NARUTO- CH-103. Training schedule for the mother and daughter pair

After breakfast, Tsunade slumped onto the sofa, flipping channels out of boredom.

Shiki cleaned up and excused himself, leaving the house.

Before long, he arrived at Karin's place.

"Brother Shiki!"

Karin paused her training and ran up to greet him.

"Training so early?" Shiki asked, noticing the dust on her.

"I want to get stronger to help you!" Karin said enthusiastically.

Though young, she had seen enough of humanity's darker side to work hard without needing much prompting.

"Don't rush it," Shiki said gently, ruffling her hair. "You're still building your foundation."

Learning is naturally not that easy.

Shiki was prepared for the long haul.

The same was true for Chihori.

The sealing technique scroll he had given her earlier was primarily focused on the basics.

"Okay," Karin nodded. To her, whatever Brother Shiki said was always correct.

"Shiki," Chihor, wearing a simple kimono, stepped out of the house and asked, "Have you eaten?"

Shiki glanced at her. Her skin looked fair and rosy. After a month of recuperation, she seemed back to normal, at least on the surface.

"I already had breakfast," Shiki said as he walked into the living room. "Go get some paper and a pen."

"Okay." Chihori quickly trotted back to her room.

Shiki sat on the sofa. Seeing this, Karin immediately sat beside him, holding onto his arm without hesitation.

"Karin, stop clinging to Shiki," Chihori said as she handed the paper and pen to Shiki, glancing reproachfully at Karin.

Karin reluctantly let go of his arm.

"Training schedule?" Chihori asked, bending over the coffee table to look at what Shiki was writing. Her long hair fell in a straight curtain, and a faint fragrance wafted from her.

Shiki caught the scent and guessed it might be her shampoo.

"I'm going out with my teacher. I don't know how long I'll be away," Shiki said as he wrote Chihori's name on the paper. Though he didn't specify a time frame, he estimated about a month.

The first goal he wrote for her was to focus on the basics of sealing techniques. There was no need to rush.

The second goal was mastering Konoha's fluid technique. Though Chihori's wounds had healed, her body still needed strengthening after years of strain.

The third goal was improving chakra control. As a member of the Uzumaki clan, Chihori was a natural powerhouse of chakra. While the quantity wasn't a concern, her control needed to far exceed that of an average ninja.

After finalizing the details, Shiki handed the sheet to Chihori. Then, he picked up a new sheet and wrote Karin's name.

Compared to Chihor, Karin's foundation was much weaker. Shiki set two simpler goals for her: tree-climbing practice and mastering the Three Body Techniques.

"Thank you, Brother Shiki!" Karin said, her eyes sparkling as she held the schedule.

"If you complete this, I'll bring you a gift when I return," Shiki promised gently.

"Really?" Karin grabbed his hand, her eyes full of expectation.

"Really," Shiki confirmed with a nod.

"I won't let you down!" Karin declared, brimming with determination.

Chihori smiled softly. For the first time in a long while, she felt a sense of belonging. Though Kusagakure Village was technically her home, it had always felt cold and devoid of warmth.

Shiki didn't linger much longer. He still needed to visit some friends; otherwise, they might think he had disappeared.

"Shiki?" A pleasant voice called out as he walked.

Shiki turned and saw Ino's mother approaching him.

"Buying flowers?" She asked with a knowing smile before adding, "Or are you here to see Ino?"

"To see Ino," Shiki replied after a brief pause. Though he knew the answer might lead to misunderstanding, it was indeed his purpose.

"Ino's at home," She said, gesturing for him to follow. "She'll be thrilled to see you."

Shiki followed her, and soon they arrived at the Yamanaka home. Mrs. Yamanaka opened the door and entered the living room, only to stop in her tracks.

Ino was half-kneeling on a stool, her pale soles turned outward as she stuffed a rice ball into her mouth. Her cheeks puffed out like a hamster's.

When she noticed Shiki, her face turned crimson. Why did he have to show up when she looked like this? She had planned to eat quickly and then head out to train.

Ino panicked, quickly covering her mouth as she chewed. Her teeth and tongue worked furiously, making her look even more like a hamster.

"Excuse us," Mrs. Yamanaka said, a little embarrassed.

"It's fine," Shiki replied, shaking his head. He thought she looked quite adorable.

Just then, Ino began coughing—she had eaten too fast and choked.

Shiki walked over, picked up the milk on the table, and handed it to her.

Ino took it quickly and began drinking.

"Drink slowly," Shiki advised.

Mrs. Yamanaka watched the scene with a smile before quietly leaving the room.

"Thanks," Ino said softly, lowering her head. Her face was as red as an apple, and her toes curled in embarrassment.

"I... I was in a rush to train!" She blurted defensively. "I'm not usually like this, really!"

"Training secret arts?" Shiki asked calmly.

"Yes," Ino said, relieved that he didn't seem to judge her.

"I'll be heading out to train as well," Shiki said with a faint smile.

"Out? Where to?" Ino asked, her curiosity piqued.

"It's my teacher's request," Shiki replied.

"Oh, Lady Tsunade," Ino said, her tone carrying a mix of envy and admiration. When Shiki returned, he'd probably be even stronger.

"Shiki, have you checked the scores yet?" Ino suddenly remembered.

"No," Shiki said. "What's your rank?"

"Eighth overall." Ino admitted, a bit embarrassed.

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