Chapter 30: Days in the Akatsuki

Yuto reached out, grabbed the clothes hanging on the hook, and felt them with a frown.

"Damn weather in Amegakure. I've been trying to dry these clothes for two days, and they're still damp."

Although he didn't know any fire techniques, as a shinobi, drying clothes was a simple task. If all else failed, he could use a series of Gentle Fist techniques in front of the wet clothes, and the force from his punches would dry them.

However, Yuto was a rather old-fashioned person in some respects. Even after being transmigrated to the Naruto world, he believed that "clothes must be air-dried naturally."

With no other choice, Yuto hung the clothes back up and changed into a uniform—dark blue with a high collar, the current standard attire of the Akatsuki.

'I'll just wear these for a while... Walking around Amegakure in Konoha-style clothes is too conspicuous.'

He pushed open the door and left his room, just in time to bump into his neighbor, Takeda Takeshi.

"Yuto-kun." Takeda looked him over. "This outfit really suits you. As expected, a handsome guy like you will look good in anything..."

Yuto smiled. "Takeshi-san, could you arrange for someone to send me a few more sets of clothes? I train every day, and I need to change and wash them frequently."

"Huh? We should have a drying vent here. It's powered by fire techniques through the ducts."

"I prefer natural drying... Sorry for the trouble, Takeda-san."

"Alright." Takeda shrugged. The Akatsuki could certainly afford a few sets of clothes. "Yuto-kun, don't think I'm nagging, but air-drying in this damp climate can cause mold... Oh, you can ask Kaoru for some seeds. Put them in your clothes to avoid any strange smells."

Takeda was the fourth in command of the Akatsuki. Unlike the top three leaders, he had a somewhat "motherly" nature, constantly chatting and unable to stop once he started.

"Kaoru loves collecting seeds. Even after a battle, when she's barely alive on the ground, she'll pick a pretty flower bud to take home and make into a beautiful tree."

Yuto smiled and took out a yellow seed. "You and Kaoru-san think alike. She gave me a jar of these a few days ago; they're great for removing odors."

"Oh? Haha, you see, I've known Kaoru for many years. Whether in battle or elsewhere, we have great chemistry. That's the kind of friendship forged through life and death, haha..."

"Just friends?" Yuto suddenly felt mischievous and started teasing the straightforward man. "Actually, I've wanted to say this for a long time... You and Kaoru-san make a good couple. She's the only subordinate daring enough to pinch her superior's waist. Are you two secretly dating?"

"Eh, eh, eh... Don't talk nonsense, you'll give people the wrong idea." Takeda, the Akatsuki's fourth in command, a seasoned Jonin who had weathered many storms, blushed and hurriedly looked around before scurrying away like he was fleeing. As he left, he muttered, "What couple, what secret relationship... Ridiculous... Hmph!"

Watching Takeda flee, Yuto shook his head and continued walking.

Honestly, in the Naruto world, most men and women were quite innocent. Love was for a lifetime, and there was no such thing as falling out of love.

He navigated through various corridors and secret rooms to a spacious training ground.

In the center of the training ground, a red-haired young man sat cross-legged, head bowed, as calm as a still lake.

Yuto took a deep breath and stretched his hands.

Today was his tenth day in Amegakure.

Nagato was a very trustworthy and responsible person. When he said he'd help Yuto develop new techniques, he meant it. He spent most of his time helping Yuto with moves and researching techniques.

Of course, this was also related to Nagato's position in the Akatsuki. Yahiko was the apparent leader, Konan handled logistics and intelligence, and Nagato didn't manage specific tasks, only appearing in battles. Besides training, he had little else to do.

"I'm starting, Nagato-san..."

Yuto muttered quietly, his body tensing.

The steel floor beneath him instantly formed a shallow pit.

Boom—

Thunderous boom filled the training ground as Yuto instantly dashed to Nagato's side.

He raised his right hand, but not in the familiar Gentle Fist stance known in the shinobi world.

A human-sized "armor" enveloped Yuto's right hand, resembling flowing water and dancing wind. This armor looked like a beast's mouth, with terrifyingly sharp fangs corresponding to Yuto's fingers.

—Lion's Fang Strike!

Yuto struck Nagato's chest with his right hand. The sharp explosion echoed loudly, the impact powerful enough to shatter a house-sized boulder!

Nagato's half-closed eyes snapped open.

His deep purple eyes, with concentric circles, were mysterious, powerful, and majestic.

Buzz—

Yuto's "Lion's Fang" stopped fifteen centimeters from Nagato's skin, halted by an immense repulsive force, unable to move any further.

Bang! Nagato clapped his hands lightly, sending Yuto flying. He crashed into a wall fifty meters away, dust and debris flying as the steel and concrete were crushed. The young man from the branch family was embedded in the wall, gasping for breath.

"Very good, Yuto-kun." Nagato stood up and walked to Yuto, his tone full of praise. "You lasted 0.4 seconds longer than yesterday. I understand why Tsunade-hime took you as her student... Yuto-kun, you have exceptional talent. One day, you'll become an extraordinary shinobi."

"To those who don't know, it might sound like you're mocking me."

"No, Yuto-kun, 0.4 seconds of improvement is truly excellent."

Nagato pulled Yuto up and carefully examined his hand, sighing. "This technique has great offensive power but causes significant strain on your body. Look, your muscles are already torn."

"It's okay. I know medical techniques, and my sensei and I will refine this technique to reduce the damage to my body. For now, I need to maximize its power."

"Alright. Since Tsunade-hime will handle the final adjustments, we can focus on increasing its power without worry." Nagato nodded. "Let's continue... Your Lion's Fang Bite is based on Gentle Fist, Chakra Enhanced Strength, and chakra emission. The chakra armor incorporates wind and water techniques, which is a brilliant idea. Flowing means power, and the violent water and wind are as strong as steel."

"But I think this technique isn't perfect yet."

"We can use the principles of wind and water techniques, so why not try adding more elements?"

"I thought about it a lot last night, Yuto-kun. Today, let's try incorporating earth techniques."

"Look, this is Earth Release: Tearing Earth Turning Palm. We can imitate this chakra manipulation method..."

(End of Chapter)