《Gacha Senju: Lucky Perks, Lucky Ladies》


 Chapter 1 :Prologue

    Prologue: A New Life Begins


    Darkness. Silence. Then, suddenly¡ªpain.


    It wasn''t a dull ache or a simple headache. No, this was different¡ªlike his skull was being split open, his brain torn apart and stitched back together all at once. A wave of nausea hit him as flashes of unfamiliar memories surged through his mind.


    His eyes snapped open.


    A sharp gasp tore from his throat as he bolted upright, his breath ragged, chest heaving. His hands¡ªsmaller, softer¡ªgripped the sheets beneath him as he tried to steady himself. The world around him felt too real, too solid. The faint scent of wood, the warmth of sunlight filtering through rice-paper windows, the distant chirping of birds¡ªit was all real.


    And yet, it shouldn''t have been.


    Because the last thing he remembered was lying in bed, in his old life, scrolling through fan theories about Naruto.


    A shiver ran down his spine.


    Slowly, he looked down at his hands¡ªtoo small, too delicate. His body¡ªshort, youthful. His reflection in the polished wooden wall revealed golden-blond hair and piercing blue eyes¡ªfeatures that stood out starkly from the typically dark-haired Senju bloodline. But somehow, he knew¡ªdeep in his bones, in his very soul¡ªwho he was.


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    His name was Kiyoshi Senju.


    And he had been reborn in the world of shinobi.


    "Shit¡­" he muttered under his breath, flinching at the unfamiliar softness of his voice. He clenched his hands, feeling the warmth of his own skin, the undeniable reality of his existence. This wasn''t a dream.


    This was his new life.


    And then¡ª


    [DING!]


    A bright, translucent blue screen blinked into existence before his eyes.


    ---


    [Welcome to the Daily Gacha System!]


    Kiyoshi froze.


    His brain, already struggling to process his reincarnation, nearly short-circuited.


    ---


    [As a transmigrator, you have been blessed with a Gacha Machine! You may spin once per day for random rewards, ranging from common to god-tier!]


    [Would you like to spin now?]


    ---


    He blinked. Once. Twice.


    Then, realization slammed into him like a Rasengan to the chest.


    A system?!


    A gacha system?!


    A slow, almost disbelieving grin spread across his face.


    He had hit the jackpot.


    The Naruto world was dangerous¡ªno, downright deadly. Monsters, wars, rogue shinobi, power-hungry clans¡ªit was a place where the weak didn''t survive. And yet, here he was, born into one of the strongest bloodlines, with a cheat-like system at his fingertips.


    His heart pounded. If this system was as powerful as he hoped, he could change everything.


    "¡­Spin," he whispered, his fingers tingling with anticipation.


    At his command, a golden roulette wheel materialized in front of him. It spun rapidly, symbols of jutsu, weapons, bloodline abilities, and mysterious artifacts flashing by in a blur. The glow of the wheel reflected in his wide, eager eyes.


    Then¡ªslowly¡ªit began to slow down.


    Tick.


    Tick.


    Tick¡ª


    [Congratulations! You have obtained: Chakra Affinity Booster (Permanent) ¨C Instantly grants the user a 5x boost in chakra growth rate!]


    Kiyoshi''s breath hitched.


    Five times the chakra growth?!


    That was insane. Chakra determined everything for a shinobi¡ªstamina, power, longevity in battle. The larger the chakra reserves, the greater the potential. This wasn''t just a good start. This was a game-breaking advantage.


    A slow smirk stretched across his young face.


    This world had no idea what was coming.

 Chapter 2: The Path of a Shinobi Begins

    Chapter 2: The Path of a Shinobi Begins


    Kiyoshi awoke to a surge of energy coursing through his body, his chakra humming with newfound vitality. The Chakra Affinity Booster was already working wonders. He flexed his small fingers, marveling at the sheer power simmering beneath the surface.


    "Man," he muttered, stretching, "being a cheat character is kinda nice."


    It had been about a week since he transmigrated into this world. He has already adapted to his new body.


    He didn''t remember how he died in his past life. No dramatic last words, no heroic sacrifice¡ªjust a sharp impact against his head, then darkness. And now, here he was, Kiyoshi Senju, a supposed descendant of one of the most powerful clans in the Shinobi World.


    Over the past week, he''d pieced together a few crucial details.


    First, this was the post-war period. The Second Great Ninja War had ended almost a year ago, leaving the world in a fragile peace. The war had forged legends:


    The Legendary Sannin¡ªJiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade¡ª whose feats had shaken the battlefield.


    Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha, whose blade struck fear into enemy ranks.


    Hanzo of the Salamander, a man so powerful he defeated the Sannin in a three-on-one battle.


    But wars didn''t just create legends. They buried them too.


    Like his parents.


    Yes. He was an orphan in this life as well. Maybe this was fate, or maybe the universe just had a cruel sense of humor. Either way, it didn''t matter. He had a new life, and this time, he would make sure he controlled his own destiny.


    During this week, he had also tested his Gacha System.


    His first pull had given him the Chakra Affinity Booster, which was, so far, his best prize.


    His second and third pulls? Standard ninja gear and a plain black cloak¡ªuseful, but not game-breaking.


    The fourth? An eavesdropping device, which was basically a ninja-grade bug.


    "So¡­ it''s not broken-level OP. But it''s still something." He''d just have to be careful about his gacha pulls. The rewards weren''t unlimited, and there was no guarantee he''d get something useful every time.


    Despite the war being over, Kiyoshi had noticed something unsettling. Konoha may have won, but it had paid a price.


    The war had consumed too many of the truly skilled ninjas. The village''s talent pool had diluted, leaving gaps that would definitely make the higher ups do something about it.


    He had to be ready.


    And today was the first step.


    The Graduation Exam.


    ---


    The Academy Exam


    At the Academy, tension filled the air. Some kids fidgeted nervously, while others tried to act cool.


    Kiyoshi? He was completely relaxed.


    In his past life, he had seen countless shonen protagonists struggle through their weak phase before finally growing stronger. He was skipping all that nonsense.


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    The instructor, a no-nonsense chunin with a scar over his left eye, stepped forward.


    "The exam consists of three parts," he announced. "Basic Ninjutsu, Taijutsu Sparring, and a Strategy Assessment."


    Some kids gulped. Others clenched their fists with determination.


    Kiyoshi? He already knew all these ( clan benefits ) and because of the surge of chakra he got in the past week, ensures that he will easily pass all these tests.


    Basic Ninjutsu Test


    One by one, students demonstrated the Clone Jutsu, Substitution, and Transformation. Some barely passed, while others, like Mikoto Uchiha, performed flawlessly.


    When Kiyoshi''s turn arrived, he stepped forward, hands in a casual ram seal.


    Poof!


    Three solid clones appeared, standing at attention.


    The instructor''s eyebrows shot up. "...A perfect Three-Clone Technique?"


    A few students gawked. The requirement was one clone, and even then, most struggled with the quality. Kiyoshi''s clones looked exactly like him. No flickering, no fading.


    Mikoto, watching from the side, tilted her head slightly. He''s better than expected.


    Kiyoshi just smiled .


    Sparring Match


    For the sparring portion, Kiyoshi was paired against a loudmouthed kid who probably thought he was the next Raikage.


    "Hope you''re ready, Senju!" the boy sneered, cracking his knuckles. "''Cause I ain''t goin'' easy on ya!"


    Kiyoshi sighed. They never learn.


    The match started.


    The kid charged, throwing a wild punch.


    Kiyoshi sidestepped. Stuck out his foot.


    Thud!


    The kid tripped, landed face-first in the dirt.


    Before he could recover, Kiyoshi casually placed a foot on his back, pinning him with almost no effort.


    The instructor blinked. "Uh¡­ Winner, Kiyoshi Senju."


    The crowd murmured. The match had lasted less than five seconds.


    Mikoto smirked. Not bad¡­


    Kiyoshi dusted off his clothes, ignoring his opponent''s groan of humiliation.


    Well, that was ... something.


    The next morning, students gathered in the Academy hall for their team placements.


    Kiyoshi leaned against a wall, arms crossed. He had no real expectations¡ªmost Jonin were strong, but nowhere near Hokage level. Still, getting a competent team would make things easier.


    The instructor read through the list.


    "Team 11¡ªKiyoshi Senju, Mikoto Uchiha, and Ryota Kurogane."


    Kiyoshi turned to see his teammates.


    Mikoto Uchiha¡ªraven-haired, red-eyed, sharp as a kunai. Future mother of Itachi, but right now? Just an ambitious young kunoichi with something to prove.


    Ryota Kurogane¡ªa tall boy with dark hair and a smirk that screamed overconfident swordsman. A katana rested on his back, hinting at Kenjutsu proficiency.


    Kiyoshi frowned slightly. Kurogane? That name doesn''t ring any bells¡­ Which means he''s either an unknown talent or¡­ something else.


    A voice cut through his thoughts.


    "Alright, listen up."


    Their Jonin instructor had arrived.


    Kenshiro Inazuma stood tall, sharp green eyes scanning them critically. His presence was¡­ unsettling.


    I don''t remember this guy from Naruto.


    Which meant one thing¡ªhe didn''t survive long enough to make an impact.


    Kenshiro : "Follow me."


    Later ...


    Kiyoshi stood alongside his new teammates in an open training field behind the Academy. Mikoto Uchiha stood with her arms crossed, her crimson eyes sharp and calculating. Ryota Kurogane, the swordsman, had one hand resting on the hilt of his katana, his expression a mix of curiosity and skepticism.


    Their Jonin instructor, Kenshiro Inazuma, stood before them with an unreadable expression. He was tall and broad-shouldered, with piercing green eyes and dark brown hair tied back. His flak jacket looked slightly worn, a sign of experience rather than neglect.


    Kenshiro let his gaze linger on each of them before he finally spoke.


    "So¡­ these are the kids I have to train, huh?"


    His tone wasn''t condescending, but there was a certain weight behind his words.


    "I am Kenshiro Inazuma, your Jonin instructor. From today onward, you are no longer Academy students. You are shinobi of Konoha," he said, arms crossed. "And if you think that means you''re ready for real missions, you''re dead wrong."


    Kiyoshi listened attentively. The man had a serious, no-nonsense aura¡ªnothing like the easygoing Kakashi or the warm guidance of Iruka.


    Ryota frowned. "What''s that supposed to mean? We already passed the Academy. We graduated."


    Kenshiro''s gaze flicked to him. "You passed a school exam designed to keep you alive. That''s not the same as being ready for the real world. Out there, no one is going to grade you. They''ll just kill you."


    Ryota opened his mouth to argue but shut it when he saw Mikoto nodding slightly, her expression unreadable.


    Kiyoshi remained quiet, processing the information. He''s not wrong. The Naruto world was unforgiving, and even if he had some advantages, taking things lightly wasn''t an option.


    "You three were put on a team because the higher-ups believe your strengths complement each other," Kenshiro continued. "Whether that''s true or not¡­ we''ll find out soon enough." His voice darkened slightly. "But let me make one thing clear¡ªif I don''t think you have what it takes, I will fail this team."


    That made Ryota tense up. "Wait¡ªfail us? Just like that?"


