NARUTO- CH-120. Blowing Chihori's hair

"Please be careful with it," Chihori reminded gently.

Although she knew Shiki was far stronger than her, she couldn't forget he was still just a child.

After a brief hesitation, she stepped forward and swung her fist without holding back.

Shiki raised his hand and blocked her punch with his palm.

Chihori's eyes widened.

She couldn't believe it—she couldn't push forward against his strength at all.

'How can he have this much power! '

She retreated a step, pivoted, and sent a roundhouse kick toward him.

From the sidelines, Karin gasped and instinctively covered her mouth, worried for Shiki.

Bang!

Shiki responded with a similar kick, their legs colliding.

He remained rooted in place.

Chihori, on the other hand, staggered back several steps, her balance shaken.

She stared at him, realization dawning on her.

The gap between them was vast. It was terrifying—he was only six years old.

Chihor stepped forward again.

Knowing she couldn't hurt Shiki, she abandoned all hesitation and went all out. She demonstrated the full range of Konoha's fluid techniques, giving it her all.

Finally, she stopped, panting heavily.

"That's a big improvement," Shiki remarked. "If you learn the Three Body Technique, you could qualify as a Genin."

"Thank you." Chihori let out a breath of relief.

As long as both she and Karin could meet the standard, she wouldn't have to worry about being a burden.

"Have you eaten yet?" Chihori asked, wiping sweat from her forehead.

"I've already eaten, no need to worry," Shiki replied. Then, he added, "What about you? If you've already eaten, let's keep training."

"I'm good," Chihori said with a nod, bending down to pick up the lilies and tulips that had fallen to the ground. "Give me a moment."

She carried the flowers into her room, placing them in a vase on the table. She paused for a moment, gazing at the bouquet in a daze.

Back in Kusagakure, she'd rarely seen flowers like these. Just catching a glimpse of trees through the window used to feel like a luxury.

When Chihori returned to the courtyard, Shiki was already helping Karin practice her transformation technique.

Not wanting to disturb them, she walked over to a large tree nearby. Focusing her chakra, she began climbing step by step until she reached the top.

Chihor exhaled slowly, satisfied with her progress, and started descending.

Suddenly, the sound of wind whooshing past her caught her attention. She turned her head just in time to see a wooden kunai flying toward her.

Startled, she lost her balance and fell.

But the expected impact never came.

Shiki had caught her.

Chihori quickly stood up, her face flushed with embarrassment. "Thank you."

"You should eat more," Shiki said casually.

Chihori blinked, confused by the comment.

"When I caught you, it was clear you're malnourished," Shiki explained. "Probably from the long-term chakra absorption. Eating properly will help."

Chihori nodded, a little embarrassed.

"Sealing techniques are different from normal ninjutsu. They require greater chakra control," Shiki continued. "I'll add interference while you're climbing the tree this time."

"Understood." Chihori's expression turned serious.

She knew he was right. In battle, distractions would be constant—dealing with a wooden kunai should have been easy.

But for a beginner like her, even that proved challenging.

Shiki ended up catching her at least twenty times that afternoon.

In the living room, Shiki sipped some water, calm and composed as always. Meanwhile, Chihori and Karin had gone to shower after their intense training session.

Shiki hadn't broken a sweat all afternoon, even with all the training and catching Chihori repeatedly.

As he rested, his thoughts drifted briefly to Tsunade and Shizune. They'd likely returned to the Hokage Building by now.

"Sorry for the wait, Shiki," Chihori said as she stepped out of the bathroom.

Shiki's eyes flicked toward her, lighting up slightly.

Fresh from her shower, her black hair glistened with hints of red, and her damp locks clung to her forehead. Her gentle demeanor added to an indescribable elegance.

Karin, however, trotted straight up to him. "Brother Shiki, can you blow dry my hair?"

"Karin," Chihori interjected softly, "I'll take care of it."

"No!" Karin pouted, glancing at her mother. "I want Brother Shiki!"

"Give me the hair dryer," Shiki said, holding out his hand.

Chihori sighed helplessly. Karin had been much more obedient before.

Shiki took the hair dryer and carefully began drying Karin's hair. Before long, it was smooth and dry.

"Thank you, Brother Shiki!" Karin beamed.

Shiki then turned to Chihori, "Your turn."

"No need, really—" Chihori began, but Shiki cut her off.

"Sit down."

His tone was calm but firm, leaving no room for argument.

Chihori froze, surprised by his seriousness, and a subtle emotion flickered in her heart. Quietly, she sat on the sofa, her posture restrained as she tried to make as much space as possible.

Shiki raised an eyebrow slightly at her overly obedient demeanor. With her lowered gaze and submissive posture, she looked as though she wouldn't refuse anything.

Pushing the thought aside, Shiki helped blow dry her hair.

When he was done, he placed the hair dryer on the coffee table. "I should head back. I have school tomorrow."

"Brother Shiki, won't you stay for dinner?" Karin asked, looking reluctant.

Chihori didn't say anything, but the hope in her eyes mirrored Karin's words.

"Tomorrow," Shiki said with a smile. "Don't worry. I won't be leaving Konoha anytime soon. There'll be plenty of chances."

With that, he turned and left for the Senju residence.

__________

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