Chapter 13: Productive Rest
Five months passed in the stillness of the laboratory, a silence so thick it was almost palpable, punctuated only by the sharp scent of chemicals and the low hum of research equipment that never ceased to drone.
The stone walls of that subterranean room had become silent witnesses to Tsubasa's unwavering dedication to his mysterious research experiments.
On his cluttered workbench, glass bottles filled with colorful liquids stood in rows, surrounded by ancient parchment scrolls and notes filled with intricate symbols.
The dim light of an oil lamp reflected off their surfaces, casting long shadows that danced across the walls, as if joining the young ninja in his tireless work.
Tsubasa, having navigated an intense period of revolutionary memory seal creation and the unexpected discovery of the Shadow Clone technique, finally decided to take a full month of rest.
His body and mind felt weary, his limbs ached in places he hadn't realized, his brain felt clouded, heavy with the fatigue from his intense experiments. He needed time to truly recover, to replenish his depleted energy, before diving back into even deeper and more complex research.
Although he called it 'rest', Tsubasa was not the type to remain idle without doing anything.
For him, true rest meant shifting focus, not complete cessation. His ever-active brain whirred, refusing to be left dormant. He used this 'month of rest' for various productive agendas, a unique concept of rest for a tireless ninja.
For him, this was a time to recharge his physical energy, to resharpen his ninja instincts which might have become slightly dulled from spending too long buried in books and laboratory equipment, and to reflect on all the discoveries and experiences he had been through.
One of Tsubasa's important agendas during his rest period was to monitor the movements of the Karasuma clan.
A burning curiosity and an ever-present vigilance within him drove him to periodically slip out of the Hidden Valley using 'Venom', his reliable secret ninjutsu.
His destination was the domain of the Karasuma clan, the nest of the cursed family responsible for the destruction of his Takagami clan.
Tsubasa wanted to ascertain whether the cursed clan had become aware of his infiltration into their headquarters several months prior.
Ozora's disappearance from their prison must have caused an uproar within the Karasuma clan.
He needed to know the extent of their reaction, and what measures they had taken to tighten security. This information was crucial for planning his next steps.
From a distance, Tsubasa observed the activity around the Karasuma clan's headquarters. From behind the dense trees on the border of the territory, he studied the patrol patterns they employed, identified weak points in their security system, and looked for signs of increased vigilance.
His trained eyes were able to capture small details that might be missed by ordinary ninja eyes. He observed the movements of patrolling guards, the strategic positions of watchtowers, and even minor changes in the layout of buildings that might indicate security modifications.
Once he felt it was safe enough to approach, he slipped into the clan's headquarters using 'Venom', moving underground like an invisible shadow. The earth became his ally, darkness his protective cloak.
Tsubasa moved nimbly and silently, avoiding any potential traps or sensors that the Karasuma clan might have installed. Of course, he was very careful in this process, fully relying on his instincts and sensory abilities, honed to a high degree, to avoid detection.
Every step he took was measured, every slight sound heeded, and every shift in the ambient aura was keenly sensed.
In his closer observation, Tsubasa noted a significant increase in security at the Karasuma clan's headquarters.
The number of guards appeared greater than usual, patrols were conducted more frequently and with more erratic routes, and watch posts were erected at strategic points that were previously vacant.
An aura of heightened vigilance was palpable, as if the entire compound pulsed with tense energy. It seemed they had indeed become aware of Ozora's disappearance and had taken drastic measures to prevent a similar incident from happening again.
However, from all that Tsubasa observed, it appeared the Karasuma clan was still unaware of the intruder's identity and how he had managed to enter their prison and steal a prisoner without being detected.
They had increased security across the board, yet it was as if they were still groping in the dark, without a definite clue as to the source of the threat.
Tsubasa felt a slight sense of relief at this discovery, but he remained vigilant and did not underestimate the Karasuma clan in the slightest.
This increased security actually indicated that they must have begun a serious investigation, and sooner or later, they might find clues leading back to him.
Tsubasa realized that he should not linger in enemy territory. Having obtained sufficient information, he promptly returned to the Hidden Valley with caution, his tracks erased, his presence undetected.
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Besides monitoring the Karasuma clan, Tsubasa also used his month of rest to travel around the ninja world.
He saw this as an opportunity to truly rest from the pressures of research and to travel, refreshing his mind.
In his mind, the vast ninja world held many mysteries and beauties that he had never explored.
Furthermore, he also hoped to find interesting things or new experimental materials that might be useful for his research in the future. For him, the world was a giant laboratory full of unlimited discovery potential.
Tsubasa's travels were, of course, undertaken using 'Venom'. This ninjutsu, born from his ingenuity, became more and more developed and perfected with each passing day.
His control over the ninjutsu became more precise, his speed increased, and his ability to conceal himself became ever more undetectable. 'Venom' was no longer just a technique, but an extension of his body, a means of transportation and an invaluable shield.
Tsubasa visited various places of interest in the ninja world, from remote villages in the quiet mountains that held local wisdom, to bustling port cities teeming with the hustle and bustle of trade and diverse cultures.
He enjoyed the beautiful natural scenery, from snow-capped mountain peaks to white sandy beaches lapped by blue waves.
He sampled a variety of exotic local cuisines that tantalized his taste buds, from spicy dishes that burned the tongue to sweet foods that softened the heart.
