Lian

"…"

Lian stood in silence. He didn't know how to process Kuro's words.

Is he afraid of death?

Clearly not. His body has such regeneration that he practically can't die.

Is he easy to persuade?

Also no. His fighting style always focuses on attacking, no matter the injuries, making it impossible to convince him otherwise.

Then… does he truly believe he's weak?

Lian fell into deep thought.

If he disregarded the inexplicable objects Kuro possessed, and without even mentioning his Mangekyō Sharingan—a rare power even among the Uchiha—Kuro's abilities were still impressive.

He was only slightly slower than Lian in speed but had exceptional strength and stamina, enormous chakra reserves, a near-immortal body, expert combat skills, and accumulated experience.

With just that, he could already face special Jōnin.

On top of that, he had mastered Fire Nature Transformation, could mold chakra into weapons at will, and had learned advanced secrets of the Uchiha Fire Style.

At this level, any ordinary Jōnin wouldn't last a minute against him.

And if he were to use the Mangekyō Sharingan…

Lian didn't know the exact details of the Mangekyō's power, but based on the potential of the three-tomoe Sharingan, he knew that fighting Kuro would be futile.

If Kuro activated his Sharingan, even if it was just the three-tomoe form, Lian would never think he had a chance of winning.

Adding his unique accessories into the equation, there was no doubt that Kuro was practically invincible.

Yet, Kuro still believed he was weak.

For the first time in a long while, Lian questioned logic itself.

"What's wrong?"

Seeing Lian remain silent for so long, Kuro couldn't help but ask.

"Nothing…" Shaking his head, Lian returned to reality. "But if all you want is to practice another jutsu, I don't need to stay with you all the time."

Kuro looked at him curiously and asked, "Are you busy with something?"

"It's not that I'm busy…" Lian paused before continuing, "But I've run out of money. If I don't start taking missions soon, I won't be able to support myself."

"Ah, I see." Kuro understood immediately.

Jōnin could accept high-ranking missions and receive generous rewards. However, they also had significant expenses. Weapons, medicine, supplies—all of this had to be paid for by the ninja during peacetime.

Although Lian had accumulated savings during his time in Root, those had dwindled over the years, especially in the past year spent training with Kuro.

Intense training consumed enormous amounts of energy, requiring special foods and expensive tonics. Additionally, the constant use of weapons and medicine further increased expenses.

Now, he was practically out of money.

Realizing this, Kuro's thoughts wandered back to how things had unfolded with Lian.

At first, Lian had been controlled by the Kotoamatsukami, serving him as a mindless subordinate.

However, over time, Lian had regained some of his humanity, eroded by years in Root.

Initially, he trained Kuro out of obligation. But gradually, that training became voluntary, born from a sincere desire to help.

Their relationship evolved.

What began as a master-servant dynamic shifted to that of a superior and subordinate.

Eventually, they became something closer: friends.

They had spent so much time together that they could now understand each other without words.

Even Tenten, who had started training with them a year ago, noticed how much both had changed since meeting each other.

Kuro, though usually carefree, felt a twinge of guilt upon realizing Lian had spent all his time and money on him.

After all, his training in Nature Transformation was complete. Although future exercises would differ, he could train on his own. Additionally, he had detailed records of ninjutsu training methods.

With his talent, he would learn quickly.

"Then… I'll be going."

Lian waved goodbye to Kuro, turned around, and began to walk away. He needed to return and prepare his gear for the next day's mission.

"Wait a moment."

Kuro stopped him.

Lian paused and looked over his shoulder, waiting.

Kuro didn't speak immediately, hesitating for a moment.

"Don't worry," Lian said with a calm smile. "I've been a Jōnin for nearly ten years. Even though I haven't taken a mission in the last three, I haven't forgotten my experience."

He paused before adding, "Besides, after a year of training with you, I've made great progress."

"I trust your strength, but…" Kuro hesitated, pulling out a scroll. He unrolled it, materialized two samurai swords, and handed them to Lian. "Take these two swords."

The swords were identical in design, three feet and three inches long, with blades two fingers wide.

A cold light gleamed on both, highlighting their impeccable sharpness.

The spines were slightly thicker, with dragon-blood grooves carved into the blades. One had a blood-red hilt, and the other an icy-blue one, each featuring unique details in their design and guard, marking them as an inseparable pair.

"What is this…?"

Lian didn't take the swords immediately. He carefully examined their details before directing a confused look at Kuro.

Kuro smiled.

"Although you're strong, there are many in the world even stronger than you. These swords can enhance your strength. They were forged from your body, so they're yours."

"Forged from my body?"

Lian's eyes showed even more confusion.

However, he didn't ask further questions. He had learned not to question the strange things surrounding Kuro. Calmly, he extended his hands and took the two swords.

The cold of the blades pierced his skin, and the moment he touched them, a flow of information appeared in his mind.

[Special Item: "Sword Without Emotions"

Effect: This sharp, emotionless sword possesses exceptional hardness and sharpness, capable of cutting through any armor.

Active Ability: If the wielder is devoid of emotions and ruthless, they can activate the ability "Invincible," granting unparalleled power]

[Special Item: "Sword of Emotions"

Effect: This sharp sword, imbued with emotions, possesses exceptional hardness and sharpness, capable of cutting even energy.

Active Ability: If the wielder has intense emotions, they can activate the ability "Everything Can Be Cut," allowing them to pierce through any obstacle, even energy-based ones.]

The Sword Without Emotions represented his past in Root—a period of coldness and lack of feelings. The Sword of Emotions symbolized the present, where he had regained some humanity and emotions.

These swords had been forged at different times.

The "Sword Without Emotions" was created a year ago, but during the process, Lian's body had been left unable to generate more useful materials for forging.

However, a month ago, during a battle, some of Lian's blood had accidentally splashed onto Kuro, triggering a notification from his system.

It was then that Kuro understood an important truth:

The potential of others can be tapped at any time, but your own potential can only be used while you possess it.

This revelation was one of the reasons Kuro insisted on staying in the academy.

He had obtained materials from Shikamaru, Chōji, Ino, and other classmates. However, the accessories created weren't directly tied to their secret techniques. While useful, they lacked a deep connection to their true power.

________

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