Chapter 255: Report on Fuinjutsu Ise

Reiji lifted the report to chest height, glanced at Ise for a moment, and then chuckled softly.

It wasn't a hearty laugh—just a short exhale that turned into a faint smile.

Perhaps this was funny.

But also... it made sense.

As Reiji leaned back, he let his body sink into the chair's backrest.

The wooden chair creaked softly, as if it too was sharing a quiet laugh with its master.

"Interesting," Reiji said in a low voice.

Reiji's thoughts drifted.

He had indeed introduced herbal soap and shampoo to the residents of Uzushio—simple yet revolutionary products in this remote village.

But... a Fuinjutsu-based deodorant?

Uzushio was a coastal village.

The sea breeze every day washed away unpleasant odors—and everyone lived with the salty, fishy aroma mixed with sweat and sea salt.

However... in a closed room like this, or in the researchers' meeting room... body odor could become a weapon of mass destruction.

"So you... created this because... you didn't have time to shower yourself, huh?" Reiji mused, half-teasing but sounding light-hearted.

Ise's face turned red.

Ise laughed nervously, scratching the back of his head, which was stained with dried ink. "Ehe... yeah, maybe so..."

Reiji looked at the report again.

The details were quite complete—chakra points for detecting odors, the release of neutralizing herbal aromas, and the usage time limit.

"Good. Keep going. But try testing the variables against high temperatures and excessive sweating. I want stable results for at least ten hours."

Ise nodded quickly, his eyes now shining. "Understood, Sir!"

A long breath escaped Ise's mouth, where he felt relieved.

He had just realized his body was slightly trembling from nervousness.

Reiji was not a teacher who often praised, and a simple nod meant: outstanding.

Reiji set the report aside on the table and casually said, "So, how is Nagato doing?"

Reiji's tone was like a cool breeze—calm, yet sincere.

Ise turned quickly.

"Nagato is doing well."

"But now Nagato is starting to play outside more often."

"Fuso is having a hard time keeping up with Nagato."

"Sometimes Nagato runs to the dock, sometimes he follows the fishmongers just because he wants to see how they cut octopus." Ise chuckled softly, but there was fatigue in his laughter.

Reiji smiled faintly. "That kid is too smart for his age. If his curiosity isn't directed, it could be dangerous."

Ise then remembered something.

Ise's eyes suddenly widened. "Oh! Sir, aren't the representatives from Konoha coming today?"

"Hm." Reiji replied with a short exhale.

"Eh... don't you want to go greet them?" Ise asked, his voice sounding half uncertain.

Reiji then turned slowly.

Reiji's gaze appeared vacant, then shifted to a slightly sharp focus. "For what?"

Ise was taken aback. "I mean... you are one of the important figures in Uzushio. The Clan Head respects you greatly. And they are from Konoha, our allies—"

"'Allies,' huh..." Reiji interrupted, his tone low but cold.

As Reiji stood slowly, facing the window.

The sunlight hit half of Reiji's face, casting a dark shadow on the other side. "Do you know who came when this village was nearly destroyed?"

Ise fell silent.

He didn't dare to answer.

"No one. Konoha didn't come. They didn't send reinforcements, didn't send news. Didn't send... anything. We were alone." Reiji's voice lowered, but the pressure seemed to increase.

"Even the sea breeze didn't bring hope at that time."

Behind Reiji's back, his hands clenched so tightly that the knuckles turned white.

Reiji's voice was low but firm, containing embers that had yet to extinguish.

"I faced those attackers myself. I defeated the forces from three major villages alone, and now... they come, bringing smiles and offers of peace?"

________________________

[Note: 640+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead, 

Now you can access the chapters before NovelPhoenix And NovelPhoenix by following]