Ch 7

At the conclusion of their conversation, Danzo was deeply satisfied with Kizaru's response.

With an uncommonly gentle smile on his face, Danzo raised his right hand and retrieved a scroll from his inner pocket.

"This is my experience with Wind Release Ninjutsu. It also contains instructions for two relatively simple Wind Release Ninjutsu. Make sure to practice diligently when you return home."

As he spoke, Danzo placed the scroll on the tea table and pushed it toward Kizaru.

"What kind of ninjutsu is it?" Kizaru asked with curiosity.

"They are B-level ninjutsu: Wind Release · Vacuum Wave, and Wind Release · Vacuum Sphere," replied Danzo with a nod.

Kizaru picked up the scroll and stored it carefully.

"In a month's time, the school will hold its first test. I trust..."

"Don't worry, I'll secure the top spot," interrupted Kizaru confidently.

Though interrupted by Kizaru, Danzo was not annoyed; instead, he displayed a contented smile.

"Very well. You may leave now; I won't detain you for dinner."

Stretching, Kizaru rose from his seat. "Then farewell, Lord Patriarch!"

Before he finished speaking, Kizaru had already turned toward the door.

"You rascal, mind your manners!" Danzo chided with a smile.

"We'll talk more when you're free!" With his back to Danzo, Kizaru placed one hand in his pocket and waved the other half-heartedly.

Seated, watching Kizaru's figure gradually vanish, the smile faded from Danzo's face, replaced by his usual "Ninja Darkness" aura as he returned to his work mode.

More than a decade had passed since the end of the First World War, and all factions in the ninja world had not only recovered but also grown stronger.

These factions were now poised to challenge Konoha's dominance, eager to seize territory and augment their power at Konoha and Fire Nation's expense.

The specter of war loomed, and Danzo could already sense it.

This was why he had arranged for Kizaru to graduate three years early.

With Kizaru's abilities and strength, coupled with Danzo's guidance, Kizaru was sure to make significant gains during the upcoming conflict, be it through heroic deeds, status, or renown!

In the days that followed, Kizaru continued his mundane routine. Attending classes during the day, practicing ninjutsu with Danzo after school, and honing his Devil Fruit abilities in the evenings.

Unlike the Sarutobi family, renowned for their compound ninjutsu, the Shimura clan specialized in wind release ninjutsu.

Therefore, despite Kizaru's possession of wind, fire, and thunder attributes, he focused solely on Danzo's teachings of wind release ninjutsu for now.

Perhaps owing to his reincarnation or Kizaru's soul, his mental energy was as robust as his physical prowess, allowing his chakra to rival that of a tailed beast.

This strong mental power also granted Kizaru exceptional perception and control over his chakra.

In just a day, Kizaru fully mastered the two wind release ninjutsu taught by Danzo.

This rapid progress pleased Danzo but also left him somewhat perturbed.

If the student is too talented. As a teacher, Danzo found himself devoid of the usual satisfaction derived from teaching.

In this moment, Danzo gained a glimpse of understanding into his friend's perspective. When Hiruzen Sarutobi taught Orochimaru, he complained incessantly about the unfulfilling nature of his work.

Initially, Danzo believed his friend's complaints were mere braggadocio.

Now, he realized he had misjudged his friend.

After Kizaru mastered the Wind Release · Vacuum Wave and Wind Release · Vacuum Sphere, Danzo proceeded to teach him Wind Release · Vacuum Blade, Wind Release · Vacuum Gale, Wind Release · Vacuum Blade Shuriken, and Wind Release · Vacuum Blade Kunai in rapid succession.

In less than a month, Danzo, who had spent most of his life practicing wind release ninjutsu, had imparted all his knowledge to Kizaru.

This accomplishment left Danzo feeling both pleased and, strangely, a tad despondent.

Teaching had lost its allure with such prodigious students.

"Wind Release · Vacuum Wave!"

In the Shimura family's training ground, Danzo observed as Kizaru demonstrated ninjutsu against the wooden targets.

Kizaru exhaled a dozen sharp gusts akin to sickle weasels. These transparent wind blades were swift and possessed formidable cutting power, reducing the wooden targets and stones before him to mere splinters!

The B-level Wind Release · Vacuum Wave exhibited extraordinary might in Kizaru's hands.

Watching this display, Danzo nodded in approval.

It had taken Danzo over two decades to master the B-level Wind Release · Vacuum Wave to such a level, exceeding its normal limits. Kizaru had accomplished this feat in less than a month, exceeding Danzo's expectations.

"Excellent! You have already become a master of Wind Release Ninjutsu!" Danzo remarked as he stepped onto the training ground, approaching Kizaru.

"Speaking of which, Lord Patriarch! When will you teach me the S-rank wind release ninjutsu you promised?" Kizaru inquired, looking at Danzo.

A knowing smile played on Danzo's lips as he replied, "But haven't I already taught you?"

"When?" queried the yellow monkey.

"The Wind Release · Vacuum Wave and Wind Release · Vacuum Sphere, which I have enhanced, not only require more effort to learn but also possess destructive power and lethality beyond standard ninjutsu!" Danzo revealed with a smile.

"But they are still B-level ninjutsu!" Kizaru countered.

"Not anymore; I've renamed them!" Danzo's smile resembled that of a sly fox. "Shimura Kizaru have improved these ninjutsu, elevating Wind Release · Vacuum Wave to Wind Release · Super Vacuum Wave, and Wind Release · Vacuum Sphere to Wind Release · Super Vacuum Sphere, both now S-level ninjutsu!"

"Can you do that?" Kizaru asked incredulously.

"The difficulty and destructive power of these ninjutsu have reached the required standard. Besides, I have enhanced them, so why not upgrade their classification? Remember, everything of mine will one day be yours," Danzo replied earnestly.

"Whatever you say!" With the evening approaching, Kizaru put his hands in his pockets and turned to leave. "It's time for dinner."

"I still have some work to do with the Root. You go on ahead," Danzo called after him.

"Then farewell, my dear uncle!" Kizaru waved casually as he departed.

"You rascal, mind your manners!" Danzo retorted with a smile.

"We'll chat more when you're free!"

With these words, Kizaru strolled into the distance.

"Kizou, isn't tomorrow your exam?" Danzo inquired knowingly.

"I believe so! Not to worry, first place is assured, no matter the time!" Kizaru's confidence shone through.

"Don't disappoint me, Little monkey!"

As the twilight enveloped him, Danzo's face was illuminated by a calm expression as he watched the Kizaru's retreating form.