strictlysupreme Chapter 681 White Smoke
Chapter 681 White Smoke
With a soft "poof," the slug vanished in a puff of white smoke. Zhang Hai took out a mask from his pocket and put it on, completely concealing his face. He wore the mask to avoid unnecessary trouble. The person he was going to find had a somewhat special identity, and showing his true face directly might attract unwanted attention.
He took a deep breath, adjusted his breathing, and then flashed away, speeding towards the direction of the ninja academy.
The ninja academy was exceptionally quiet in the night, with only a few streetlights casting a faint glow. Zhang Hai lay hidden in the shadows, his sharp eyes scanning every corner of the school. The person he was looking for was Shizune, Tsunade's apprentice and Kato Dan's niece.
He saw Kurenai Yuhi practicing kunai throwing on the training ground; her movements were precise and fluid. Not far away, Konan sat alone on the steps of the school building, gazing at the starry sky with a somewhat melancholy expression. But Kakashi was nowhere to be seen. Zhang Hai guessed that Kakashi had probably already graduated from the Ninja Academy early and been assigned to a team on a mission. After all, given Kakashi's talent, graduating early was quite reasonable.
Zhang Hai didn't rush to reveal himself. He knew it was still late at night, and Jingyin should have already gone home. He needed to wait until school let out tomorrow to intercept her at the school gate. So, he continued to hide in the shadows, using the time to practice his newly developed swordsmanship. The essence of the Illusion Sword Technique lies in integrating illusion into swordsmanship, which requires exquisite control of chakra and a deep understanding of illusion. The wooden sword in his hand drew silent trajectories in the night, each swing carrying a sense of elusiveness.
Time passed slowly, and the east gradually turned a pale white as the first rays of sunlight pierced through the clouds, casting golden light upon the earth. Finally, the bell of the ninja academy rang, announcing the official end of the day's classes.
As the school bell rang, the once quiet campus instantly became lively. Children dressed in various ninja costumes poured out of the school gates like a tide, their laughter echoing throughout the streets. Some were affectionately held hands by their parents, while others walked in groups of three or five, chatting about the day's events.
In the bustling crowd, a petite figure stood out, somewhat alone. Jingyin, carrying her schoolbag, head down, walked silently home by herself. Her gaze inadvertently swept over her classmates being picked up by their parents, a fleeting hint of envy and loneliness flashing in her eyes. Having lost both parents, she was already accustomed to this solitude.
Just as Jingyin had walked a short distance out of the school gate and was about to turn into a small alley, a figure silently blocked her path. Jingyin was startled and abruptly looked up.
Before her eyes stood a masked stranger, emanating an unsettling aura. Shizune took a wary step back, her hand already secretly clutching the kunai hidden in her sleeve.
"Who...who are you?" Shizune's voice trembled slightly. She had never seen such a person before, and the other person gave her a feeling of danger.
Zhang Hai didn't speak, but simply raised his hand and slowly removed the mask from his face, revealing his young yet somewhat weathered face.
Shizune saw his face, a hint of doubt flashing in her eyes. She didn't recognize this face.
"Hello, Shizune." Zhang Hai's tone was gentle, with a relaxing magnetism. "I've come here to take care of you at the request of your uncle, Kato Dan. You can call me... Uncle."
"Uncle?" Shizune's eyes widened, her face filled with shock. Uncle Kato Dan, the man who was like a father to her, the hero who sacrificed himself to protect the village. She had never imagined that anyone would mention him, let alone that he had entrusted her with taking care of her.
An indescribable sadness welled up in her heart instantly, and her eyes welled up with tears. She asked again, "You...you mean...Uncle Kato Dan?" Her voice was choked with emotion, filled with longing for her loved one.
Zhang Hai nodded, a hint of pity in his eyes. "Yes, it's him." He didn't explain much about Kato Dan, because he knew that too much explanation would only bring more pain to a child.
Looking at Zhang Hai's face, Shizune felt a surge of sadness, but hearing the words "Uncle Kato Dan" and sensing the gentleness in his voice, a long-lost warmth welled up within her. For years, she had lived alone, receiving a pension from the village and some help from neighbors, but the deep-seated loneliness had never truly dissipated. Now, suddenly, someone appeared before her, saying he was entrusted by her uncle to take care of her, and it felt as if a ray of warmth had been injected into her cold heart.
"So... how do you plan to take care of me?" Shizune wiped away the tears from the corners of her eyes and asked curiously.
Zhang Hai smiled slightly, "I will find you a good place where you can study in peace and grow up healthily. Of course, I will also make sure you are well-fed and clothed and no longer suffer any grievances."
Jingyin didn't ask any more questions. She simply looked at Zhang Hai quietly, her eyes filled with trust and reliance. "I...I'm willing to go with you," she said softly, as if this were the most important decision she had ever made.
Seeing Jingyin's reaction, Zhang Hai felt a slight sense of relief. He knew that Jingyin was a kind but insecure child.
"Okay, let's go eat first." Zhang Hai took Jingyin's small hand; her hand was a little cold, but she held it tightly.
He walked silently towards the busiest street in Konoha Village. Soon, they arrived at a luxuriously decorated and brightly lit restaurant. This restaurant was famous in Konoha Village, renowned for its expensive prices and delicious dishes.
Jingyin stared at the restaurant's glittering sign and couldn't help but swallow hard. This was the first time in her life she'd ever been to such a high-class restaurant.
Zhang Hai walked in with Jingyin, and the waiter immediately greeted them warmly and led them to a table by the window. Zhang Hai took the menu, didn't even look at the prices, and ordered a whole table of dishes, from various kinds of sushi to grilled meat, from exquisite desserts to specialty drinks, everything was available.
Shizune stared at the table laden with dishes, speechless with astonishment. Her eyes widened, her face filled with disbelief. "So much food... can we finish it all?" she asked with some concern, considering she usually wouldn't even add an extra egg to a bowl of regular ramen.
Zhang Hai couldn't help but laugh at her adorable appearance. "It's okay, Jingyin. Eat whatever you want, and we'll take the leftovers home."