'It didn't solidify into a [Performance Instance]... What a pity.'
Masahiko sighed internally. 'I suppose it makes sense. My spar with Shisui was intermittent at best—mostly a technical exchange of the Body Flicker Technique and the Clone Technique rather than a true clash of blades.'
He knew he was being greedy.
He and Shisui hadn't parted ways until the start of the second period. If Masahiko didn't have a class to teach, and if Shisui hadn't received a sudden mission, they likely would have grabbed lunch together.
During class, Masahiko hadn't made things difficult for Naruto. He simply asked the boy to demonstrate the basic Clone Technique.
However, Naruto, who had just been scolded in his Ninjutsu class and was still traumatized by the humiliating "Sexy Jutsu" incident from their first lesson, was a nervous wreck. He fumbled the technique entirely.
Masahiko wasn't a devil, so he simply ordered Naruto to run a few extra laps as punishment.
After class.
Masahiko intended to grab a quick lunch and then head to the outskirts of the village, hoping to intercept one of Danzō's agents.
But before he could leave the school grounds—
"Masahiko-sensei!"
A voice called out, stopping him in his tracks.
Masahiko turned, feigning a flicker of surprise before smoothing his expression into a polite, professional smile. "Mizuki-sensei? Is something the matter?"
"Masahiko-sensei, the Vice Principal asked me to give this to you. I haven't been able to find you all morning. Phew, I'm glad I finally caught you."
Mizuki let out an exaggerated sigh of relief and solemnly handed a sealed envelope to Masahiko. "If I had lost this, I wouldn't have been able to afford the consequences!"
Masahiko took the envelope, allowing a look of genuine curiosity to enter his eyes.
An appointment letter?
He nodded gently, smiling. "Thank you, Mizuki-sensei."
"Think nothing of it. Just doing my job," Mizuki replied with a genial smile, though his voice held a trace of envy. "I heard the announcement—you've been promoted to Special Jōnin? Congratulations!"
"Thank you."
Masahiko accepted the praise with humility. After exchanging a few more pleasantries, he bid Mizuki farewell.
He had little interest in the man.
Although Mizuki was technically one of Orochimaru's sleeper agents, he was insignificant to the Snake Sannin. Relying on Mizuki to enter Orochimaru's field of vision was nothing more than a pipe dream.
Furthermore, as a Taijutsu instructor, Mizuki's sphere of activity was strictly limited to Konoha.
As a subordinate of Danzō, Masahiko was acutely aware that he was likely under semi-constant surveillance.
So... he would let nature take its course.
If he could contact Orochimaru and gain some benefits, that would be ideal. If not, it didn't matter.
He took the appointment letter and walked briskly back to his office.
Opening the envelope, he pulled out the document inside.
"Teaching Consultant?"
Masahiko was slightly surprised as he sat down to read the fine print.
A few seconds later, having scanned the document, he understood the responsibilities of a "Teaching Consultant."
Simply put, he could teach whatever subject was required. He might be called upon for missions when necessary, but his status and pay grade were significantly higher than that of an ordinary teacher.
Moreover, unlike other positions, a Teaching Consultant wasn't bound by strict rigid requirements. It was a role with relative freedom and flexibility.
"In the short term, my duties haven't changed, but my salary has gone up..."
Masahiko was quite satisfied. He reached into the envelope again and pulled out a separate slip of paper. Written on it were the hand seals and chakra molding secrets for Water Style: Wild Water Wave.
"Uh... is this how we're passing down Ninjutsu now? On a scrap of paper?"
It felt a bit sloppy.
However, as Wild Water Wave was a fundamental C-rank Water Style technique, it wasn't overly complex—especially since he had already mastered the Water Clone Technique.
He shook his head and focused on the paper.
Three hand seals. The chakra molding method is simple...
After a single reading, he had it memorized. He casually dipped the paper into his cup of water, dissolving the ink and destroying the evidence.
Then, he sat down and entered the System's training space.
In just a moment.
[Water Style: Wild Water Wave: Mastery]
'With the foundation of a Perfection-grade Water Clone Technique, learning Wild Water Wave was effortless.'
The only downside was the chakra cost. Creating a massive volume of water from nothing consumed a significant amount of energy.
Unless the environment already had abundant water, or there was a specific tactical need, the cost-performance ratio was lower than other elemental natures.
