Naruto: I, Shikotsumyaku, Byakugan Princess

Chapter 124 Fame Spreads Throughout Konoha
the next day.

Before completing the discharge procedures, Hui Li took advantage of the flowers sent by Shikamaru and the others to visit Kazama Echizen, who was hospitalized again due to serious injuries.

I don't know if it's a coincidence or what.

He still lives in that slightly dimly lit hospital room, without any change.

Because of the loss of both arms, his daily life is taken care of by a caregiver. When Hui Li entered the room, the caregiver was applying medicine to Kazama Etsu's wounds.

The blood-stained bandages loosened.

The arm and half of the shoulder had disappeared, and the bones inside the wound were charred black and bloody, covered with an unknown yellow medicinal oil.

Losing both arms is fatal for a ninja who relies on ninjutsu.

His ninja career is over.

"I heard you twisted that bastard's head off."

Seeing Hui Li walk in carrying a bouquet of flowers, Kazama had the caregiver help him sit up.

His neck was bent and he leaned against the wall at the head of the bed, just like when Hui Li came to the hospital every day to learn Wind Release.

"Use the Wind Release technique you taught me."

Carrying the bouquet to the bedside, Hui Li noticed that the poor lily was still there, though it was almost withered. Beside it were the same fruit basket and bouquet she was carrying, probably left behind by Hinata and the others when they visited yesterday.

Upon hearing this, Kazama couldn't help but slightly raise the corners of his mouth:
"I don't have that kind of ability."

beep...beep...

Happy and proud little bubbles rose one by one above Kazama Etsu's head.

Sometimes it's really hard for Hui Li to hold back.

When her ability to sense good and evil is used against someone who is two-faced, the comedic effect is off the charts, and her mood has improved a lot lately because of it.

What should we do about your hand?

"I can't be a ninja anymore, I'll just live off the village's pension!" Kazama Etsu's face showed a hint of bitterness as he said this.

"How much money could it be?"

"I don't know, it hasn't been issued yet."

"If it hasn't been sent in a few days, I'll go and ask for you."

Hearing Hairi's words, Kazama Etsu blinked:

"Are you able to speak?"

"Hmm~ more or less!"

The room suddenly fell silent.

The caregiver applied ointment to the wound while wearing gloves. Kazama gritted his teeth and endured the pain, his dark green eyes fixed on the girl in front of him, who was now so different from before, his expression complex.

He's been listening to a lot of discussions among the doctors and nurses these past few days.

He slew the veteran elite Jonin of Kumogakure—the Fiery Lightning, personally promoted by the Third Hokage, the strongest genius in Konoha's history, a monster who has the potential to surpass the First Hokage.

There are even rumors that the Third Hokage wanted to take Hairi as his last disciple, making him the fourth ninja after the Legendary Sannin of Konoha.

of course.

There will always be so-called 'sober-minded people' in this world. At the very beginning of the news, some people questioned whether Gray Glass's battle record was real.

Kazama Eshi, who was lying in bed, was innocently dragged into the fray and used as a living example to educate others.

During his enrollment, he easily defeated Kazama Jonin in full view of everyone. He recovered from a broken sternum in this ward, which can be attested to by doctors, nurses, and ninja academy teachers.

A first-year student at the Ninja Academy defeating an elite Jonin may sound absurd, but considering his previous record, it's not entirely unfounded.

The dissenting voices disappeared quickly.

It only takes a few days in total.

That blind girl, who didn't even qualify to study at the Ninja Academy, has become a representative of Konoha's new generation of geniuses.

Whether what Hai Li said would be effective was unclear to Kazama Etsu, but it certainly carried much more weight than what he said.

"Thanks."

"Need not."

Hui Li waved her hand: "Take good care of your injuries. Maybe one day there will be a breakthrough in medical ninjutsu, and your arm might still be saved."

"Lend your auspicious words."

Kazama Etsu wasn't very interested. The ninjutsu of regenerating severed limbs couldn't be developed overnight. Even if the legendary Tsunade came, she would probably be helpless.

then.

After chatting with Kazama Etsu for a few more minutes, Hui Li got up to leave.

"Wait a moment."

Kazama called out to Hairi.

"I have a Wind Release ninjutsu I'd like to give you."

The unfamiliar yet familiar words made Hui Li stop in her tracks.

