Chapter 33: The Hiding in Mist Technique  

On the frontlines, obtaining proper lab equipment without connections or status was nearly impossible. 

The black market was the only real option—but with its dangers, only a jōnin could safely navigate it. 

"Thank you for your generosity, sir." 

Kūen-zō bowed deeply, offering flattering apologies before hurrying to the warehouse at Yoru's insistence. He returned with a sealed scroll the size of a rice bowl. 

According to Kūen-zō, the scroll contained a compact summoning beast research kit—used, but fully functional—along with some basic research materials. 

In peacetime, such equipment would never hit the open market. But war had a way of loosening inventory. 

After inspection, Yoru found the setup satisfactory. The price was fair, even including bonus nutrient solutions. The research notes were rudimentary but still useful. 

He finalized the purchase and added the Water Bat No. 7 specimens to the transaction. 

"After deducting the equipment cost, you still have 160,000 ryō remaining. Might I interest you in secret medicines or weaponry?" 

"Oh?" Yoru raised an eyebrow. He'd expected maybe a few thousand in leftover funds—this was a surprise. 

Then it hit him: the three puppet trophies and Water Bat No. 7 must have been severely overpriced. 

"Show me the inventory list. And bring the jutsu catalog too." 

He caught himself—a lowly chunin buying ninjutsu would raise eyebrows—and quickly added: 

"A subordinate's birthday is coming up. A water-release technique would make a fine gift." 

"At once, sir." 

Kūen-zō, none the wiser, produced the lists. 

Yoru skimmed them, then feigned irritation. 

"All E and D-rank? Nothing higher?" 

"Sir, we'd never violate Konoha's laws by selling advanced techniques!" 

Kūen-zō paled, nearly prostrating himself. 

"Fine, forget it." 

Yoru waved him off, inwardly scoffing. 

Of course. Unless you're clan-born or willing to sell your soul, even C-rank techniques are locked away. 

The merchant camps were undoubtedly backed by Konoha's clans—hence the complete absence of genjutsu or anything beyond basic elemental techniques. 

If not for black market competition, they wouldn't even sell D-rank jutsu. 

Every power player wanted to hoard knowledge, each for their own ends. 

Then—his eyes landed on two entries. 

D-Rank Water Release: Hiding in Mist Technique 

Price: 80,000 ryō Notes: Kirigakure's foundational water jutsu. Excellent tactical concealment but requires sustained chakra. 

D-Rank Water Release: Mist Teleportation 

Price: 120,000 ryō Notes: Kirigakure combo technique (Mist + Body Flicker). Requires taijutsu proficiency. 

Yoru's pulse spiked. 

These are perfect. 

Hiding in Mist obscured vision and dulled sensory perception—ideal for his Sound Radar Technique (a poor man's Byakugan). 

Paired with Mist Teleportation, he could effectively replicate Zabuza's Silent Killing tactics. 

"I'll take these two." 

He prepared to dip into his savings to cover the 40,000 ryō gap— 

But Kūen-zō, ever the opportunist, swooped in. 

"For you, sir? A 20% discount—exactly 160,000 ryō." 

Yoru gave a regal nod. 

"You've done well, Kūen-zō. Should you need… assistance in the future, my connections in Konoha may prove useful." 

For the right price, went unspoken. 

The merchant nearly wept with joy. A powerful patron at last! 

He even packaged the scrolls in a lavish gift box—"for your subordinate's birthday, of course"—and threw in three explosive tags as a "bonus present." 

Smooth. 

Returning to his underground lab, Yoru took every detour imaginable, avoiding patrols via Sound Radar. 

Carrying valuable goods alone was begging for an ambush—whether by bandits or "investigating" clan ninja. 

One Fireball Jutsu later, and poof—no evidence, no witness. 

Finally safe, he exhaled. 

"This won't do." 

The reality hit hard: 

Without jōnin-level strength, survival was a dice roll. 

And it all came down to chakra reserves—his Achilles' heel. 

High-level jutsu were useless if he couldn't fuel them. 

His plan? 

Develop a second chakra nature (priority). If that failed—follow Orochimaru's path: science and mutations. 

Senjutsu? Jinchūriki status? 

Pipe dreams for now.