Chapter 24: Aurora
Yamamoto Ryusei visited the Yamashita family's shop. Inside, Yamashita Keiko sat idly, reading a novel, her expression one of boredom.
When Ryusei saw the empty shop, he couldn't help but ask, "Aunt Keiko, why is there so little business here? Is it because gothic lolita outfits are hard to sell?"
Keiko's eyes lit up at the sight of Ryusei. After hearing his question, her expression turned distressed. "No, gothic lolita outfits are incredibly popular—they sold out almost immediately. But now, there are so many counterfeit versions flooding the market. The real issue is that we've run out of stock. Those counterfeiters are shameless!"
Ryusei offered a reassuring smile. "This kind of business thrives on trends, Aunt Keiko. Next time, produce more outfits and brand them with your logo. Once you establish a recognizable brand, customers will seek you out for the authentic designs."
"Next time?" Keiko's eyes sparkled with excitement. "Ryusei, have you designed new outfits again?"
Ryusei nodded, pulling out a set of design sketches and handing them to her. "Yes, even some of the students at the academy requested these. So I designed a few more for them."
Keiko flipped through the designs, her eyes widening with admiration. "These are incredible, especially this one!" She held up a sketch meant for Senju Miyuki. "It's stunning! I'll have these ready the day after tomorrow."
"Thank you, Aunt Keiko. I'll leave it in your capable hands." Ryusei bid her farewell and left.
Ryusei then made his way to the blacksmith shop, now managed by Morita Ryota, Shuichi's eldest apprentice, while Shuichi and Nami searched for a location to set up their new hotel.
"Ryusei! What brings you here?" Ryota greeted him warmly.
"I need a sword, Ryota-nii. Could you recommend the best one in the shop?"
Ryota retrieved a sword wrapped in black cloth from behind the counter. "This one, Aurora, is the best we've crafted. It's made of high-grade steel. While it might not cut through iron like butter, its sharpness is unparalleled. However, it can't transmit chakra."
Ryusei carefully unwrapped the cloth, revealing a sword with a sleek black handle and scabbard. The blade, however, gleamed like white light.
"It's called Aurora because, when swung, it shines as brightly as the aurora in a dark night," Ryota explained. "Use it well; don't let it gather dust in its scabbard."
"I won't let you down, Ryota-nii," Ryusei promised as he secured the sword.
...
At the Senju Clan's Training Grounds,
Only Senju Hashirama was present to supervise Ryusei's taijutsu training; Uchiha Madara was notably absent. Judging by Hashirama's furrowed brow, Ryusei guessed that the two had quarreled again.
Hashirama observed Ryusei, who was practicing with Aurora strapped to his back. "Ryusei, are you planning to learn kenjutsu? Don't spread yourself too thin."
"I understand, Hashirama-sensei," Ryusei replied. "The sword's reach complements my taijutsu—it's much longer than a kunai."
Hashirama nodded. "Very well, show me what you've got. Attack me, so I can see if you've improved."
"Yes, Hashirama-sensei!" Ryusei drew Aurora and charged at him.
Their blades clashed as Hashirama parried Ryusei's attack with a kunai. He grinned. "Your speed has improved, Ryusei. I almost didn't catch that one."
Ryusei's brow twitched. "Sensei, you say that like it was difficult for you! But this time, I won't let you joke around. Hah!"
He unleashed his strange strength to force Hashirama back and then followed up with a powerful kick.
"Lan Feet!"
A three-meter-long shockwave slashed through the air toward Hashirama, who leaped to avoid it. The slash continued past him, cutting down trees in the forest behind.
Hashirama glanced at the damage. "That's quite a move—it's no less dangerous than Tobirama's Water Severing Wave."
Seizing the opening, Ryusei threw a handful of shuriken.
"Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique!"
The shuriken multiplied midair, becoming a rain of hundreds aimed at Hashirama.
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
Hashirama countered, a gust of wind scattering the shuriken. But Ryusei wasn't done. He created two shadow clones.
"Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"
"Wind Style: Great Breakthrough!"
The combined jutsu created an enormous fireball, which exploded into an inferno that engulfed Hashirama's field of view.
Hidden in the smoke, Ryusei leaped into the air, unleashing a barrage of slashes.
"Crescent Moon Barrage!"
Dozens of crescent-shaped slashes rained down, forming a dome of cutting energy. At the apex, Ryusei poured all his chakra into a final strike.
"Full Moon Slash!"
A massive, fifteen-meter-long crescent slash filled the dome's center, closing off all escape routes.
"Wood Style: Wood Pillar Wall!"
Hashirama clasped his hands together, summoning an arched wooden wall to block the attack.
The impact created a thunderous explosion, sending shockwaves across the training ground. When the dust settled, Hashirama's wooden wall was cracked and splintered, but still standing.
Exhausted, Ryusei collapsed onto the grass, his chakra drained.
Hashirama approached, tapping him on the forehead. "You brat! Were you trying to kill me with that move?"
Ryusei chuckled weakly. "How could I? You're the God of Shinobi, Sensei. That wouldn't even faze you."
Hashirama surveyed the wreckage. "Your technique is impressive. I didn't know taijutsu could achieve such destructive power."
"Just wait," Ryusei said, smiling faintly. "There's more where that came from."
Before Hashirama could reply, Uzumaki Mito, Uchiha Madara, Senju Tobirama, and several ANBU operatives arrived at the scene.
Mito rushed to Ryusei's side. "Are you injured? Who attacked you?"
Madara activated his Sharingan, scanning the area with a dark expression.
Ryusei felt warmth at their concern. "It's nothing. Just a sparring match, right, Sensei?"
Hashirama laughed nervously, but Mito's glare silenced him. Tobirama dismissed the ANBU, muttering, "This is going to get ugly."
For early access to advanced 100+ chapters, visit my P@treon:
👉Join now: P@treon/Slayn3223.
Thank you so much for your support