymore.
That was an important breakthrough for her. As a jinchuriki, learning to better control the tailed beast's power was a hurdle she absolutely had to overcome.
Kiyohara quickened his pace and headed toward Tsunade's house.
At the same time, inside Rin Nohara's home, Rin had finished washing up, changed into her sleepwear, and was sitting on the edge of her bed.
In her hand was a strawberry—the biggest, reddest one from the bag she had bought today.
She did not eat it. She just stared at it, thinking about everything that had happened earlier.
Rin brought the strawberry to her nose. The fresh fruity scent calmed her down a little.
She took a small bite. Sweet juice spread across her tongue, but for some reason, it did not taste as sweet as the one she had shared with Kiyohara earlier.
"What's wrong with me…"
She murmured to herself, unconsciously rubbing her wrist again.
Her heart was still beating fast.
Her cheeks were still hot.
Kiyohara's image would not leave her mind.
Rin lay down on the bed and pulled the blanket over her head.
She tossed and turned until late into the night before finally drifting off in exhaustion.
When Kiyohara got back, the kitchen was brightly lit. Shizune had already returned and was helping with the cooking.
"Kiyohara-kun, you're back!"
Shizune took the ingredients from him.
"Tsunade-sama's in the living room. She said she was waiting for you to come back and make tender chicken."
Kiyohara glanced toward the living room. Tsunade was sprawled on the sofa with a gambling guidebook in her hands, but her eyes were already unfocused. She was clearly on the verge of falling asleep.
He shook his head, tied on an apron, and got to work.
Before long, the smell of food began to fill the house.
At dinner, the four of them sat around the table.
Tsunade was in an excellent mood, not only because the negotiations had succeeded, but also because of the feast spread out before her.
"Oh, right, Shizune," Tsunade said suddenly.
"Kiyohara and I accepted a mission in the Land of the Sea. We're leaving the day after tomorrow. Let Kurenai know."
"Understood, Tsunade-sama," Shizune said.
She paused, then added, "But I heard the Land of the Sea is… pretty chaotic. Pirates, wandering ninja, and all kinds of summoning beasts."
"That's exactly why we're going," Kiyohara said with a smile.
"Don't worry. With me there, nothing will happen."
Tsunade raised her chin proudly.
"Shizune, Kiyohara may be your junior, but he's very strong."
Tsunade felt that Kiyohara was fully capable of inheriting everything she knew.
If even Kiyohara could not do it, then she did not think anyone in Konoha right now could.
Even if she taught out the method of the Strength of a Hundred Seal, probably very few people would be able to learn it. And on top of that, they would also have to inherit all of her medical ninjutsu.
Sealing techniques and medical ninjutsu were two entirely different systems.
"By the way, Sensei, can Rin come with us too?" Kiyohara asked.
He explained that it would help train Rin's tailed beast power.
After all, the Three-Tails enhanced water-style ninjutsu.
"That's something I'll need to think about."
Tsunade did not answer right away.
To the village, a tailed beast was extremely important.
Although the tailed beast inside Rin had come from Kirigakure, it had also become indispensable combat power for Konoha.
"All right."
Kiyohara nodded.
It was normal for Tsunade to hesitate.
He knew exactly what she was worried about. Karin Uzumaki was still far away on the battlefield right now.
Before, when Rin had been allowed to leave the village, Karin had always been there to keep an eye on her.
Rin was the Three-Tails' jinchuriki. Her safety was of utmost importance.
But that was also exactly why she needed more real combat experience.
In the original story, if it had not been for Hiruzen and Tsunade, Naruto probably would have been placed under strict confinement just like Kushina—forbidden from leaving outside the sealing barrier unless he fully mastered the Nine-Tails.
The next day, when the morning sunlight streamed in through the windows, Kiyohara had already finished his daily basic training.
He stood in the yard and slowly sheathed the ninja sword in his hand.
He had just finished another round of practice with the swordsmanship he had copied from Hanzo.
Hanzo's sword style was full of the Land of Rain's character—devious and ruthless, with many vicious movements.
Kiyohara did not care. If it worked, that was enough.
It was the perfect way to further polish his own swordsmanship.
"Kiyohara."
Tsunade's voice came from behind him.
She was wearing a white nightgown that curved around her figure, her golden hair hanging loose, her face still carrying the lazy softness of someone who had just woken up.
"Sensei."
Kiyohara turned toward her.
Tsunade walked up to him and studied her disciple carefully.
At some point, Kiyohara had already grown noticeably taller than her, with broad shoulders and a lean frame.
"I've thought about what you said regarding Rin Nohara," Tsunade said slowly.
"I think you're right. That girl needs real combat experience to learn how to control the tailed beast's power. If we keep protecting her in the village, it'll only limit her growth."
"So you agree, Sensei?"
"Mm, but…"
Tsunade changed her tone.
"This has to be reported to the old man first. Rin Nohara is a jinchuriki. She needs the Hokage's approval to leave the village. And on top of that, I'll be personally responsible for her safety. You'll need to keep an eye on her too."
"I understand," Kiyohara said seriously.
"I'll make sure Rin stays safe."
Tsunade nodded and turned to walk back inside. After a few steps, she stopped again.
