After cleaning up the debris left by the blade's impact, Enso made his way home. That night, he couldn't stop smiling. Even as he lay in bed, his eyes heavy with sleep, a grin tugged at his lips from time to time. He was tired, no doubt about it, but his mind was still buzzing with today's gains.
Unable to contain his excitement, Enso summoned both Vajra Blades, activating Chakra Reinforcement once again. Under the moonlight, he practised his "Dynamic Blade Style," slashing through the air with increasing precision and grace.
Each swing tested his will and control under the swords' crushing weight. He pushed himself to the brink, continuing until his chakra reserves were nearly depleted. Only then, with great reluctance, did he reseal the blades into his wrists and stumble off to bed.
Over the next few days, Enso's coordination with his team sharpened significantly. Their teamwork, once promising, now flowed like a well-oiled machine. Using a series of tactical formations, Enso led Itachi and Tokuma through several mock battles, showcasing his growing skill as a strategist.
His Migeiko became instrumental in reading enemy movements with pinpoint accuracy, allowing him to analyse patterns in real time and craft counter-strategies on the fly. Whether it was a mock battle or formation drill, Enso's heightened perception and reflexive decision-making turned the tide again and again.
It helped that both of his teammates possessed powerful dōjutsu. With Itachi's Sharingan and Tokuma's Byakugan, they were able to perfectly synchronise with Enso's commands, reacting in real time with near-instant efficiency. Their personal training also showed remarkable improvement. Within weeks, both had grown strong enough to hold their own against seasoned Jōnin-level opponents.
Enso didn't just learn the existing forms of Wind Styles Ninjutsu—he deconstructed them, reimagined their purpose, and reshaped their use entirely. His mastery wasn't rooted in imitation but driven by innovation. With relentless curiosity, he pushed beyond the boundaries of conventional application, uncovering depths of potential that others had never considered.
Not only had he successfully fused Sword of Wind Count with Vacuum Sword, but he had also incorporated the Licht Origin Flash technique to create a new and formidable move. The result was a true A-rank technique: devastating, elegant, and overwhelming in battle. Though it shared a rank with Shojoji's Sword of Wind Count, Enso's version was far more advanced. In a direct clash, his technique would not only overpower its predecessor—it would absorb it, using the energy to amplify his attacks.
He named it "Vacuum Flash". This refined technique harnessed wind chakra to initiate a vacuum effect in its rawest form. Once unleashed, the vacuum didn't just cut—it consumed. If it met other Wind-based techniques like Vacuum Sword, it would devour them entirely, feeding off the chakra to enhance itself. As far as A-rank Wind Release techniques were concerned, Vacuum Flash stood in a league of its own.
The brilliance of the technique earned him high praise from both Minato and Kushina. Even among seasoned veterans, such an inventive application of elemental ninjutsu was rare. They didn't hesitate to acknowledge what was now clear to everyone—Enso was the most gifted Wind Release user they had ever encountered.
Meanwhile, Itachi continued to grow at an alarming rate, slowly catching up to even Shisui in terms of speed and combat ability. Tokuma, not to be outdone, finally mastered the elusive Vacuum Palm technique, extending his own close-quarters capabilities.
Sparring sessions with Itachi proved especially beneficial for Tokuma. Constant exposure to Genjutsu forced him to develop effective counters. With time, he learned how to resist and even break free from Itachi's illusions, using a combination of peripheral vision and Byakugan's long-range sight to avoid direct eye contact with the Sharingan. Enso also offered insight, noting that one could focus on the opponent's feet during combat to reduce the risk of being caught in a Genjutsu—an idea that surprised even Hayama.
Despite Itachi's efforts, one mystery still lingered: Enso's natural immunity to Genjutsu. No matter how subtle or advanced the illusion, it never seemed to affect him. To Itachi, it was almost as though Enso was built to resist the Sharingan itself.
Of course, Enso knew why—but he wasn't about to share it. How could he explain to others that his soul was stronger than most? Who would believe such an abstract and unconventional explanation?
During this same period, Enso noticed that his physical strength had increased dramatically. His Superior Adaptation was something he had inherited from the Tyrant, and now it was bearing fruit. Where he had once hoped for a mere five percent increase, he now commanded thirty on command.
Enso had chosen not to rely solely on chakra reinforcement. Instead, he returned to the fundamentals of his Void Step and adopted a weight-shifting technique known as 'Ashigaru' to reduce the burden of the blade and allow his body to gradually adapt to its mass.
Raw force surged through him, enough to dispel even C-rank ninjutsu with a single swing. This was a level of growth far beyond his original expectations.
Hayama was taken aback by the team's development. What he had originally estimated would take half a year, they had achieved it in a single month.
Pleased with their progress, Hayama called the team together and announced an exciting reward. "As of now," he said with a proud smile, "you're all ready for something more challenging. We'll be taking on a B-Rank mission in the next few days."
