*Chapter 8: A Natural Assassin*

"Ding! Enhancement successful. This enhancement cost 20,000 points!"

"Host's speed attribute has been upgraded from Chunin level to Special Jonin level!"

A surge of energy flowed through Yoru’s body, spreading to every limb.

Testing his newfound speed, he realized it had increased by roughly 20%. Once he enhanced his strength, agility, and stamina to Special Jonin level as well, his overall combat ability would reach that tier. And if he further upgraded his ninjutsu, kenjutsu, and genjutsu? He’d become the strongest among Special Jonin.

Next, he spent 4,000 points to enhance Water Wall, Water Gun Technique, and the genjutsu Gold Binding Technique. With the remaining 6,000 points, he invested 5,000 into Hidden Mist Technique, significantly boosting its power.

*Enhanced Techniques:*

- *Ninjutsu: Hidden Mist Technique*

- *Enhancement Cost:* 5,000 (second upgrade)

- *Effects:* Blocks sensory perception, distorts sound direction.

- *Rank:* A

- *Remaining Enhancements:* 1

- *Ninjutsu: Water Wall*

- *Initial Cost:* 1,000 (normally 3,000 due to Mei’s strength)

- *Effects:* Chakra cost halved; density and casting speed doubled.

- *Rank:* B

- *Remaining Enhancements:* 1

- *Ninjutsu: Water Gun Technique*

- *Initial Cost:* 1,000

- *Effects:* Fire rate and density doubled; range increased by 1.5x (base: 10m).

- *Rank:* B

- *Remaining Enhancements:* 2

- *Genjutsu: Gold Binding Technique*

- *Initial Cost:* 2,000

- *Effects:* Chakra cost unchanged; binding effect and duration doubled (base: 3 seconds).

- *Rank:* B

- *Remaining Enhancements:* 3

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*"Yoru-chan, show me what you’ve achieved in two days!"*

Mei Terumī, who had just returned from a mission, watched Yoru with eager anticipation. She wanted to see if he could surprise her.

*"Then don’t hold back, Sis!"*

Taking a deep breath, Yoru lunged at her—his speed noticeably faster than before. Mei’s eyes sharpened as she braced herself.

*"Water Gun Technique!"*

Normally, this technique fired a single water bullet. But Yoru unleashed two, their speed startling even Mei. She dodged, but before she could counter, he was already upon her with his blade.

*"Hawk Flash!"*

Schlick!

His sword tore through Mei’s chest—yet Yoru felt no triumph. The "Mei" he struck dissolved into water. The real one reappeared behind him.

*"Water Wave!"*

A torrential surge crashed toward him. Yoru hastily erected a Water Wall, but—

Crack!

*"Ugh—!"*

The barrier shattered under Mei’s overwhelming force. He barely escaped using a Water Clone, but the moment he reappeared, Mei was already there. A fragrant breeze accompanied her kick, sending him flying.

*"You lose, Yoru-chan~"*

She closed in, kunai glinting. Yoru’s muscles tensed as he formed the Rabbit seal.

*"Gold Binding Technique!"*

Mei’s movements locked up—briefly. By the time she broke free, Yoru had already completed another set of hand signs.

*"Water Style: Hidden Mist Technique!"*

A thick, oppressive fog swallowed the area. Mei immediately countered with Wind Style: Typhoon, but to her shock, the mist only thinned momentarily before reforming.

*"It’s useless, Sis. My bloodline-enhanced techniques don’t follow normal rules."*

Mei smirked. *"Interesting."*

*"Here I come! Don’t trust your ears!"*

"So it distorts sound?" Mei mused, recalling his academy records. "Effective against lower ranks—but not me."

*"Careful, Yoru-chan. This is one of my rare techniques."*

Yoru hesitated—then charged. His voice echoed from behind her: *"If it’s rare, it must be deadly. I can’t let you use it!"*

Mei laughed. *"Then stop me if you can! Boil Style: Skilled Mist Technique!"*

A corrosive, scalding mist erupted toward the voice’s origin—only to hit air.

*"Wrong direction, Sis. I’m behind you."*

A blade’s edge grazed her back. Mei barely blocked with Water Wall, her eyes wide.

"Impossible! My senses and hearing both said he was in front!"

The reversal was terrifying. "This technique… Yoru-chan is a natural assassin."

Yoru retreated as the mist dissipated, breathing heavily. *"I’d keep going, but I’d only get hurt. The gap between us is still huge."*

If Mei expanded her Boil Style, he’d be finished—even the Susanoo couldn’t withstand it.

Mei smiled approvingly. *"Only I counter you so hard. Against anyone else? Even the Seven Swordsmen would struggle to pin you down quickly."*

*"With that Hidden Mist, you’re a born ANBU operative. I don’t have to worry about your safety anymore."*

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