After exiting the hunting dimension, Nawaki lay still on the bed, waiting for Tsunade to open her eyes.
A minute and a half later...
"Huh?" Tsunade smiled at him. "Are you done hunting? Well, how was it?"
"Very good," Nawaki replied, his voice tinged with anticipation. "I got a different orb this time. It seems similar to the wind art orb, but it's likely related to fire art."
"Why didn't you try to learn?" Tsunade asked, slightly puzzled.
Nawaki had considered it, but recalling the situation with the glass orb containing flames, he realized that learning the art of fire without caution could lead not only to failure in mastering it but also to potential injury.
"I want to be cautious," Nawaki explained. "That's why I need you to watch and possibly provide healing if necessary."
Tsunade was hesitant, almost persuading him against using it if there was a risk. However, seeing the eagerness in his eyes, she held back her caution.
With a soft sigh, she consented, "Okay, I'll be here to help if needed."
"Thanks," Nawaki smiled. "Let's do this in the bathroom; being in water might be safer, I think."
"Yes," Tsunade agreed without hesitation.
In the bathroom, after filling the bathtub, Nawaki stepped in, turning his back to Tsunade.
He then took out the fire crystal orb.
As he had sensed in the hunting dimension, a small red glow emanated from within, emitting a mild heat.
It felt nearly as hot as boiling water, hence his cautious approach.
But with Tsunade there to assist, he didn't hesitate to swallow the orb.
Immediately, a wave of intense energy surged through his esophagus into his stomach, then spread throughout his body.
The energy, akin to scorching flames, caused Nawaki to groan in pain. "Ugh!"
Seeing Nawaki stiffen, Tsunade was concerned but remained composed. She enveloped her hand in a green glow of healing chakra and gently placed it on Nawaki's warm back.
The influx of healing energy eased Nawaki's discomfort.
A moment ago, even breathing was difficult, but Tsunade's healing touch brought significant relief.
The water in the bathtub grew warmer, likely intensified by the orb. Initially, filling it with warm water seemed a mistake, but that concern faded in the current situation.
Wasting no time, Nawaki used the largest purple orb he had obtained from the lion.
Closing his eyes, Nawaki was inundated with the intricacies of fire.
As he persevered, the sensations intensified. Supported by Tsunade, he endured the ordeal, his resilience fortified by her presence.
Eventually, Nawaki's expression softened, and the flush receded from his face.
Slowly opening his eyes, they glowed with a red light, indicative of an inner flame.
Tsunade, observing from behind, exhaled in relief, seeing the crisis abate.
She remained silent, though her concern was evident. When Nawaki turned to her, the red glow in his eyes eliciting a smile from her, she felt reassured. 'It was worth it,' she thought.
Nawaki, about to speak, caught himself as flames flickered at his lips. He quickly shut his mouth.
"Don't try to talk, just relax and learn to control your new power," Tsunade advised.
Nawaki nodded, understanding the importance of control.
He considered using a purple orb, but fearing an involuntary fire burst, he opted to focus inwardly, adapting to his newfound ability.
Ten minutes later, he cautiously opened his mouth, relieved to find the fire contained. With a gleam in his eye, he extended his hand, and a red flame danced in his palm. The air around him warmed.
Content with his control over the flame, Nawaki smiled, a sense of achievement evident.
Turning to Tsunade, he was struck by another sight. The heat of the bathwater had tinted her skin pink, accentuating her allure. Her subtly reddened features captivated him.
"Looked enough?" Tsunade teased, her gaze playful.
"Err. Yes, very beautiful..." Nawaki, caught off guard by her teasing smile, replied without embarrassment, swiftly changing the topic. "Thanks, I managed to learn the art of fire because of you~!"
Seizing the moment, he embraced her.
The sensation of her soft body against his was heightened in their bare state.
Tsunade reciprocated the embrace, wrapping her arms around him.
After a moment, they both exited the tub.
-
-
As the morning sun filled Nawaki's room with light, he realized the day had begun.
"I'm heading back to my room," Tsunade said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
"Mhm, thanks again," Nawaki replied, his smile deepening his pink dimples.
Tsunade, always fond of his smile, returned the gesture before leaving the room.
Alone now, Nawaki glanced at the clock.
It was 6:33 in the morning. He had planned to meet Granny Mito and Kushina at 7:30 after breakfast.
Since it was Saturday, there were no classes, and he hadn't scheduled training with Mikoto, as she was occupied and wouldn't be available until the following afternoon.
With some time to spare before breakfast, Nawaki experimented with the flames.