From the moment she woke up, people kept bringing her things. Lightning Release, Yin-Yang Techniques, and other rare ninjutsu knowledge were casually given to her as if they were free.

"What ninjutsu?"

"An S-rank Wind Release ninjutsu that I created myself, which still has some flaws and needs to be improved."

Kazama Koshi looked at his empty arm with dim eyes:
"You can see my current situation. It would be a waste for me to keep this ninjutsu. I hope you can complete it for me in the future."

Hui Li remained silent for a second.

She has a lot of complicated things to deal with right now, and neither the Lightning Release Chakra Mode nor the Yin and Yang Release Techniques are easy to master.

Moreover, Hiruzen Sarutobi's teachings from that day on the rooftop still echoed in my ears.

There are countless powerful ninjutsu techniques in the ninja world, but the most important thing is to find one that suits your own fighting style.

Judging from Kazama Etsu's skill level and fighting style, his self-created Wind Release technique, which has a training difficulty level of S, would definitely not be compatible with Hai Li's fighting style.

Moreover, it is an unfinished version of ninjutsu, which is not only difficult to learn, but also requires a lot of time and energy to reconstruct, modify and improve.

Even if everything is completed.

The difficulty of training is S-rank, but that doesn't mean the power of the ninjutsu is S-rank. If the effect is not ideal after development, her time and energy may be wasted.

The pressure of the Shikotsumyaku bloodline disease comes first, and the world-ending crisis of Princess Kaguya Otsutsuki comes second.

Her time is very tight, and she cannot afford to waste a single moment.

"Sorry, I might be... um... quite busy lately."

Hui Li spoke tactfully, but Kazama Etsu still understood the implied rejection.

The 'Thunder Shuttle' that he had devoted his entire life to researching was not important to Hui Li.

beep...

Bubbles of gloomy disappointment spread above Kazama Etsu's head, rushing towards Gray Glass all at once.

"It's alright, your matter is more important."

Looking at the devastated Kazama Etsu, Hui Li didn't know how to comfort him.

She could, of course, pretend to accept Kazama Etsu's request and leave his ninjutsu to gather dust at home, but that would be a trampling on his hard work, which is more cruel than refusing him.

With so many ninjas in Konoha, one day a poor but exceptionally talented young man will emerge, unexpectedly receiving guidance from Kazama-sensei, and using his outstanding talent to perfect and carry forward his art.

There's no need to hang yourself on her tree.

"I wish you a speedy recovery. I'll be going now."

"okay!"

Kazama composed himself and forced a smile.

Click!

Gray Glass turned the doorknob.

A few rays of sunlight streamed in through the crack in the door, instantly brightening the dim room.

"Let's leave the door open! The better the light, the more relaxed we feel, and the faster the wound heals."

"Tsk, mind your own business."

Kazama looked down at the nurse who was bandaging him, his thin face showing a rare tenderness.

The caregiver lay on his chest, pretending to apply medicine diligently, her beautiful and gentle profile showing a suspicious blush.

wipe!
Bang!

He slammed the door shut and walked away in a few steps.

Afterwards, the discharge procedures were completed without any complications.

The village fully reimbursed her hospital expenses, so she didn't have to pay a penny. It's also said that the village will reward her with a large sum of money to recognize her contribution during this crisis.

Hui Li didn't value these bonuses.

Gambling with a white eye, mining in the Corpse Bone Vein—either one is priceless.

The way he acted when Might Guy burned through 1 billion was mostly an act, mainly to make Might Guy feel guilty so that he could be manipulated.

The attending physician in charge of treating Hui Li took out two forms for her to sign.

One of the documents is the discharge papers, to prevent being held accountable for any subsequent illnesses.

One of them is for her autograph, to be collected in advance and kept for future appreciation.

Hui Li signed both forms. She didn't know when the Corpse Bone Pulse would flare up, and if she wanted to learn medical ninjutsu later, she might need to trouble this doctor. It was just a signature; she could consider it a good deed in advance.

After all the formalities were completed, when Hui Li walked out of the main gate of Konoha Hospital, the blazing sun was already hanging in the south.

"Have all the formalities been completed?"

"Um, by the way, what brings you here?"

Not far from the hospital, Hui Li saw a silver-haired man with a broom-like hairstyle squatting in the shade, beckoning to her.