    Kenshiro''s expression didn''t waver. "There are no second chances in this line of work. If you don''t meet my expectations, you''ll be sent back to the Academy or reassigned to another profession. A shinobi isn''t just a job¡ªit''s a life-or-death responsibility."


    A brief silence settled over the group. Mikoto remained still, her gaze thoughtful. Ryota clenched his jaw, clearly not a fan of the idea.


    Kiyoshi finally spoke up, his voice calm. "So what do we have to do?"


    Kenshiro glanced at him, as if reassessing him for a moment. Then, a smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "A survival exercise. You''ll learn the details tomorrow."


    Ryota scoffed. "Let me guess¡ªa bell test? Every Jonin does that."


    Kenshiro chuckled, but there was something cold in his amusement. "No. I don''t do bells. My test is a real survival challenge. No gimmicks. No tricks. Just survival."


    That caught their attention. Even Mikoto''s posture stiffened slightly.


    Kiyoshi felt a hint of unease, but he pushed it down. This isn''t some game. He''s serious.


    "Meet me at Training Ground Four at sunrise," Kenshiro continued. "Eat if you want¡ªbut I don''t recommend it."


    Ryota rolled his eyes. "Oh, come on. That''s such a clich¨¦ line."


    Kenshiro smirked, his eyes gleaming with something almost dangerous. "Maybe. But tomorrow, you''ll understand why."


    With that, he turned and disappeared in a flicker of speed.


    The moment he was gone, Ryota groaned. "Great. We got stuck with the hardass sensei."


    Mikoto shook her head. "He''s not wrong, though. The Academy didn''t prepare us for actual combat. The real test starts now."


    Kiyoshi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "Yeah¡­ I guess we''ll just have to be ready for whatever he throws at us."


    Ryota gave him a sideways glance. "You don''t sound worried."


    Kiyoshi smiled a little, but it wasn''t cocky¡ªjust determined. "I am. But worrying won''t help. Preparing will."


    Mikoto looked at him for a moment, then nodded approvingly.


    "Well," Ryota muttered, adjusting the strap of his katana, "guess we''ll see who survives tomorrow."


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly, looking up at the darkening sky.


    Yeah¡­ tomorrow''s going to be interesting.

 Chapter 3: The Test of Survival

    A/N : This is my first fanfic , if you have some ideas regarding future scenarios please comment. ?? ?? ? ???? ?


    Chapter 3: The Test of Survival


    The first hints of morning light stretched across the sky as Kiyoshi stepped onto Training Ground Four. The air was cool and still, carrying the earthy scent of damp soil and pine. He adjusted the forehead protector resting against his brow, mentally preparing himself.


    Mikoto was already there, her arms folded as she leaned against a tree. Her dark hair, tied in a low ponytail, shifted slightly in the breeze. Her crimson Sharingan eyes were active, scanning the area with silent calculation.


    "You''re early," Kiyoshi noted, stopping a few feet away.


    She didn''t look at him. "I prefer to be prepared."


    The sound of rustling leaves caught their attention as Ryota approached. He stretched his arms over his head, yawning loudly. "Man, I almost slept in."


    Mikoto''s gaze flickered toward him. "That would''ve been a great first impression."


    Ryota smirked. "Would''ve given us an excuse if we fail, though."


    Before Kiyoshi could comment, a faint shift in the air signaled their instructor''s arrival.


    Kenshiro Inazuma stood a few meters away, arms crossed. His green eyes swept over them, unreadable but sharp. His flak jacket bore signs of wear, a quiet testament to his experience.


    "Good. You''re all here."


    His voice was calm, but there was an edge to it¡ªlike a drawn blade waiting to be swung.


    "This exercise isn''t about teamwork," Kenshiro continued. "It''s about instinct, adaptability, and endurance. Your mission is simple¡ªsurvive until sunset."


    Ryota blinked. "That''s it? Just survive?"


    Kenshiro''s smirk was brief but dangerous. "Oh, I promise, it won''t be easy."


    Without warning, Kenshiro''s hands flickered through seals.


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    A moment later¡ªpoof!


    Smoke bombs exploded at their feet, shrouding the area in thick gray mist. Kiyoshi reacted instantly, leaping backward and landing in a low stance, his senses sharp.


    He''s fast¡­


    Mikoto''s crimson eyes darted through the haze. "He''s gone."


    Ryota unsheathed his katana in a single, fluid motion. "Tch. Of course he pulls a disappearing act."


    Then¡ª


    A violent gust of wind blasted through the clearing, parting the smoke just enough for Kiyoshi to see the glint of metal¡ª


    Keng!


    Mikoto twisted at the last second, a kunai barely missing her as it embedded into a tree trunk behind her.


    Ryota reacted purely on instinct. He swung his katana toward the disturbance¡ªonly to slice through empty air.


    Kiyoshi''s pulse quickened. He''s hunting us.


    A flicker of movement¡ª


    Kenshiro materialized behind Ryota.


    "Too slow."


    Before Ryota could turn, Kenshiro''s palm slammed into his back with crushing force. The impact sent him sprawling forward, skidding across the dirt.


    Damn, he hits hard! Kiyoshi thought.


    Mikoto retaliated immediately. Her fingers blurred through hand seals. "Fire Style: Ember Shuriken!"


    Tiny embers flickered into existence around her as she flung three shuriken toward Kenshiro. The moment they left her grip, the embers exploded into small, crackling flames, turning the weapons into spinning arcs of fire.


    Kenshiro barely tilted his head.


    Shing! Shing! Shing!


    With inhuman precision, he swiped a kunai three times, deflecting the flaming projectiles mid-air before vanishing once again.


    Kiyoshi had already moved. He formed a hand seal¡ªClone Jutsu!


    Two identical copies of himself appeared beside him, mirroring his stance. The three of them spread out, making it harder for Kenshiro to pick a target.


    For a second, there was silence.


    Then¡ª


    A shadow flickered behind Kiyoshi.


    Kuh!


    He barely registered the movement before an iron grip seized his wrist.


    Kenshiro was there.


    "Nice try."


    With brutal efficiency, Kenshiro twisted Kiyoshi''s arm behind his back, forcing him off balance. Before he could react, Kenshiro drove a knee into his stomach.


    Pain exploded in Kiyoshi''s gut. His body lurched forward as the air was forced from his lungs.


    Mikoto and Ryota lunged at the same time.


    Ryota''s katana cut a sharp arc through the air¡ªonly to be met by Kenshiro''s forearm. The blade struck fabric, but Kenshiro''s muscles were like steel; the strike barely phased him.


    At the same time, Mikoto came in low, aiming a sweeping kick for Kenshiro''s legs.


    Without hesitation, Kenshiro jumped, twisting mid-air. His free hand grabbed Ryota''s wrist and yanked, throwing the swordsman off balance.


    As he landed, Kenshiro slammed his foot down¡ªright where Mikoto had intended to kick.


    The sheer force of it sent a shockwave through the ground, disrupting her momentum.


    In that split second of imbalance¡ª


    Kenshiro spun and slammed an open-palm strike into Mikoto''s shoulder, sending her skidding backward.


    Kiyoshi, still gasping from the knee strike, barely caught himself on one knee. His mind raced. He''s not just testing our combat skills¡ªhe''s reading us. He''s letting us attack, just to see how we fight.


    Kenshiro exhaled through his nose, unimpressed. "You''re reacting well, but reaction alone won''t keep you alive."


    He took a step back, allowing them to scramble to their feet. His expression remained unreadable, but there was no mistaking the sharp glint in his eyes.


    "You have until sundown," he reminded them. "Try not to die."


    And then¡ªhe was gone.


    Kiyoshi coughed, pushing himself upright. "Well¡­ that went about as expected."


    Mikoto rolled her shoulder, wincing slightly. "He''s holding back."


    Ryota groaned from his spot on the ground. "Oh yeah? Sure doesn''t feel like it."


    Kiyoshi dusted himself off, eyes narrowing. "He''s testing more than just our strength. He wants to see if we can think like shinobi."


    Ryota sheathed his sword with a frown. "Then what''s the plan? We can''t outrun him, and we sure as hell can''t outfight him."


    A slow grin formed on Kiyoshi''s face.


    "We don''t fight him head-on," he said. "We hunt him instead."


    Mikoto raised an eyebrow. "Turning the test on its head?"


    Kiyoshi nodded. "If he wants us to survive, we do it on our terms. We know he''s fast, we know he''s stronger. But even Jonin have weaknesses."


    Ryota smirked, cracking his knuckles. "Alright, genius. What''s the plan?"


    Kiyoshi''s eyes gleamed.


    It''s time to show Kenshiro-sensei that we''re more than just fresh graduates.

 Chapter 4: The Final Stand

    Chapter 4: The Final Stand


    Kiyoshi''s breath was ragged, his muscles aching from exertion. Across from him, Kenshiro Inazuma stood completely unscathed, his arms crossed over his chest, exuding the air of a bored predator.


    Mikoto was still on one knee, her Sharingan spinning slowly, scanning for an opening. Ryota, gripping his katana, looked like he was debating whether to charge in again or just collapse on the spot.


    They were out of options.


    Damn it¡­ is this really the limit?


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. No. Not yet.


    Then he remembered.


    The gacha.


    That ridiculous daily spin that had granted him some random item this morning. He hadn''t even looked at it properly, dismissing it as another useless consolation prize.


    Now, in the face of imminent defeat, he mentally opened his inventory.


    [Mystery Ninja Tool] ¨C A single-use item that will adapt to the user''s greatest need in combat.


    His eyes widened.


    This is it.


    Kiyoshi inhaled deeply.


    "One last move," he muttered.


    Mikoto glanced at him, brow furrowing. "You have something left?"


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    "Something like that."


    Ryota coughed. "If it''s another dumb distraction, I swear¡ª"


    Kiyoshi ignored him, focusing on activating the item.


    Inventory: Use [Mystery Ninja Tool]?


    ¡ú Yes.


    A strange sensation ran up his arm as something materialized in his palm.


    A kunai?


    No¡ªnot just any kunai.


    The blade shimmered with an eerie, shifting glow, its edges pulsating with chakra he didn''t recognize. Inscribed along the hilt were markings¡ªsealing jutsu?


    What the hell did I just summon?


    Kenshiro''s eyes sharpened, sensing the change. "Oh? That''s new."


    Kiyoshi didn''t wait. He moved.


    In an instant, he was behind Kenshiro, kunai slicing toward his back¡ª


    Kenshiro dodged.


    Of course he dodged.


    But¡ª


    Wait.


    His movement stuttered.


    A flicker of surprise flashed across the Jonin''s face as his body slowed for a fraction of a second¡ªjust enough.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan locked onto the anomaly. "That kunai¡­ it''s distorting his movement."


    It''s actually working!


    Kiyoshi''s instincts kicked in. He pivoted, twisting the kunai mid-strike.


    The seals on the weapon flared to life.


    Kenshiro''s body momentarily froze¡ªlike he was being pulled by something unseen.


    What is this effect? Time disruption? Gravity manipulation?


    Doesn''t matter. Use it.


    "Now!" Kiyoshi shouted.


    Ryota didn''t hesitate. He lunged, katana flashing in a downward arc.


    Mikoto followed up instantly, hurling a barrage of shuriken wrapped in wire, aiming to restrict Kenshiro''s limited movement.


    For a split second, they had him.


