After breakfast, Hakushi asked:
"How do you have time to come here?"
He knew that Ayane didn't have much free time within the Hyuga Clan. Back when the Sakumo squad was still around, there was plenty of free time, but since the squad disbanded long ago, her visits became few and far between.
The last time she came out was seemingly to attend Sakumo's funeral.
Subsequent exchanges were limited to secretly communicating information.
"I took the day off today, it's no problem."
Ayane smiled.
"Is it okay for you to slack off work like this?"
"It's no problem at all. Our future clan leader is a very easygoing person. Unlike those elders with a strong desire for control, he's very open-minded."
Ayane rarely spoke so highly of anyone in the Hyuga Clan.
Hyuga Hiashi, Hakushi had heard of him before.
The sole heir of the Hyuga Clan, possessing outstanding ninja talent and handsome features, he had already become a famous Jonin in the village before the age of twenty.
Although his current strength was still unknown, as the heir to the Hyuga Clan, it was expected that his abilities were among the best even within the rank of Jonin.
A mediocre person couldn't become the leader of a prestigious ninja clan.
After all, ninjas usually speak through strength.
Even within the Hyuga Clan, having the identity of a clan leader heir and excellent ninja talents, such a person would gain more recognition if they became the clan leader.
Like the position of Hokage, at least a basic level of strength is necessary.
Only on the foundation of strength can one discuss political capital and votes.
If one's strength is lacking, they'd be eliminated in the first round.
"Besides, Ruri isn't home right now either. I was afraid you'd be lonely at home by yourself, so I specially came to chat and keep you company. If I'm bothering you, I can leave now. I will obey all of your commands, so feel free to use my body as you wish."
Her genuine and hardworking demeanor didn't betray any sign of resistance, and her eyes were gentle enough to soften a man's heart.
But Hakushi believed that in her heart, there must be another side.
"Rest assured, I won't find you bothersome. However, just don't interrupt my work."
"Okay."
Ayane nodded obediently.
'Whatever Hakushi commands, be it body or soul', was the underlying meaning she conveyed.
Reflecting on it, Hakushi indeed felt a moment of desire and impulse just now.
Compared to the verbally harsh yet inwardly righteous Ruri, Ayane was genuinely a predatory creature.
"By the way, I didn't expect you to create a second clone, its appearance was quite strange."
At this moment, Ayane recalled how when she first arrived, Shadow Lady detected her effortlessly by emerging silently from the shadows in the wall crevice.
If it weren't for her strong perception, she would've had a hard time realizing she was being watched.
"Are you referring to Shadow Dancer? The ability I bestowed upon her is Yin Style."
Like Earth General, Shadow Lady also had the name 'Shadow Dancer', or perhaps an identity code name.
Strictly speaking, they didn't belong to the category of normal living beings.
Leaving aside the nearly immortal body of Earth General, Shadow Dancer's abilities were even more difficult to guard against.
Hakushi created her to protect his safety.
Deciding to abandon training to enhance himself meant he wouldn't focus on direct combat in the future.
Considering unforeseen attacks in the future, Shadow Dancer was born as an assassin and guardian for protection.
She could manipulate shadows and store herself within them, usually hiding within Hakushi's own shadow.
When an enemy approached, she could use shadows for defense or attack them.
Hence, her speed and use of Yin Style were at a very high level.
If augmented by Immortal Technique in the future, the speed and power of the shadows would further increase.
"Yin Style? Like the Nara Clan's Shadow Imitation Jutsu?"
Recalling Shadow Dancer's peculiar way of appearing, this made sense.
"Something like that, but there are differences."
The Nara Clan's Shadow Jutsu isn't very offensive and is more about control to create attack opportunities for allies.
In contrast, Shadow Dancer's Shadow Jutsu focuses on both defense and attack, being an all-encompassing shadow ninjutsu.
After all, she was specifically created to ensure personal safety, differing from Earth General, which was more of a communication tool.
When creating Earth General, his technique wasn't very refined.
Thus, compared to Shadow Dancer, Earth General's life form appeared so peculiar and unique.
With the advancement of these creation techniques, naturally, future clones would become stronger.
At that point, further strengthening and enhancement of the existing two clones could be pursued.
"That's quite a dangerous ability. I already feel sorry for those enemies."
Just by thinking about it, Ayane knew that such a malicious method of combat would be terrifying to ninjas with bodies of flesh and blood.
Hakushi, you're still as mischievous as ever.