Mabui left. Mitarashi Anko didn't try to stop him; instead, she stepped out, turned a corner, and walked toward a nearby flower shop.
Outside the shop, a black-haired, red-eyed kunoichi was selecting potted plants.
"Hey!"
"…Sigh." Kurenai Yuhi let out a soft sigh, picked up a pot, and turned her head. "Didn't you say you had something to do today?"
"Yeah, I went to see an old classmate." Anko nodded, then sighed as well. "He's changed a lot. Feels like a completely different person."
She went on to recount their earlier conversation, along with the few impressions she still remembered from their school days.
Kurenai listened, then sighed. "When I was younger, I wanted to become a great ninja like Lady Tsunade. But now…?"
"Huh?" Anko blinked in confusion.
Kurenai glanced at her and said, "He's a civilian. After graduating, he didn't display any particularly outstanding talent…"
She had seen more than Anko and was more perceptive, better able to understand Mabui's mindset.
Ordinary people made up the majority.
Anko fell into thought.
Kurenai glanced at her again and said softly, "Everyone has their own path. Besides, he hasn't given up. He trains while doing his best to teach the children. I heard he recently managed to handle a troublesome student."
"Huh? Oh, sorry. I was just thinking… teaching students actually sounds kind of fun." Anko said.
Kurenai couldn't help but laugh, already used to her friend's erratic train of thought. Holding the potted plant, she walked toward home, though she couldn't help but feel a bit curious about Mabui.
Taijutsu…
Another Might Dai?
But then, as she thought of her own troubles, her interest faded, replaced by a quiet sigh.
Everyone has their own burdens.
Her own problem hadn't been resolved yet.
After a few steps, Kurenai suddenly thought of something.
Mabui was a proper ninja academy teacher. Perhaps, regarding Yakumo's situation, he could offer some help?
That's right!
For professional matters, find a professional!
Her eyes lit up as she turned to Anko. "Did he say what he's doing this afternoon?"
"Huh? Who?" Anko looked blank.
She was the type who came and went like the wind; by now, she had already tossed Mabui out of her mind.
"Kanzaki Mabui. Your classmate." Kurenai said.
Anko scratched her head. "He's a teacher, so he probably went back to the academy?"
"Forget it. Take this plant home for me. I have something important to discuss with him."
"I'll come too!"
"No. It's something important. It's not convenient for you to tag along."
"Huh?"
…
Inside the office, Mabui held the Third Hokage's booklet, continuing his study and notes.
His talent wasn't particularly outstanding.
But over the years, he had developed strong study habits from his previous life.
After excerpting and analyzing the entire book, he compared the two volumes, carefully pondering them, occasionally mimicking the movements.
The notes didn't contain complete taijutsu, kenjutsu, or ninjutsu techniques, but the theories and concepts within were anything but simple.
Piece by piece, he connected the fragments, gradually understanding the core of this notebook.
The integration of Clone Technique, swordsmanship, and Body Flicker Technique—wasn't this the concept behind the Dance of the Crescent Moon?
Beyond that, there were further variations, extensions of the concept, and techniques for concealing one's presence through chakra manipulation.
This was an entire set of notes and ideas centered around the Dance of the Crescent Moon.
"I specialize in taijutsu and speed. The Dance of the Crescent Moon can tie together everything I've learned. It's practically tailor-made for me."
"The Third Hokage…"
Comparing the two notebooks, Mabui felt deeply moved.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's insight was sharp. No wonder he was called the "Professor of Ninjutsu," capable of teaching top-tier students like the Sannin.
But this also confirmed something.
Hiruzen had been paying attention to him all along.
Unfortunately, now that he had the "system," how could he be content with an ordinary life?
He continued studying carefully, losing track of time, and gradually developed new ideas regarding the Clone Technique.
"Activate ninjutsu training!"
Mabui entered the training space and immediately began practicing the Clone Technique.
The essence of the Clone Technique was using chakra to create afterimages or illusions. The effectiveness depended on chakra control and chakra quantity.
He had already understood and mastered this.
However, the Third's notes mentioned things he hadn't considered.
For example—
By adding more chakra on top of the Clone Technique and controlling its form, it might be possible to create partially tangible effects.
From this idea, Mabui saw the shadow of the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
Based on the notes, he speculated that the Third originally intended to apply this to the Dance of the Crescent Moon but had abandoned the idea for some reason.
He shared his thoughts with "Kakashi," but…
"Sorry, that exceeds my knowledge range. Please upgrade the module level."
Alright then.
Mabui sighed softly and could only continue experimenting on his own.
After practicing for a while, the space suddenly collapsed.
Mabui opened his eyes and immediately heard a knock at the door. "Is Teacher Mabui here?"
The voice was unfamiliar.
He rubbed his eyes, stood up, covered the two notebooks, and went to open the door.
When he opened it, he froze for a moment.
That attire…
"You're Senior Kurenai Yuhi?"
"Senior? I'm not that much older than you. You're making me sound old." Kurenai smiled gently. "Is it convenient?"
"Of course, please come in. I was resting just now, so I didn't hear you immediately." Mabui quickly invited her inside.
Kurenai gave a slight bow. "Sorry for the intrusion."
She glanced around, hesitation flickering across her face, but still stepped inside and sat at the guest table in the office.
Mabui poured her a cup of tea. As he set it down, she accepted it with both hands and was about to stand and bow.
"No need to be so formal. Please, sit."
"Thank you!" Kurenai thanked him again.
Holding the cup, she hesitated for a moment before speaking. "Mabui-kun, I've heard some things about you from Anko and others. To be honest, I came today to ask for advice."
"Please, go ahead. My abilities are limited, but I'll do my best if I can help." Mabui replied with a gentle demeanor.
"I've never been a teacher, and recently I've been troubled by a student. After hearing about you today, I thought I'd come to you for suggestions."
Seeing his calm smile and handsome face, Kurenai's unease eased somewhat.
She took a sip of tea and said, "Have you heard of a student named Kurama Yakumo?"
"Kurama Yakumo?" Mabui pretended to think carefully, then shook his head lightly. "Sorry, I just arrived here, so I'm not very familiar with this student."
He shouldn't know her.
Kurenai wasn't surprised. She set down her cup and said, "Kurama Yakumo is also a student at the academy, but her body is very weak, and she's considered unfit to become a ninja. However…"
She paused for a long moment before sighing.
"However, in the Kurama clan, she is the only one left who has inherited the kekkei genkai."
"In other words… her clan and parents want her to become a ninja?" Mabui followed her reasoning.
Kurenai nodded softly. "That's the current situation."
Mabui pondered for a moment and asked, "What about Kurama Yakumo herself?"
"Of course she wants—"
"No. Children are easily influenced by others. Setting aside her family's and clan's expectations, does she truly want to become a ninja?" Mabui interrupted.
Kurenai was about to respond but then fell silent, confusion appearing on her face.
Mabui remained calm and gentle, offering a reassuring smile. "It's fine. Many people overlook this. And you're only her tutor… May I meet her?"
"Of course!"