It was no wonder Kakashi preferred Earth Style for defensive walls.
Masahiko understood the logic now.
In this world, unless one was a descendant of a powerful bloodline like Naruto or Sasuke, most ninja had to rely on mutation or ingenuity to stand out.
Orochimaru...
'Forget it. Now isn't the time to worry about him.'
Masahiko shook his head to clear his thoughts.
Without sufficient value or leverage, rushing to meet Orochimaru would only lead to an ending similar to Mizuki's—being used and discarded.
Improve. Become stronger.
That afternoon.
With no classes scheduled, Masahiko left the Academy and began jogging around the perimeter of Konoha.
As he ran past his usual training spot, he looked up and noticed a strange bird circling the woods above.
Masahiko's heart stirred. He adjusted his path, following the bird.
As he approached, the bird flew outward, stopping and starting to maintain a specific distance, guiding him.
It led him all the way to the riverbank, where a familiar figure stood waiting. Masahiko immediately rushed forward and bowed respectfully.
"Danzō-sama!"
Danzō turned his head slightly, a faint smile on his face. "Did you receive the appointment?"
"Yes. Thank you for your assistance!"
Masahiko didn't know the exact details of how it was arranged, but hearing Danzō's opening question, he immediately expressed his gratitude to demonstrate loyalty.
Danzō shook his head with a light chuckle. "I merely spoke a few words. You were already well-suited for the position."
"Without your guidance, even if I were suited for the post, it wouldn't have necessarily gone to me," Masahiko replied earnestly.
Danzō laughed softly, not dwelling on the topic. Instead, his gaze sharpened. "Uchiha Shisui came to find you today?"
"Yes. You ordered me to get close to the Uchiha. I used a technique to utilize Sasuke as a stepping stone to meet the clan members, but I didn't expect Shisui himself to appear."
Masahiko answered "truthfully," taking the opportunity to briefly explain the technique he had used.
Danzō looked back at him, his expression playful yet calculating. "You must have anticipated this, didn't you?"
"Yes. The technique itself was developed by mimicking his Body Flicker Technique," Masahiko admitted with a nod.
Danzō nodded in approval. "From now on, you have only one mission: get close to him and Itachi. And then... report their situation to me."
"Yes, sir!" Masahiko bowed his head.
Danzō let out a low, raspy laugh. "Ambition is a good thing. Work hard. Under my command, as long as you have the ability, you will always receive the appropriate reward."
"Subordinate... actually has a request. I require your assistance," Masahiko said, raising his head carefully, his demeanor respectful and cautious.
Danzō raised an eyebrow and nodded slightly. "What do you need?"
"During my exchange with Shisui, we discussed a concept..."
Masahiko proceeded to explain his theory of combining Genjutsu with physical swordplay—specifically, integrating visual and auditory Genjutsu into kenjutsu. He then clarified the reason for his request:
"I read in the Third Hokage's notes about a concept involving Genjutsu combined with the Dance of the Crescent Moon. I wanted to ask if you possess any research or records regarding this?"
"I do. I will have the relevant notes delivered to you tonight," Danzō replied without hesitation.
He turned to leave, but paused for a moment.
"If your research yields results, you know how to handle it, correct?"
"I will never leak the information!"
"Good."
Danzō's figure vanished instantly.
A Shadow Clone...
'Truly cautious.'
Masahiko didn't reveal any emotion. Since he was already at the river, he decided to start practicing Water Style: Wild Water Wave. The training served a dual purpose: mastering the jutsu and using the water to wash away any footprints or traces of their meeting.
After training until his stamina and mental energy were more than half depleted, he ate a Soldier Pill and resumed his running exercises.
Training was dull.
However, watching the proficiency levels rise on his System panel one by one, and seeing his win rate against the 'Kakashi' projection improve, made the monotony bearable.
Nighttime.
Upon returning to his apartment, Masahiko found a booklet left in the usual hidden spot, courtesy of Danzō's subordinates.
Masahiko pocketed the booklet. He didn't rush to read it. Instead, as was his routine, he went straight to the bathroom to wash up.
As the shower ran, the corners of his mouth curled up slightly.
In the bathroom, the tiny, almost invisible strand of hair he had wedged into the window latch was gone.
'So, they came in through the bathroom window...'