His preparedness had paid off, allowing him to learn extensively. This experience differed from his initial encounter with the wind orb.
Although his connection with the flames wasn't as strong as his bond with the wind, he felt a budding kinship with the fire. He even managed to shape the flames into miniature animals, making them dance through the air.
The idea of performing a flame art show for money crossed his mind, though he didn't need the funds. It was just one of many possibilities.
Nawaki continued to play with the flames until 7 o'clock in the morning.
-
-
After breakfast, Mito led them to the main hall, where paper and ink were prepared. However, before they began practicing, Mito delivered a lecture on Sealing Techniques.
Her knowledge was extensive, and both Nawaki and Kushina found themselves enlightened multiple times. Nawaki's doubts were addressed, and though some confusion persisted, Mito patiently clarified his queries when he asked.
Kushina seemed to absorb the information even more effectively than he did. Nawaki had the option of using a purple orb to accelerate his learning but chose not to, to avoid arousing suspicion.
The lecture continued for two hours.
"I'll have you two practice the Unsealing Technique," Mito said gently. "It's not complex, but I need to gauge your skill level first."
"Okay," Nawaki and Kushina replied together.
Approaching their respective scrolls and picking up brushes, they each began their task. They selected a ninja star and performed hand seals to seal it once they finished.
Mito observed silently as they worked. Once they completed, she approached Nawaki's scroll first. "Release," she declared, forming a hand seal. With a sound akin to a small bomb, white smoke emerged, then cleared to reveal a shuriken at the center of the drawing.
Without a word, Mito moved to Kushina's scroll and repeated the process. Nawaki noticed that Kushina's shuriken materialized slightly faster than his, though the difference was minimal.
Mito then sat down, smiling warmly at them both. "Your talents are impressive. Kushina's performance is slightly superior at the moment. But don't be discouraged, Nawaki; you are also very talented."
"Mm, I'll work hard," Nawaki responded with a smile. He wasn't bothered by Kushina's edge; he knew he could further improve with the purple orbs. Plus, he was keen on learning the Enclosing Technique, a basic but more complex sealing technique. While it was easier to release than to perform, he was up for the challenge.
Mito continued instructing Nawaki and Kushina until lunchtime.
||- Note -||
Read 15+ chapter on Patre on!
pa treon.com/Tozoku
After exiting the hunting dimension, Nawaki lay still on the bed, waiting for Tsunade to open her eyes.
A minute and a half later...
"Huh?" Tsunade smiled at him. "Are you done hunting? Well, how was it?"
"Very good," Nawaki replied, his voice tinged with anticipation. "I got a different orb this time. It seems similar to the wind art orb, but it's likely related to fire art."
"Why didn't you try to learn?" Tsunade asked, slightly puzzled.
Nawaki had considered it, but recalling the situation with the glass orb containing flames, he realized that learning the art of fire without caution could lead not only to failure in mastering it but also to potential injury.
"I want to be cautious," Nawaki explained. "That's why I need you to watch and possibly provide healing if necessary."
Tsunade was hesitant, almost persuading him against using it if there was a risk. However, seeing the eagerness in his eyes, she held back her caution.
With a soft sigh, she consented, "Okay, I'll be here to help if needed."
"Thanks," Nawaki smiled. "Let's do this in the bathroom; being in water might be safer, I think."
"Yes," Tsunade agreed without hesitation.
In the bathroom, after filling the bathtub, Nawaki stepped in, turning his back to Tsunade.
He then took out the fire crystal orb.
As he had sensed in the hunting dimension, a small red glow emanated from within, emitting a mild heat.
It felt nearly as hot as boiling water, hence his cautious approach.
But with Tsunade there to assist, he didn't hesitate to swallow the orb.
Immediately, a wave of intense energy surged through his esophagus into his stomach, then spread throughout his body.
The energy, akin to scorching flames, caused Nawaki to groan in pain. "Ugh!"
Seeing Nawaki stiffen, Tsunade was concerned but remained composed. She enveloped her hand in a green glow of healing chakra and gently placed it on Nawaki's warm back.
The influx of healing energy eased Nawaki's discomfort.
A moment ago, even breathing was difficult, but Tsunade's healing touch brought significant relief.
The water in the bathtub grew warmer, likely intensified by the orb. Initially, filling it with warm water seemed a mistake, but that concern faded in the current situation.
Wasting no time, Nawaki used the largest purple orb he had obtained from the lion.
Closing his eyes, Nawaki was inundated with the intricacies of fire.
As he persevered, the sensations intensified. Supported by Tsunade, he endured the ordeal, his resilience fortified by her presence.
