12dz Chapter 684 Hidden in the Shadows
Chapter 684 Hidden in the Shadows
Zhang Hai, the shadow clone, quietly observed Xi Yan's training from the shadows. He discovered that Xi Yan's progress was simply astonishing. In just one day, her swordsmanship had made a qualitative leap, and she had even begun to consciously imitate the swordsmanship techniques he had previously demonstrated.
"This child's talent is truly beyond expectation," Shadow Clone Zhang Hai thought to himself. Yugao's swordsmanship talent was even slightly better than that of a fully healthy Hayate. While her physical abilities weren't as good as those of an average male ninja, her chakra control and understanding of swordsmanship were exceptionally outstanding.
Shadow Clone Zhang Hai's heart stirred, and a bold idea surfaced: recruit Xi Yan into the Dark Division. Her talent and perseverance were enough to make her an outstanding member of the Dark Division. However, he wasn't in a hurry. He needed more time to observe her and tap into her potential.
He remained hidden in the shadows, quietly observing Xiyan's training. Xiyan repeated the sword-swinging motion again and again, her forehead covered in fine beads of sweat, but she showed no sign of stopping. She seemed immersed in her own world, trying to push her limits with each swing of the sword.
Shadow Clone Zhang Hai noticed that a trace of his Illusionary Blade Technique was beginning to appear in Xi Yan's swordsmanship. Although it was only a superficial imitation, it was already a remarkable improvement for a child who had never been exposed to the Illusionary Blade Technique before. Her high level of comprehension further solidified Shadow Clone Zhang Hai's determination to recruit her.
"Ha ha……"
Xiyan's breathing became increasingly rapid, and her body began to tremble slightly. She had reached her limit. After another swing of her sword, her legs buckled, and her body uncontrollably slumped backward.
Just as she was about to fall to the ground, a dark figure appeared behind her as if by teleportation. The shadow clone Zhang Hai reached out and steadily supported her.
Xi Yan suddenly opened her eyes, her body stiffening with shock. She looked up and saw a face wearing a mask.
"Who...who are you?!" Xi Yan exclaimed in surprise, instinctively trying to break free.
The shadow clone Zhang Hai released his grip but did not retreat. He calmly said, "Xi Yan, your swordsmanship is good, but you must also take care of your body. Overtraining will only backfire." His voice carried a familiar deep tone.
Upon hearing the familiar voice, Xi Yan stiffened, her eyes filled with a mixture of confusion and disbelief. "That voice... could it be Teacher Zhang Hai?" she asked tentatively.
The shadow clone Zhang Hai did not deny it, but simply nodded slightly. "You guessed right."
Xi Yan's eyes widened, her face filled with shock. "Teacher Zhang Hai?! You... how did you get here?" She looked around but didn't see Ji Feng anywhere.
“I came to check on your training,” Shadow Clone Zhang Hai explained. “However, it seems that Gale didn’t come.”
A hint of sadness flashed across Yugao's face. "Hayate... he was in a low mood today after listening to Lady Tsunade's words, so he didn't come."
Shadow clone Zhang Hai nodded in understanding. He looked at Xi Yan with a hint of approval in his eyes, "You've improved very quickly, Xi Yan. However, let's stop here for today. Your body needs rest to grow even better."
Xi Yan hesitated for a moment, but finally nodded. "Yes, Teacher Zhang Hai."
Zhang Hai, the shadow clone, looked at Xi Yan, a clear plan already formed in his mind. He was determined to have this child.
Shadow Clone Zhang Hai reached out, a soft green light emanating from his palm—the glow of medical ninjutsu. He gently placed his hand on Xi Yan's shoulder, a gentle flow of chakra coursing through her meridians, relieving her fatigue. Xi Yan felt a warm current coursing through her body; the aches and pains from her previous exhaustion gradually dissipated, and her strength rapidly returned.
"Thank you, Professor Zhang Hai," Xi Yan said gratefully.
Shadow clone Zhang Hai withdrew his hand and said calmly, "Your body is already exhausted. Although you have recovered some of it, you should still get some rest tonight."
Xi Yan nodded, but then looked up again, her eyes filled with hesitation and pleading. "Teacher Zhang Hai, I want to learn swordsmanship from you."
Shadow clone Zhang Hai was slightly taken aback, then asked, "Why did you suddenly have this idea? Your swordsmanship is already quite good."
“It’s not for myself.” Yugao shook her head, her gaze drifting into the depths of the night, as if she could see Hayate’s figure through the darkness. “I want to learn your swordsmanship and then teach Hayate. Lady Tsunade said that Hayate’s body can’t handle high-intensity training, but I can see that he won’t give up his dream of becoming a ninja. Your swordsmanship… seems safe, without that much explosive power, perhaps it’s more suitable for him.”
Shadow Clone Zhang Hai was moved upon hearing this. Yugao's concern for Hayate revealed to him a kind and resilient child. After a moment's thought, he said, "Hayate's physical condition is indeed unsuitable for becoming a ninja. Perhaps being an ordinary person is the best choice for him."
A flicker of pain crossed Yugao's eyes, but she still shook her head firmly. "No, Teacher Zhang Hai. Hayate won't agree to this. Becoming a ninja is his childhood dream. If even that dream is taken away, he will completely break down." She paused, her tone becoming even more resolute, "So, I want to help him. I want to learn a swordsmanship that is more suitable for him, a swordsmanship that won't burden his body."
Looking into Xi Yan's determined and resolute eyes, Zhang Hai, the shadow clone, knew he couldn't persuade her to give up. He sighed inwardly, then changed his tone, saying with a hint of seriousness, "If you truly want to learn swordsmanship, and it's for the sake of Gale, then I can teach you. However, there's one condition."
Xi Yan's eyes lit up. "What are the conditions?"
"Join the Dark Division," Shadow Clone Zhang Hai said, enunciating each word clearly. "Become one of my team members."
Upon hearing this, Yugao's body stiffened abruptly, a look of shock crossing her face. The Anbu—Konoha's most mysterious and powerful organization, responsible for carrying out various secret missions, a place all ninjas aspired to yet hesitated to enter. She had never imagined that one day she would be involved with the Anbu.
"Join...the Dark Division?" Yugao asked incredulously.
Shadow Clone Zhang Hai nodded. "That's right. My swordsmanship isn't just ordinary physical skill. It incorporates the essence of illusion techniques, making it more suitable for carrying out missions in the shadows. If you want to learn this swordsmanship, then becoming a member of the Dark Division is the best choice. Moreover, in the Dark Division, you'll receive better protection and training."