    For a split second.


    Then¡ª


    Kenshiro exhaled.


    Lightning exploded from his body, crackling arcs tearing through the air.


    The force shattered the wires, sent the kunai flying, and forced Ryota and Mikoto to retreat before the electricity reached them.


    Kiyoshi barely managed to leap back, his kunai sizzling with residual energy.


    Kenshiro emerged from the storm of chakra, rolling his shoulders.


    "Huh," he muttered, inspecting his own arm as if mildly impressed. "That actually almost worked."


    Kiyoshi''s heartbeat was still hammering in his ears.


    Kenshiro met his gaze.


    "Where did you get that kunai?"


    Kiyoshi swallowed. "Uh¡­ black market?"


    Kenshiro narrowed his eyes. "...Right."


    Silence stretched between them. Then¡ª


    Kenshiro grinned.


    "Alright, you pass."


    Kiyoshi blinked. "What?"


    Ryota, still gasping for breath, wheezed, "We¡­ lost. Again."


    Kenshiro shrugged. "Of course you did. But the point was never to win. It was to show if you could adapt, push your limits, and surprise me." He smirked at Kiyoshi. "And you did."


    Kiyoshi stared at the kunai still in his hand. It had lost its glow, the seals now faded. Whatever power it had¡­ it was gone.


    A one-time use.


    He sighed, a slow smile creeping onto his lips. "Huh. Guess I got lucky."


    Mikoto stood up, brushing dust from her sleeves. "That was reckless, but¡­ not bad."


    Ryota groaned. "I need food. And medical attention. But mostly food."


    Kenshiro chuckled. "You''ll get both. Be at training ground four at dawn. The real work starts tomorrow."


    Kiyoshi exhaled.


    Tomorrow, huh?


    He flexed his fingers, still feeling the phantom weight of the kunai.


    A random gacha pull just saved my ass.


    He couldn''t help but grin.


    Maybe this world wasn''t so unfair after all.

 Chapter 5: A Shinobis True Training Begins

    Chapter 5: A Shinobi''s True Training Begins


    Kiyoshi groaned as he rolled out of bed, every muscle in his body protesting the movement. Yesterday''s survival test had pushed him to his limits, and even after resting, he still felt like he had been run over by a stampede of Akimichi clan members.


    His arms ached, his legs felt like lead, and his stomach...


    Growl.


    "¡­Okay, food first."


    Dragging himself to the small kitchen of his apartment, he scarfed down some rice balls and tea before getting dressed in his shinobi gear. As he adjusted his forehead protector, he paused for a moment.


    Yesterday¡­ that kunai¡­


    He opened his inventory, hoping to see another lucky pull waiting for him.


    [Daily Gacha Spin Available!]


    His heart jumped. He wasted no time, mentally hitting ''Spin.''


    The wheel of fate turned¡­


    ¡­and stopped.


    [Obtained: Chakra Restoration Pill (x1)]


    "¡­Not bad." It wasn''t as flashy as a time-distorting kunai, but in a long battle, this could be a lifesaver.


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    Pocketing the pill, he grabbed his gear and rushed toward Training Ground Four.


    By the time Kiyoshi arrived, Mikoto and Ryota were already there.


    Mikoto looked fresh and focused, arms crossed as she observed their sensei. Ryota, on the other hand, was stretching stiffly, looking like he had suffered just as much as Kiyoshi.


    Kenshiro stood in the center of the clearing, hands behind his back. His usual smirk was missing, replaced by a calculating expression.


    "Good. You''re all here," he said. "Now that you''ve had your fun getting beaten senseless, it''s time for real training."


    Ryota groaned. "I knew it was too good to be over¡­"


    Mikoto remained quiet but alert. Kiyoshi just sighed, already mentally preparing for whatever hell Kenshiro had planned.


    "Let me be clear," Kenshiro continued. "You passed the test, but that doesn''t mean you''re strong. It means you have potential. I''ll decide if you''re worth training."


    That sent a chill through Kiyoshi''s spine.


    "First," Kenshiro raised a finger, "we''re covering stamina and chakra control."


    Kiyoshi blinked. "Uh, don''t we already know chakra control?"


    Kenshiro''s smirk returned. "Oh, really? Then let''s see how well you can do this."


    He bent his knees slightly¡ªthen, in the blink of an eye, he vanished.


    Kiyoshi''s brain barely had time to process before a sharp wind pressure slammed into him from behind. He spun around¡ª


    Kenshiro was there, standing casually.


    "You''re too slow," Kenshiro said, flicking his forehead lightly. "For the next hour, we''ll be working on increasing your speed and reaction time. If you can''t keep up, you''re dead."


    Ryota paled. "Wait, an hour of dodging you? That''s insane!"


    Kenshiro''s grin widened.


    "Who said anything about dodging?"


    A shiver ran down Kiyoshi''s spine.


    This¡­ is going to hurt.


    The training began.


    Kenshiro moved like a phantom, attacking from every angle. He didn''t use lethal force, but every strike sent them stumbling, tripping, or crashing into the ground.


    Kiyoshi barely had time to react before a palm strike smashed into his stomach, knocking the air out of him. He tumbled, rolling to a stop.


    Mikoto used her Sharingan to anticipate attacks, but even she struggled to keep up. Ryota, relying on his sword, was swatting at empty air, always a second too slow.


    Time passed in a blur of pain, sweat, and sheer survival instinct.


    By the time Kenshiro finally stopped, Kiyoshi was gasping for breath, barely standing.


    "Not bad," Kenshiro said, as if they hadn''t just gone through hell. "You''re all still alive. That''s a good start."


    Kiyoshi wiped the sweat from his brow. "Still alive is a low bar."


    Kenshiro grinned. "Welcome to shinobi life."


    Before they could rest, a whistle cut through the air.


    All four turned toward the sound.


    A figure stood at the entrance to the training ground.


    He wore a standard Jonin vest, but his expression was unreadable. His gaze locked onto Kenshiro with familiarity.


    Kenshiro''s smirk vanished.


    "Kenshiro," the newcomer said. "We need to talk."


    Kiyoshi felt a sudden shift in the air. Mikoto''s Sharingan activated on instinct. Even Ryota stiffened, gripping his sword.


    Whoever this guy was¡ªhe wasn''t here for small talk.


    Kenshiro sighed, rubbing the back of his neck.


    "Great," he muttered. "Just when things were getting fun."

 Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past

    A/N : I know people will complain that it''s too slow paced...but let me say this : Mc is not overpowered, atleast not from the start, I want to build MC''s character and his relationship with his teammates..and there will be many instances where this will happen ...so if you want an overpowered MC who sweeps every other heroine from the start then sorry this is not your cup of tea.


    ? ? ? - ?? ? ? ? - ??? ? ? - ??? ? ? - ??? ? ? - ??? ? ? - ??


    Chapter 6: Shadows of the Past


    The tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a kunai. Kiyoshi studied the newcomer carefully, his instincts on high alert.


    The man was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark gray Jonin vest fitting snugly over a black long-sleeved shirt. His short silver hair was slightly disheveled, and a faint scar ran down the side of his jaw. But what stood out most were his piercing blue eyes¡ªsharp and calculating, scanning them like a predator evaluating prey.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan spun cautiously. Ryota, gripping the hilt of his katana, took a half-step forward, instinctively placing himself between the newcomer and their team.


    Kenshiro, however, seemed unimpressed.


    "Still sticking your nose where it doesn''t belong, Renji?"


    Renji crossed his arms. "And you''re still playing babysitter, I see."


    Kiyoshi frowned. These two know each other?


    "You didn''t come all the way here just to insult me," Kenshiro said, his tone more serious than usual. "What do you want?"


    Renji''s gaze flickered to Kiyoshi and the others before locking back onto Kenshiro. "Not here. We need to talk¡ªprivately."


    You might be reading a pirated copy. Look for the official release to support the author.


    Kenshiro sighed dramatically, as if already regretting whatever was about to happen. "Alright, alright. You three¡ªtake a break. But don''t slack off."


    Mikoto hesitated before nodding. Ryota muttered something under his breath but followed. Kiyoshi lingered a moment longer, trying to read their body language.


    Something wasn''t right.


    From a distance, Kiyoshi watched as Kenshiro and Renji stepped further into the woods, speaking in hushed voices. Mikoto stood beside him, her crimson eyes focused.


    "You can tell, right?" Kiyoshi murmured.


    Mikoto nodded slowly. "It''s serious."


    Ryota scoffed. "Obviously. But what''s worse is that we''re being kept in the dark."


    Kiyoshi didn''t reply. Instead, he activated his system and quietly pulled out a small item he had nearly forgotten about.


    [Gacha Item: Eavesdropper''s Whisper (One-time use)]


    Allows the user to hear any conversation within a 50-meter radius for 5 minutes.


    Kiyoshi smirked. Well, I can''t just let this go to waste.


    He crushed the item in his hand.


    Immediately, sound rushed into his ears like a wave.


    "--happened near the border. Three teams were wiped out."


    Kiyoshi''s stomach tightened.


    "Wiped out?" Kenshiro''s voice was sharp. "By who?"


    "That''s what we''re trying to figure out. But based on the aftermath¡­ it wasn''t just some rogue ninjas. This was something worse."


    A pause. Then Kenshiro''s tone lowered.


    "You think it''s them?"


    Renji didn''t answer right away. Then: "I don''t think. I know."


    Silence. Kiyoshi could hear his own heartbeat pounding.


    "And what does this have to do with me?" Kenshiro asked.


    Renji exhaled. "Orders from above. You and your team are being considered for a mission."


    Kiyoshi almost stumbled.


    We''re Genin. We shouldn''t be anywhere near something like this!


    Kenshiro''s voice hardened. "They''re not ready."


    Renji''s reply was ice-cold. "They don''t have a choice."


    The sound cut off.


    Kiyoshi staggered back slightly, his mind racing.


    Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "What did you just do?"


    Kiyoshi took a slow breath. "We''re in trouble."


    Minutes later, Kenshiro and Renji returned. Kenshiro''s usual smirk was gone, replaced with an unreadable expression.


    Renji glanced at the team. "They''re stronger than they look. Maybe they''ll survive."


    Kenshiro ignored him and faced Kiyoshi, Mikoto, and Ryota.


    "Change of plans," he said. "Your real training starts now."


    Ryota frowned. "What do you mean ''real'' training? What the hell was all of this before?"


    Kenshiro''s green eyes gleamed. "The warm-up."


    Kiyoshi tightened his fists. He didn''t like where this was going.


    "You''ve got two days," Kenshiro continued. "After that, we''re going on a mission. A real one."


    Mikoto''s expression remained unreadable, but her fingers twitched slightly.


    Ryota scowled. "We just became Genin! Shouldn''t we start with escort missions or catching lost pets?"


    Renji scoffed. "Those are for the ones who have time to waste. You don''t."


    Kiyoshi''s mind spun, remembering the conversation he overheard. Three teams wiped out. Something worse than rogue ninjas.


    "...What kind of mission?" he finally asked.


    Kenshiro stared at them for a long moment before answering.


    "A survival mission."

 Chapter 7: The First Step into Danger

    Chapter 7: The First Step into Danger


    Kiyoshi, Mikoto, and Ryota followed Kenshiro through the dense forest outside Konoha. The usual warmth of the village seemed distant now, swallowed by the towering trees and the eerie silence pressing in around them.


