Chapter 64: Yugao Uzuki as Kenjutsu Sensei

As the night deepened, everyone retreated to their rooms, with Kurenai settling into the one prepared for her.

One by one, sleep claimed them all—except for Naruto and Karin.

Sitting together in the quiet glow of the moonlight filtering through the window, Karin turned to him, her crimson eyes holding a quiet intensity. "Nii-san, why are you always looking at other women?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Naruto leaned back against the wall, exhaling softly. "I'm just appreciating beauty." His tone was lighthearted, but Karin wasn't fooled.

She frowned, gripping the hem of her blanket.

"But you know, right? I want to marry you."

Naruto smiled at her, a soft, knowing look in his eyes. "Yeah, I know. And I'm happy with that."

"Then why?" she pressed, her voice tinged with frustration.

Naruto sighed, tilting his head back as if searching for the right words in the ceiling. "Karin, listen… I care about all of you. I don't want to hurt anyone's feelings. So, I'll accept everyone." He turned to her, his gaze steady.

"You, Hinata, Ino, Sakura… all of you love me. And I—" he placed a hand on her head gently "—reciprocate those feelings on the same frequency."

Karin stared at him for a long moment, processing his words. Then, with a small huff, she turned away, cheeks dusted with red.

"Hmph. Just don't break my heart, Nii-san."

Naruto chuckled. "Never."

Outside, the wind rustled softly through the trees as if carrying unseen promises into the night.

As the night embraced them in its quiet stillness, both Naruto and Karin slowly drifted into sleep.

Morning arrived with the soft glow of dawn, casting golden hues through the windows.

One by one, they woke up, shaking off the remnants of sleep before heading out for training—Sasuke included.

The three of them arrived at their usual spot, falling seamlessly into their rigorous training routine alongside the others.

Hinata, having long since adapted to the intensity, moved with practiced ease. Sakura and Ino, on the other hand, had only recently adjusted to the grueling regimen, pushing themselves harder with each passing day.

Once training was complete, they returned home, washed up, and sat down for breakfast, their morning energy slowly replenishing.

As everyone settled into their meals, Naruto stood up, stretching his arms before making his way toward Kurenai's room.

It was time to wake her up—for breakfast and, more importantly, for another lesson in Genjutsu.

After waking her up and getting a well-deserved lecture in return, she eventually returned home and went off to complete some missions. After so many days, she finally felt happy again.

Meanwhile, Naruto continued his usual training with both Tsunade and Kushina, honing his skills in Iryo Ninjutsu and Fūinjutsu. However, he knew he needed a Kenjutsu instructor next.

But before that, there was something more important. He had been saving up this month's discount for a legendary jutsu, one that had been on his mind for a while.

"Aurora, purchase knowledge on Hiraishin no Jutsu under this month's discount," he said.

[Purchase successful. 50,000 SP deducted.]

A flood of information surged into his mind, filling him with the intricate knowledge of the Hiraishin no Jutsu.

"First and foremost—reaction time. Then, understanding space-time. Finally, Fūinjutsu comes in."

Naruto was already proficient in Fūinjutsu, so the sealing aspect wouldn't be a problem. The real challenge? Understanding space-time manipulation.

Without wasting time, he created a squad of shadow clones, each assigned a different task. Some focused on Hiraishin, while others trained in Taijutsu, Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, Medical Ninjutsu, and Fūinjutsu, pushing his limits further.

Once again, Naruto made his way to Kakashi, hoping to find a Kenjutsu instructor.

Kakashi glanced up from his book, sighing. "What do you need this time, Naruto?"

Naruto grinned. "Nothing much. Just need your help finding a good Kenjutsu sensei."

Kakashi shut his book with a lazy clap. "Well, I could suggest a few, but… it depends. You looking for precision, raw power, or something more... exotic?"

"Well, no particular filter—just needs to be a beauty like Kurenai, that's all," Naruto said.

Kakashi stared at Naruto for a moment, then slowly closed his book. "So… you're not looking for just any Kenjutsu master. You want a beautiful Kenjutsu master?"

Naruto grinned. "Yep!"

Kakashi sighed, shaking his head. "Priorities, Naruto. Priorities."

He rubbed his chin in thought. "Well, if you're serious about this—and I mean actually serious—there are a few skilled swordswomen. But don't come crying to me if they cut you in half before teaching you a single kata."

Naruto gulped. "O-On second thought, maybe skill over looks isn't such a bad idea..."

