Then again, this sparring session had been intermittent. It focused more on exchanging insights about the Body Flicker Technique and Clone Jutsu rather than a true all-out fight.
Masahiko let out a quiet sigh in his heart. He knew he was being greedy.
He and Shisui didn't part ways until after the second period. If Masahiko hadn't had class to teach—and if Shisui hadn't suddenly received a mission—they might have even gone to lunch together.
During class, Masahiko didn't deliberately make things difficult for Naruto. He merely had him demonstrate the Three Basic Jutsu.
Unfortunately for Naruto, who had already been reprimanded earlier in Ninjutsu class, this meant reliving the humiliation of the first period all over again. His mood dropped straight into the abyss.
Still, Masahiko wasn't some sadistic villain. At most, he just made Naruto run a few extra laps.
After Class
Masahiko had originally planned to eat quickly and head toward the outskirts of the village, hoping to see if he could run into any of Danzo's people.
But—
"Masahiko-sensei!"
The sudden shout stopped him in his tracks.
Masahiko turned around, surprise flashing across his face before quickly settling into a polite smile."Mizuki-sensei? Is something the matter?"
"Masahiko-sensei, the vice-principal asked me to bring this to you," Mizuki said, panting slightly. "I couldn't find you all morning. I finally caught up!"
With an exaggerated sense of relief, Mizuki solemnly handed over a letter."I really couldn't afford to lose this."
Masahiko accepted it—and his eyes immediately flickered with surprise.
An appointment letter?
He nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Mizuki-sensei."
"No trouble at all." Mizuki smiled kindly, then added with unconcealed envy, "I heard the announcement. You've been promoted to Special Jonin, right? Congratulations."
"Thank you."
Masahiko exchanged a few polite words before bidding Mizuki farewell.
Truthfully, he had little interest in him.
Although Mizuki was connected to Orochimaru, he wasn't important enough to matter. Relying on someone like Mizuki to attract Orochimaru's attention would be nothing more than wishful thinking.
Besides, as a taijutsu instructor, Masahiko's activity range was limited to Konoha. And as one of Danzo's people, he knew full well that he was likely under partial surveillance.
So—for now—he would let things take their natural course.
If he could make contact with Orochimaru and gain some benefits, that would be ideal.
If not, it didn't really matter.
Appointment Letter
Masahiko returned to his office and opened the letter.
"Teaching Advisor?"
He paused, genuinely surprised, and sat down to read more carefully.
After a few seconds, he had a rough understanding of the position.
Simply put, a Teaching Advisor could teach nearly anything, might be dispatched on missions when needed, and enjoyed status and待遇 far above ordinary instructors.
More importantly, the role came with very few rigid restrictions. Compared to other positions, it was remarkably flexible.
"So my responsibilities haven't changed much… but my pay has increased."
Masahiko was quite satisfied.
From the envelope, he took out another slip of paper. Written on it were the hand seals and chakra refinement notes for Water Release: Wave of Raging Water.
"…A legacy ninjutsu, just written on a scrap of paper?"
It felt a bit careless.
That said, Wave of Raging Water was one of the most basic Water Release techniques. With his mastery of the Water Clone Technique, it wasn't difficult at all.
He glanced over it once—three hand seals, simple chakra flow—and memorized everything instantly. Then he dampened the paper, destroying the writing.
Moments later, he entered the training space.
Only an instant passed.
[Water Release: Wave of Raging Water — Proficient]
"With a Perfect-level Water Clone as a foundation, this really is easy."
The only drawback was chakra consumption. Creating large volumes of water was expensive unless the environment already had enough moisture or the situation demanded it.
No wonder Kakashi favored Earth Release.
Masahiko finally understood.
In this world, unless someone was born with an exceptional bloodline like Naruto or Sasuke, most people could only rely on mutations and optimization.
Orochimaru…
"…Forget it. Not the time."
Masahiko shook his head.
Without sufficient value, rushing to curry favor would only lead to a fate like Mizuki's.
Improve. Grow stronger.
Encounter by the River
With no classes in the afternoon, Masahiko left the Academy and went for a run around Konoha.
As he passed a familiar area, he noticed a strange bird circling above the forest.
Something stirred in his chest.
He followed it.
The bird led him outward, stopping and starting, always keeping a deliberate distance.
Eventually, they reached the riverbank.
There, a familiar figure stood waiting.
Masahiko hurried forward and saluted."Lord Danzo."
Danzo turned slightly, smiling. "You received the appointment letter?"
"Yes. Thank you for your assistance."
Masahiko didn't know the details, but thanking him immediately was the correct response.
Danzo waved it off lightly. "Just a word on my part. You were already well-suited for the position."
"Without your recommendation," Masahiko replied sincerely, "even if an opening existed, it wouldn't have been mine."
Danzo chuckled and changed the subject."Uchiha Shisui sought you out today?"
"Yes. Following your order, I attempted to get close to the Uchiha. I used Sasuke as a pretext, hoping to meet someone from the clan. I didn't expect it would be Shisui himself."
Danzo glanced back at him, amused."You should have anticipated that."
"Yes. The technique I used was modeled after his Body Flicker."
Danzo nodded."Your next task is simple. Get close to him—and Itachi. Observe them and report."
"Yes."
Masahiko lowered his head.
Danzo let out a soft, low laugh."Ambition is not a flaw. Work hard. As long as you have ability, I will ensure you are rewarded."
Masahiko hesitated, then spoke carefully."There is one thing I'd like your help with."
Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Speak."
Masahiko explained his ideas regarding light-and-shadow Genjutsu and sound-based Genjutsu, then added,"I saw a reference to combining Genjutsu with the Dance of the Crescent Moon in the Third Hokage's notes. I was hoping you might have related research."
"I do," Danzo replied. "You'll receive the notes tonight."
He turned to leave, then paused.
"If your research produces results, you know how to handle it."
"I will never leak any secrets."
"Good."
Danzo vanished.
A Shadow Clone…
As expected—cautious to the end.
Masahiko didn't linger. Since he was already by the river, he practiced Wave of Raging Water, using Water Release to erase any traces of his presence.
After pushing himself until both stamina and mental energy were half-spent, he swallowed a soldier pill and continued running.
Training was monotonous.
But watching the numbers on his panel steadily rise—and seeing his sparring results against the projection "Kakashi" improve again and again—
The boredom felt trivial.
That night, back at his residence, Masahiko found a manual left by Danzo's men in a familiar spot.
He put it away without reading it and went to shower as usual.
Under the warm water, the corners of his mouth slowly curled upward.
The fine strand of hair he had wedged in the bathroom window was gone.
"…So they actually came in through the bathroom window."