    The Genin had been given almost no time to process what was happening. They weren''t told where they were going, only that the mission was starting now.


    Kiyoshi''s mind raced. This isn''t normal. We should have had at least a briefing, supplies, maybe even backup. But instead¡­ we''re just marching straight into the unknown.


    Mikoto walked beside him, her expression unreadable. Ryota, on the other hand, was clearly agitated, his grip on his katana tightening with every step.


    Finally, Ryota couldn''t take it anymore. "Are you seriously not gonna tell us what the mission is?"


    Kenshiro didn''t slow down. "I already did. It''s a survival mission."


    Ryota growled in frustration. "Yeah, but what does that mean? Are we hunting something? Are we supposed to track someone? Or are we just¡ª"


    "You''ll find out soon enough."


    That shut Ryota up. The look in Kenshiro''s eyes was dead serious.


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. This isn''t just some test. This is real.


    After another hour of walking, Kenshiro suddenly stopped.


    They had reached a clearing¡ªan abandoned outpost from an old battle, half-ruined and covered in moss. A single broken watchtower still stood, barely holding itself together.


    Kenshiro turned to them, his arms crossed.


    "Alright. Here''s the mission."


    He gestured toward the ruined outpost.


    "You three are going to survive here for three days. No food. No water. Just your wits, your skills, and whatever you can find in the forest."


    Ryota blinked. "That''s it?"


    Kenshiro''s smirk returned. "Oh, no. There''s more."


    He pointed at the treeline. "Somewhere in this area, there''s an enemy team. Their job? Hunt you."


    Kiyoshi felt his stomach drop.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan flickered to life. "You mean¡­ real enemy shinobi?"


    Kenshiro shook his head. "Not enemy shinobi. Chunin-level trackers from Konoha."


    Ryota let out a nervous laugh. "Oh. That''s¡ªwait, that''s worse!"


    If you encounter this story on Amazon, note that it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    Kenshiro''s smirk widened. "Correct. You''ll be hunted by actual ninjas with orders to track you down. If they catch you? You fail."


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly. So that''s what this is.


    This wasn''t just a survival test. It was a realistic combat drill.


    Kenshiro took a step forward. "And let me be clear¡ªyou are not expected to fight them head-on. If you do, you will lose. Your job is to use your skills, avoid capture, and survive until the third day. That''s the only way you pass."


    A heavy silence settled over the team.


    Then Ryota groaned. "Ugh. I hate this already."


    Mikoto, however, didn''t complain. She simply nodded. "Understood."


    Kiyoshi took a deep breath. Fine. If this is the test, then I just have to win.


    Kenshiro checked the sky. "You have fifteen minutes before the hunt begins. Better get moving."


    And just like that¡ªhe vanished, leaving them alone.


    Mikoto immediately took charge. "We need to move. Now."


    Ryota frowned. "Shouldn''t we scout the outpost first? It might have supplies."


    Kiyoshi shook his head. "Too obvious. If I were tracking us, that''d be the first place I''d check."


    Mikoto nodded in agreement. "We need to get as far as possible before the hunt starts."


    Ryota sighed. "Great. Running. My favorite."


    Without another word, they disappeared into the trees.


    The hunt had begun.


    The forest was eerily silent as Kiyoshi, Mikoto, and Ryota darted through the trees, their movements barely disturbing the underbrush. Every breath, every step, every shift of the wind felt amplified in the quiet tension of the hunt.


    They had barely gotten ten minutes away from the outpost when Mikoto suddenly stopped mid-step, raising a hand.


    "Wait." Her Sharingan spun as she scanned the dense foliage.


    Kiyoshi tensed. "You see something?"


    Mikoto nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. "Two¡­ no, three incoming. Fast."


    Ryota cursed under his breath. "Already? Damn it, they''re good."


    Kiyoshi''s mind worked fast. Three Chunin-level trackers, closing in quickly¡­ if we keep running, they''ll catch us. We need a plan.


    He looked up at the trees, then at the uneven terrain ahead. An idea formed.


    "We need to split up," Kiyoshi said.


    Ryota shot him a look. "What? That''s the worst idea! They''ll pick us off one by one."


    "Not if we do it right," Kiyoshi countered. "Mikoto, you go left. Ryota, right. I''ll stay on this path and draw their attention."


    Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "You''re using yourself as bait."


    Kiyoshi smirked. "Exactly. If I can lead them off course, you two can reposition and ambush them."


    Ryota hesitated. "And if they catch you?"


    Kiyoshi''s grin widened. "They won''t. I have an ace up my sleeve."


    He reached into his pocket and brushed his fingers over the Gacha reward he had drawn that morning.


    [Item: Shadow Cloak ¨C Temporarily renders the user undetectable for 30 seconds.]


    This is my one-shot escape tool. I have to use it wisely.


    Mikoto studied him for a moment, then nodded. "Fine. Don''t die."


    With that, she disappeared into the trees. Ryota hesitated for a second longer before following her lead.


    Now alone, Kiyoshi exhaled slowly. "Alright. Let''s see how good these trackers really are."


    Then, he sprinted forward, making as much noise as possible.


    A flicker of movement. The rustle of leaves.


    Then¡ªattack!


    A kunai whizzed past Kiyoshi''s head, embedding itself in a tree trunk. He twisted mid-step, barely dodging a second strike.


    "Fast," he muttered.


    From the shadows, three figures emerged. They were older, more experienced, clad in standard Konoha Chunin vests. Their leader, a tall man with a scar down his cheek, smirked.


    "Smart move, running," the man said. "Too bad it won''t help."


    Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow. "I dunno. I think I''m doing pretty well so far."


    The man chuckled. "Cocky. I like that. Let''s see how long that confidence lasts."


    Without warning, he vanished.


    Shit¡ª!


    Kiyoshi barely reacted in time as a foot came flying toward him. He twisted his body, the kick grazing his ribs instead of hitting full force. Even so, the impact hurt.


    Kiyoshi tumbled backward but landed on his feet. He had no time to breathe¡ªthe other two trackers were already closing in.


    I can''t fight them directly. I need to stall¡­


    Then, a plan clicked.


    He reached into his pocket, gripping the Shadow Cloak.


    The leader lunged again.


    Just as his hand was about to grab Kiyoshi¡ª


    [Shadow Cloak: Activated.]


    Kiyoshi vanished.


    The Chunin''s eyes widened in shock. "What¡ª?!"


    From their perspective, Kiyoshi had completely disappeared. His chakra signature, his presence¡ªeverything was gone.


    The three trackers froze, scanning the area in confusion.


    "Where did he go?!"


    Kiyoshi, now invisible, smirked from just a few feet away. This thing is incredible.


    He had exactly 30 seconds.


    Silently, he moved past them, making sure not to disturb the environment. He slipped behind a tree and crouched low.


    When the Cloak wore off, he''d be in their blind spot.


    "Fan out!" the leader barked. "He couldn''t have gone far!"


    The moment they turned¡ª


    Kiyoshi struck.


    He moved fast, leaping forward and delivering a precise chakra-enhanced punch to the nearest tracker''s gut. The man''s eyes widened as the air was knocked from his lungs, sending him flying into a tree.


    The second tracker barely had time to react before Kiyoshi flipped backward, tossing a smoke bomb.


    The clearing erupted into a thick gray fog.


    Now, they were blind.


    And then¡ª


    SHARINGAN!


    Mikoto''s crimson eyes pierced through the smoke.


    She struck fast and clean, landing a precise kunai slash across the second tracker''s shoulder. The man staggered back, but before he could recover¡ª


    CLANG!


    Ryota''s sword met his kunai head-on, forcing him further off balance.


    The three Genin had turned the hunters into the hunted.


    The leader growled, realizing what had happened. "Tch. They used the smoke to reposition!"


    Kiyoshi grinned. "That''s right."


    He raised his hands in a Ram Seal.


    Time to finish this.

 Chapter 8: The Hunters Become the Hunted

    Chapter 8: The Hunters Become the Hunted


    The moment stretched. The air was thick with tension, the lingering smoke from Kiyoshi''s bomb swirling between them. The Chunin leader, still reeling from the sudden reversal, clenched his jaw. His subordinates were struggling to regain their footing¡ªMikoto''s precision strike had cut deep, and Ryota''s sword strike had thrown the other off balance.


    Kiyoshi''s fingers formed a quick hand seal.


    "Time to end this."


    "Fire Style: Flaming Palm Technique!"(1)


    Heat surged through his arm, chakra igniting like a furnace. He lunged forward, his palm glowing with intense heat, aimed directly at the Chunin leader''s chest.


    The leader''s eyes widened. Fire chakra enhancement?


    At the last second, the Chunin twisted, dodging just enough to avoid a direct hit. But Kiyoshi''s palm grazed his vest, and the fabric sizzled, blackening instantly from the heat. The leader leaped back, landing in a crouch, hand pressing against his smoldering armor.


    His sharp eyes locked onto Kiyoshi. That technique¡­ it''s not standard Academy-level jutsu.


    Kiyoshi grinned. "Surprised? You should be."


    The Chunin leader exhaled, his breath controlled despite the sudden turn of events. "Not bad, kid. But a flashy move alone won''t win you this fight."


    Mikoto and Ryota closed in on either side of him, their weapons ready.


    "Who said anything about ''alone''?" Kiyoshi shot back.


    The Chunin''s eyes flickered with realization¡ªhe was outnumbered. His teammates were still recovering, and the three Genin had already proven themselves capable of coordination.


    This had gone from a simple hunt to a full-blown disadvantage.


    He exhaled sharply. "Tch."


    Then¡ªhe vanished.


    ---


    The sudden retreat left behind an eerie silence. Kiyoshi, Mikoto, and Ryota remained tense, their eyes scanning the surrounding trees.


    "They''re gone," Mikoto confirmed, her Sharingan fading back to black. "They knew they couldn''t win."


    Ryota let out a shaky laugh. "Did we just¡­ did we just win?"


    Kiyoshi exhaled, letting his shoulders relax. "We survived. That''s what matters."


    But deep inside, he knew the truth. This wasn''t a true victory. The Chunin hadn''t been going all out. They had tested them, pressured them¡­ and when the Genin adapted, they withdrew.


    This was never about capturing us.


    It was about seeing what we could do.


    Mikoto, as if sensing his thoughts, spoke. "They''ll be back. Stronger this time."


    Ryota groaned. "Of course they will."


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. "Then we need a new plan."


    ---


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    Unknown Location ¨C The Trackers'' Camp :


    The Chunin leader landed on a thick tree branch, his subordinates appearing beside him moments later. One clutched his side where Ryota''s strike had nearly broken through his guard. The other wiped blood from his shoulder where Mikoto had cut deep.


    The leader crossed his arms, watching the distant forest where the Genin had disappeared.


    "Those kids¡­" one of the injured Chunin muttered, adjusting his bandages. "They''re not normal."


    The leader smirked slightly. "No. They''re not."


    Another voice cut through the silence.


    "So? What''s the verdict?"


    From the shadows, Kenshiro stepped into the clearing, his usual smirk playing on his lips.


