My Techniques are a bit off

Two and a Half Hours Later – Yakiniku Q

"Phew~"

Link leaned against the wall, rubbing his full stomach as he slouched down.

"Boss, want some more?" Iris offered generously.

Today's treat at Yakiniku Q was his gesture of gratitude for Link's guidance. Since he was the host, he figured they could eat as much as they wanted until they were completely satisfied.

While Iris wasn't wealthy or a second-generation heir, he had the support of his parents and was in a much better financial position than Link. Treating his team to barbecue was no big deal.

Link waved his hand in polite refusal, saying nothing. The aroma of grilled meat seemed to linger around him, and the sizzling sound of fat searing on the grill still echoed in his mind. However, his stomach couldn't handle any more food.

As Link remained silent, the three of them fell into an awkward quiet.

It wasn't unusual—Link's usual demeanor was that of a stoic, cold "cool guy" (or was it "cool kid"?). Apart from his interest in food and his tireless dedication to training, he didn't have many hobbies.

Iris and Ami knew little about what he liked or disliked. Their interactions typically revolved around missions or serious discussions. Now, with some rare downtime, the silence felt even more pronounced.

Link gradually became aware of the awkwardness. Although he was introverted in his previous life and guarded due to his secrets, today was a special occasion. It would be rude to remain so distant when someone was treating him.

After taking a moment, he decided to speak up. "Do you have any more questions? About training?"

Ah, great. Back to talking about training again.

He really didn't know how to navigate small talk. It wasn't social anxiety—he just disliked idle chatter. Still, for the sake of maintaining his image and building rapport with his teammates, he forced himself to say something.

Ami quickly responded, "About chakra control…"

And so began another exchange of questions and answers. The atmosphere warmed slightly. Ami, who had spent her academy days teasing others with her clique, now found herself playing the role of a mediator. It was almost comical how quickly her life had changed after graduating.

She sighed inwardly. The next time she saw her former classmates, they probably wouldn't even recognize her anymore.

Iris eventually joined the conversation. What started as a discussion about training soon meandered into other, more casual topics.

They talked about recent movies, popular novels, and even scandalous gossip involving the Land of Fire's elites.

The kids in this world sure are mature for their age.

Link chimed in occasionally when he could contribute, though he mostly listened. Over time, he began to learn more about his teammates.

Iris loved reading all kinds of novels, had a sweet tooth, and dreamed of becoming a powerful ninja.

Ami, on the other hand, was a gossip enthusiast with a knack for makeup and flower arranging. She hated violence and hoped to work in a hospital someday.

"Then why didn't you attend the medical ninja lectures?" Link asked curiously.

Ami shrugged with a helpless smile. "I already know most of the material they cover. My chakra control and reserves are just… lacking," she admitted. "Besides, I've never thought about becoming a medical ninja. I'd be happy just working in a hospital."

Practical.

Becoming a medical ninja was indeed incredibly challenging, far beyond the reach of most.

Link smiled reassuringly. "Don't worry. I think if you keep training, you'll get into the hospital in no time."

He wasn't just trying to be encouraging. The requirements for joining a hospital weren't particularly high. As long as one could competently control their chakra for healing without wasting it, they could qualify.

It wasn't about becoming a famous doctor. For internships, the bar was much lower.

Konoha Hospital, after all, had both ordinary doctors and medical ninjas on staff.

Ami, still in her formative years, had plenty of time to improve her chakra control and reserves. Entering the hospital after a year or two of practice was entirely within reach.

"Thanks!" Ami seemed genuinely uplifted by his words.

As their conversation wound down, Link decided he should contribute a topic of his own. He blurted out, "What's something you feel most familiar with?"

In truth, he was voicing his own frustrations. He had been struggling to find a direction for developing his Transformation Technique.

Realizing the question might seem odd, he quickly added, "Just throwing it out there, no need to take it seriously."

Ami tilted her head in thought, while Iris answered without hesitation. "My body, of course!"

He flexed his biceps with a goofy grin, clearly trying to lighten the mood.

My… body?

Link froze for a moment.

Of course. What external object could someone know better than their own body?

There was a saying: "The wise look inward for strength, while the unwise seek it elsewhere."

"Transforming into myself…"

The idea hit him like a thunderbolt.

Transformation already allowed him to bypass questions of internal structure, energy flow, or how organs worked. His body would function as if nothing had changed, regardless of what form it took.

The transformations didn't make sense scientifically, but they worked nonetheless.

Previously, he had to treat his body parts as complete units—fingers, hands, arms, his entire form—because he couldn't comprehend the micro-level processes involved.

But if familiarity was the key, then transforming into his own body would eliminate those barriers.

"Boss? Boss!" Iris's voice pulled him back to reality, his cheerful grin fading into concern.

"Huh?" Link blinked and snapped out of his thoughts. "Sorry, I just remembered something. I'll take my leave now—see you later at the training grounds."

He stood abruptly, his expression serious, and dashed out of Yakiniku Q.

Developing his jutsu was far more important than idle chatter.

Iris and Ami exchanged awkward glances.

"Um…" they both started simultaneously.

"You—"

"I—"

"I'll be going now. See you in the afternoon," Ami quickly interjected.

She stood and left, leaving Iris behind.

Without Link, the two of them barely had anything to talk about. Their interests, hobbies, and aspirations couldn't have been more different. If not for Link, they probably wouldn't have exchanged more than a few words in their lifetimes.

~~~

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