You have used Genjutsu 10 times.
Your Yin Release (progress bar) has increased by 1%. Gained 1 personal enhancement point. Gained 1 [Yin Release Enhancement] point for others.
You have used Genjutsu 10 times.
Your Yin Release...
That day, during their team training, Aoki Sora focused on repeatedly practicing Genjutsu and Genjutsu Materialization.
However, for this training, simply using Genjutsu Materialization to conjure some trivial item didn't count. Sora had to concentrate, channel his mental energy through his chakra, and consume a real portion of that energy to complete a valid exercise.
It was no different from practicing strikes on a wooden post — just tapping it didn't count.
Since Sora lacked Naruto's massive chakra reserves, he could manage at most around 50 proper uses a day.
That translated to a 5% increase in Yin Release strength daily.
Ten days for 50%.
Twenty days to reach 100%, pushing Yin Release from D rank to D+.
Another 20 days to C-.
The progress would slow as the rank climbed higher.
It might take a full month just to advance one small rank.
Two months from C- to C+.
Altogether, about 100 days of effort.
And by then, the Chunin Exams would be nearly upon him.
Time was tight. This was a hallmark of both the Kurenai Route and the Yugao Route — low starting point, high ceiling, and extreme time pressure at the start.
"That's enough for today. See you tomorrow."
As the sun set and training ended, Sora grabbed a bowl of ramen for dinner.
Then he returned to training alone.
There was no helping it. This route was demanding, and with the added risks and exposure from the video projections, Sora had to aim beyond what the game ever required.
"Look at him…"
Somewhere in the village, a pair of red eyes watched him under the pale moonlight. The owner of those eyes felt both admiration and a hint of helplessness seeing Sora continue to train so hard.
That night, Sora practiced until after nine before heading home.
When he reached his doorstep, he found a familiar figure waiting.
"Kurenai?"
There stood his distant relative and next-door neighbor, Yūhi Kurenai.
"You're only getting home now?" Kurenai asked.
"Well, I'm still weak, so I have to make the most of every moment," Sora replied.
"Even so, you didn't have to go this far," Kurenai said, looking him over. "And why are you soaking wet?"
"Oh… I finished training and just washed off in the river. With my clothes on, actually," Sora said, a bit embarrassed.
That way, he wouldn't have to waste time heating water for a proper bath.
"…" Kurenai was speechless for a moment.
This kid was too driven.
Was it the events of the day pushing him so hard?
Either way, leaving him like this didn't feel right. Hinata would probably worry herself sick if she knew.
"You really aren't taking care of yourself at all," Kurenai said. "I know ninja aren't picky about appearances, but you should at least try a little. Especially when there's a girl who likes you watching."
The last thing she wanted was for Sora to ruin his image and lose points with Hinata just because he was too focused on training.
"Why don't you move in with me? You can stay at my place."
"…Huh?"
Sora blinked, sure he'd misheard.
Did Kurenai just invite him to live with her?
That wasn't part of the Kurenai Route script!
But… this didn't sound bad at all.
It would save him time on breakfast, packing lunches, and other chores — precious time he could redirect into training.
After all, time was the scarcest resource on the Kurenai and Yugao routes.
This could work.
Once he powered through the tight early game, he could start stacking BUFFs, generate God Tree Fruits, and as thanks, give Kurenai a few.
"What's wrong? Don't want to?" Kurenai asked.
"Of course I do," Sora said quickly. "I was just thinking how much time I'd save if I didn't have to handle meals. If I stay with you, I won't have to worry about that, right?"
"…You really…" Kurenai sighed.
"Obviously you won't need to worry. Go pack your things. You're coming with me."
"Alright!"
Sora didn't waste a second and hurried to gather his clothes.
Standing at the doorway, Kurenai watched him and sighed softly to herself.
Hinata, don't worry about your future husband. I'll take good care of him for you.
And while she was at it, she'd make sure Yugao didn't get a head start.
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Heyo everyone! If you're enjoying the story, please add it to your library, and if you feel like it, maybe drop a few powerstones too. Thanks a bunch!