The room lit up with energy. All three Genin were visibly thrilled. Even Enso, who usually maintained a calm demeanour, couldn't help but flash a grin and slap high fives with Itachi and Tokuma.
The upcoming mission was more than just a chance to leave the village; it was an opportunity to put their training to the test. This wasn't a controlled exercise—it was real combat, with high stakes and unforgiving consequences.
Every skill, strategy, and aspect of teamwork they had developed would now be challenged like never before. It was their moment to prove they were ready and that all their hard work had been worth it.
Team 1 had been given three days off to prepare for their upcoming mission, and Enso chose to visit the Konoha Cemetery during that time. The silence he had kept from his mother weighed on him. He hadn't shared with her the details of his recent encounter with Obito during the mission.
On the way, Enso reflected on his recent progress. Water and Wind Release were already within his grasp, and Lightning was next. Each element seemed to draw from a distinct chakra pathway, revealing the layered intricacies of the chakra system.
With his soul devourer ability, acquiring additional elemental affinities felt inevitable. But for now, refining what he had—mastering the flow of Water and the force of Wind—took priority, even as his thoughts crackled with anticipation for the coming Lightning.
Coincidentally, Kakashi was there too—standing quietly before a familiar gravestone. Hidden in the shadows was Obito. Today marked the anniversary of Rin's death.
The cemetery was eerily still. Kakashi stood motionless, his thoughts heavy as he poured his heart into words. He spoke to Rin's grave—reminiscing, mourning, and confessing the pain of his recent brush with death.
From the Kamui dimension, Obito silently listened. But then, something caught his attention. He glanced to the side and spotted a familiar figure—the boy who had forced him to retreat during their last encounter.
Enso had just arrived, bouquet in hand. He stopped mid-step. His Mind's Eye of Kagura had detected a faint but familiar chakra signature.
From his hidden vantage, Obito narrowed his gaze. A moment later, he vanished.
"This kid's sensing ability is terrifying," Obito muttered within Kamui. "He actually picked up a trace of my chakra."
After their previous clash, Obito had looked into Enso's background and discovered that he, too, was a student of Minato.
Enso scanned the area but sensed only Kakashi now. He sealed his sword back into the Summoning: Lightning Flash Blade Creation and approached casually.
As he passed Rin's grave, his eyes caught sight of several bundles of flowers. Different people had visited. Among them was a distinct arrangement he recognised—likely from Minato. The presence he sensed earlier… was it Obito?
He offered a casual greeting to Kakashi, who returned a tired nod. Then, Enso continued to his mother's tombstone. Noticing the dust that had gathered, he brought his hands together and gently invoked, 'Gale Palm,' summoning a soft wind to clear it away.
He stood in silence before the weathered tombstone, the wind brushing softly against him. Without speaking aloud, he shared everything—his latest battles, the encounter with the masked man, and how he'd come out on top. In the stillness, he asked her the question that lingered in his heart: Would you be proud of me?
Enso placed the bouquet with care, bowed deeply, then turned to leave.
Kakashi was also making his way out when Enso quickly caught up.
"Senpai," Enso said with a small smile, "care to join me for dinner at Sensei's house?"
Kakashi stopped. The question lingered in the quiet.
"I haven't done that... not since Rin and Obito passed."
Enso placed a gentle hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "Come on. I'm sure they wouldn't want you eating alone after visiting them.
Kakashi looked at him. Something was calming about Enso's smile. Without a word, he followed.
Along the way, Enso glanced sideways. "Senpai... during the last mission, it didn't seem like you or Itachi were affected by the masked man's Genjutsu. Do you have some way to resist it?"
I'm not sure," Kakashi admitted. "I've been wondering the same thing. I think... the masked man purposely left me and Itachi alone, but I'm not sure why. He glanced at Enso, slightly impressed. The boy's observation was sharp.
They reached the Namikaze residence. Enso knocked.
Kushina blinked in surprise, ladle in hand. "Kakashi? It's been a while." A smile broke across her face. "Come in, both of you—dinner's ready."
Enso helped Kushina set the table. Kakashi sat quietly with Naruto, who crawled toward him, curious and bright-eyed.
Minato arrived a little later. The sight of Kakashi made him pause, but his expression softened.
The meal was quiet, warm, and modest, fitting for a day of remembrance. Enso sat with his back straight, but his hand hovered just above his bowl. He looked down, as if searching for the right words to say.
"…Kakashi-senpai," he said at last, voice barely more than a breath. "Can I ask… what were Obito and Rin-senpai like?"
Enso hated Obito, and vengeance still simmered in the back of his mind. But even so, he asked. Not every moment was about him. He had nothing against the people at the table.
Kakashi didn't answer right away. He set his chopsticks down with quiet care, their tips resting neatly across the bowl's edge. His fingers lingered there a moment, a subtle furrow in his brow.
"Obito…" he began, the name stirring something deep within him. "He taught me how to care. How to trust again. He was loud, impulsive, and always running ahead. But he had a stubborn heart that never gave up on anyone."