    The Chunin leader exhaled. "You weren''t joking when you said they had potential." He glanced at his teammates. "They''re raw, but they adapt fast. If they get a few more real fights under their belts¡­"


    Kenshiro''s smirk widened. "They''ll be monsters."


    The Chunin leader sighed. "What now?"


    Kenshiro cracked his knuckles. "Now? We crank up the difficulty."


    ---


    Back with Kiyoshi and the Team ¨C Midnight Approaches


    Night fell quickly in the dense forest. The three Genin sat in a small clearing, hidden within a thick patch of brush.


    Kiyoshi rested against a tree, eyes half-closed. The thrill of the fight had faded, replaced by exhaustion.


    Mikoto sat nearby, quietly sharpening a kunai. Ryota poked at a small fire, still grumbling about their situation.


    "This sucks," he muttered. "We finally outplay those guys, and now we have to wait for round two?"


    Kiyoshi exhaled, waiting.


    His gaze flicked up toward the moon, watching the slow movement of the stars. His system operated on a strict timer, and by his calculations¡­


    12:00 AM.


    [Daily Gacha Spin Available!]


    A small blue notification blinked in the corner of his vision.


    Finally.


    Taking a slow breath, Kiyoshi pressed the spin button.


    The wheel of fate turned, glowing symbols flashing by¡ªjutsu scrolls, kunai, random food items. Then¡ª


    [Obtained: Binding Wire ¨C Reinforced Chakra-Infused Wire (10 meters)]


    Kiyoshi''s eyes widened.


    Perfect.


    He quickly read the description. Extremely durable, resistant to breaking, and able to hold strong even against high-speed targets.


    "We can use this," he muttered.


    Mikoto leaned closer, reading over his shoulder. "Chakra-Infused Binding Wire?"


    Kiyoshi grinned. "Exactly. If we set it up in the right places, we can slow them down¡ªmaybe even take one of them out of the fight entirely."


    Ryota smirked. "Now you''re talking."


    ---


    For the next hour, they worked in near silence, preparing the battlefield.


    Mikoto used her Sharingan to map out enemy approach routes, identifying the best spots to place the binding wires.


    Ryota, skilled with a blade, helped secure the wires in strategic locations, blending them seamlessly into the environment.


    Kiyoshi spread dry leaves and bushes near the wires¡ªif the enemy was moving fast, they''d never notice until it was too late.


    But it wasn''t enough to just set traps.


    They needed to lure the Chunin into them.


    Kiyoshi tapped his chin, then smirked.


    "I''ll be the bait."


    Ryota blinked. "Okay, I was on board up until now. Why do you get to be bait?"


    "Because I can survive it," Kiyoshi said simply. "We''ve already seen that I can hold my own, at least for a while. If I make it seem like I''m running scared, they''ll focus on me."


    Mikoto crossed her arms. "And if they catch you?"


    Kiyoshi''s grin widened. "They won''t."


    Ryota groaned. "I swear, one day your overconfidence is gonna get you killed."


    "Not today."


    ---


    As dawn broke, the three Genin moved into position.


    Kiyoshi stood near the ruined outpost, making sure he was the most visible. Ryota and Mikoto had already vanished into the trees, hidden by the dense foliage.


    He took a slow breath, then¡ª


    He ran.


    Loud. Fast. Obvious.


    It only took seconds before the enemy took the bait.


    From the shadows, three figures emerged, their movements blurring through the trees.


    Knew it.


    The Chunin leader smirked as he dashed forward. "You again?"


    Kiyoshi threw a glance over his shoulder, pretending to panic. "Crap, crap, crap¡ª!"


    He leaped over a fallen log, making sure his pursuers kept their momentum.


    The trap was set.


    Just a little closer¡­


    The lead Chunin lunged¡ª


    And his foot hit the wire.


    There was a sharp whipping sound, then¡ª


    SNAP!


    The reinforced chakra wire tightened instantly, yanking the Chunin violently off his feet and slamming him into a nearby tree. His body jerked as the wire locked around his legs and torso, completely immobilizing him.


    The other two Chunin barely had time to react before¡ª


    Mikoto struck.


    She burst from the foliage, kunai flashing. Her first strike sliced across the second Chunin''s shoulder, forcing him to stumble back¡ª


    Right into Ryota''s attack.


    CLANG!


    Ryota''s katana met the Chunin''s defensive kunai, the impact forcing him further off balance.


    The last remaining tracker''s eyes widened. "A trap¡ª!"


    Too late.


    Kiyoshi skidded to a stop, pivoted¡ª


    And slammed his fist into the ground.


    "Fire Style: Flaming Palm Technique!"


    The dry leaves and bushes they had prepared earlier ignited instantly, flames surging to life in a ring around the battlefield.


    Nowhere to run.


    The hunters had become the prey.


    The leader struggled against the chakra wire, but the reinforced bindings held firm. "Tch¡­ sneaky brats."


    The remaining two took defensive stances, realizing the situation had flipped.


    Kiyoshi, Mikoto, and Ryota stood together, forming a perfect triangle around their enemies.


    Kiyoshi cracked his knuckles. "So¡­ what do you think, sensei?"


    A slow clap echoed through the clearing.


    From above, Kenshiro stood perched on a tree branch, watching with an amused smirk.


    "Not bad," he admitted. "You actually made them sweat."


    The Chunin leader sighed. "This was a test, wasn''t it?"


    Kenshiro chuckled. "Obviously."


    The leader shook his head but grinned. "I''ll admit it. You kids are a lot better than I expected."


    Kiyoshi exhaled, the adrenaline finally wearing off.


    They did it.


    They won.


    ---


    A few hours later, the team sat near a newly built campfire, their bodies sore but their spirits high.


    Ryota leaned back, stretching. "Okay, I''ll admit it. That was fun."


    Mikoto smirked. "And we didn''t die. Always a plus."


    Kiyoshi chuckled, rubbing his sore knuckles. "Told you we''d be fine."


    Kenshiro approached, arms crossed. "Enjoy the break while you can."


    They all turned to him.


    "Because your real mission starts tomorrow."


    Kiyoshi blinked. "Wait. What?"


    Kenshiro grinned.


    "You didn''t think this was the end, did you?"


    A/N : 1. Fire Release: Flaming Palm Technique ( Katon: Houka Hira no Jutsu ): A more advanced version of the Katon: Tanebi no Jutsu, this jutsu allows the user to hold the spark in their hand. They then amplify it with their chakra until it is a small flame. By mimicking the gentle fist style, the push the flame into their opponent, causing clothes to light, or minor burns on the body.

 Chapter 9: The Real Mission Begins (1)

    A/N : I need ... motivation to write . Give me that motivation(??£Þ3£Þ£©


    Chapter 9: The Real Mission Begins (1)


    The morning air was crisp, the scent of damp earth lingering from the night before. Kiyoshi sat cross-legged near the embers of their dying fire, absentmindedly rolling a kunai between his fingers. Every muscle in his body ached from the previous day''s battle, but the satisfaction of winning kept a smirk on his face.


    Ryota lay sprawled on the ground, arms stretched out. "I don''t wanna move¡­"


    Mikoto, ever composed, finished retying her wrist wraps. "You''ll have to." She turned her crimson gaze toward Kenshiro, who stood a few feet away, arms crossed.


    Their Jonin instructor had been watching them in silence, waiting. And now, the moment had come.


    "Alright," Kenshiro finally said, his tone unreadable. "Enough rest. It''s time for the real mission."


    Kiyoshi''s smirk faded. Wait. What?


    Ryota groaned. "You mean that wasn''t the mission?"


    Kenshiro chuckled. "That? No. That was to see if you were worth sending on one."


    Silence.


    Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "What''s the objective?"


    Kenshiro''s smirk disappeared. "We''re leaving Konoha."


    Kiyoshi''s breath hitched. Leaving?


    Ryota shot up. "Wait, hold up¡ªaren''t we, like, fresh Genin? Aren''t we supposed to start with boring escort missions?"


    Kenshiro didn''t even blink. "That''s what the weak ones do."


    Kiyoshi felt a cold weight settle in his gut. This wasn''t normal. Something was off.


    "Sensei," he said carefully, "where exactly are we going?"


    Kenshiro turned, walking toward the treeline. "Follow me."


    They traveled for hours, the towering trees of the Fire Country gradually thinning as they approached unfamiliar terrain.


    Kiyoshi''s mind raced. Leaving the village, skipping D-rank missions, being tested by Chunin-level opponents¡ªthis isn''t normal at all.


    Mikoto was silent, but her watchful gaze showed she was thinking the same thing.


    Finally, Ryota lost his patience. "Can you please tell us where we''re going?"


    Kenshiro stopped. He turned to them, his green eyes sharp.


    "We''re headed to the border of the Land of Fire."


    Silence.


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    Kiyoshi felt his heart speed up.


    Border missions¡­? But those are¡ª


    Mikoto''s voice was calm, but there was a distinct edge to it. "Border missions are usually given to Chunin or Jonin teams. What are we doing there?"


    Kenshiro studied them for a moment before answering.


    "There''s been¡­ activity in the area. Teams have gone missing. Our job is to investigate."


    Kiyoshi''s stomach twisted. Missing teams?


    Ryota paled. "So, let me get this straight. You want us¡ªa group of Genin¡ªto check out a mission that got actual ninja killed?"


    Kenshiro didn''t answer immediately. His silence was more telling than words.


    Mikoto exhaled. "Who are we dealing with?"


    Kenshiro''s jaw tightened. "We don''t know yet. That''s the problem."


    As they continued walking, Kenshiro finally gave them real details.


    "Over the past two weeks, three teams have disappeared near the border. No survivors. No reports. Just gone."


    Kiyoshi swallowed. "No signs of battle?"


    Kenshiro shook his head. "We don''t know. The only thing left behind was bloodstains and shredded gear."


    A chill ran down Kiyoshi''s spine.


    Mikoto furrowed her brow. "So it''s not bandits."


    Kenshiro nodded. "No. Bandits don''t erase an entire squad like that."


    Ryota crossed his arms. "Then it''s shinobi. Rogue ninja?"


    "That''s what we''re going to find out."


    Kiyoshi frowned. "And Konoha is really sending us to deal with this?"


    Kenshiro smirked. "Not to fight. To gather intel."


    As the sun began to set, they reached a high ridge overlooking a dense valley. Kenshiro gestured for them to stop.


    "Below us is the last known location of one of the missing teams."


    Kiyoshi peered down. From this height, the valley looked¡­ normal. Dense trees, a slow-moving river, rolling hills of green. Peaceful.


    And yet¡­ something felt wrong.


    Mikoto''s gaze sharpened, her irises deepening into an unmistakable crimson. A faint flicker passed through them¡ªsubtle, yet telling. She swept her eyes over the valley, dissecting every shadow with an eerie stillness.


    Her fingers twitched.


    "Kenshiro," she murmured. "Something''s there."


    Kiyoshi tensed. "What do you see?"


    Mikoto''s lips parted slightly.


    "Nothing."


    Kiyoshi blinked. "Wait, what?"


    She turned to them, her expression unusually serious. "That''s the problem. There''s nothing. No animals, no chakra signatures, no movement. Just¡­ silence."


    Ryota swallowed. "That''s not normal."


    Kiyoshi''s gut tightened. In a forest this dense, there should be birds. Bugs. Anything.


    Instead, there was nothing.