"The Third Hokage said you were still recovering from serious injuries and might be in danger. Since you're staying at my house, he asked me to protect you for a few days."

Kakashi squinted his one eye, looking as if he had just been dragged out of bed, appearing somewhat groggy.

"Fine!"

Hui Li knew she had no right to refuse.

Her identity in Kirigakure is still unconfirmed. At this time, Hiruzen Sarutobi should already be looking for someone to verify it, but he has not yet received any definite information. Fearing that she might lie and run away, he asked Kakashi to protect and monitor her.

After killing Yotsuki Yu, there were only a handful of people in the village who could rival Ashiro.

Kakashi is strong enough and is her landlord, making him arguably the best candidate in all of Konoha.

"You'd better stay home these next few days. I don't want to run around with you. I was supposed to be on vacation..."

After tidying up his messy hair, Kakashi still looked lazy and颓废 (颓废 is a difficult word to translate directly, but it implies a state of listlessness, decadence, and apathy).

"What's the benefit?"

"You don't need to pay for your accommodation."

"That's not enough, you need to pay more."

Kakashi closed his eyes helplessly and remained silent for three seconds. Thinking about the reward for protecting Hui Li, he raised one finger:
"I'll cover all your food, clothing, accommodation, and transportation for the next few days; any more and I'll be losing money."

"make a deal!"

Having achieved his goal, Hui Li didn't waste any time, pointing to the street leading to the center of Konoha not far away:
"Let's go, Ichiraku Ramen!"

Hui Li strode forward, while Kakashi weighed his wallet in his hand and followed slowly behind her, completely transforming into a bodyguard.

That night, during her battle with Yoruichiro, the blind cane that had helped her escape the Hidden Mist was knocked away and disappeared somewhere.

She didn't go looking for it.

After a perilous battle with Yoruichiro, the white cane in his hand could no longer deceive anyone.

Both were ninjas, and their steps were nimble. They arrived at Konoha Street in no time.

It was midday, and the streets were crowded with pedestrians.

Steam from the Three-Color Dumpling Shop, mixed with the aroma of grilled squid, drifted across the stone-paved street, but the number of diners inside was not even half as lively as the area in front of Shinobu Mandian.

The owner of the ninja tool shop, whose eyes were narrowed to slits with laughter, stood on the steps at the entrance, gesturing wildly.

"You all know about Ash Blossom, right? She's the one who doubled Kakashi Hatake's record, the true number one genius of Konoha!"

When I was testing my chakra attributes at our store, the chakra test strip suddenly split into five pieces with a 'whoosh', which startled me!
Let me tell you, such incredible talent can't be detected with ordinary quality chakra test strips!
It absolutely has to be our family's new 'premium chakra paper'!

Barbara.

The ninja tool shop owner boasted for a while, holding up several beautifully packaged test strips, making the passing Hui Li feel extremely embarrassed. He lowered his head and quickly passed through the crowd the next day with the Konoha team whose record had been broken.

Kakashi, who was being openly humiliated, walked away with his deadpan expression.

When they sold the Shadow Clone Technique, they should have extorted even more!

Soon the two arrived at the entrance of Ichiraku Ramen.

Before even stepping into the store, the irresistible aroma of tonkotsu ramen wafted over, instantly whetting the appetite of Hai Li, who had been eating at the Konoha Hospital cafeteria for three days.

Push open the noro curtain.

The bar was packed with diners.

"Wait a minute!"

Kakashi easily found the waiting area and sat quietly on a small stool.

Ichiraku Ramen's shop is very small.

Eating at the busiest time of day inevitably means facing the hassle of waiting for a table, so he usually chooses to eat in the afternoon when there are relatively fewer people.

Hui Li was also helpless.

She ate there twice, and it seemed like it was the same each time.

"Your large tonkotsu ramen, please enjoy."

The young and beautiful Ms. Ayame lifted the curtain of the kitchen and walked out, carrying a tray with several bowls of ramen in her hands.

He placed the ramen noodles in front of the customers one by one, then looked up at the rest area and found two disabled people with silver-gray hair waiting quietly inside.

"Mr. Kakashi, and... Hairi! Are your injuries any better?"

A look of surprise flashed in Miss Ayame's eyes, and her voice drew the attention of those who were quietly enjoying their food.

