THE NEXT DAY
The next day, Inochi wakes up, feeling a consistent, warm energy inside him.
Upon shutting his eyes, a burst of light comes into view, leading him to wonder if this is indeed the "Light" Shukumei had mentioned before.
He prepares to meet Kenji Sensei for pre-exam training.
After putting on his clothes and taking his sword, he enters the kitchen, where Hamari is preparing pancakes and greets him.
Inochi replies, "Good morning, Mother Hamari" and sits as she serves him pancakes.
He expresses his gratitude to Hamari, praises the pancakes, and commences consumption.
He shows appreciation towards Hamari, commends the pancakes, and begins to eat them.
He scans the area, perceiving the lack of Shukumei's presence, and questions his location.
INOCHI'S PROMISE TO HAMARI
Hamari elucidates that Shukumei has visited
Yamata's abode to convene with the Hierarchy and devise plans against the Grandmaster of Fire.
She also mentions that he is getting the paperwork ready for ninjas from the Land of Darkness to participate in the village's examinations.
Furthermore, she observes that the Grandmaster of Darkness is expected to be present as well.
Inochi expresses surprise, remarking, "I've heard about the Grandmaster of Darkness.
"He is an exceptional ninja who safeguards the ninja world from the obscurity."
Hamari grins and motivates him to complete his pancakes to avoid being tardy for practice.
As Inochi completes eating his pancakes, he notices Hamari getting teary-eyed, with tears rolling down her cheeks.
He inquires, "What is the matter, Mother Hamari?"
Hamari informs Inochi that, being her eldest offspring, she has observed his development and consistently seen him leave with a smile.
She admits that at times, she frets over whether he will come back safely.
Inochi grins and comforts her, "Have no fear, Mother Hamari..
"I am Inochi Yaskue, destined to be the next Grandmaster of the Land of Light."
He narrates how Shukumei relayed his father's message: one day, he will usher in genuine peace throughout the ninja world and lead all into enlightenment.
He confirms that this is his path.
He remains unwavering in his resolve to outperform Tosuke in the examinations and to safeguard Kurai
Hamari notices that Inochi has developed a close bond and asks about Kurai.
Inochi makes it clear that Kurai holds the status of a friend to him, a person whom he is devoted to safeguarding.
He vows to remain true to his commitment, ensuring its fulfillment.
Inochi receives an embrace from Hamari, who declares her love for him.
Embracing her back, Inochi responds with a hug.
Inochi responds, "Mother, I also love you."
He additionally assures her that there is no need for concern, for should he find himself in a precarious situation, he is well capable of defending himself.
Also, either Shukumei or Tosuke would invariably arrive to fetch him.
He lets her go, says goodbye, and leaves with a grin.
Upon reaching the waterfall, he discovers that Kenji is not there.
IMPROVEMENT
Kenji emerges in a tree and declares, "you finally arrived, Inochi."
He comments, "Kenji Sensei, I was completely unaware of your presence."
Kenji replies that a genuine ninja must perfect the art of greetings, remain unseen, and possess the skill to recognize falsehoods.
Kenji says to Inochi, "We should continue from where we stopped. Get ready."
Inochi takes off his shirt and moves toward the waterfall.
He shuts his eyes, focuses, and perceives the energy coursing through him.
He constructs a gesture and utilizes the aquatic-grade mini-tsunami method, creating an eight-foot swell.
Kenji is taken aback, given that Inochi had generated merely a wave of 5 feet in height the day before.
Kenji ponders if the power of Inochi comes from the Light Dragon or if it is due to the legendary aura manipulation abilities of the Yaskue Clan.
Inochi exhibits remarkable skill, learning water-class methods in just two days.
Kenji inquires if Inochi has ever felt an entity inside him.
INOCH'S SELF AWARENESS
Inochi recounted that he had felt something unusual that very morning, describing it as a sensation of warmth.
When he shut his eyes, a golden glow appeared before him; however, when he attempted to concentrate on it, the energy seemed to escape, as though it was slipping away from him.
Becoming intrigued, Kenji reveals that Inochi's ability to produce massive waves stems from harnessing two unique auras: his own and that of the dragon, which provides him with increased strength.
This revelation catches Inochi off guard.
THE LIGHT DRAGON
Inochi is inquisitive and inquires about the nature of the Light Dragon.
Kenji replies that the Light Dragon is a legendary being that holds an important place in the history of the ninja world.
These creatures possess immense power and have historically been utilized as weapons in conflicts.
Inochi declares his intention to use his power to end the wars.
Kenji smiles and says, "I believe you will."
He informs Inochi that his progress is evident and predicts he will soon master the Elemental Dragon Technique more rapidly than Kenji himself did.
Kenji instructs Inochi to perform the Water-class Tiger Bullet Technique, emphasizing the need for focus and precision.
Inochi turns toward the tree, weaves a sign, channels the aura into his hands, and releases it, blasting a hole through the trunk.
KENJI SENSEI VS INOCHI
Kenji laughs softly and caresses Inochi's hair, remarking, "After all, you are Haru's son."
He informs Inochi that it is the moment to evaluate his abilities through a practice fight and encourages him to employ the recent methods he has acquired.
With great fervor, Inochi proclaimed that he would neither restrain himself nor be defeated by Kenji Sensei.
Kenji smiled and cautioned Inochi against becoming overconfident, noting that this was only a training session.
Inochi lunged ahead and brandished his sword, which Kenji parried with his own weapon.
Kenji tried to land a kick, yet Inochi evaded and performed a full circle kick from the ground.
Kenji evaded by performing several backflips and employed a fire-class technique.
With a smile, Inochi deployed the mini tsunami technique in combat for the first time, effectively countering Kenji's offensive move.
Kenji commended Inochi's effort as the water dissipated.
Taking advantage of the moment, Inochi vanished, then jumped from a tree, created a hand sign, and executed the water-style Tiger Bullet on Kenji when he was distracted, forcing him down to the ground.
Inochi hit the ground and declared triumphantly that he had made it, inquiring about the state of Kenji Sensei.
When Kenji remained silent, Inochi grew worried, hurried to Kenji's form, and turned him over, only to find a metallic duplicate.
Kenji materialized behind Inochi, remarked that he had become complacent, and then proceeded to knock him to the floor with a kick.
Inochi, taken aback, inquired about the moment Kenji had managed to develop the clone, affirming that Kenji had surprised him.
A LESSON LEARNED
Kenji responded by reiterating his earlier point that a shinobi must invariably perceive beyond deceit.
Kenji revealed that he had replaced himself with a metallic replica prior to the start of the match.
He mentioned that he observed the whole battle from the tree and witnessed Inochi's tactical approach.
He asserts that Inochi exhibits excessive confidence in his combats and must be more vigilant, particularly when he assumes the fight has concluded, to always maintain his defense.
Kenji directed Inochi to persist in his training and to enhance his concentration.
He has declared his intention to instruct him in the lightning class and demonstrate certain offensive maneuvers.