"Also," Otokaze said, hesitating, "you're a smart guy. There are some things I can't explain to you, but..."
"Don't die."
In just a few days, Daigan had heard the same warning yet again.
"Huh?" Daigan froze for a second, then laughed it off. "Don't worry, I'm terrified of dying. How could I bear to die young before winning Temari's heart?"
"You may be an idiot, but you're an interesting one."
"The 'idiot' part is unnecessary. It's called feigning foolishness to hide my wisdom."
"Whatever you say." Otokaze sighed. "Chi and Yome wanted to see you a little while ago. I sent them away, but they'll probably be back later."
"Don't worry, I'll be polite."
"I have other business, so I have to go. By the way, the eliminated Sand Ninja candidates are gathering to head back first thing tomorrow morning."
"Is that so? Good for them to be heading home."
"You... you really do know something, don't you? Did Kankuro tell you... or was it Temari?"
"I don't know what you're talking about, Captain. I don't know everything. I only know what I need to know."
Otokaze's sharp gaze bored into Daigan's smiling eyes, as if searching for something. After a moment, he waved his hand in resignation. "Let's leave it at that. Keep up the good work."
"Forgive me for not seeing you out."
Daigan manipulated his substitute puppet into an exaggerated wave.
***
Ninja with family legacy, tradition, and good teachers could never understand how difficult it was for a commoner ninja with nothing to learn a single high-level jutsu.
Konoha was a large and prosperous village, at least offering channels for chunin and jonin to exchange money or merit for advanced techniques.
Sunagakure had no such convenient system. After becoming a genin, you were on your own. If you were lucky enough to catch the eye of a senior who taught you a jutsu or two, you were already fortunate.
Daigan was relatively well-off, knowing some fairly established basic training methods. Most Sand Ninja could only learn through trial and error on missions.
This was why Sand Ninja were now known for their strange weapons and outlandish attire; the same jutsu could have wildly different effects when used by different ninja.
It was a world away from the ninja produced by Konoha's comprehensive system.
The Sand Ninja's only advantages were their experience and unpredictable fighting styles. In terms of solid fundamentals, they were far inferior to Konoha ninja.
The value of a B-rank supplementary technique like the Shadow Clone Jutsu far exceeded what its difficulty level might suggest. Its derivative, the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, was one of the most important cornerstones of Uzumaki Naruto's power, paving the way for his smooth mastery of various Wind Release jutsu and even Sage Mode.
If Daigan had known the Shadow Clone Jutsu a day earlier, would he have been so severely injured by Rock Lee? A shadow clone and a puppet could have easily dodged the Reverse Lotus, and his real body would never have had to face the danger.
The Shadow Clone Jutsu could not only greatly enrich his tactics but also play a significant role in auxiliary training.
Daigan eagerly began studying the jutsu he had coveted for so long. Even without the other techniques in the scroll, the Shadow Clone Jutsu alone made his risky venture worthwhile.
After some time, a knock on the door startled Daigan from his engrossment.
"Come in."
Chi, wrapped in bandages, and a seemingly unharmed Yome pushed the door open and entered.
The Land of Fire was approaching its hottest season, and the sun outside was scorching. Of course, it was nothing compared to the Land of Wind, so the Sand Ninja felt little discomfort.
Sunlight streamed through the window, dispelling the gloom in the hospital room.
On the table beside the bed, a row of peeled fruits waited to be delivered into Daigan's mouth by his puppet. The substitute puppet stood respectfully to one side, holding the scroll and awaiting his master's command.
"Seeing you like this, you don't look like you're in any real trouble. Chi and I can rest easy," Yome said.
Knocked unconscious by Uzumaki Naruto, Yome had only suffered minor scrapes and was fine after a night's rest. Chi's injuries were more severe—several soft tissue contusions and displaced internal organs. Fortunately, no major bones were broken. Her scorched, messy hair had been hastily trimmed, her original ponytail replaced with a short bob that ended just past her ears.
Chi touched her sideburns unnaturally, her expression a little downcast. "This still feels a little strange."
"Find a place to sit," Daigan said. The private room prepared for the third-stage candidates was quite spacious.
Chi pulled up a small stool and sat down languidly, while Yome leaned casually against the railing at the foot of Daigan's bed.
"You're leaving tomorrow?"
"Yeah," Chi said with regret. "We wanted to stay, but the village has other arrangements."
Yome pouted, looking displeased. "Is the village being too cheap? Unwilling to cover the expenses for eliminated candidates?"
Daigan smiled without a word. The medical treatment for Sand Ninja who didn't advance to the third stage was free, but once they were mostly healed, Konoha would no longer provide complimentary food and lodging. In the coming days, dignitaries from all over the ninja world would arrive in Konoha, and tourists would flock to the village. The major inns were already fully booked, and room rates were skyrocketing. Under these circumstances, letting a few kids stay for free? In their dreams.
"Daigan, after we all leave, you'll be alone in Konoha. You won't even have any comrades to cheer for you..."
"With my skills, do I need cheering? It's just the Chunin Exam. A piece of cake."
"After you beat that Yakushi Kabuto, your opponent will be Temari! Can you... can you really bring yourself to fight her?"
"I'll go easy on her," Daigan bragged. Temari wasn't there, so he could say whatever he wanted. "Also, don't talk about that Konoha ninja Yakushi Kabuto like he's a nobody I can beat easily. Show some respect for your elders, will you?"
"He's clearly old, but he really doesn't look that tough," Yome remarked. She had observed Kabuto over the past few days and hadn't noticed anything special about him, other than his mysterious air.
"If you say so," Daigan said with a smile.
As they were chatting, the sound of a window shattering echoed from outside. A figure plummeted from above, streaking past Daigan's hospital room window and landing in the small grove below.
"What was that?"
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