NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

The Akimichi Fuu squad took on a C-rank mission again, this time tasked with assassinating a noble from a small country. The difficulty wasn't very high, as nobles from small countries typically couldn't even afford wandering ninjas and would instead hire some samurai or ordinary mercenaries as bodyguards. Therefore, Akimichi Fuu did not plan to intervene directly, leaving the mission to be handled by the three members of the Hyuga clan: Hyuga Mirai, Hyuga Kiyo, and Kurenai Yuhi. He appointed Hyuga Mirai as the temporary team leader and instructed him to formulate a plan.

Hyuga Mirai did not hesitate to accept the role and eagerly took on the responsibility. When dealing with regular people, there was no need for an overly detailed plan. The key was to avoid exposing their identities and making it known that Leaf ninjas were behind the assassination. As long as they kept that secret, the mission would be considered successful.

To ensure this, Hyuga Mirai had Hyuga Kiyo and Kurenai Yuhi use Transformation Jutsu to disguise themselves as Iwa ninjas. During the assassination, they deliberately created a small disturbance so that the noble's family and bodyguards would spot the Iwa ninja headbands. Meanwhile, Kurenai Yuhi cast Genjutsu on several of the bodyguards to implant the belief that the noble had been killed by Iwa ninjas. 

Although the victim was only a small country's noble, this incident, once spread, would tarnish Iwa's reputation in that region. After the mission, Akimichi Fuu praised Hyuga Mirai for his foresight in considering the long-term effects of the mission. This showed that Mirai already possessed the qualities of a Chunin, though his combat ability was still lacking. However, considering his medical ninjutsu skills, Akimichi Fuu felt he was more than capable of leading a Chunin team.

In Akimichi Fuu's view, Hyuga Mirai was the true definition of a talented Chunin—different from someone like Kakashi, who was promoted due to his strength alone. If this continued, Fuu believed that the team would be ready for the Chunin exams as long as they accumulated enough mission experience.

After the mission, Akimichi Fuu, as usual, conducted training with the three members, enhancing their teamwork and pointing out their individual shortcomings during combat. Engaging with a Jonin in mock combat was a great way to refine the team's coordination and gradually develop a unique combat style for their squad. Once the three reached Chunin-level strength and their teamwork became more seamless, it would be time for Akimichi Fuu to step aside.

As expected, after the sparring, all three members had sustained varying degrees of light injuries. Akimichi Fuu showed no mercy in these sparring sessions. If any mistakes were made, the three would face the harsh counterattacks of a Jonin. However, this time their teamwork had noticeably improved, and at times, a simple gesture was enough to communicate a team member's intent—an obvious sign of progress.

"Hyuga Mirai, come with me!" 

After the day's training ended, Akimichi Fuu did not dismiss the team immediately. Instead, he called Hyuga Mirai aside and led him to a quieter spot.

"Do you have something to say to me?" Akimichi Fuu asked, looking at Hyuga Mirai, who had shown clear signs of wanting to speak since the morning. By the afternoon, he still hadn't brought it up, so Fuu took the initiative.

"It seems the leader's insight is as sharp as always. I do have a request, but if it would cause you trouble, please pretend I never said anything," Hyuga Mirai replied, scratching his head awkwardly before he continued, "I would like to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu."

"Shadow Clone Jutsu?" Akimichi Fuu gave him a strange look, as if questioning why someone from the Hyuga clan would need to ask a Jonin like him for such a technique.

Sensing Fuu's thoughts, Hyuga Mirai quickly explained, "The elders of the main family told me that I only need to focus on mastering the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist techniques. They didn't approve my request. However, I believe the Shadow Clone Jutsu could significantly enhance my abilities."

"I see," Akimichi Fuu nodded. He was somewhat aware of how strict the Hyuga clan's elders could be, but he hadn't expected them to be this rigid. The Shadow Clone Jutsu, while only a B-rank technique, was extremely useful. For Hyuga Mirai, who wasn't particularly gifted in Taijutsu but had a knack for strategy, this jutsu could be a significant boost.

"Come back tomorrow, and I'll give you my answer," Akimichi Fuu said, then used the Body Flicker Technique to leave the training ground.

Although the Shadow Clone Jutsu wasn't anything special, given that the Hyuga clan's elders had refused his request, Akimichi Fuu felt the need to consult the Third Hokage before making any promises. After all, he was just a team leader and didn't want to create unnecessary trouble.

After Akimichi Fuu left, Hyuga Mirai returned to Hyuga Kiyo and Kurenai Yuhi to offer them medical treatment. As he applied the soothing ointment to their injuries, Hyuga Kiyo suddenly asked, "What did the leader say?"

Kurenai Yuhi, with her ruby-red eyes, also turned her gaze to Hyuga Mirai in curiosity.

Hyuga Mirai sighed internally but maintained a calm expression as he replied, "I requested to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu, and the leader said he would give me an answer tomorrow."

Hyuga Kiyo frowned slightly and said, "This kind of thing…"

Hyuga Mirai cut her off with a smile. "The Fourth Elder rejected my request and told me to focus on my Gentle Fist training, but I still want to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu."

"I see. Don't worry, I won't tell anyone," Hyuga Kiyo said, pressing her lips together. She had wanted to suggest speaking to their grandfather, but upon hearing that he had already refused, she said nothing further.

The mood grew a little heavier as the conversation slowed down. Kurenai Yuhi, noticing the shift, quietly accepted her treatment from Hyuga Mirai.

After the treatment was finished, the three of them parted ways as usual. Hyuga Mirai, along with Hyuga Kiyo, headed back to the Hyuga clan's estate, though the atmosphere between them felt somewhat tense. 

Hyuga Mirai didn't dwell on it, though. He didn't think that learning the Shadow Clone Jutsu would anger the main family to the point of invoking the Caged Bird Seal. Worst case, he'd receive a scolding. But if Akimichi Fuu agreed to teach him, it would be a great help.

As for Hyuga Kiyo's mood, Hyuga Mirai didn't intend to pry—he was tired of playing the role of a comforter.

When they arrived at a point where they had to part ways, Hyuga Kiyo suddenly called out to him, saying, "Don't come to the clan training ground tomorrow. Take the day off." 

(End of Chapter)