"Oh, right. Go tell Rin about it today so she can get ready."
"Yes."
Not long after, Kiyohara received word.
Tsunade said Hiruzen had approved the request, but Kiyohara was to keep a very close watch on Rin.
Kiyohara guessed that his performance in the Land of Rain had made the village very confident in him.
So he headed toward Training Ground Three.
Rin Nohara loved practicing ninjutsu there.
Before long, he arrived.
From a distance, he spotted Rin.
She was practicing water-style ninjutsu.
In front of her was a specially made target, built from layers of soaked leather and wooden boards, specifically designed to test the penetrating power of water-style techniques.
"Water Release: Water Fang Bullet!"
Rin formed hand seals and condensed a spiraling flow of water.
The stream was only as thin as a finger, but its cutting power was terrifying. In an instant, it pierced through three layers of leather and two layers of wood.
"Haa…"
Rin stopped and caught her breath.
After repeating it so many times, she had already burned through more than half her chakra.
"Your control's improved."
A familiar voice came from behind her.
Rin turned around in surprise and delight, seeing Kiyohara standing at the entrance to the training ground.
"Kiyohara-kun!"
She jogged over.
"That water-style jutsu just now had good penetration," Kiyohara said.
"Really?"
Rin smiled faintly at the praise.
"Oh, right—what brings you here, Kiyohara-kun?" she asked curiously.
"I came to tell you something."
Kiyohara looked at her.
"I talked to Tsunade-sensei. You can come with us to the Land of the Sea."
Rin froze.
Her eyes slowly widened, and her lips parted.
"R-really?"
"Of course. Tsunade-sensei already agreed, and Hokage-sama approved the request too."
Kiyohara smiled.
"We leave early the day after tomorrow. Use the next two days to prepare. The Land of the Sea is an island nation, with a hot and humid climate, so bring extra clothes to change into. And since we'll be traveling by ship for a few days, make sure to prepare seasickness medicine too."
Rin nodded hard.
She had not expected Kiyohara to actually pull it off, much less for the Hokage to approve it.
"This mission probably won't be easy. The sea monster attacks in the Land of the Sea may have more complicated causes behind them, so be mentally prepared."
"I understand."
Rin clenched her fists.
"I'll do my best. I won't drag everyone down."
"Then let's keep training today," Kiyohara said.
"I'll stay with you."
In the blink of an eye, it was the day of departure.
At Konoha's main gate, Kiyohara's group stood beside the two gate guards.
Tsunade stood at the very front, a ninja pouch hanging at her waist.
Kiyohara stood beside her, carrying his usual ninja sword. Another pouch had been added at his lower back, holding not only standard weapons but also special antidotes and medical supplies prepared by Tsunade.
Kurenai Yuhi and Shizune stood on the other side.
Rin was the last to arrive. She came jogging up, cheeks flushed.
"S-sorry… am I late?"
"No, perfect timing."
Tsunade glanced at the sky.
"Everyone's here. Let's move."
The five of them passed through Konoha's gates and headed southeast along the forest road.
Their first stop was a port town in southeastern Fire Country—Tide Town. From there, they would take a ship to the Land of the Sea.
Along the way, Tsunade walked in front while Kiyohara brought up the rear, with the three girls in the middle.
Rin looked a little nervous. This was her first time heading to the Land of the Sea on a mission.
"Where did Kurenai-san go on her first mission?" Rin asked Yuhi Kurenai on the road.
"The Land of Rivers. It was a C-rank escort mission for a merchant caravan," Kurenai recalled.
"That was when Kiyohara, Genma, and I went together."
"And then?"
"And then…"
Kurenai blinked.
"We dealt with all the enemies together, and Kiyohara was already just as fond of searching enemy corpses as he is now."
As she said that, she glanced back at Kiyohara.
He was vigilantly watching the surroundings. Sensing her gaze, he gave a small nod in response.
Rin followed her line of sight.
"Kiyohara-kun… has always been like that?"
"Yeah."
Kurenai nodded.
Kiyohara was poor down to his bones.
Kurenai sometimes suspected that if he ever got truly desperate for money, he might even sell blood—or find some rich older woman to support him.
With Kiyohara's looks, that probably would not be too hard.
"He kind of feels a little like Tsunade-sama," Shizune whispered when she noticed Tsunade and Kiyohara walking at the front.
The three girls chatted quietly among themselves, and the atmosphere gradually became more lively.
Two days later, at the port of Tide Town, the sea wind hit them with its salty dampness, and all kinds of ships were moored at the docks.
Fishing boats, cargo ships, passenger vessels—the masts stood like a forest, sails layered one behind another.
Tsunade's group arrived at their assigned berth, where a medium-sized sailing ship was already waiting.
Its hull was painted deep blue, and the bow was carved with wave patterns. It looked well maintained.
"So this is the ship we rented?" Kurenai asked curiously as she looked it over.
"Yeah. The Seagull. The captain's an old sailor who's worked these waters for decades."
As she spoke, Tsunade called up toward the ship,
"Granny Shimaho, you there?"
A figure climbed out from the cabin.
~~~
Patreon(.)com/Bleam
— Currently You can Read 120 Chapters Ahead of Others!