276-Canon

Renjiro sat in stillness. The options danced in his mind, each promising its own tactical advantage, but Renjiro knew that time was of the essence. His ANBU duties were unpredictable, and at any moment now, he could be summoned back to the village.

Renjiro closed his eyes, picturing the layout options he had brainstormed. He narrowed them down to two groups based on their similarities.

"Should I start with changing the layout?" he muttered, a faint frown forming on his brow. This was the first group as it was the sole idea of its kind. However, based on a lot of patterns and formations that Renjiro could implement once he managed to succeed in this, it was broad enough to have a category of its own.

"Switching from a linear pattern to something more versatile… like a circle or even something asymmetrical."

He could envision the power of adjusting the jutsu's formation, and how he could reshape the gates to fit different scenarios, allowing for more adaptability in battle.

However, his thoughts quickly shifted to the second option—the more complex and intricate concept of integrating Fūinjutsu seals into the gates.

"But adding the seals…" he murmured, his fingers brushing his chin thoughtfully, "that's where the challenge really lies. A chakra-drain seal would be useful, taking energy from enemy attacks to reinforce the gates. And explosive tags…"

Renjiro's gaze narrowed, and he shook his head. "The effort required for this… it's no small feat. I'd need to be precise—every seal perfectly crafted and perfectly positioned. And with the village, I don't know when I'll be called for ANBU duties next." He exhaled sharply, his frustration flickering to the surface.

"If I start on something this complex, I'd hate to stop halfway. Pausing the training mid-way would mess up my focus, and starting over… it's not something I have time for."

He shifted on the rock, the rough surface pressing against his thigh, grounding him back to the present. "Maybe I should ask Kushina about this?" The thought came aloud, his voice soft and uncertain. His lips curled into a reluctant grin.

"Two heads are better than one… or in this case, one smart head is better than mine."

While Renjiro considered himself knowledgeable in Fuinjutsu, Kushina was on a whole other level. She had been studying Fuinjutsu since she was young and Renjiro, though he was a fast learner, had only begun doing so once he became a genin. He was not disillusioned by the difference between their skill levels at all. So he considered her as his go-to person if he ever had any challenges.

But even as he spoke, he felt a pang of reservation. Kushina was always more than willing to help, but with her came the near constant presence of Minato.

Recently, Minato and Kushina had become more inseparable than ever, Renjiro did not know if their relationship was progressing, actually, he did not bother to find out the reason.

If he asked Kushina about these advanced Fūinjutsu techniques, there was always a risk that Minato might catch wind of it. And if Minato knew, it wouldn't be long before the Third Hokage or even the village's leadership found out. There were parts of his training that Renjiro preferred to keep close to his chest.

"Still…" he sighed, the decision settling in his mind. "It seems I'll need her insight this time around." Coming to terms with the choice, Renjiro took a deep breath, sinking into the familiar comfort of the lotus position.

His legs crossed and his hands rested on his knees, palms upturned as he settled into meditation.

Before fully clearing his mind, he formed a single hand sign and summoned a Shadow Clone, the familiar rush of chakra forming a perfect copy beside him.

With a flicker, he dispelled the clone, and a few moments later, his own vision faded back into his own meditative state, a part of him always aware of the clone's actions.

Back in the quietude of his home, the clone stationed there opened its eyes, the weight of Renjiro's intent settling into its mind. The clone took a steadying breath, quickly forming a new clone that flickered out of the compound and began its journey toward Kushina's house.

Meanwhile, the first clone sat back, alert and waiting for any potential ANBU summons. Renjiro felt a faint sense of relief, knowing his physical self could remain here in the floating island's ambience, basking in the dense chakra-rich environment that was proving so beneficial to his training.

The walk to Kushina's house was uneventful, and the clone felt a peculiar nostalgia as he approached the familiar door. Just as he raised his hand to knock, the door swung open, revealing Kushina standing there with a mischievous smile on her face.

"Well, well! Look who finally decided to pay a visit," she teased, her voice warm but laced with playful exasperation. Her dark red hair fell loosely around her shoulders, and her eyes sparkled with amusement.

"What's this, Renjiro? You've forgotten all about me?" She huffed dramatically, though a mischievous smile betrayed her true feelings.

Renjiro scratched the back of his neck, feeling a hint of guilt. "I know, I know. I should visit more," he replied with a sheepish grin. "I've just… been busy."

Kushina raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Busy, huh? Well, so is everyone else! And now that Minato's a Jounin Sensei, he hardly has time to drop by either. You're both abandoning me!"

Her words struck a chord, and for a moment, Renjiro felt a pang of sympathy. Being the village's Jinchuriki was an isolating role, no matter how strong she appeared to the outside world. "Sorry about that," he said sincerely, his expression softening.

'It must be lonely.' He thought.

Kushina's playful demeanor softened, and she waved him inside with a chuckle. "Well, at least you showed up this time! Get in here. I was just putting on tea."

Renjiro followed her inside, feeling the familiar warmth of her home. It was a comfortable, welcoming space, filled with small touches of personality—old training scrolls scattered on the table, trinkets she'd collected, and plants she'd somehow managed to keep alive. The atmosphere was calm, almost a sanctuary amidst the village's hustle and bustle.

His gaze fell on a stack of scrolls spread across her desk, neatly arranged but clearly well-used. His curiosity piqued, he glanced back at her with a slight grin. "So… what have you been up to?" he asked, tilting his head toward the scrolls.

Kushina shrugged her expression a mix of pride and nonchalance. "Oh, just working on translating another sealing technique," she replied, waving her hand dismissively as if it were nothing. "It's a little something I think Minato should learn."

Renjiro raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "What kind of seal?" he asked, a slight suspicion in his tone. Kushina had a knack for creating some of the most formidable and intricate seals, and anything she deemed worth teaching Minato was bound to be potent.

She glanced at him, her expression casual. "It's the Reaper Death Seal."

For a moment, Renjiro's face fell blank, processing her words, but the gravity of the name hit him with startling force. His eyes widened slightly as he looked at her, a mixture of respect and apprehension in his gaze.

'Aah, the canon event.' Renjiro thought.

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