Several days had passed, and the group returned to Kusa. Fortunately, they hadn’t encountered any Konoha ninjas, so they were able to return safely.

  They could have returned sooner, but they had to maintain the appearance of still searching. Once back, they rested, and no one spoke a word about what had happened.

  Two weeks ter, they gathered at Miyuki’s house.

  Miyuki, lounging zily on her bed, sighed before speaking.—Now that enough time has passed, we can discuss this.

  Calmly, she pulled out the scroll of secret jutsus from the Yamanaka Cn, holding it in her hands.—The jutsus contained in this scroll are far too useful to simply hand over to the vilge. Besides —she continued, beginning to unroll it—, even if we do, it’s unlikely they’ll allow us to learn them.

  Her fingers traced the inscriptions of the ancient scroll, passed down through generations of the Yamanaka Cn.

  —These secret jutsus are designed for interrogation and information gathering —Miyuki expined, her fingers leaving the scroll—. In general, they aren’t highly valued in the rger vilges, as they have their own methods of obtaining information without relying on foreign techniques.

  She paused briefly before continuing.—However, Kusagakure is different. We don’t have any specialized jutsu in these areas. We heavily rely on traditional methods for gathering intelligence, which puts us at a disadvantage. If they had managed to secure these jutsus, perhaps they could have improved their intelligence-gathering capabilities—and who knows what else might have changed.

  Her gaze hardened as it rested on the scroll again.—But that future no longer exists. Now, they are in our hands.

  —The jutsus in this scroll are mind-based. Its primary technique is the Mind-Body Switch Jutsu, a technique that allows one’s consciousness to transfer into another person, though with certain restrictions —she said, expining the details of the jutsu.

  —I ask you this: do you want to learn this jutsu? But keep in mind something important —she warned seriously—. Do not use it unless you are completely alone, or ensure that anyone who witnesses you using these techniques does not survive. If Konoha or Kusa discover this technique is in our possession, our fate will not be pleasant.

  Everyone nodded slowly.

  —So, what’s your decision? —Miyuki asked.

  Akihiro was the first to speak, without needing much thought.—I want to learn it —he responded immediately.

  Aiko nodded, her curiosity clearly reflected on her face.—I’m interested. A jutsu that allows you to control someone else’s body sounds incredibly useful.

  Hiroshi observed his companions for a moment before shrugging and adding:—It’s not something I’m particurly excited about, but I admit it could be useful in certain situations.

  Kōsetsu remained silent for a few moments, carefully considering the proposal. Finally, he spoke calmly:—I don’t see the harm in trying. It’s always good to have more tools at our disposal.

  Miyuki allowed a faint smile to form, pleased with their collective decision.—Perfect. Then we’ll learn it together.

  Everyone nodded in agreement.

  They took their time learning the jutsus contained in the scroll. Thanks to the numerous missions they had completed over time, they didn’t have to worry about money or simir matters. Moreover, since none of them were particurly prone to reckless spending, each had accumuted a considerable amount of savings—enough to sustain themselves without working for quite a while.

  In this way, half a year passed, and the Chunin Exams were approaching.