Naruto, all the ninja women love me, and Konoha depends on me.

Chapter 005: Verifying the Secret Technique

The night was filled with various fragrances.

There was the scent of slumbering grass, flowers, and fruits, and also... the scent of moonlight.

The stench of birds and beasts could also be considered a companion to these aromas.

The closer one got to the depths of the clan leader's residence, the thicker the night fog in the air became, to the point where even the moonlight was distorted and twisted by the mist.

In the shadows.

Senju Wakama "sneaked" through the darkness.

Ordinary people would produce chaotic sounds just by moving, but this was something Senju Wakama no longer had to worry about.

Thanks to the "Art of Sneaking," Senju Wakama seemed to have no pulse, no breath, and even the flow of his blood merged with the natural night breeze.

"......Wakama, who do you think is the strongest in your family?"

In this dark and silent environment, Zetsu's voice suddenly rang in Senju Wakama's ear.

Without hesitation, Senju Wakama replied, "Naturally, it's our father."

"Hehe~"

His answer not only failed to gain Black Zetsu's approval but also elicited a sly laugh.

At this moment, Black Zetsu was not controlling Senju Wakama's body but instead allowed him to use the secret technique of sneaking on his own.

Black Zetsu clung to Senju Wakama's hair, as if it didn't exist at all.

Senju Wakama focused on "sneaking." Unless Black Zetsu spoke, he would not initiate conversation.

However...

After a few seconds of silence, Black Zetsu suddenly laughed and said, "You're wrong, Wakama."

Hearing this, Senju Wakama's footsteps paused.

Then, Black Zetsu's voice turned cold as it said, "You'll soon find out who... the strongest is......"

Next, using the secret technique taught by Zetsu, Senju Wakama passed through the residences of his brothers.

The sound of splashing water came from the courtyard.

It was the sound of his second brother, Senju Tobirama, helping his younger sister wash clothes.

In this courtyard, there was a bamboo "shishi-odoshi" (deer scarer), and the water delivered by the bamboo tube was enough for Senju Tobirama to use.

Ever since Second Brother Tobirama discovered that the youngest sibling was a girl, the daily care of their sister had been handed over to him.

Among the four brothers, Senju Tobirama and their younger sister looked the most alike, both with silver hair and crimson eyes.

Perhaps because of this, Senju Tobirama cared for their sister more deeply than the other brothers.

The clothes their sister wore daily were all washed by Senju Tobirama himself.

Although such chores could be left to the elderly women of the clan, Senju Tobirama took the initiative to handle this task.

In Senju Wakama's eyes, their sister was simply using Second Brother Tobirama like a beast of burden, but Tobirama willingly acted as the ox and horse.

Perhaps it was because their sister's abilities were too unique, and the clever Tobirama didn't want her to interact too much with outsiders.

Or perhaps it was for other reasons.

Senju Wakama didn't know and didn't want to think too much about such a natural matter. He lurked in the darkness, quietly crouching in the corner, watching the silver-haired Senju Tobirama wash clothes.

Suddenly—

"Thud—"

Second Brother Tobirama, who was washing clothes for their sister, suddenly turned his head and threw a stone in Senju Wakama's direction, as if throwing a shuriken.

Senju Wakama almost instinctively activated the complementary skill of "Sneaking," the "Silent Roll," narrowly avoiding the stone.

The secret technique "Silent Roll" allowed for a sudden acceleration while sneaking, enabling a quick and silent forward roll in any direction.

Using this skill, Senju Wakama dodged his second brother's sudden attack.

The stone hit the wall behind the corner where Senju Wakama had just been crouching, making a sound.

Senju Wakama's nerves were on edge.

But then, he heard Second Brother, who was washing clothes, let out a sound of surprise.

"Huh?"

Immediately after, Senju Tobirama frowned and muttered, "Strange... I could have sworn there was something there. Was it an illusion?"

After muttering to himself, Senju Tobirama put down the washbasin and walked toward the spot where the stone had landed.

Senju Wakama activated another complementary skill of the "Art of Sneaking."

First, he used "Silent Roll" to move several steps away from the spot where the stone had fallen.

Then, Senju Wakama tested a new technique: "Shadow."

The sneaking secret technique "Shadow"—crouching silently in the shadows would render one invisible until touched by an enemy or until one moved voluntarily.

By this time, Senju Tobirama had already reached the corner. He picked up the stone from the ground and cautiously looked around.

After a while, Senju Tobirama's brow twitched, and he muttered again, "Strange..."

After saying this, Senju Tobirama remained vigilant as he retraced his steps, picked up the washbasin, and left the courtyard.

After using "Shadow," Senju Wakama did not move.

About half an hour passed.

The silver-haired Senju Tobirama reappeared in sight.

With a serious expression, Senju Tobirama walked around the courtyard. Twice, he passed right in front of Senju Wakama but failed to detect him.

In the end, Senju Tobirama seemed to confirm that there was nothing in the courtyard and gave up.

Not long after, Senju Tobirama brought out the washed clothes to hang them up, then carried the washbasin back into the inner room.

Senju Wakama silently watched this scene. He knew that his efforts over the past three months had passed the test in Second Brother Tobirama's eyes.

Senju Wakama still did not cancel the "Sneaking" state. He raised his eyes and looked toward his home, forming a new plan in his mind.

Continuing deeper, Senju Wakama passed by his brothers' rooms.

Elder Brother Hashirama was sleeping peacefully, while Fourth Brother Itama was talking in his sleep.

The sleeping brothers were completely unaware of Senju Wakama's movements.

Just as Senju Wakama continued to delve deeper into the residence—

Black Zetsu's urgent voice rang in Senju Wakama's ear: "Hey... Wakama, where are you going? Your father's room is in this direction. You're heading toward your sister's chambers now. Don't go there!"

Along with Zetsu's warning, Senju Wakama, who was in the middle of "sneaking," felt his feet firmly stuck to the ground, unable to move an inch.

Senju Wakama frowned and responded, "Father is an adult, the strongest in the family. Moreover, the purpose of learning 'Sneaking' isn't to deal with Father but to avoid my sister......"

"Kid, you're getting ahead of yourself..." Zetsu's voice was faint. "The strongest in this family is the youngest one."

Zetsu's response shocked Senju Wakama.

"I taught you the 'Art of Concealment' so that you could have a chance to escape after seeing her from a distance, not so you could deliberately run toward her knowing she's there."

Then, Black Zetsu continued, "Hearing me say this, you must be very unconvinced, right? Even if I advise you, you'll still go looking for her, won't you? If you insist on going, that's fine, but you must promise me a few conditions."

Senju Wakama whispered, "Tell me..."

Zetsu immediately said, "First, no matter whether you think you've succeeded or not, you must not mention my name in your thoughts, nor reveal my existence to your sister." Senju Wakama widened his eyes and nodded, "I promise."

Zetsu continued, "Second, if you're unfortunate enough to be caught by her, she might ask you how you learned the Art of Sneaking. Even if she threatens to beat you to death, you must insist that you figured it out on your own, as a natural talent to avoid her."

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