Chương 8: The Envy of Rimi

(Edited)

Fumori Masaki quietly sat down at the dining table, his gaze drawn to Rimi, who was busy in the kitchen. His heart warmed as he watched her.

Since Fumori Masaki had finally decided to marry her, Senju Rimi had become even more diligent, practically treating herself as his wife already. Hashirama was pleased with this. Although his intention behind arranging marriages among the clan women was to unite the ninja clans, he genuinely hoped they would marry good, worthy young men. He had personally overseen all the engagements, ensuring they were suitable.

However, Hashirama hadn't yet decided on a wedding date, which troubled him. Fumori Masaki, on the other hand, was in no rush, while Rimi, after waiting so many years, couldn't help but wonder when they would finally choose a date.

Masaki looked at Rimi with a sense of deep affection. They had been childhood sweethearts, bound by a strong relationship. He was determined to bring her happiness. However, the looming First Ninja War weighed heavily on his mind.

The First Ninja War would be the first large-scale conflict among the five great nations, and it promised to be devastating. Its intensity would be unprecedented—aside from the Fourth Ninja War, no other conflict would be as brutal. In this war, couples of the five Kage would die, with the exception of the Third Raikage, who would fall in the Third Ninja War. The remaining Kage would either survive or be killed by their own kin, die in battle during the First War.

Masaki didn't know how long he would live in the midst of such turmoil. Perhaps he would fall in the First Ninja War, or maybe later, but his immediate priority was survival. If he couldn't survive this conflict, there would be no point in considering anything else.

When Rimi turned around, she noticed Masaki deep in thought. She brought the food to the table and sat down, smiling as she asked, "What's on your mind today? Were you discussing something interesting at the academy?"

Masaki snapped out of his reverie and replied, "Tobirama-sama taught us some ways to become better ninjas today."

"That sounds wonderful," Rimi said, a hint of envy in her voice. "I wish I could attend the academy too."

Masaki understood her feelings. At this time, Konoha's education system, while well-established, wasn't as comprehensive as it would become. Female ninjas were generally seen as less capable than their male counterparts, and families often prioritized the education of their sons over their daughters.

In most ninja clans, female ninjas were not trained for combat. Instead, they were often valued for their beauty and charm, using these traits to gather information. Only a few prominent clans could afford to train powerful female ninjas, like Senju Tōka, the renowned genjutsu master of the Senju clan.

Rimi had a strong personality and didn't want to be relegated to such a role. She admired Senju Tōka, who had risen to a high position within the Senju clan through sheer skill and determination. Tōka was a shining example of what a female ninja could achieve, and Rimi aspired to follow in her footsteps.

After Konoha was established, Hashirama ensured that the female ninjas of his clan no longer had to engage in such activities. In this era of peace, many clan women didn't need to become ninjas at all. With Konoha so tranquil, the need for ninjas was reduced, and families no longer felt compelled to push everyone into becoming a ninja.

Yet, seeing someone like Senju Tōka inspired high-spirited girls like Rimi to prove they could be formidable ninjas too. She had even personally sought out Senju Tōka to learn from her, and Tōka, fond of Rimi, gladly agreed.

Rimi was one of the few female ninjas in the Senju clan proficient in combat, able to hold her own against some of the male ninjas. This showed how much effort she had put into her training.

However, being a girl in a ninja family meant she wouldn't be valued as highly as a male unless she possessed the strength of someone like Senju Tsunade. This also meant she didn't have the qualifications to attend Konoha Academy.

"If you want, I can teach you what I learned at the academy," Masaki offered, clasping his hands in thanks before picking up his chopsticks.

Rimi, surprised, opened her eyes wide. "Really?"

"Really," Masaki nodded.

Rimi's eyes sparkled with excitement. She knew the academy played a crucial role in selecting disciples for Hashirama and Tobirama, and the knowledge taught there was invaluable. For Masaki to offer to teach her what he learned was an extraordinary gesture.

Masaki himself didn't see any issue with it. Having gained insight from another world, he felt that hoarding knowledge was foolish. If every ninja were willing to share their clan's secrets, and if later generations of civilian ninjas could learn from them, it would undoubtedly strengthen the village and spur innovation and development in ninjutsu. The benefits would far outweigh any drawbacks.

Moreover, in the future, the Konoha Academy would be expanded into a ninja school. Although the knowledge taught there might not be as advanced as what was taught at Konoha Academy, it would still play a significant role. Many girls, some of them quite powerful, would receive a ninja education there.

"If you're interested, I can start teaching you later," Masaki said. "Today's lesson was mostly theoretical, but the practical work will come soon."

"So soon?" Rimi asked in surprise. "You've been studying for hours. Don't you need to rest?"

"I'm fine," Masaki replied with a smile. In fact, he was more than fine—he was brimming with energy. Ever since he learned to control natural energy, his stamina had increased significantly. While he wasn't yet capable of the intense Sage Mode, he was much more energetic than before.

Rimi studied Masaki's face. Indeed, since recovering from his "illness," Masaki had looked much healthier. Now, there wasn't a trace of fatigue on his face. His eyes were bright and clear, like the deep blue sea, and he looked as though he could run around Konoha Village several times without tiring.

"Well, if you're sure, I'd be happy to learn from you," Rimi said, bowing her head slightly in gratitude.

"There's no need for formalities. We're going to be family soon. Your concerns are my concerns. Whatever you need, I'll do my best to help," Masaki replied with a smile.

Rimi smiled shyly, lowering her head to hide her blush.

After dinner, Masaki helped Rimi clean up before taking her to the table. He began explaining what Tobirama had taught that day, adding some of his own insights, many of which came from another world. Masaki hoped to spread these new ideas, starting with those closest to him.

For Rimi, these ideas were fresh and exciting. She was surprised by how much Masaki had grown in his thinking.

"Masaki, when did you become so insightful?" Rimi asked. The Masaki she knew before wasn't this sharp.

Masaki didn't know how to explain, so he used Konoha Academy as an excuse. He told her that to stand out among the other geniuses and become a disciple of Hashirama and Tobirama, he had to push himself harder than ever before.

"Oh, I see…" Rimi nodded, then added, "Masaki, you seem much more dependable now than before."

"What's that supposed to mean? Was I unreliable before?" Masaki asked with a laugh.

"Of course! You used to be so impulsive, always charging ahead without thinking. It used to frustrate me so much. But now, you're more thoughtful, and you're starting to plan ahead. Honestly, it's a relief. I truly believe you can restore the clan's glory."

"From your lips to the gods' ears," Masaki replied with a grin.

The two continued reviewing what Masaki had learned, discussing their theories and testing their skills. Both of them learned a lot through their practice.

The next day, Masaki returned to Konoha Academy, ready for the day's training. Shortly after, Uchiha Kagami arrived as well. He greeted Masaki with a smile, "Good morning, Masaki-kun."

"Good morning, Kagami-kun," Masaki responded.

"Masaki-kun, today's training is a practical session. Would you like to train together?" Uchiha Kagami asked.

Masaki glanced at Kagami, curious about why the heir of such a prestigious clan would specifically ask him to practice together. There were others who were clearly more suitable partners.

Nevertheless, Masaki agreed. He was interested in getting to know Uchiha Kagami better, and with Kagami extending an olive branch, there was no reason to refuse.

As they conversed, Masaki realized that Kagami had gained some new insights of his own. Masaki's explanations impressed Kagami, who found himself admiring Masaki's depth of understanding. Originally, Kagami had intended to help Masaki, but now he realized that practicing with him could be mutually beneficial.