"The basics of puppet techniques actually aren't very difficult…"
His ten fingers moved slightly.
The chakra threads danced between them.
The two puppet dolls seemed almost alive.
With a light leap—
They jumped up and landed neatly back into Ino and Tenten's hands.
Before settling down, they even cheekily waved their tiny hands at their respective owners.
Akira Ren withdrew the chakra threads and smiled at the two girls, who were still stunned.
"I also think practicing puppet techniques is a great way to train chakra control, so I wanted you two to try it."
He paused.
Seeing Ino hesitate as if she wanted to say something—
He gently rubbed her head with a doting smile.
"Of course, I'm not asking you to become a puppeteer, Ino. There's no need for you to spend too much time or energy studying it."
"You just need to practice occasionally when you have time. Over the long run, your chakra control should improve."
"That will be very helpful when you practice the Yamanaka clan's secret techniques."
Usually, the three of them could only gather together during holidays.
But under Ren's guidance—
Not only Ino, who came from a major clan—
Even Tenten, after two years of effort, had managed to complete the basic chakra training of tree climbing and water walking.
Their chakra control had improved significantly.
At the Ninja Academy, they could already be considered among the top students.
"So that's what you meant!"
Ino suddenly understood and immediately relaxed.
For a moment she had thought Ren wanted her to become some kind of puppeteer.
If that were the case—
Even if she personally agreed, her father Yamanaka Inoichi would never allow it.
After all, she was the heir of the Yamanaka clan, which possessed secret techniques passed down through generations.
There was no way she could abandon the family techniques to become a puppeteer.
"When you get more familiar with it, I'll teach you some simple medical ninjutsu."
Seeing that Ino didn't object, Ren added with a smile.
"That will further improve your chakra control. When the time comes, mastering the Yamanaka clan's techniques should become much easier."
"You'll also gain some practical medical skills."
Considering that the Ino–Shika–Chō formation was famous not only in Konoha but throughout the ninja world—
There was little doubt that Ino, Shikamaru, and Chōji would become the next generation of Ino–Shika–Chō.
After graduating from the academy, they would most likely remain on the same team.
And when that happened, they would inevitably face dangerous missions.
Knowing some medical ninjutsu could prove extremely useful someday.
"Okay, Big Brother Ren! I'll work hard!"
Ino nodded vigorously, full of enthusiasm.
"That's good."
Ren smiled with satisfaction.
Then he turned toward Tenten.
Although her family was fairly well-off, she was technically just a civilian ninja.
She didn't possess any exceptional bloodline or clan secret techniques.
"Your situation is different from Ino's."
"If you're really interested in puppet techniques, I think you could consider becoming a real puppeteer."
After thinking for a moment, he added,
"As for the puppets themselves, you don't have to worry. I can help design and create stronger combat puppets for you."
"But if you're not interested, that's fine too."
Tenten didn't have particularly outstanding talent when it came to ninjutsu.
As for throwing weapons—
Although she was fairly skilled—
That path had serious limitations.
Her future potential would ultimately be restricted.
Even if she mastered shuriken and kunai to perfection—
She still wouldn't compare to the Uchiha clan, whose Sharingan gave them extraordinary perception and natural advantages in that area.
But puppet techniques—
Contained countless hidden weapons.
Their attack methods were unpredictable and difficult to defend against.
And with her family's financial resources, funding wouldn't be a problem.
"Huh? You want me to learn puppet techniques?"
Tenten blinked in surprise.
She hadn't expected Ren to suggest that she become a puppeteer.
Tilting her head slightly, she rested her fist against her chin and began thinking.
She recalled Ren's flawless performance earlier—
The puppet dolls moving under his control as naturally as if they were extensions of his own arms.
Her eyes suddenly lit up.
"A puppeteer… actually sounds pretty cool!"
"I want to learn!"
Without any further hesitation, she raised her hand enthusiastically and nodded repeatedly.
In the past, she had never been interested in puppeteers.
That was because Konoha didn't have this discipline.
Without a proper teacher, if she tried to research puppet techniques on her own—
It would be impossible to truly master them.
At best, she might only grasp the surface after immense effort.
But with a genius like Akira Ren, who had already mastered puppet techniques so easily in such a short time—
Everything was different.
And she wouldn't even have to worry about having suitable combat puppets in the future.
Most importantly—
She would have more chances to spend time with the handsome Ren.
Hehe…
The more she thought about it—
The more her imagination began to run wild.
She became lost in her own little fantasy world.
A small, glistening line of drool even slipped from the corner of her mouth.
"Tenten… Tenten…"
Beside her, Ren called her name several times.
Only then did the daydreaming girl snap back to reality.
"Ah?"
Tenten came to her senses.
Seeing Ren's handsome face so close to hers—
Her cheeks instantly turned red.
She hurriedly lowered her head.
"S-Sorry! I zoned out just now!"
"Hmm?"
Beside them, Ino frowned.
Her sharp instincts immediately sensed something suspicious.
She stared at Tenten suspiciously.
"Tenten… you weren't thinking about something weird just now, were you?"
"Of course not!"
Tenten's face flushed red as she denied it instantly.
She quickly changed the subject and looked toward Ren.
"Ren, I'll be counting on you from now on. I'll work hard to become an excellent puppeteer!"
As she spoke—
She clenched her fists tightly.
Her delicate face was filled with seriousness and determination.
She understood very well—
Although her family was somewhat wealthy, this world ultimately belonged to ninja.
Unlike Ino, who possessed clan secret techniques—
The only thing she could rely on was hard work.
Otherwise, the gap between her and Ino would only continue to grow.
"I believe you can do it."
Ren nodded and encouraged her with a smile.
"After all, you want to become a great kunoichi like one of the Legendary Three Sannin—Lady Tsunade, right?"
Whether she could actually achieve that or not—
At least her determination was admirable.
"Let's both do our best, Tenten!"
Ino also smiled and encouraged her.
Under the "proper guidance" of a certain scumbag—
After two years of spending time together, the two girls had already become extremely close friends.