    Kenshiro exhaled. "That settles it. We''re heading down."


    Kiyoshi hesitated. "Are we sure this is a good idea?"


    Kenshiro gave him a sharp look. "If you''re scared, stay behind."


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. Damn him.


    "Not a chance."


    Kenshiro smirked. "Good answer. Let''s go."


    And with that, they entered the valley of silence.


    The descent into the valley was slow and methodical, every step calculated. Kiyoshi could hear nothing but the faint rustling of leaves as they moved, and even that felt¡­ unnatural. The usual sounds of a forest¡ªchirping birds, buzzing insects, the distant howl of some nocturnal animal¡ªwere completely absent.


    It was too quiet.


    Mikoto''s single tomoe Sharingan scanned ahead, her crimson eyes flickering as she searched for any sign of movement. Ryota kept a hand near the hilt of his katana, his muscles tense.


    Kiyoshi exhaled softly, trying to keep himself calm, but the air here felt heavy, as if something unseen was pressing down on them.


    He glanced at Kenshiro. Their Jonin instructor looked as casual as ever, but there was something off about his posture¡ªhis movements were too controlled, too precise.


    Even he''s on edge.


    That was not reassuring.


    They reached the forest floor, stepping cautiously over damp earth. Kenshiro raised a fist, signaling them to stop.


    "Look around. Find anything that tells us what happened here."


    The team spread out, carefully inspecting the area.


    Kiyoshi''s boots crunched softly over fallen leaves as he moved. His hands clenched into fists. Three teams. Gone without a trace. What the hell happened here?


    Then¡ª


    "Kiyoshi."


    Mikoto''s voice was quiet but sharp.


    He turned and saw her kneeling beside something, half-buried under foliage.


    A shinobi headband.


    It was cracked down the middle, stained with something dark.


    Kiyoshi swallowed hard. Blood.


    Ryota crouched down, inspecting it. "It''s from Konoha." His voice was tense. "This belonged to one of the missing ninja."


    Kenshiro stepped closer, eyes narrowing. He reached down and lifted the headband, rubbing the cracked metal with his thumb. His usual smirk was gone.


    Mikoto wasn''t looking at the headband anymore. Her gaze had shifted¡ªher Sharingan locked onto something just beyond the trees.


    "I see more," she murmured.


    Kiyoshi and Ryota followed her line of sight.


    Their stomachs dropped.


    A shredded flak jacket lay discarded near the base of a tree, torn apart as if something had ripped through it. The kunai holster was empty, straps sliced clean through. The fabric was stiff and dark¡ªdried blood.


    No body.


    Just remnants.


    Kiyoshi felt his fingers twitch. Where are the corpses?


    Something had *killed these shinobi¡­ but not left a single body behind.


    Ryota took a slow step back. "Okay. I''m officially creeped out."


    Mikoto stilled. The glint in her crimson gaze sharpened, a flicker of understanding passing through her features before she even spoke. "Sensei¡­ we''ve been in it from the start."


    The second she spoke, the wind shifted.


    It was subtle¡ªbarely noticeable¡ªbut Kiyoshi felt it. A change in the atmosphere, like the valley itself had just¡­ exhaled.


    A chill ran down his spine.


    Kenshiro''s hand slowly moved toward his kunai pouch. His voice was calm but firm:


    "Don''t react. Don''t make a sound."


    Kiyoshi felt his heartbeat hammering against his ribs.


    Then¡ª


    A single leaf fell from a nearby tree.


    And vanished before it hit the ground.


    Kiyoshi''s breath caught in his throat. What the hell¡ª?!


    Mikoto''s eyes widened. "Genjutsu."


    Kenshiro nodded. "A powerful one."


    Kiyoshi swallowed. Crap. Crap. Crap.


    Ryota''s knuckles turned white around his sword. "How long have we been in it?"


    Kenshiro''s expression darkened. "The moment we stepped into the valley."

 Chapter 10: The Real Mission Begins (2)

    SNAP!


    A branch cracked in the distance. Then another.


    Something was coming.


    Kiyoshi''s mind raced. We walked into a trap. The silence¡­ the missing bodies¡­ it''s all part of it.


    A shadow flickered between the trees¡ªtoo fast to track. Then another.


    Mikoto stiffened. "There are at least¡ª"


    They struck.


    A blur of movement, and four figures erupted from the darkness, their presence snapping into reality¡ªlike they had been hiding just outside existence itself.


    They were fast.


    One of them lunged at Kiyoshi. He barely reacted in time, twisting away as a kunai slashed inches from his throat. He countered with his own kunai¡ªmetal clashing against metal.


    The impact sent a shock through his arm.


    Too strong. Too precise. This wasn''t just some rogue group.


    Kiyoshi''s gut twisted.


    Three of them were borderline Chunin¡ªdangerous, but manageable.


    But their leader?


    Jonin. Maybe even elite Jonin.


    His blood ran cold.


    Mikoto, Ryota, and I... we''re Genin.


    Kenshiro-sensei is strong, but against an elite Jonin¡­


    The odds were bad.


    Their chances of escaping alive were low.


    Mikoto and Ryota were already engaged in battle.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan flashed as she barely dodged a strike aimed at her back. Ryota parried two incoming blades at once, his katana ringing like a chime in the night.


    A case of content theft: this narrative is not rightfully on Amazon; if you spot it, report the violation.


    Kenshiro was gone.


    No¡ª


    Kiyoshi spotted him mid-air, dodging an attack from an opponent moving just as fast as him.


    Even their sensei was being pushed back.


    Kiyoshi barely had time to process that before his own opponent smirked.


    "You should have stayed in Konoha, kid."


    Then¡ª


    He vanished.


    No¡ªnot vanished.


    Moved.


    Kiyoshi barely had time to raise his arms before a kick slammed into his ribs, sending him crashing through a tree.


    Pain exploded through his body.


    Shit¡ª!


    He hit the ground, coughing, struggling to breathe.


    The enemy didn''t hesitate¡ªthey rushed him again.


    Kiyoshi''s mind screamed for him to move, but his body wasn''t fast enough.


    Then¡ª


    A blast of fire erupted between them.


    The enemy skidded back, narrowly dodging the flames.


    Mikoto landed beside Kiyoshi, eyes blazing.


    "You''re too slow," she muttered.


    Kiyoshi groaned. "Thanks for the save."


    "No time. Get up."


    Kiyoshi forced himself to his feet, ignoring the pain. He gritted his teeth.


    No more playing around.


    He formed a hand seal.


    "Fire Style: Flaming Palm Technique!"


    Flames ignited in his hands, the heat licking at his skin.


    Across from him, the enemy shinobi''s smirk faltered slightly.


    "That''s new."


    Kiyoshi smirked back. "Yeah. You''ll hate it."


    ---


    Kenshiro vs. the Leader


    While the Genin fought, Kenshiro clashed blades with an opponent just as fast as him.


    The enemy''s face was hidden by a dark mask, but his movements were flawless¡ªnot a wasted step, not a wasted breath.


    Kenshiro narrowed his eyes. "You''re not rogue ninja, are you?"


    The masked figure didn''t answer. Instead, he lunged¡ªlightning crackling around his blade.


    Kenshiro barely dodged as the edge of the blade sliced a clean gash across his flak jacket.


    He exhaled.


    "So that''s how it is."


    Then¡ª


    Kenshiro vanished.


    The masked shinobi barely had time to react before Kenshiro reappeared behind him, kunai aimed for the kill.


    CLANG!


    At the last second, the enemy blocked, spinning away with impossible speed.


    Kenshiro smirked.


    "Fine. Let''s get serious, then."


    ---


    The battle had turned against them.


    Kiyoshi''s breathing was ragged, his Scorching Palm flickering weakly in his hands. His opponent''s arm was burned, his movements stiffer than before¡ªbut he was still standing.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan flickered dangerously as she parried strike after strike, but her movements were slowing.


    Ryota''s katana dripped with blood¡ªnot just from his opponent, but from the gash across his own side.


    And Kenshiro¡ª


    Their Jonin instructor was bleeding.


    Kiyoshi saw the red staining Kenshiro''s side, the way he favored one leg ever so slightly. The masked enemy leader had actually wounded him.


    Sensei is hurt. We''re running out of stamina. And they''re not even at full strength yet.


    They needed to get out.


    Now.


    Kiyoshi''s opponent lunged forward again, kunai slicing through the air with deadly precision.


    Kiyoshi barely dodged, twisting his body at the last second. His arms burned, his reaction time slower than before.


    "Damn it¡ªI''m getting tired."


    His opponent smirked, sensing weakness.


    "You''re out of chakra, kid."


    Kiyoshi gritted his teeth. He needed a way out.


    He flicked his gaze toward Mikoto and Ryota¡ªboth still engaged in battle, both struggling.


    Then to Kenshiro¡ªwho, despite his wound, still fought like a demon.


    If I can just create an opening¡ª


    Then it hit him.


    Kiyoshi took a step back, raising his hands. His opponent immediately shifted into a combat stance, preparing for another attack.


    But instead¡ª


    Kiyoshi threw an explosive tag straight into the dirt between them.


    BOOM!


    A blast of fire and smoke erupted, sending dirt flying into the air. The masked shinobi instinctively leaped back to avoid the explosion¡ªexactly what Kiyoshi wanted.


    "Kenshiro-sensei!" he shouted.


    Kenshiro immediately understood.


    "Fall back!" Kenshiro barked, his voice cutting through the battlefield.


    Mikoto and Ryota hesitated only for a second before leaping back toward Kiyoshi.


    Their enemies started to pursue¡ª


    But Kenshiro moved.


    With a burst of pure speed, he appeared between the two groups, slamming his hand into the ground.


    "Earth Style: Rock Wall Jutsu!"


    A massive slab of stone erupted from the ground, blocking their enemies from chasing them.


    Kiyoshi didn''t wait to see if it held.


    He ran.

 Chapter 11: Mission Failed

    [A/N: This was the longest chapter I''ve ever written. I am done for today. (??©n?) Let''s meet tomorrow. ?? ????? ]


    Chapter 11: Mission Failed


    They sprinted through the forest, their footsteps pounding against the dirt. Kiyoshi''s lungs burned, every step sending waves of exhaustion through his body.


    Behind them, he could hear their enemies moving.


    They''re still following us!


    Mikoto suddenly called out, "Left¡ªthere''s a stream ahead!"


    Kenshiro veered left immediately, the rest of them following without hesitation.


    The ground sloped downward, leading them toward a narrow river cutting through the valley.


    Kiyoshi''s eyes widened. A river¡­!


    If they could lose their scent trail, they might actually get away.


    Without stopping, Kenshiro grabbed a handful of explosive tags and tossed them into the trees behind them.


    BOOM! BOOM! BOOM!


    A chain of explosions tore through the forest, sending up a thick cloud of smoke and debris.


    They reached the riverbank. Kenshiro turned, his face dead serious.


    "Into the water. Now."


    No questions. No hesitation.


    Kiyoshi plunged into the freezing cold water, Mikoto and Ryota right behind him.


    They kept low, allowing the current to carry them downstream, their bodies hidden beneath the churning surface.


    For several agonizing minutes, they drifted, moving farther and farther from the battlefield.


    Then¡ª


    Silence.


