Chapter 75

Chapter 75 - 75 [Check this fic: Pokémon: Master of the Rain Team] A few more days passed, and both Rone and Megumi had fully mastered tree climbing and water walking. Even on rough, rushing rivers, the two could now run freely across the surface. Their chakra control had clearly taken a big step forward. And the benefits were obvious—future learning of ninjutsu would be twice as effective with half the effort. The two of them were thrilled by their growth and eager to learn even more. After discussing with Aoba, Natsuki made a decision. "Megumi, since your chakra nature is water, I'll teach you some Suiton (Water Release) techniques, and also two techniques from Rokushiki: Geppō (Moon Step) and Rankyaku (Storm Leg). That should be enough for you to reach chūnin level. Also, since girls tend to be more meticulous with chakra control, I recommend you learn Iryō Ninjutsu (Medical Ninjutsu)." "Medical ninjutsu...?" Megumi was naturally excited about learning Suiton, but she seemed unsure about the suggestion to study medical ninjutsu. While it was true that precise chakra control made it easier to learn medical ninjutsu, that didn't mean she had to learn it, right? Seeing her hesitation, Natsuki decided to persuade her. "Actually, having a medical-nin in a squad was once a recommendation by Tsunade-sama herself. But after she left the village, it kind of got shelved. That said, wartime data shows that teams with a medical-nin have a much higher survival rate." That got Megumi's attention. Over the past few days, she'd gradually realized that her role in the team might not be that significant. First, because Natsuki was just that strong. Second, because Rone was improving faster than her. Even though she did better in the chakra control exercises like water walking, she could still see that Rone had greater growth potential. If this continued, she'd be left behind—lucky not to be a burden. But if learning medical ninjutsu could improve the squad's survival chances, she was definitely willing to give it her all. Natsuki struck while the iron was hot: "Didn't you ask your parents about it already? Kato Shizune is apparently a relative of yours. Shizune-senpai was Tsunade-sama's assistant, and her medical ninjutsu is incredible. My idea is—start with the fundamentals now, and if you ever meet Shizune-senpai, maybe you could become her student. That would make you... Tsunade-sama's grand-disciple." Tsunade-sama's grand-disciple?! Megumi's eyes lit up. "Then I want to learn! No—I will learn medical ninjutsu!" Most girls admired Tsunade—and many dreamed of becoming like her. Now that she saw a path to that goal, of course she wouldn't hesitate. And Natsuki wasn't just making it up. Since Megumi really was related to Shizune, there would be no issue about taking her as a student later. Aoba was surprised. "Natsuki, you even know about Shizune?" Natsuki nodded thoughtfully. "I heard that Kato Shizune-senpai was in the same class as you, Aoba-sensei. I did a little digging, and since Megumi's related to her, I figured she'd be suited for medical ninjutsu." Aoba nodded slowly, recalling the cute black-haired girl from their academy days. Shizune had been adorable as a kid... "Sensei, that smile of yours looks kinda suspicious," Natsuki teased, narrowing his eyes. "Were you... reminiscing? Or do you have feelings for Shizune-senpai?" "Huh? Cough! Don't talk nonsense!" Aoba quickly straightened up. "I was just thinking about the academy days... It's been years since we've seen Shizune. Us old classmates do worry about her sometimes." He sounded... a little evasive. Natsuki didn't press further. Anyway, once Tsunade returned as the Fifth Hokage, Shizune would come back with her. They'd see soon enough. Next up was Rone. "Rone, your chakra nature is fire—but I don't know any Katon (Fire Release) techniques. I can teach you Four Demon Technique and Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique), which should help. But mostly, you should stick with Aoba-sensei. He's your clan brother after all—he won't hold back. Just sponge off him and steal all his skills." "Got it, boss! I'll squeeze every last jutsu out of Aoba-nii!" Rone gave a sharp salute, full of determination. Aoba sighed. His cousin was a bit goofy... but since he was family, teaching him well would help strengthen the Yamashiro clan. After that, the four split into two groups. Natsuki took charge of Megumi, teaching her not only Iryō Ninjutsu, but also Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Release: Wild Water Wave), Suiton: Bōenkyō no Jutsu (Water Release: Telescope Technique), and Suiton: Kakudai-kyō no Jutsu (Water Release: Magnifying Glass Technique). He also gave her Geppō and Rankyaku, since they synergized well with water-nature chakra. That alone raised Megumi's power by several levels. During their breaks, Natsuki would also teach Rone the Four Demon Technique and Body Flicker Technique. Megumi would watch too whenever she was curious. Raising both teammates' strength made Natsuki feel more secure for future missions. As for the village's D-rank missions? They kept accepting them daily—but shadow clones handled all of them. This way, training and missions went hand-in-hand. Life was very fulfilling. And just like that, a month passed. One day, Team 9 was assigned a C-rank escort mission—leading ten merchant caravans to the capital of the Land of Fire. "Heheh! Finally, a mission outside the village!" Rone stretched his arms, visibly excited. "After a month of training with Aoba-nii and boss, it's time to put it to the test. I wonder what kind of strong enemies we'll run into!" Megumi immediately threw cold water on his enthusiasm. "C-rank missions at most mean roadside bandits. What kind of 'strong enemies' do you think you'll find?" Rone deflated. "Aww, Megumi... can't you just let me be excited for once?" "What? Got a problem?" "Nope! No problem! You're absolutely right!" Rone scratched his head and gave a sheepish laugh, while Megumi crossed her arms proudly with a pout. Natsuki watched all this and couldn't help thinking the two were acting a little suspicious. Especially over the past month—Megumi had developed a habit of teasing Rone, and Rone always responded with a silly grin and let it go. "Typical bickering couple... and their names even kinda match," Natsuki thought to himself. He could feel the dog food being thrown his way—but he wasn't eating it. After all, he wasn't single. Aoba chose that moment to speak up. "Alright, you've got thirty minutes to prepare. Meet at the village gates on time. Even though this is just a C-rank mission, don't let your guard down. Sometimes a powerful enemy can appear out of nowhere. Dismissed!" He vanished in a blur. Natsuki gave the two of them a meaningful glance—then disappeared as well. The two were left staring at each other, both slightly red-faced. Their boss's look just now... definitely seemed to say he'd figured them out. (End of Chapter) [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!!][/zaelum] [+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter] [Thank You For Your Support!]