"Hmm! Much better."

Hui Li felt somewhat uncomfortable with Miss Changpu's enthusiasm.

She had only met him once, but she didn't expect that he could call her by name so quickly, and that he even knew about her injury.

Although she knew it was Hiruzen Sarutobi's doing, Hairi really hadn't expected it.

During their conversation, the diners sitting in the restaurant also realized what was happening.

"She...she's the one who chases the sun, Gray Glass?"

"A silver-haired, blind girl... there's no mistake!"

A middle-aged diner squinted as he scanned back and forth between Hui Li and Kakashi, eventually eliminating the man who looked utterly dejected, as if he had just pulled an all-nighter.

"This is...unbelievable!"

This remark, though made by an unknown person, instantly garnered unanimous agreement!
Blind, less than 1.4 meters tall, petite and thin, with fair and soft skin, she looked even softer and sweeter than the char siu covering the ramen.

With that kind of appearance, if he sat down on the street with a broken bowl in front of him, who could resist dropping a couple of coins? And who would have thought that he was a Jonin master who could tear apart tigers and leopards with his bare hands?

People should not be judged by their appearance!

The crowd gathered around Gray Glass in the waiting area, discussing amongst themselves, and even the fragrant tonkotsu ramen on the table failed to attract their attention.

Ramen can be eaten anytime, but a monster who can defeat an elite Jonin at the age of six is ​​not someone you see every day!

Under the strange looks of everyone, Hui Li felt like she could be selling tickets at the zoo.

"I was like that when I graduated from the Ninja Academy. It will get better after a while."

Seeing that Hui Li was a little uncomfortable, Kakashi spoke indifferently, his expression cold and nonchalant, it was unclear whether he was comforting her or showing off.

"Ms. Ayame!"

A middle-aged woman with a little boy waved and called Calamus over.

"What's wrong, customer? Is the ramen not to your liking?" Ayame asked, startled, and quickly ran over.

"No, it's delicious."

After the woman finished speaking, she stood up and patted the boy beside her on the head, gesturing for him to stand up as well. Then she smiled at Hui Li and said:

“Our Ika was also in the training ground that day. Luckily, you intervened in time and defeated the attacking ninja. Otherwise, I don’t even want to think what might have happened.”

"Miss Ayame, we'll take this to go. We'll leave the space for Miss Gray and her friend."

"Huh? Mom, the ramen won't taste good if we take it home!" The boy, his mouth still covered in broth, looked up with a reluctant expression.

Snapped!
Hui Li witnessed the kind-faced woman casually hand a large pocket to the boy named Ika.

The boy sadly wiped the juice from the corner of his mouth with a tissue and stopped talking.

"That's...ok."

Scratching her hair, Hui Li, amidst the woman's thanks, led Kakashi to sit in the spot that originally belonged to the boy.

"By the way, Miss Hui Li's meal is on my tab. You can pay for it next time you come."

The woman with the boy returned from outside the shop and spoke to Changpu again.

"No need, sister, someone's treating us today."

Hui Li politely declined the woman's invitation to dinner, and then patted Kakashi on the shoulder.

He sat next to Hui Li.

Kakashi nodded, looking displeased.

I was dragged out of my vacation to work, forced to treat people to meals and act as their bodyguard, and even had to be dragged down by others.

Most importantly, when he achieved the reputation of a genius, he was just watched like a monkey, unlike Hui Li who gave up her position and treated him to a meal!
What am I lacking?

Seeing the puzzled look on Kakashi's face, and feeling a bittersweet ache, Hui Li raised her hand, barely suppressing a laugh:

"Miss Ayame, twenty large bowls of tonkotsu ramen!"

"Okay, please wait a moment." Changpu knew Hui Li's appetite and wasn't surprised. She quickly ran back to the kitchen with the order.

I haven't ordered yet...

Kakashi, who had also raised his hand but was ignored, rolled his deadpan eyes and glanced at the ramen prices hanging on the wall.

There are twenty bowls of ramen, and I'll eat one. So, the price of twenty-one bowls of ramen is...

Dudu!

Two bubbles rose from Kakashi's head.

The complex emotions shimmered like a rainbow, and Hui Li could only vaguely discern two words from it—regret!
(Volume 2 - The Fury of Wind and Thunder, End)
(End of this chapter)