SHUKUMEI'S INVESTIGATION
Shukumei, wary of the shinobi from the Land of Fire's efforts to apprehend Kurai, commands the Delta Ops ninja to proceed and scout the location while also entrusting them with the task of monitoring Kurai for her safety.
SHUKUMEI QUESTIONS SMOKE
Shukumei then decides to walk to Yamata's house to inform him about the specifics, but suddenly Smoke is seen at his brothers grave.
Shukumei notices this and approaches Smoke, telling him, "His brother was an exceptional ninja and was truly a hero to the village."
Smoke's brother was a previous allied ninja from the Land of Light.
He was a remarkable ninja who held a deep affection for his village and sacrificed his life for his comrades during a mission against the Land of Fire, which resulted in his demise.
Since the death of Smoke's brother, Smoke has found himself in a bleak state of mind.
Smoke does not react, prompting Shukumei to update him on the recent events in the village.
Upon hearing this, Smoke's face fills with astonishment as he inquires about the identities of the ninjas.
"The Land of Fire," Shukumei reveals, causing Smoke to fix a stern look on him as he swiftly recalls his previous assignment with Kenji, pondering how it could have possibly led to repercussions for the village.
Shukumei mentioned that the ninja mentioned it was in reprisal for the demise of a ninja from their territory.
WEAKNESS OF THE BUTSUGAN
Smoke then starts to harness the capability of generating a mental fog, which helps him avoid contemplating the event that transpired during his operation with Kenji.
As Shukumei bewilders with his Butsugan, he inquires of Smoke if he has any knowledge concerning the matter.
With a carefree attitude, Smoke answers that he is unaware of the shinobi.
SHUKUMEI SUSPECTS SMOKE
Shukumei could discern that Smoke was deliberately attempting to keep his mind blank, as if avoiding thought intentionally.
Shukumei then expresses gratitude towards Smoke for the duration he spent and apologizes for the disturbance during his visit to his father's grave; Smoke inclines his head, as Shukumei starts to depart.
SHUKUMEI QUESTIONS KENJI
Kenji is making his way from his residence to the dojo to convene with his disciples.
As he proceeds, he encounters Shukumei and offers a respectful bow.
Shukumei inquires, "how are you faring since assuming the role of a Sensei?"
Kenji replies that it's wonderful, and he is Coaching Inochi, Kurai, Tosuke, and Rai, mentioning that they are collaborating well with each other and possess excellent teamwork.
Shukumei, wearing a smile, commends Kenji on his exceptional team and urges him to lead them with care, making it a point to be there for them in their needs.
He proceeds to enlighten Kenji regarding Kurai, given that Kenji is her Sensei, and elaborates on the incident that transpired in the village and the Land of Fire.
As Kenji is taken aback, beginning to perspire with anxiety, Shukumei catches his gaze with his Butsugan and inquires if Kenji has any insight into the circumstances.
Attempting to compose himself, Kenji reflects on the situation yet remains silent, offering no reply.
Shukumei places his hands on Kenji's shoulder, stating, "I can decipher your thoughts, and you seem anxious."
KENJI TELLS THE TRUTH
In response, Kenji shares with Shukumei that during their quest to Kurayami, they opted for a detour through the Land of Fire, where they encountered a shinobi.
Shukumei inquired about the reasons behind such an action, questioning how Kenji could.
Kenji then replied, "Smoke eliminated the shinobi because he believed it was the sole solution, or else the shinobi from the Land of Fire would have killed them."
Shukumei recognizes a portion of the scenario and has expressed that none of this would have occurred had they not made their entrance.
FORGIVING
Kenji informs Shukumei that Smoke was destined to enter regardless of his objections and that Smoke exploited his kindness, understanding that he would not abandon a fellow member.
Shukumei informs Kenji that his selections for his allies are accurate and he genuinely embodies Haru's pupil.
He mentions to Kenji that he has commanded the delta ops to keep an eye on Kurai and also desires that he remains vigilant regarding her.
Kenji acknowledges this, bows, and then starts to depart.
KENJI ARRVIES TO ACADEMY
Upon arriving at the Dojo, Rai greets Kenji, "Hey Kenji sensei, you're late.
What delayed you?" Kenji, chuckling, responds, "Apologies, I had an important matter to attend to.
MID AND SEMI EXAMS
Today, we'll be heading to the academy where Yuro will brief you on the exams necessary to achieve Mid Class and Semi Class rank as shinobi.