Eventually, Nawaki's expression softened, and the flush receded from his face.
Slowly opening his eyes, they glowed with a red light, indicative of an inner flame.
Tsunade, observing from behind, exhaled in relief, seeing the crisis abate.
She remained silent, though her concern was evident. When Nawaki turned to her, the red glow in his eyes eliciting a smile from her, she felt reassured. 'It was worth it,' she thought.
Nawaki, about to speak, caught himself as flames flickered at his lips. He quickly shut his mouth.
"Don't try to talk, just relax and learn to control your new power," Tsunade advised.
Nawaki nodded, understanding the importance of control.
He considered using a purple orb, but fearing an involuntary fire burst, he opted to focus inwardly, adapting to his newfound ability.
Ten minutes later, he cautiously opened his mouth, relieved to find the fire contained. With a gleam in his eye, he extended his hand, and a red flame danced in his palm. The air around him warmed.
Content with his control over the flame, Nawaki smiled, a sense of achievement evident.
Turning to Tsunade, he was struck by another sight. The heat of the bathwater had tinted her skin pink, accentuating her allure. Her subtly reddened features captivated him.
"Looked enough?" Tsunade teased, her gaze playful.
"Err. Yes, very beautiful..." Nawaki, caught off guard by her teasing smile, replied without embarrassment, swiftly changing the topic. "Thanks, I managed to learn the art of fire because of you~!"
Seizing the moment, he embraced her.
The sensation of her soft body against his was heightened in their bare state.
Tsunade reciprocated the embrace, wrapping her arms around him.
After a moment, they both exited the tub.
-
-
As the morning sun filled Nawaki's room with light, he realized the day had begun.
"I'm heading back to my room," Tsunade said, leaning in to kiss his cheek.
"Mhm, thanks again," Nawaki replied, his smile deepening his pink dimples.
Tsunade, always fond of his smile, returned the gesture before leaving the room.
Alone now, Nawaki glanced at the clock.
It was 6:33 in the morning. He had planned to meet Granny Mito and Kushina at 7:30 after breakfast.
Since it was Saturday, there were no classes, and he hadn't scheduled training with Mikoto, as she was occupied and wouldn't be available until the following afternoon.
With some time to spare before breakfast, Nawaki experimented with the flames.
His preparedness had paid off, allowing him to learn extensively. This experience differed from his initial encounter with the wind orb.
Although his connection with the flames wasn't as strong as his bond with the wind, he felt a budding kinship with the fire. He even managed to shape the flames into miniature animals, making them dance through the air.
The idea of performing a flame art show for money crossed his mind, though he didn't need the funds. It was just one of many possibilities.
Nawaki continued to play with the flames until 7 o'clock in the morning.
-
-
After breakfast, Mito led them to the main hall, where paper and ink were prepared. However, before they began practicing, Mito delivered a lecture on Sealing Techniques.
Her knowledge was extensive, and both Nawaki and Kushina found themselves enlightened multiple times. Nawaki's doubts were addressed, and though some confusion persisted, Mito patiently clarified his queries when he asked.
Kushina seemed to absorb the information even more effectively than he did. Nawaki had the option of using a purple orb to accelerate his learning but chose not to, to avoid arousing suspicion.
The lecture continued for two hours.
"I'll have you two practice the Unsealing Technique," Mito said gently. "It's not complex, but I need to gauge your skill level first."
"Okay," Nawaki and Kushina replied together.
Approaching their respective scrolls and picking up brushes, they each began their task. They selected a ninja star and performed hand seals to seal it once they finished.
Mito observed silently as they worked. Once they completed, she approached Nawaki's scroll first. "Release," she declared, forming a hand seal. With a sound akin to a small bomb, white smoke emerged, then cleared to reveal a shuriken at the center of the drawing.
Without a word, Mito moved to Kushina's scroll and repeated the process. Nawaki noticed that Kushina's shuriken materialized slightly faster than his, though the difference was minimal.
Mito then sat down, smiling warmly at them both. "Your talents are impressive. Kushina's performance is slightly superior at the moment. But don't be discouraged, Nawaki; you are also very talented."
"Mm, I'll work hard," Nawaki responded with a smile. He wasn't bothered by Kushina's edge; he knew he could further improve with the purple orbs. Plus, he was keen on learning the Enclosing Technique, a basic but more complex sealing technique. While it was easier to release than to perform, he was up for the challenge.
Mito continued instructing Nawaki and Kushina until lunchtime.
||- Note -||
Read 15+ chapter on Patre on!
pa treon.com/Tozoku
