Chapter 254: Body Odor Removal Fuinjutsu?

But when Reiji saw Ise trying to replicate a mid-level seal with nearly perfect precision—despite taking six days and four small explosions—he began to pay attention to Ise.

Over time, their relationship became something strange yet strong.

Where Ise might be a troublesome student, he was also the only one who could endure the pressure of Reiji's brutal training system.

And amidst the moments of annoyance, Reiji began to see Ise not just as a student... but perhaps also as a successor.

A sudden voice cut through Reiji's daydream.

“Shut up! Finish quickly!” Reiji snapped suddenly in a sharp tone, his eyebrows furrowing, and his voice carrying the typical pressure of an annoyed teacher.

Ise jolted, nearly dropping the brush he was holding.

“I-I understand, Master!” Ise replied nervously.

Ise's face, already flushed from concentration, turned even redder from panic.

As Ise hurriedly resumed writing, his fingers trembled slightly, but he still tried to focus.

Reiji merely sighed.

Behind all the mistakes and imperfections... Reiji saw potential.

...

...

...

In a magnificent building standing at the heart of the Uzushio Village Research Area, morning sunlight filtered through the high window grilles.

This was no ordinary place—it was one of the few research centers for chakra and Fuinjutsu.

In some places, the smooth stone walls were covered with symbols, glowing faintly as if breathing in a rhythm invisible to the naked eye.

Inside one of the rooms, silent and filled with the aroma of ink, aged wood, and a hint of burnt metal—evidence of a failed experiment the night before—a boy sat quietly.

Yes, it was Reiji.

Reiji's figure was calm like a mountain in winter.

His red hair cascaded down to touch the back of his neck, and his gaze pierced blankly at the parchment sheet before him.

The golden morning light touched Reiji's face, reflecting a faint glimmer from the deep, yet distant, irises of his eyes, as if he were looking at something absent in the room.

The sound of a pen scratching broke the silence.

On the other side of the room, Ise—a man with messy black hair and bags under his eyes like a night owl just waking up—was writing with enthusiasm.

Ise's hand moved quickly yet carefully, compiling his final report.

Several ink bottles were open on the small table beside him, some nearly spilling, and rolls of paper were scattered on the floor as if a battle had taken place the night before.

After a few seconds, Ise stood up, awkwardly arranging the report with his ink-stained hands, then hurried over to Reiji.

“Master! I’ve finished everything!” Ise exclaimed, his breath slightly ragged from standing up too quickly.

Ise's smile was wide—genuine, enthusiastic, like a child who had successfully crafted a toy from scrap wood.

Reiji turned slowly.

Reiji's gaze narrowed for a moment, weighing his thoughts, before finally extending his hand to take the report.

Reiji's fingers moved steadily, opening the parchment report and beginning to read at a steady pace.

The room fell silent again, with only the sound of a small clock ticking in the corner accompanying them.

The report was the result of an experiment—regarding a new seal.

Reiji read quickly, his eyes observing chakra calculations, the distribution of seal lines, the points of aroma release, then paused at the title.

“…Body Odor Removal Fuinjutsu?” Reiji murmured softly, his tone flat, but his left eyebrow raised slightly, creating a faint crease on his forehead.

Reiji lifted his gaze, staring at Ise with a flat expression that held a question.

His eyes seemed to ask: Are you serious?

Ise swallowed hard but kept smiling. "Yes, Master. I thought, well... eh... body odor can often be bothersome, especially in enclosed spaces..."

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