Since it was still early in the day, Team 8 didn't disband after the celebratory meal Kurenai Yuhi treated them to. Instead, they headed straight to the Hokage Building to officially begin their mission assignments.
Their first task, unsurprisingly, was a D-rank mission.
Initially, both Hinata and Shino showed interest—until they followed Kurenai to a foul-smelling drainage ditch and were instructed to remove the trash floating on the surface. Their enthusiasm evaporated instantly.
But while the task was unpleasant, it wasn't difficult—especially for Hinata and Izanami, who had both already mastered Water Walking. Shino, too, had no trouble. He'd learned Tree Climbing and Water Walking back in third grade, like most children from the major ninja clans.
These chakra control techniques, though not formally taught at the Academy, were basic skills within prestigious clans—essentials, especially for those destined to master techniques like the Hyuga clan's Gentle Fist. Even if Izanami hadn't personally trained Hinata, her father, Hyuga Hiashi, would have.
Watching them deftly walk across water to clean up trash, Kurenai Yuhi was quietly surprised. But as she recalled their backgrounds—and especially the way Hinata and Izanami seemed to move in perfect rhythm—her surprise gave way to understanding.
Of course they knew these techniques.
Still, a new problem emerged.
Kurenai had hoped to use this mission as an opportunity to teach them chakra control. But now that they'd already mastered it, she found herself at a loss.
I need to think ahead, she mused. What do I teach them next?
Izanami, unaware of her dilemma, continued the mission as if nothing was out of place. Had he known, he would have been touched by her intentions. After all, not every Jonin instructor took such initiative.
While technically "teachers," most Jonin were supervisors more than mentors. Their main role was to guide rookie Genin in how to complete missions and survive in the field. Whether or not they chose to pass on their own techniques depended on personal willingness.
Some Jonin built deep bonds with their students and nurtured them like apprentices.
Others... simply didn't bother.
In fact, once a Genin became a Chunin squad leader, many Jonin would all but vanish from day-to-day training—reappearing only when the village needed them for higher-ranked missions.
Ninjutsu, too, wasn't exclusively passed down by one's Jonin. Genin could also learn techniques through village-sanctioned channels by earning mission merit points. The most commonly available techniques were widespread and relatively low-level, while advanced ones—especially those involving shape and nature transformation—were tightly controlled.
So for Kurenai Yuhi to be thinking about sharing her personal skills on their second day as a team?
That was rare dedication.
If Team 7 could see this, they'd be in tears—still scrubbing floors with brooms, while their Jonin instructor, Kakashi, lounged in a tree reading his little orange book.
After completing their first mission and receiving their reward, Team 8 parted ways outside the Hokage Building.
"Hinata, let's make something good to eat today," Izanami said.
"Mm!" Hinata nodded, eyes sparkling.
They used their first wages to buy fresh ingredients at the market and returned to Izanami's home, planning to cook together before inviting Hanabi to join them.
But just as Izanami stepped into the hallway and changed his shoes—
"Hiss…"
He winced, clutching at his eyes as the grocery bag slipped from his hand and hit the floor.
"Izanami? What's wrong?" Hinata asked, hurrying to his side.
"I… I think my Bloodline Limit is awakening."
Leaning against the wall, Izanami's face was tense, but a grin played at his lips. His voice was tight with pain—and excitement.
Hinata froze, eyes wide in disbelief. "Y-You have a Bloodline Limit?!"
"Yes. And now… you're the only one who knows."
Placing a hand on her shoulder, he smiled through the discomfort. "Hinata, help me upstairs. There's something I need you to do."
Hinata nodded immediately, serious and focused. The forgotten groceries lay abandoned as she supported him up the stairs.
Once in his room, Izanami collapsed onto the bed and closed his eyes.
"Hinata, bring me a roll of bandages from the medicine box."
She obeyed without hesitation, fetching a white roll from the box and placing it in his hand.
Izanami wrapped it around his eyes slowly, then said, "Now, open the drawer beside the bed. There's a black eye mask inside."
She found it and handed it to him. After putting it on, Izanami formed a hand seal—and in an instant, a powerful wave of sensory chakra rippled outward, covering the entire area of Konoha's Central Street.
After several seconds, he lowered his hands, his face composed.
"Hinata," he said seriously, "you must not tell anyone about this—not even Hanabi. Not yet."
Hinata looked at him, eyes full of awe, and nodded solemnly.
"Yes."
"I understand, Izanami."Hinata nodded, her expression serious.Even without his warning, she would have kept the secret.
After all, Izanami was just a commoner with no surname and no clan ties. He lived alone. If word got out that he possessed a Bloodline Limit, it could draw unwanted attention from all directions.
If the ability originated from within the Land of Fire, and the original clan still existed, he might have a path to rejoin his lineage.But if the Bloodline Limit came from a foreign land—passed down from ancestors who migrated here generations ago—it would be far more dangerous.Even if his family had lived in the Fire Country long before Konoha was founded, the village would still hesitate to trust him.
And if that trust was lost…His future—and hers—could vanish.
That's why no one could know.Not even Hanabi, who was still too young to understand the implications.
"I have a feeling it'll take a few days for the Bloodline Limit to fully awaken," Izanami said, his eyes hidden beneath the bandages and mask. "During that time, if Team 8 has a mission, send Izayoi's shadow clone in my place."
"Disguised as you?" Hinata asked.
He nodded. "Exactly. Make sure it wears my clothes—Shino would notice any inconsistency. Have the clone say it's mine, and that I'm busy refining a new technique."
"Understood."
"Also, keep Hanabi away for now. Make up an excuse if you have to."
"Alright."
"I won't be able to see these next few days, so I'll need you to bring meals. I may be hiding with the Invisibility Technique. If I'm not visible, just call me. And whatever happens—don't activate your Byakugan."
"I know," Hinata said gently, locking everything into memory.
Izanami smiled. "Then I'm in your care for the next few days, Hinata."
"Y-yeah…!"Hinata nodded again, her face blushing with excitement.
From the time they were small, it had always been Izanami who protected and looked after her.Now, it was her turn.
And the thought of caring for him—even for a short while—made her heart flutter with a warmth she couldn't quite explain.
She even started thinking about writing out a daily routine just for him.
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