Rakawa arrived at the school with his Bento, just as he usually did. This habit had formed over the past few days.
Mikoto essentially no longer needed to bring her own Bento. Every lunchtime, Rakawa naturally called her over to share his meal. Even the Little Chili Pepper, Kushina, did the same, though she only reluctantly ate after Mikoto invited her.
However, Rakawa's teasing remarks always managed to infuriate Kushina, causing her to storm off.
Yet, Mikoto would smooth over her anger with a few words, and the next day, Kushina would act as if nothing had happened.
Rakawa quite enjoyed this current peace, but he knew these tranquil days would soon disappear. He was about to officially begin his Ninja career.
The Shinobi World was vast and alluring. The various miraculous Elemental Releases, and the different types of Kekkei Genkai, were opportunities for him to increase his strength.
He had been preparing for several years for the battle that was to come. In that fleeting fight for survival, a ninja's life was the cheapest commodity. With a single word or action, thousands of ninja would charge into the fray, dedicating everything they had.
...
Entering the Classroom, Rakawa walked straight to his seat as usual. As he passed Mikoto, he nodded to her.
Habits were formed this way, yet today felt slightly different.
Mikoto did not respond with a smile as she usually did. Instead, she stared down at her desk, completely still.
Rakawa unconsciously frowned. What was wrong with Mikoto?
Holding his confusion, he walked to his spot and sat down, pondering the situation internally.
Kushina, sitting nearby, glared at him, a hint of mockery in her tone. "What? Is your gentle, beautiful maiden ignoring you now? Feeling disappointed?"
Rakawa did not even turn his head, replying with a comment that nearly triggered Kushina's fiery temper. "Hmm? Did someone speak?"
"You..."
Kushina's face darkened. She propped herself up on the desk with one hand, her facial muscles twitching violently.
How dare he ignore her words like that? This idiot was too much. Was it fun to bully people this way?
The fact was, it really was fun.
Furious, Kushina suppressed her anger and sat back down, not intending to lash out, but staring ahead with a puffed-up expression.
Rakawa had no interest in her outburst; he was more concerned about Mikoto's change.
It wasn't that he felt disappointed by her ignoring him, but he sensed that something was abnormal.
Although it was only a small shift, in his eyes, it was a major change.
No matter who greeted Mikoto, she always returned a smile. But today, there was no trace of a smile on her face, and her eyes stared blankly at the desk.
'What exactly happened?'
Pondering this question without finding an answer, he simply began refining his Chakra, continuing to stabilize his power, while repeatedly considering those Ninjutsu.
The new Ninjutsu—techniques exclusive to the Byakugan and Dust Release—would shock everyone the day they were revealed.
The mutated Byakugan absorbed the power of Kekkei Genkai and converted it into Dojutsu Power. This Byakugan possessed all the abilities of a normal Byakugan, and also had other special capabilities. If developed properly, it would certainly be no weaker than any Kekkei Genkai.
There was also the mutated Dust Release. His exclusive Dust Release Ninjutsu had already been developed. Some of these techniques were improved versions of the Ninjutsu he obtained from the Scroll of Seals, resulting in entirely new techniques.
If not for the Scroll of Seals, creating these techniques would have taken him a long time.
'Should I cultivate the Eight Gates Formation?'
The Eight Gates Formation was another Taijutsu he had obtained from the Scroll of Seals. It was an extremely dangerous technique, developed by Might Duy and recorded within the Scroll of Seals.
Rakawa was surprised when he saw this technique in the Scroll of Seals, realizing it was already a completed technique.
The Eight Gates Formation was a technique that removed the body's limitations on Chakra, allowing the excess energy to be released.
In the Chakra Pathway System, the eight gates—Gate of Opening, Gate of Healing, Gate of Life, Gate of Pain, Gate of Limit, Gate of View, Gate of Wonder, and Gate of Death—inhibited and controlled the Chakra within the body.
These eight gates placed restrictions on the amount of Chakra available, but this technique allowed the user to forcibly exceed that limit, thereby drawing out ultimate moves dozens of times stronger than their original power. However, while gaining this power, the user could suffer damage, which was why the technique was listed as a Kinjustu.
It was a very dangerous technique; the damage and burden on the body were terrifying.
But, viewed as an explosive technique, it was absolutely necessary to learn.
This was a fierce, powerful technique, the opposite of the Hyuga Clan's Gentle Fist.
He had already memorized the cultivation method for this technique; now he was merely weighing the necessity of learning it.
As he contemplated, time passed slowly, and soon the class was dismissed.
When the bell rang, Rakawa naturally straightened up, took out his Bento, and said to Mikoto in front of him, "Mikoto, it's time to eat."
"Wow, it's still so extravagant."
Every time Kushina saw the Bento, she felt unbalanced. Why was his Bento always so delicious, while the one she brought always turned into mush?
This was partly due to her inflexibility; couldn't she just stop bringing ramen?
Rakawa glanced at her indifferently, stating calmly, "Considering someone's appetite is rather exaggerated, I brought a little extra. It's for her."
"What? What do you take me for? I'm not eating it."
Kushina immediately turned her head away. Wasn't he treating her like some kind of animal?
Mikoto, in front, did not turn around. Instead, she took out the Bento she had prepared herself and said softly, "Thank you, Rakawa and Kushina, please eat. I brought my own."
"Hmm?"
Rakawa frowned deeply, and even Kushina looked surprised. She wasn't eating with them?
"You aren't joining us?"
"No, I brought my own today. Thank you for the kind offer, Rakawa. I already have mine."
Mikoto's voice was low, seemingly holding some emotion.
A myriad of thoughts raced through Rakawa's mind, but he couldn't figure out the reason.
Just then, a familiar voice drifted over. "Don't bother thinking about it. Starting today, she won't eat anything you offer, nor will she have any further association with you."