    The cold river water had done little to numb the pain in Kiyoshi''s body. His muscles screamed with every movement as he dragged himself onto the muddy bank, completely exhausted. Mikoto and Ryota were no better, both drenched, breathing heavily, and too drained to say much.


    Kenshiro was the last to emerge from the river, shaking water from his hair as he scanned the surroundings. His usual smirk was gone, replaced by something Kiyoshi hadn''t seen before.


    Frustration.


    Silence settled over the group as they recovered.


    Then, finally, Kenshiro spoke.


    "We''re done."


    Kiyoshi blinked, still catching his breath. "...What?"


    Kenshiro exhaled through his nose, eyes flickering back toward the valley they had fled. "This mission is over. We''re heading back to the village."


    Ryota let out a relieved laugh, dropping onto his back. "Oh, thank the gods."


    Mikoto was silent, her expression unreadable.


    Kiyoshi sat up, his heartbeat pounding. We''re leaving? Just like that?


    "But¡­ the mission¡ª"


    Kenshiro cut him off with a sharp look. "The mission has changed. We came here to investigate the missing teams¡ªnot to die."


    Kiyoshi swallowed hard. He understood the logic. Their enemies had outmatched them. If Kenshiro had been injured, then that meant even he wasn''t confident they could win.


    And yet¡ª


    Something in Kiyoshi hated this.


    Hated running.


    Hated retreating.


    Hated losing.


    "But what choice do we have?"


    Mikoto finally spoke, her tone quiet. "...When do we move?"


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    Kenshiro glanced at the dark sky. "We rest for a few hours. At dawn, we run as fast as we can toward Konoha. If we push hard, we''ll be back in a day."


    Kiyoshi felt his chest tighten.


    So that was it.


    The mission was a failure.


    And there was nothing he could do about it.


    They gathered near a rocky outcrop, their bodies sore and drained. No one spoke much. Even Ryota, who usually had something to complain about, simply rested against a boulder, staring at the star-filled sky.


    Kiyoshi sat apart from them, trying not to think.


    The night air was heavy with exhaustion, but the team finally had a plan.


    They were leaving.


    Kenshiro had made the call. The mission was over. There was nothing more they could do without getting killed.


    At dawn, they would begin the long trek back to Konoha, leaving the valley behind.


    Kiyoshi still damp from the river, stares up at the star-filled sky.


    It was over.


    Then¡ª


    [Daily Gacha Spin Available!]


    A soft blue glow flickered in the corner of his vision.


    Kiyoshi blinked, almost startled.


    Oh¡­ right. It''s midnight.


    He pulled up his system interface, staring at the [Spin] button.


    For the past few days, the Gacha had given him unexpected advantages. The Shadow Cloak had saved him. The Binding Wire had helped them set a trap.


    If he got something good now¡­


    He hesitated.


    Then, with a sigh, he pressed [Spin].


    The wheel spun, glowing symbols flashing by. Jutsu scrolls, kunai, chakra pills¡ª


    Then¡ª


    [Obtained: Smoke Tag ¨C Special Grade]


    Kiyoshi frowned.


    "Smoke tag?"


    He quickly opened the description.


    ---


    [Smoke Tag ¨C Special Grade]


    An advanced version of a standard smoke bomb. Once activated, it releases a dense chakra-infused mist that disrupts enemy sensory perception, including the Byakugan, Sharingan, and scent-based tracking. Duration: 5 minutes.


    ---


    Kiyoshi exhaled sharply.


    Five minutes of complete sensor disruption? That was insane.


    If they had used this before¡­ they could have escaped more cleanly. Maybe even turned the tables.


    For a moment, excitement surged through him. Maybe¡ª


    Then, just as quickly, it died.


    What was the point?


    "We''re leaving."


    The mission had already failed.


    No matter what he got from the Gacha, they had already decided to run.


    Kiyoshi clenched his fist around the tag, then tossed it into his inventory.


    "It doesn''t matter anymore."


    He let out a bitter chuckle, leaning back against the rock.


    "At least I''m alive. That''s what matters, right?"


    As long as he was alive, as long as he still had the Gacha System, then one day, he wouldn''t be in this situation.


    One day, he''d be strong enough that running wouldn''t be necessary.


    But today¡­ today wasn''t that day.


    Hours passed. The night air was cold, and despite the exhaustion, sleep didn''t come easy.


    Mikoto sat nearby, her crimson eyes dimmed in the firelight. Kiyoshi noticed she hadn''t said much since Kenshiro made the decision.


    "...It bothers you too, huh?" he muttered.


    Mikoto didn''t look at him. "What does?"


    Kiyoshi exhaled. "Leaving."


    Mikoto''s fingers tightened slightly around the kunai in her lap.


    For a long moment, she didn''t answer.


    Then¡ª


    "We didn''t finish the mission."


    That was all she said.


    But Kiyoshi understood.


    And so did Kenshiro.


    The fire had long since burned down to embers, leaving only a faint glow to push back the creeping darkness. The silence of the night was oppressive, wrapping around them like an unseen force.


    Kiyoshi sat with his back against the rocky outcrop, staring at the sky. He was still awake¡ªhis mind refusing to shut off despite the exhaustion pulling at his limbs.


    A few feet away, Mikoto rested with her back against a tree, kunai in hand. Ryota had finally drifted off into a restless sleep, one arm draped over his injured side.


    And Kenshiro¡­


    Kiyoshi glanced toward their sensei, who sat cross-legged at the edge of their small camp, eyes half-closed but alert.


    Kiyoshi wanted to believe they had escaped. That the enemy had given up and they could just leave this valley behind.


    But something felt wrong.


    The air was too still.


    Then¡ª


    Mikoto''s eyes snapped open.


    A heartbeat later, Kenshiro moved.


    "Get up." His voice was quiet, sharp. Deadly serious.


    Kiyoshi was already on his feet before he even realized it. Mikoto and Ryota followed instantly.


    No one asked why.


    They felt it too.


    A presence.


    They were being watched.


    Kenshiro''s hand hovered near his kunai pouch, his sharp gaze flickering through the darkness. His voice was barely above a whisper.


    "¡­They found us."


    Ryota''s breathing hitched. "How?! We shook them at the river¡ª"


    "They were never far behind," Mikoto muttered, her Sharingan glowing in the dim light.


    Kiyoshi''s stomach tightened.


    They had never escaped at all.


    The enemy had been waiting for them to let their guard down.


    They are playing us.


    Then, Kiyoshi realized something worse.


    They could have caught them already.


    Easily.


    They were toying with them¡ªdragging this out, watching, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Letting them run, letting them believe they had a chance, only to pull the ground out from under them at the last second.


    It wasn''t just a hunt.


    It was entertainment.


    A slow, deliberate game of despair.


    Kiyoshi swallowed hard, his fists clenching. The realization settled like ice in his veins.


    We aren''t just outmatched. They want us to feel it.


    A shadow flickered between the trees, moving too fast for him to track. A presence loomed just beyond sight, circling, waiting.


    Kiyoshi suddenly felt small.


    For the first time in a long time¡ª


    He felt helpless.


    And now¡ª


    They were here.


    CRACK.


    A twig snapped somewhere in the trees.


    Then¡ª


    They struck.


    Kunai whistled through the air.


    Kenshiro deflected three in a single motion, his kunai flashing as he knocked them aside.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan caught the movement of an enemy rushing toward them from the left. She barely had time to shout a warning¡ª


    Ryota was already reacting, sword flashing to meet the attack.


    Kiyoshi ducked under another kunai, twisting just in time to see three masked figures emerge from the trees.


    One of them spoke, his voice calm. Mocking.


    "You really thought you could run?"


    Kiyoshi''s pulse pounded in his ears.


    Their enemies had planned this.


    They were never meant to escape.


    Kenshiro moved first.


    His form vanished, reappearing behind one of the enemy shinobi. His kunai slashed outward¡ª


    Blocked.


    The masked leader deflected the strike with unnatural speed.


    Kiyoshi barely had time to process the fight before his own opponent lunged.


    A kunai aimed for his ribs.


    He twisted at the last second, the blade slicing through his jacket instead of his flesh.


    But he was too slow to counter.


    The enemy''s fist crashed into his stomach.


    Kiyoshi stumbled back, coughing.


    They''re too fast. Too strong.


    They needed an opening.


    Something to turn the tables.


    Kiyoshi''s eyes hovered over the inventory.


    His eyes widened.


    The Smoke Tag.


    "Wait! I have an idea!"


    Mikoto sidestepped a kunai and glanced at him. "Make it fast."


    Kiyoshi held up the tag. "This isn''t normal smoke¡ªit''ll block everything. Even chakra tracking. We can use it to break their formation."


    For a split second, even Kenshiro hesitated.


    Then¡ª


    Another kunai slashed toward them.


    No time for questions.


    Kenshiro''s gaze flickered.


    He gave a barely noticeable nod.


    "Find the best moment," he ordered, his tone sharp. "Then signal me."


    Kiyoshi gulped.


    "No pressure, huh?"


    He shoved the tag back into his pouch, gripping a kunai tightly.


    All he had to do¡­


    Was survive long enough to turn the fight.


    Mikoto''s Sharingan flashed dangerously as she clashed with her opponent, her kunai deflecting strike after strike.


    Ryota fought alongside her, his katana blocking a downward slash, only to be forced back by a brutal counterattack.


    Kenshiro was still locked in combat with the masked leader, their movements blurs of speed and steel.


    Kiyoshi focused on his own enemy.


    The shinobi rushed him again, kunai glinting.


    "Wait for it..."


    He dodged left, letting the kunai slice past his arm¡ª


    Then countered.


    His flaming fist smashed into the shinobi''s side.


    The enemy staggered, a grunt of pain escaping him.


    But Kiyoshi didn''t press the attack.


    Because this wasn''t about winning.


    It was about timing.


    "Just a little more..."


    His heart pounded.


    Then¡ª


    It happened.


    Kenshiro baited the masked leader into a strike¡ªthen disengaged, leaping back.


    The enemy formation shifted.


    A gap.


    Now.


    Kiyoshi threw the Smoke Tag into the ground.


    FWOOOSH!


    The moment the tag detonated, a dense, unnatural mist flooded the battlefield.


    The enemy reacted instantly¡ª


    But it was too late.


    "Got you."


    Their chakra flickered¡ªthen vanished.


    One of them cursed.


    "I¡ªI can''t sense anything!"


    Kiyoshi grinned.


    "That''s the point."


    Mikoto and Ryota disappeared into the mist.


    Kenshiro''s voice cut through the smoke.


    "Now. Finish them."


    And the counterattack began.

 Chapter 12: Phantom Hunt

    [A/N: I was really exhausted yesterday, but after a fresh start, I''m back!]


    Chapter 12: Phantom Hunt


    The moment Kiyoshi activated the Smoke Tag, a dense, chakra-infused mist exploded across the battlefield, swallowing everything in thick, shifting darkness.


    The enemy''s reaction was immediate.


    "Tch¡ª!" One of the masked figures cursed as their chakra perception flickered¡ªthen vanished entirely. "I¡ªI can''t sense anything!"


    That was the point.


    Kiyoshi had expected this.


    This wasn''t just a smokescreen¡ªit was a full sensory blackout. No Byakugan, no Sharingan, no scent tracking. Nothing.


