After chatting with Shizune for a while—and leaving behind a Shadow Clone to teach her medical ninjutsu—Uzumaki Rin returned to his room.
His current room was protected by seven layers of sealing techniques. Even Kushina Uzumaki would need quite some time to break through them.
It wasn't that he was hiding anything illegal.
But what he was researching… absolutely required secrecy.
Because his current work involved soul and life-based sealing techniques.
In essence, it wasn't much different from what Orochimaru was researching.
The only difference?
Orochimaru used living people.
Rin used pure theory and formula derivation.
The Uzumaki clan had always been among the best in the ninja world when it came to soul research.
Otherwise, techniques like the Dead Demon Consuming Seal could never have existed.
As soon as Rin entered his room, several Shadow Clones dispersed instantly.
A flood of memories rushed into his mind, updating him on all ongoing research.
"Life force storage is no longer a problem… but soul sealing is still lacking something."
He frowned.
"Kakashi is already seven… I don't know how long until the White Fang incident. If I can't finish the soul seal in time… I'll have to use Plan B."
Yes.
Everything he was doing—
Was to save Sakumo Hatake.
Kakashi was his friend. And Sakumo's strength was an enormous asset.
Saving him had only benefits.
Of course… it couldn't be done openly.
Even if saved, Sakumo would need to remain hidden for years.
As for saving Minato Namikaze and Kushina—
Rin already had a plan.
It just needed refinement.
All of this had to be done quietly.
No noise. No attention.
Half an hour later, Rin created more Shadow Clones and continued improving the soul seal.
This went on until midnight.
Before sleeping, he checked his Fusion System.
Fusion Progress: 95%
Still.
The same number.
For six months now, it hadn't moved.
No matter what he tried:
Sunlight absorptionCell pressure through Shadow ClonesExtreme training
Nothing worked.
That final 5%…
Refused to unlock.
And without it—
He couldn't perform the next Fusion.
"…Looks like I'll have to try something extreme."
Rin narrowed his eyes.
"And I'll need my instructor's help for that."
The Next Day
After breakfast prepared by Shizune, Rin recalled all Shadow Clones and headed to the academy in peak condition.
Soon, the Chunin instructor entered with a scroll.
"Now we will begin team assignments."
"Genma Shiranui, Might Guy, Ebisu — Team 1. Instructor: Choza Akimichi."
Genma and Ebisu instantly looked dead inside.
Being stuck with Guy…
Fate was cruel.
"Kakashi Hatake, Rin Nohara, Obito Uchiha — Team 2. Instructor: Minato Namikaze."
Kakashi didn't react.
Obito, however, jumped in excitement.
"Uzumaki Rin, Kurenai Yuhi, Asuma Sarutobi — Team 3. Instructor: Sakumo Hatake."
Three completely different reactions:
Asuma → Why am I stuck with this guy again…Kurenai → So happy I'm with Rin!Rin → White Fang? Looks like the old man had no better option.
After the announcement, everyone headed to their training grounds.
Before leaving, Rin walked up to Kakashi.
"When your dad beats you… does he hit hard?"
Kakashi's face twitched.
He didn't even know how to respond.
"…Looks like he does," Rin muttered. "Then I'll have to go all out. Otherwise getting beaten wouldn't be worth it."
"And since I've been bullying his son for two years… he'll probably take revenge. This is dangerous."
Kakashi nearly tripped.
He turned and glared.
"Don't look at me like that," Rin said calmly.
"If you push me, I'll beat you first—before your dad even gets the chance."
"…Idiot."
Kakashi gave up and walked away.
After successfully provoking Kakashi—
Rin grabbed Kurenai's hand and walked toward the training ground, chatting casually.
Behind them, Asuma followed with clenched teeth.
Completely ignored.
Soon, the three arrived.
Sakumo Hatake hadn't appeared yet.
"Rin… do you think I can pass White Fang's test? I'm a little nervous," Kurenai asked softly.
She wasn't wrong.
Sakumo was at the peak of his fame—so bright that even the Sannin were overshadowed.
"Don't worry," Rin said. "I'll protect you."
"I'll protect you too!" Asuma immediately jumped in.
"…You?" Rin glanced at him.
"With White Fang's strength, crushing you would be easier than killing a chicken."
"YOU—!"
"I'm serious."
"Fight me!"
"Sure," Rin smirked.
"Want to try the Invincible Windmill again?"
"…AAARGH!"
Asuma was instantly defeated—mentally.
"Stop it, both of you," Kurenai quickly intervened.
At that moment—
A figure silently appeared… right in their blind spot.