Kakashi's gaze lifted slowly, though not fully meeting anyone's eyes. "Even me."
He turned slightly, his voice softer now. "Rin was gentle, but strong in ways people often overlooked. She held us together—believed in us when we couldn't believe in ourselves."
A long breath moved through the room.
Kushina's hands curled gently around her tea, warming her fingers. "Obito reminded me of myself when I was his age. He used to be my favourite amongst the three of you." A faint smile touched her lips. "They brought out the best in you, Kakashi."
Kakashi didn't respond aloud, but the slight shift in his posture-the loosening of his shoulders, the almost imperceptible nod—spoke volumes.
Minato remained silent, staring into his tea as if a memory had just drifted through the steam. When he looked up, his eyes carried the weight of loss, but also something gentler—gratitude, perhaps.
Enso lowered his head slightly. "Thank you," he said softly, offering a warm smile. "For sharing them with me."
After dinner, Kakashi stood and bowed deeply to both Minato and Kushina. Naruto, nestled in Kushina's arms, waved goodbye.
Enso left soon after, as Kushina decided not to train him that evening.
The next day, Enso arrived at his usual training spot—a peaceful area, with a river nearby and trees surrounding it
He threw several chakra flow Nail Shuriken into the air, each marked with Explosive Touch. As they hovered, he detonated them, causing a rain of reinforcing metal debris to fall.
Enso stood on the surface of the river, his Vajra Blade ready. He controlled his chakra to stay balanced, dividing his focus between maintaining stability and executing precise kenjutsu as he parried each piece of falling metal.
Even with his skill, Enso couldn't avoid all the damage. Cuts and bruises formed as the debris shifted unpredictably with each explosion, but he focused solely on protecting his vital areas.
The method was extreme—so much so that even Migeiko couldn't offer much help. Yet, Enso pressed on. Each round left him battered, but with every repetition, the damage lessened.
He dreamed of the day he could parry them all—and then escalate the challenge using Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique.
After training, Enso sat to treat his wounds. He carefully pulled out embedded shards and used chakra to accelerate healing, ensuring no scars would remain.
Just as he finished tending to his wounds, a sharp, sudden noise cut through the air. It was a sound he knew all too well—the unmistakable clash between expert fighters.
He activated his Mind's Eye of Kagura, sensing Kakashi's chakra signature. Curious, he made his way toward the source of the energy, eager to see what was happening.
When he arrived, he found Kakashi in a spar with Might Guy, who had opened his first inner gate. Kakashi, using his Sharingan, was keeping his distance, relying on Earth Release to block Might Guy's powerful attacks. He wasn't aiming to fight directly but to find an opening for a sneak attack.
"You're really tricky, Kakashi," Might Guy grumbled, clearly impressed despite his defeat. The fight had taken its toll—defeating someone of Might Guy's calibre wasn't easy.
"You really forced me to use everything I've got," Kakashi admitted, laying down on the ground to recover. His chest rose and fell with every breath.
Might Guy smiled, his respect for Kakashi evident in his expression. Enso, having watched the whole exchange from his hiding spot, decided it was time to reveal himself. He stepped forward, giving them a round of applause.
"You two are really strong," Enso remarked with a grin as he approached Kakashi and Might Guy. He placed his hands over both of them and used his 'Mystique Palm' to heal their wounds and fatigue.
Both Kakashi and Might Guy looked at him in shock, marvelling at his Medical Ninjutsu prowess. In an instant, the pain from their injuries subsided, and their stamina slowly returned.
Kakashi turned to Might Guy and introduced his junior. "This is my Junior Brother, Enso Uzumaki. He trains under Lord Fourth and Lady Kushina."
Might Guy's eyes widened in surprise. "The one who made his name in the Bingo Book despite being a Genin?" He stood up and extended his hand to Enso. "My name is Might Guy. Nice to meet you."
Enso shook his hand firmly, offering a respectful nod. "Likewise, Guy-senpai. I've heard of your Taijutsu skills. Seeing them in action was an eye-opening experience for me."
Might Guy grinned widely, clearly pleased by the compliment.
After a brief pause, Enso turned to Kakashi and spoke again. "Senpai, your Sharingan seems to be always active. That must be draining your chakra quite a bit."
Kakashi lowered his forehead protector to conceal his Sharingan. "You're right. It's been a problem for a while. I haven't found a good solution, and even Lady Kushina hasn't been able to help either."
Enso smiled, a thoughtful expression crossing his face. "Well, I do have a solution. How about we all go for lunch, and I'll tell you my conditions for helping you solve this problem? My treat."
Kakashi and Might Guy exchanged a glance before nodding in agreement. They were both exhausted from the sparring session and could use a break. They agreed to follow Enso and let him lead the way.
Enso led them to Ichiraku Ramen, a place known for its great food at a reasonable price. Initially, they had planned to each have just one bowl, but after watching Enso effortlessly finish five bowls in no time, they couldn't resist and kept eating until they were full.