Chapter 73: [Naobi] Projection Space

Morning.

Lost in thought, Shinji walked slowly towards the Ninja School.

Upon entering the classroom, he sensed a strange atmosphere.

Seeing that Shinji came in classroom, Haku quickly informed Shinji about Sasuke's recent defeat, then added with concern, "Shinji, you need to be careful!"

"Why should I be careful?" Shinji asked, confused.

Haku explained, "There's speculation that Kimimaro's next challenge will target either you or Neji!"

Shinji smiled and reassure him. "Don't worry, I won't readily accept challenges from others."

Returning to his seat, Shinji pondered the news from Haku.

"Isn't Kimimaro with Orochimaru? Why would he suddenly come to the Ninja School? Could Orochimaru be trying to provoke Sasuke through Kimimaro?" Kimimaro had directly challenged Sasuke upon arriving at the Ninja School, an overt provocation.

Others might assume Kimimaro sought fame by challenging Sasuke, but Shinji knew Kimimaro was indifferent to such things.

Kimimaro cared only about aiding Orochimaru, willing to sacrifice even his body for it.

Therefore, Kimimaro's presence at the Ninja School must have been orchestrated by Orochimaru.

It seemed Orochimaru was already plotting to take Sasuke's body.

Shinji shook off the thought.

He didn't intend to intervene in Orochimaru's plans for Sasuke; Sasuke's growth might surpass expectations, potentially leading to Orochimaru's downfall, mirroring events in the original timeline.

Moreover, Shinji had his own concerns, especially regarding Danzo's assassination attempts. Strangely, the Root Ninjas who once hounded him had vanished recently.

Despite this, he remained vigilant. While learning medical ninjutsu, he frequented the village's core, wary of potential attacks.

"In a week at most, I should be capable of performing a simple eye transplant independently. I must find a way to nurture the half-damaged Mangekyō without delay. Those eyes cannot wait any longer."

Resolved, he covered his eyes and activated his Mangekyō Sharingan.

He quietly cast the Mangekyō technique 'Naobi', marking Haku, seated in front, and Karin, next to the podium.

With the marking complete, he closed his eyes. Shinji had come to school to mark Haku's and Karin's spirits, his sole purpose today.

After school, he declined Haku's training invitation and returned alone to his apartment.

In the evening.

Reviewing a medical text, Shinji set it aside and glanced at the wall clock. It was nearly eleven.

Haku and Karin would likely be preparing for bed in their apartments.

Seeing the time, he donned a red cloud cloak and mask before sitting on his bed to activate the Mangekyō technique 'Naobi'.

Unlike his daytime marking, this time he established a connection.

Instantly, his spirit projection materialized before a round table.

This was the projection space of 'Naobi', where linked spirits appeared as projections around the table.

Soon, Haku's and Karin's spirit projections appeared in other empty seats.

"Where are we?!" Haku and Karin exclaimed upon finding themselves before the round table, surrounded by darkness save for the stone platform beneath them. Relief came when they spotted Shinji's spirit projection in its distinct red cloud cloak.

Though the projection's details were vague, they recognized it as the organization's summoning.

Once calmed, Shinji spoke. "We will meet like this often in the future. There's no need to panic."

Curious, Haku asked, "My lord, where are we? Is this space-time ninjutsu?"

Shinji shook his head, explaining, "Your real bodies are still in your apartments. This is merely an illusory projection space."

"Amazing!" Karin exclaimed, gazing at the round table and stone platform amidst the surrounding abyss. "Everything about the organization is so different and unique."

Shinji announced, "If all goes well, we'll convene weekly like this to exchange information."

Noticing only three present, Haku inquired, "Sir, where is Deidara?"

Momentarily surprised, Shinji casually replied, "He's on another assignment and won't join us for now."

Timidly, Karin asked, "Sir, did you summon us today because of the demons?"

"Today's meeting isn't about demons," Shinji stated bluntly. "Report your recent activities."

With Shinji away from Konoha Village, Haku and Karin shared their recent endeavors.

They hadn't been idle. The near-death encounter with the Grim Reaper had spurred intensive training.

Haku mastered the 'Quick' ninjutsu he had acquired, akin to the 'Instant Body Technique'.

Karin honed her 'Kagura Heart Eye'.

Impressed, Shinji nodded. "The demon threat is unpredictable. Be prepared for battle anytime, anywhere!"

"Yes!" Haku and Karin chorused.

Shinji snapped his fingers, dispelling Haku's projection, leaving Karin before the round table.

Perplexed, Karin looked to Shinji. "Sir?"

"I have something else to discuss with you." Shinji informed Karin of his half-damaged Mangekyō Sharingan and the need for living nourishment.

Karin was taken aback. "You mean you want me to transplant those eyes?"

Shinji nodded. "You're the best candidate. However, it's your choice."

Considering her options, intimidated by Shinji's authority, Karin cautiously asked, "And my own eyes?"

"They'll be kept safe," Shinji assured. "This is my personal request. If you agree, I can fulfill one of your requests in return."

Despite knowing her eyes could be returned, Karin hesitated. "May I have time to consider?"

Shinji tapped the table. "You have a week to decide."

With that, he ended the projection of Karin.

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End of chapter