Chapter 96: 92: Attack on Ayane (2)

Chapter 96: 92: Attack on Ayane (2)

Chapter 92: Attack on Ayane (2)

After breakfast, Shiraishi asked, "Why do you have the time to come here?"

He knew that Ayane didn't really have much free time within the Hyuga Clan. If Sakumo's team were still active, she'd have plenty of free time. However, Sakumo's team had disbanded long ago, and during this period, she'd went out only occasionally.

The last time she had come out was seemingly when she attended Sakumo's funeral. Communication since then had been limited to discreet information exchange.

"I took the day off today; it's fine," Ayane replied with a smile.

"Is it acceptable for you to slack off like this?" Shiraishi asked.

"It's not a problem. Our future clan leader is quite understanding. Unlike the controlling elders, he's an enlightened person" Ayane commented, her positive view of the Hyuga clan quite unusual.

Hyuga Hiashi, a name Shiraishi had heard of before. As the heir of the Hyuga clan, his talents and striking looks had propelled him to the status of a renowned Jonin in the village before the age of twenty.

While his strength remained uncertain, as the Hyuga clan's future leader, he was undoubtedly among the most powerful Jonin.

A mediocre person couldn't rise to the position of clan leader. In the ninja world, strength was paramount, and even the Hyuga clan, despite their unique Byakugan, adhered to this principle. Strength determined political capital and votes, and inadequate power resulted in swift elimination.

"Besides, Ruri isn't at home right now. I was worried Shiraishi-kun would be all alone, so I came to keep you company. If I'm bothering you, I can leave. Shiraishi-kun only needs to command me, and I will obey the orders, even if it's to control my body as you wish"

Ayane said, with a demeanor of earnest service that concealed any hint of resistance. Her eyes displayed only gentleness.

Shiraishi believed there was another side to her beneath this façade.

"Don't worry; you're not a bother. Just don't disrupt my work" Shiraishi assured.

"Okay," Ayane nodded obediently

'As long as it is the order of Shiraishi-kun, I will unconditionally dedicate my body and soul', what she expressed to Shiraishi is exactly this potential meaning.

Shiraishi had to admit he'd experienced a momentary desire earlier, especially when compared to Ruri, who often spoke candidly but harbored no deceit. Ayane had a genuinely seductive allure.

"That's surprising, though. I didn't expect you to create a second clone. The way it appears is quite unique," Ayane said. She recalled how the shadow girl had easily detected her presence earlier and emerged from the wall's crack. Without her sharp perception, she might not have realized she was being targeted.

"Are you referring to the Shadow Dancer? I gave her with the Yin Release ability," Shiraishi explained.

Like General Tu, the Shadow girl was also referred to as 'Shadow Dancer' and carried the same code name. Strictly speaking, neither belonged to the category of typical creatures.

Leaving aside the nearly immortal General Ty, the Shadow Dancer's ability was even more formidable and difficult to defend against. Shiraishi had created her primarily for his own safety, as he had chosen to forgo self-strengthening training methods, shifting his focus away from direct combat.

Considering potential future attacks he couldn't prevent, the Shadow Dancer served as a protector and assassin tailored to shield him.

She could manipulate and hide within shadows, typically residing on Shiraishi's shadow. When an enemy drew near, she used shadows both defensively and offensively. Consequently, she excelled in speed and Yin release jutsu.

As she continued to grow, with the addition of Sage Mode, her speed and power would undoubtedly increase further.

"Yin Release? Is it similar to the Nara clan's Shadow Imitation Technique?" Ayane inquired, connecting the dots to the peculiar appearance of the Shadow Dancer.

"It's somewhat similar, but there are differences," Shiraishi clarified.

The Nara Clan's Shadow Jutsu focused on control to create openings for allies to attack and wasn't particularly offensive.

While, the Shadow Dancer's Yin release-based shadow jutsu incorporated both offense and defense.

She was designed to be an assassin and guardian to ensure Shiraishi's safety. She was completely different from General Tu who used for communication and transportation.

During the time he made General Th he didn't have sufficient technology. That's why compared to Shadow Dancer, General Tu is simple.

As the creation technology in this area becomes more sophisticated, the avatars created in the future will naturally become stronger.

"It's so relaxing, the feeling of soaking your body in hot water..." Ayane moaned softly, her voice filled with comfort.

"Shiraishi-kun, what do you think?" she inquired.

"Fine," Shiraishi replied vaguely, his thoughts wandering.

"Shiraishi-kun."

"What?"

"When you take a bath, do you share the same pool with Ruri?"

Ayane seemed a little curious about this matter.

"What are you thinking about? If I did that, I would have been burned to death by her fire."

Ayane laughed when she heard Shiraishi's helpless tone and said, "Yes, Ruri might be really shy in this regard. But if it were me, I wouldn't mind such things..."

Shiraishi naturally understood the lines from the vague invitation.

Although he knew that Ayane would not be naked there, Shiraishi was not as confident about his restraint at the moment.

The atmosphere became silent until an hour later, with both of them leaning against the same partition without exchanging a word.

"I've finished washing. You shouldn't stay in the water too long; it's not good for your health if you soak too much," Shiraishi suggested as he stood up in the pool.

"Understood, Shiraishi-kun. You can go attend to your work. I'm satisfied to have accompanied you for this long," Ayane replied.

Shiraishi exited the pool, dressed, and proceeded to the lounge, assuming Ayane wished to soak a while longer.

However, as he opened the lounge door, he heard a familiar voice, causing him to freeze in his tracks.

Ruri stood at the entrance in fresh clothing. Her face had signs of recent heat and sweat, indicating she'd just returned and wanted to relieve her fatigue with a bath.

"Ru- Ruri, didn't you leave for an extended mission? Why are you back so soon?" Shiraishi asked, his voice noticeably louder than usual

Shiraishi raised his volume unintentionally when talking about this. Ruri, who was generally sensitive to loud noises, seemed annoyed.

"Let's not talk about it. The client lied about the mission's difficulty. It was supposed to be a C-level mission, but it turned out to be an A-level mission unsuitable for rookies. I abandoned it halfway and left him to fend for himself. I brought the three genins back," Ruri explained with a hint of irritation.

"This! This Way!"

"Why are you speaking so loudly?" she questioned with a frown.

"Ah, well, my voice hasn't been in great shape lately, so I raised it to make sure you could hear me." Shiraishi said, wanting to explain.

Ruri moved past him towards the women's bath.

"What else is there? You are weird today."

Shiraishi, feeling caught, replied, "It's nothing. I just haven't seen you in a while, and I missed you. Shall we go for breakfast?"

"I ate on the way back," Ruri replied. Then, as she looked inside the women's bath and at Shiraishi pretending to be composed, she appeared to think of something on the spot.

"Since you've already eaten, I'll go ahead and bathe. I won't disturb your bath," Ruri stated.

As she spoke, without waiting for Shiraishi to refuse, she walked into the women's bathhouse.

Shiraishi saw Ruri's ruthless look when entering the women's bathhouse so simply and not giving him any way out, so he knew that Ruri had discovered something.

This is a complete disaster.