Ensure you give it your full attention.
" Following this, they all bow and proceed towards the academy.
Upon entering the academy, they make their way into a classroom where several lower and middle-tier shinobi are assembled, all present to receive information about the semi-class rank examinations.
Team Inochi positions itself alongside the other ninja, who are similarly organized into various 4-member squads.
Yuro, who possesses spikey brown hair tied into a ponytail and brown eyes, donned in an orange kimono adorned with sunflower motifs, positioned herself next to a sign adorned with a Sakura tree logo at the classroom's entrance.
This sign heralded the forthcoming mid-class rank and semi-class rank finals.
This sign clarified that every shinobi must take part in these exams in order to progress to the next level of their training.
She mentions that to complete their graduation, each group must undergo three evaluations: the written examination, survival tactics, and individual combat.
Those who have achieved a position above the middle class are exempt from taking the written examination.
Therefore Inochi and Tosuke will not have to take the written test due to them graduating early and is only obligated to participate in
the survival and one on one combat.
Kurai and Rai are scheduled for a written examination in three days, whereas the semi-finals are set to commence in two weeks.
Inochi and Tosuke are eagerly anticipating who their formidable adversaries will be, as Kenji emphasizes the importance of rigorous training.
Kurai declares her intention to return home for studying.
When Rai inquires if she would appreciate his company for the study session, Kurai casually informs Rai that she prefers solitude for her work and studies.
Rai, making a dejected yet humorous face, responds with "awwww man.."
They all start to head home for training as Inochi reaches the forest of Sakura trees, recalled to meet with Shukumei.
INOCHI AND SHUKUMEI
Upon arrival, Inochi see's Shukumei by a short river bows and states, "I'm here now, master."
Shukumei spins to face Inochi and states, "I've heard you're facing Semi class exams soon, and I expect you to perform at your best and excel.
You're maturing and becoming increasingly powerful, so I'd like to instruct you in a new ultimate technique."
Inochi shows enthusiasm, while Shukumei, chuckling, advises him to ease up.
SHUKUMEI TRAINS INOCHI
He then informs Inochi that his clan holds an enormous aura, stating, "the Yaskue clan is blessed."
He mentions that the Yaskue Clan is quite unique, with each individual member possessing all Aura elements – Fire, Earth, Wind, Water, and Lightning.
They are recognized for their proficiency in wielding the power of Buddha as well as their abilities in nature sealing techniques.
AKIRA YASKUE
He informs Inochi of his desire to demonstrate a Technique that unleashes all elements in the form of a Dragon aura, a creation of Inochi's Grandfather, "Akira Yaskue".
It took him three years to perfect the Nature Class Elemental Dragon Technique.
Shukumei instructs Inochi on the gestures, concentrating his thoughts to initiate the formation of signs, guiding the aura to stream throughout his body towards his hands, and unleashes the force against a tree, causing immense damage.
ELEMENTAL DRAGON TECHNIQUE
Inochi, awestruck by such a technique, assures Shukumei he will perfect it prior to the examinations.
Shukumei informs Inochi of his conviction that mastery of the technique is within reach for him, pointing out that it only required him and his father a year to grasp it, in contrast to his Grandfather, who needed three years.
However, he emphasizes that Inochi must first gain proficiency in all Aura Natures before attempting this technique.
Inochi inquires of Shukumei if he would be willing to instruct him in water class techniques.
Shukumei responds that although he's able to offer him advice, he's currently preoccupied with his investigation and has the duty of averting a confrontation between the Land of Fire and the Land of Light, thus he lacks the time at present.
Inochi seeks guidance from Shukumei on how to access the abilities of the water class.
Shukumei instructs him to approach the waterfall and clear his mind for meditation beside the water, in order to absorb the energy of that nature.
He advises Inochi to envision water and to see himself as water, all while forming the symbols of the water class with his hands.
Shukumei mentions that the aura of water would penetrate his form, and he would sense an additional alteration in his essence entering his consciousness and physique.
His instruction is to concentrate this power and absorb it, while retaining its complete framework intact.
INOCHI TRAINING BEGINS!
Inochi assures Shukumei of his comprehension and, with a bow, declares his intention to succeed in the exams and earn his admiration.
A grin starts to form on Shukumei's face as Inochi hastens toward the cascade near the mountains.