He also learned about various different cultures and customs, broadening his horizons and opening his eyes to the diversity of the ninja world. This journey helped him relieve stress and broaden his thinking, giving him a fresh perspective on life.
While enjoying his travels, Tsubasa remained vigilant and observant of his surroundings. His ninja instincts were always active, watching for potential threats and opportunities that might arise.
He was never truly off guard, even when he was 'resting'. For him, vigilance was an inseparable part of a ninja's identity.
He sought information about rare ninjutsu techniques that might be forgotten by history, strange plants and animals that possessed unique properties, or unusual natural phenomena that held mysteries.
Every place he visited, he always sought to find out if there were interesting things he could learn or collect. He visited hidden black markets in the narrow alleys of cities, and remote places that might hold rare items or valuable information.
Occasionally, during his travels, Tsubasa became involved in minor skirmishes with bandits or rogue ninja who tried to bother him when he was not in 'Venom' mode.
He used these opportunities to train his ninjutsu skills and test the Shadow Clone technique he had newly discovered.
These battles, although small and insignificant, provided valuable experience and sharpened his fighting instincts. Every enemy he faced, no matter how small, became a teacher who taught him about his weaknesses and strengths.
During his journey, Tsubasa also visited various places that held interesting history or legends.
He explored the ruins of ancient temples abandoned by past civilizations, mysterious caves filled with puzzles and ancient traps, and forbidden forests that held hidden secrets and legendary creatures.
A great curiosity drove him to investigate every place that caught his attention, seeking answers to the questions that constantly swirled in his mind.
Tsubasa hoped to find clues or ancient artifacts that might be related to his research or to the forgotten history of the ninja world.
He studied ancient inscriptions carved on temple walls, read old records stored in hidden libraries, and listened to folklore from local residents passed down from generation to generation.
Every piece of information, no matter how small, he carefully noted and stored. For him, history was the key to understanding the present and the future.
Although he did not find any significant experimental materials during his journey, Tsubasa managed to gather a wealth of interesting information and expand his knowledge of the ninja world.
He learned about various different ninjutsu techniques from different clans, the diverse cultures and customs of ninja clans, and the history of the regions he visited. He also gained valuable experience and improved his fighting skills, making him an even more seasoned ninja.
This journey was not just physical rest, but also mental and spiritual rejuvenation.
Seeing the vast and complex ninja world made him realize that his problems, though seemingly large and complicated, were only a small part of a larger picture.
He realized that the ninja world was far broader and more complex than he had ever imagined. There were still many things he did not know, and many mysteries yet to be solved. His current knowledge and strength were still very limited compared to the vastness of the ninja world.
Tsubasa felt increasingly motivated to continue learning and growing, to become stronger and wiser. He wanted to explore more regions, learn more techniques, and uncover more secrets of the ninja world.
This journey had rekindled the spirit of adventure within him, a thirst for knowledge and a desire to conquer challenges. He no longer felt tired or despondent, but filled with new energy and burning determination.
In the midst of his long journey exploring the ninja world, Tsubasa inadvertently stumbled upon an incident that caught his attention.
As he traveled using 'Venom' around a dense and dark bamboo forest, Tsubasa heard the sounds of fierce combat on the surface of the ground where he was submerged deep underground.
The sound of clashing weapons, explosions of jutsu, and battle cries were clearly audible through the earth, breaking the silence of the bamboo forest.
Irresistible curiosity drove him to approach the source of the sound with caution.
He could feel the vibrations of the battle through the ground, growing stronger as he got closer to the scene.
Tsubasa decided to surface and see what was happening. He could not ignore the sounds of battle; his instincts told him that something important was unfolding and this might be fortunate for him.
From behind a thick clump of bamboo, Tsubasa saw a fierce battle taking place in a clearing in the middle of the forest. Two groups of ninja faced each other, engaged in a devastating and deadly exchange of ninjutsu.
The sounds of clashing weapons, exploding jutsu, and battle cries deafened the ears, creating a chaotic and dangerous atmosphere. Dust and bamboo splinters flew through the air, mingling with the scents of blood and sweat.
One group consisted of several pale-skinned men with white hair, their skin also appearing pale and unhealthy, as if they rarely saw sunlight.
They were dressed all in white, with two small, round red tattoos painted on their foreheads; these tattoos looked familiar, but he could not yet recall where he had seen them before. A cold and dark aura also emanated from this group of ninja.
The other group was a few blue-haired teenagers; they appeared younger and less experienced than their opponents.
Their clothes were simpler, but appeared worn and tattered. Their aura also seemed weaker, although their facial expressions were tense and full of determination.
They were also outnumbered by the white-haired group. Despite this, their fighting spirit seemed to burn brightly; they fought tenaciously and without fear.
Tsubasa observed the battle intently, trying to gain an overview of the actual situation.
He paid attention to the ninjutsu techniques used by both groups, their unique fighting styles, and other signs that could provide clues about their identities.
This battle did not seem like an ordinary skirmish; there was something deeper and more complex behind it, an intrigue or conflict that might involve larger and more powerful parties.
Tsubasa felt drawn to find out more; his instincts told him that this incident might offer him an advantage.
---| Author's Request |---
To my generous readers! 🙌 Are there just three people willing to kindly give a brief overview for this novel? I really hope the rating can appear soon, please help me? 🙏