Kakashi smirked behind his mask. "Too late. I'll see who's available."

Kakashi tapped his chin, thinking for a moment. "Let's see..." He pondered for a bit before snapping his fingers. "Got it! When I was in ANBU, there was a kunoichi who specialized in Kenjutsu. She fought using a katana—maybe you can ask her for help."

Naruto leaned forward, intrigued. "Oh? Who is she?"

Kakashi nodded. "Back when I was an ANBU leader, I made it a point to know all my squad members' names. He name was Yugao Uzuki. She comes from a minor clan—the Uzuki Clan."

Naruto scratched his head. "Never heard of them."

Kakashi shrugged. "Not surprising. They aren't a major clan, but their swordsmanship is impressive. The thing is…" He gave Naruto a pointed look. "I don't know if she'll agree to teach you. You'll have to convince her yourself."

Naruto grinned. "No problem! I've got my ways."

Kakashi sighed. "That's what I'm afraid of."

"Let's go meet her," Naruto said eagerly.

Kakashi gave him a deadpan stare. "Why me?" His expression practically screamed, Why do I need to be involved when you're the one who needs help?

Naruto crossed his arms. "Because I don't know her. And you're the only one who can get in touch with her." His face was completely serious.

Kakashi sighed, rubbing his temples. "You really know how to make things my problem, huh?"

Naruto grinned. "It's a gift."

Shaking his head, Kakashi turned away. "Fine. Wait here. I'll see if I can bring her." With that, he disappeared in a flicker of movement.

Naruto waited patiently—or, at least, he tried to. Minutes passed, and soon, half an hour had gone by.

Just as he was starting to wonder if Kakashi had ditched him, the masked Jonin finally returned. Beside him stood a purple-haired kunoichi, her posture composed, her amber eyes sharp.

Naruto's gaze flicked to her, and he had to admit—she was stunning.

"This guy knows all the beauties in the village… and yet he still prefers the ones in his books," Naruto thought, shaking his head internally.

Still, no time to get distracted. He had a mission.

Naruto crossed his arms, tapping his foot impatiently. "Kakashi, why are you so late?"

Kakashi sighed. "Naruto, she was in ANBU. I needed the Hokage's permission just to meet her, and on top of that, I had to convince her to come."

Naruto blinked. "Oh… fair enough." His gaze shifted to the purple-haired kunoichi standing beside Kakashi. "So, you must be the Kenjutsu master he mentioned."

Stepping forward, he gave her a friendly grin. "Hello! I'm Naruto."

Yugao gave a small nod. "He must have already told you about me, but even so—I'm Yugao Uzuki."

Naruto grinned. "Nice to meet you! So… can you be my Kenjutsu sensei?"

Yugao tilted her head slightly. "About that… wouldn't Kakashi be a better choice? He was once a Kenjutsu user himself, and his clan is hailed as one of the strongest in Kenjutsu."

Naruto blinked in surprise and turned to Kakashi. "Wait, you can use a katana?"

Kakashi let out a small sigh. "I could… a long time ago."

Naruto shook his head. "Even so, I want you as my sensei. If it were him, it'd be boring."

Then, under his breath—too low for anyone to hear—he muttered, "Why would anyone choose a guy over a beauty?.."

Yugao raised an eyebrow but didn't press the issue. "Alright, but I won't always be available. I still have my duties to take care of."

Kakashi, meanwhile, sighed. 'Why do I feel like a third wheel again?'

Naruto grinned. "That's fine! You can just teach me whenever you're free."

Yugao studied him for a moment, then gave a small nod. "Deal. I'll be your Kenjutsu teacher."

Naruto smirked. "Deal."

Kakashi shook his head. "Great. Another headache for the village."

And just like that, Yugao became Naruto's Kenjutsu teacher.

"Kenjutsu sensei getto!" Naruto cheered, jumping with excitement.

Yugao blinked at his enthusiasm, while Kakashi sighed. 'This kid really collects teachers like trading cards…'

Naruto turned to Yugao, eyes shining. "Are you free now?"

She shrugged. "Yeah, I suppose I could spare some time."

"Great! Then let's start training!" Naruto said eagerly.

Yugao smirked slightly. "Alright, but don't expect me to go easy on you just because you're a kid."

Naruto grinned. "Bring it on!"

Kakashi, now completely ignored, muttered, "I should've just stayed home today…"