Naruto: The Mist Within-Chapter 120 - 119: Luck?

Time seemed to slow in Ren's mind as he fought to think rationally. His thoughts raced, analyzing every possibility before settling on the most logical conclusion: He knows me because I ranked first in the second-year exams.

But then, why did it feel like more than that?

Yagura, observing the hesitation in Ren's eyes, spoke with an almost knowing amusement.

"I see. A ninja never reveals his secrets."

Ren opened his mouth to respond, but Yagura merely smiled—a brief, enigmatic expression—then gave him a small nod, as if to say It's fine as it is.

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Then, turning back to the rest of the students, his voice carried over the training field with quiet authority:

"Those who failed, try again. Those who succeeded, refine the technique. The lesson is not over."

The students wasted no time. Immediately, they resumed their training, each determined to master the technique.

Ren took a moment to steady his breath. He knew he had drawn more attention than intended.

Too much exposure is never good... but maybe today, it was inevitable.

As he turned slightly, he found himself face to face with Yukiko.

"You're much further ahead than you let on," she remarked, her usual composed expression betraying a flicker of curiosity.

Of course. She just had to start investigating again, Ren thought dryly.

"For now, perhaps," he replied with a small, careful smile. "Or maybe I'm just lucky."

Yukiko studied him for a few seconds, her sharp gaze unrelenting. Then, she raised an eyebrow.

"You don't seem like the type who relies on luck."

Ren didn't answer.

- - -

After several more attempts and corrections, only three students managed to sustain the technique for more than ten seconds without letting their mirror collapse: Hiroshi Hōzuki, Yukiko Yuki, and Ren Mizutani.

Yagura observed their results with quiet interest, then gave a slight nod of approval.

"Very well. You three have demonstrated a sufficient level of control over the technique. It is not yet perfected, but it's an excellent start."

He stepped closer to the three students, his sharp gaze softened by a trace of recognition.

"And now, the reward."

An ANBU approached, handing him three sealed scrolls.

"Each of you will receive an advanced exercise to further refine this technique. The one who fully masters it and can demonstrate its effectiveness in battle will earn an even greater lesson."

Excitement and envy intertwined in the class, rippling through the students like an unspoken storm.

Yagura's gaze swept over them once more, his expression unreadable. But when his eyes met Ren's, something flickered within them—an almost imperceptible glimmer of interest, or perhaps curiosity.

For just a moment, he lingered, studying the boy with the precision of someone measuring potential. Not just skill, but something deeper. Something unexpected.

"Lesson dismissed."

His voice was calm, final. Yet, the weight of his presence remained even as he turned and walked away, his movements fluid, precise—like a shadow that knew exactly where it belonged.

The mist, thick and heavy, seemed to respond to him, swirling at his feet before rising like a veil, as if the village itself wished to reclaim him within its embrace. Within seconds, his form became nothing more than a silhouette, then a whisper, then nothing at all.

And yet, as the mist closed in around him, a thought settled in his mind, lingering like a ripple upon still water.

Mizutani Ren... you continue to surprise me. I wonder just how far you can go.

For a moment, he almost smiled. Then, the mist swallowed even that.

Ren's fingers tightened subtly around the scroll as excitement pulsed through his veins. An advanced exercise from Yagura himself... His mind was already racing ahead, strategizing. The moment I get home, I'll put a clone to work on this. More hands, more progress. I can refine the technique in half the time.

But his thoughts were abruptly interrupted by the familiar sound of hurried footsteps.

"Ren!"

Jun'ko's voice rang out with uncontained enthusiasm as she and Aoi approached, both beaming.

"You have to teach me this!" Jun'ko declared, her eyes gleaming with anticipation. "I mean, I was obviously planning to master it anyway, but now that you got the scroll, you're officially my new sensei!" She winked dramatically, nudging his arm.

Aoi, ever the analyst, adjusted his glasses before speaking. "Statistically speaking, the probability of a student mastering an advanced Suiton technique this early is remarkably low. However—" he smirked slightly, "I suppose I should have expected no less from you."

Ren chuckled, shaking his head. "You're both overestimating me. I just—"

Before he could finish, another figure approached.

Shin Kaguya.

Unlike Jun'ko's exuberance or Aoi's calculating interest, Shin simply stopped beside him, arms crossed, his expression as unreadable as ever. For a moment, he said nothing—just observed.

Then, with a slight nod, he murmured, "Well done," before walking away.

It was brief, but Ren understood. Coming from Shin, that was high praise.

Out of the corner of his eye, he noticed Shinji lingering at a slight distance. He wasn't avoiding him exactly, but there was a hesitation in his posture, a subtle withdrawal that didn't go unnoticed. Something on his mind? Ren wondered.

Before he could dwell on it, a firm voice sliced through the growing chatter.

"Ren, does that mean you can make food too?"

Kurara, her bright eyes filled with innocent wonder, clasped her hands together.

Ren blinked. "...What?"

Kurara nodded eagerly. "Well, if the mirror can copy things perfectly, then it can copy food, right? So that means—" she gasped, nearly bouncing in place, "you can eat twice as much!"

A brief silence.

Jun'ko groaned. "Kurara, what?"

Aoi sighed heavily, adjusting his glasses. "That's not how the technique works."

"But what if it was?" she insisted, undeterred. "You could have an unlimited supply of dumplings! Or rice balls! Or—" her eyes sparkled, "sweet red bean cakes!"

Ren chuckled, rubbing the back of his head. "I think you'd need a different kind of jutsu for that."

Kurara pouted. "Tch. What a waste of potential."

Jun'ko shook her head. "Kurara, I swear, your brain works in ways that defy all logic."

Kurara grinned proudly. "Thanks!"

As the playful banter continued, Ren felt a faint prickle at the back of his neck—an awareness of being watched.

He turned his head slightly, eyes scanning the group.

There, standing a bit farther away from the others, Misaki observed him quietly.

Her gaze wasn't hostile, nor was it warm—it was something else. Calculating? Curious? Thoughtful?

For a moment, their eyes met.

She didn't look away.

And neither did he.

Then, as if deciding something, Misaki turned on her heel and walked off without a word, disappearing into the shifting mist.

Ren exhaled, feeling the weight of the scroll in his hand once more.

Before he could reflect further, a firm voice sliced through the growing chatter.

"Enough," Fujimoto-sensei's authoritative tone silenced the students instantly. "Back to the classroom. Now."

The excitement in the air dimmed slightly as the class fell back into order. Even those who had been lost in their own discussions straightened up, knowing better than to test their instructor's patience.

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