    But he also knew something else¡ª


    It would affect them too.


    Which was why they had planned ahead.


    A second before the smoke expanded, all four of them¡ªKiyoshi, Mikoto, Ryota, and Kenshiro¡ªhad already moved.


    They had carefully positioned themselves at the outer edge of the battlefield, just beyond the mist''s core.


    And the moment Kiyoshi gave the signal¡ª


    They retreated.


    Fast.


    Like ghosts, they slipped backward, vanishing into the night, leaving the enemy to be swallowed by the mist.


    Now, it was their turn to strike.


    ---


    Kiyoshi crouched behind a fallen tree, heart pounding. From within the swirling mist, he could hear confused voices, hurried footsteps, and the faint scraping of kunai against bark.


    "Damn it, where are they?"


    "They were just here!"


    "Spread out! Find them before the smoke clears!"


    Kiyoshi smirked. Good luck with that.


    Mikoto landed silently beside him, her eyes gleaming in the dark. Even her Sharingan was useless in this mist, but she didn''t need it. She just had to find the right moment to land a critical strike.


    This novel''s true home is a different platform. Support the author by finding it there.


    She whispered, "They''re disoriented. We have a window¡ªlet''s use it."


    Kiyoshi nodded. "Kenshiro-sensei and Ryota should be in position. Let''s move."


    They split up, each taking a different angle.


    ---


    Inside the Mist


    The enemy shinobi were on edge.


    They couldn''t see. They couldn''t sense. Their formation had collapsed.


    One of them tightened his grip on his kunai, straining to hear any sign of movement.


    Nothing.


    Then¡ª


    A flicker.


    "There!"


    He lunged¡ªtoo slow.


    A kunai slashed across his arm, and he barely twisted away in time to avoid a deeper wound.


    "Tch¡ª" He staggered back, but the moment he did¡ª


    Something crashed into his back.


    Hard.


    Ryota drove his knee into the man''s spine, then followed up with a brutal elbow strike to the ribs.


    The enemy gasped, stumbling forward¡ª


    Right into Mikoto''s blade.


    Her kunai sliced through fabric, carving a deep wound across his shoulder.


    The shinobi howled in pain, twisting around to counter¡ª


    But Mikoto was already gone.


    They weren''t fighting head-on.


    They were hunting.


    One strike. One retreat. Again and again.


    Cut them. Break them. Exhaust them.


    Let the fear creep in.


    Let them realize.


    They were the ones being hunted now.


    ---


    From the other side of the battlefield, Kiyoshi saw his opening.


    One of the enemy shinobi had broken formation, stepping too far from his allies. He was trying to clear the smoke and regain his bearings.


    Big mistake.


    Kiyoshi surged forward.


    His palm ignited¡ª


    "Fire Release: Flaming Palm Technique."


    The shinobi barely turned in time to see the attack.


    Too late.


    Kiyoshi''s flaming palm smashed into his ribs, sending cracks through his armor and flames licking at his cloak.


    The man screamed, staggering backward¡ª


    But just as Kiyoshi moved in for the finishing blow, the shinobi did something unexpected.


    Instead of retreating¡ªhe lunged forward.


    His kunai slashed through the smoke¡ªfast, precise¡ªaimed straight for Kiyoshi''s throat.


    A trap.


    The enemy had been waiting for this.


    Kiyoshi barely twisted away, feeling the blade graze his cheek. The shinobi wasn''t done¡ªhe pressed forward, launching a relentless flurry of attacks.


    "He''s fast¡ª" Kiyoshi thought, blocking and dodging, but he could feel it. His movements were slowing. His chakra reserves were running low.


    The enemy smirked. He had noticed.


    "You''re weakening." The realization flickered in the shinobi''s eyes.


    And in that moment¡ªhe went for the kill.


    He surged forward, kunai raised high¡ªaiming straight for Kiyoshi''s heart.


    A fatal mistake.


    Kiyoshi had been waiting for this, too.


    He didn''t dodge.


    Instead¡ªhe stepped in.


    Faster than the enemy could react, Kiyoshi''s hand ignited once more¡ªhotter, fiercer than before¡ª


    "Fire Release: Flaming Palm!"


    His burning palm slammed into the shinobi''s exposed neck.


    A scream tore through the night.


    Flames erupted, searing through fabric and skin. The man crumpled to his knees, hands clawing at his scorched throat, eyes wide with agony.


    Kiyoshi didn''t hesitate.


    In one swift motion, he drove his kunai straight into the enemy''s chest¡ªpiercing his heart.


    The shinobi choked on his last breath. Then¡ª


    Silence.


    Kiyoshi exhaled, stepping back as the body slumped to the ground.


    No time to rest. The fight wasn''t over.


    He turned his gaze back to the battlefield¡ªwhere Mikoto and Ryota had just finished their own hunt.


    One more enemy lay motionless at their feet, blood pooling beneath him.


    Only two remained now.


    And he moved.


    ---


    The mist was starting to thin.


    The remaining two enemy shinobi were panicking.


    They had lost one of their own, and they still couldn''t sense their attackers.


    "W-We need to regroup¡ª!"


    "Where are they?! Show yourselves!"


    Kiyoshi locked eyes with Mikoto.


    They didn''t need to say anything.


    Mikoto flickered through the mist, fast and precise. Her kunai lashed out¡ªcutting shallow wounds, keeping the enemy off balance.


    Ryota struck from the opposite side, fists colliding with ribs and shoulders. The shinobi staggered, their coordination failing.


    And Kiyoshi¡ª


    Made sure they wouldn''t recover.


    He moved between Mikoto and Ryota''s attacks, striking in perfect sync¡ªburning through their defenses, keeping them desperate, keeping them afraid.


    One enemy tried to counterattack, lunging at Mikoto.


    Kiyoshi was faster.


    He caught the attacker''s wrist, twisted sharply¡ªcrack.


    A scream.


    Before the shinobi could even react, Ryota slammed a brutal kick into his side, sending him crashing into a tree.


    Mikoto didn''t waste the opportunity.


    She finished it.


    Her kunai flashed¡ª


    And in the next instant, the shinobi collapsed.


    This was over.


    All that was left¡ª


    Was the finishing blow.


    ---


    Final Attack


    The moment the last wisps of smoke began to fade, Kenshiro moved first.


    He blurred forward, engaging the strongest of the remaining enemies in a flurry of rapid strikes.


    The masked leader countered¡ªbut he was slower now.


    Weaker.


    Every second in that mist had drained his stamina and his confidence.


    He was breaking.


    And Kenshiro sensed it.


    "You''re done."


    With a brutal roundhouse kick, he sent the leader crashing into a tree.


    For the first time that night¡ª


    The valley was silent.


    The fight was over.

 Chapter 13: The Weight of Victory

    Chapter 13: The Weight of Victory


    The mist had fully dispersed now, revealing the aftermath. The lifeless bodies of their enemies lay sprawled across the ground, crimson pooling beneath them. The metallic scent of blood mixed with the fading smoke, thick in the cold night air.


    Kiyoshi stared at his hands. His fingers trembled, streaked with red¡ªhis enemy''s blood.


    He had expected victory to feel¡­ different.


    They had trained for this. They had sparred, practiced, and prepared for missions. But nothing had prepared him for this moment.


    The reality of it.


    One moment, their enemies had been moving, breathing, fighting to survive. The next, they weren''t. Their bodies lay still, their eyes glassy and vacant.


    Dead.


    Kiyoshi swallowed hard, his stomach twisting. His entire life, he had lived in a place where disputes were settled by law¡ªwhere crimes were judged and justice was upheld by authority figures: police, courts, rules.


    But here?


    There were no judges. No trials. No second chances.


    One moment, you existed. The next, you didn''t.


    That was the world of shinobi.


    And he was part of it now.


    Mikoto stood nearby, her kunai still clutched in her grip, eyes locked onto the corpse at her feet. Her usual sharp gaze was unreadable, her lips slightly parted as if she were about to say something¡ªbut no words came. She wiped her blade mechanically, but her movements lacked their usual confidence.


    Ryota shifted uncomfortably, inhaling sharply as he looked away. His hands clenched into fists at his sides. There was no celebration. No victory cries. Just quiet acceptance¡ªor the attempt at it.


    Kenshiro said nothing.


    He simply stood a few feet away, watching them. Studying them.


    He had seen this before.


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    The first kill. The moment when the weight of what it meant to be a shinobi truly settled in. He could tell none of them had expected it to feel like this.


    But he didn''t interrupt.


    They had to learn.


    This wasn''t the academy anymore, where teachers would step in to prevent fatal blows. This wasn''t the village, where parents and the Hokage ensured their safety.


    This was the battlefield.


    Where hesitation meant death.


    Where a single mistake could be fatal.


    Where grief had no place¡ªbecause if you wasted time mourning, you''d be the next body lying cold on the ground.


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly, trying to steady himself. His hands were still shaking. He clenched them into fists, trying to burn this moment into his mind.


    Because this wouldn''t be the last time.


    If he wanted to survive¡ªif they all wanted to survive¡ªthen they would have to do this again. And again.


    Or one day, it would be their blood soaking the dirt.


    No one spoke for a long moment.


    Then, finally, Kenshiro broke the silence.


    "Good work."


    His voice was calm. Firm. As if this was just another part of the mission.


    And maybe that was the lesson.


    Mikoto took a deep breath and sheathed her kunai. Ryota exhaled, rolling his shoulders as if trying to shake off the tension.


    Kiyoshi did the same, his body still trembling from the weight of what they had just done. The battlefield was silent now, save for the rustling of leaves and the distant chirping of nocturnal insects. The bodies of their fallen enemies lay still, blood seeping into the dirt.


    He wiped his bloody hands on his cloak and looked down at them one last time.


    He could still feel the weight of it.


    But he forced himself to step forward.


    "¡­So," he said, his voice quieter than usual, "does that mean the mission isn''t a failure after all?"


    Kenshiro smirked. "Yes. And we even have a prisoner to interrogate. We need to find out which faction or village they belong to¡­ and what mission they were assigned."


    Kiyoshi swallowed hard, forcing himself to focus. They had won¡ªbut the mission wasn''t over yet.


    Mikoto and Ryota glanced at the unconscious shinobi lying a few feet away. His mask had been partially shattered from the fight, revealing a grim-set jaw and a few fresh cuts.


    Kenshiro moved swiftly. He formed a single hand seal, and glowing blue chakra threads extended from his fingertips, wrapping around the unconscious shinobi like ropes. The bindings tightened, ensuring there was no chance of escape.


    But he wasn''t done. He formed another hand seal, and a faint glow of chakra flickered around his fingertips. In an instant, he pressed his palm against the shinobi''s chest.


    Click.


    A set of intricate chakra locks formed across the man''s body¡ªglowing blue seals that pulsed before fading into his skin. These weren''t ordinary restraints. They would suppress his chakra flow, preventing him from molding energy or attempting to escape.


    Kenshiro straightened, satisfied. "That should hold him. Even if he wakes up, he won''t be able to use jutsu or break free."


    Kiyoshi and the others exchanged glances. With the chakra locks in place, their prisoner was completely neutralized.


    With a sharp press of his fingers against a pressure point on the enemy''s neck, Kenshiro jolted him awake.


    The shinobi''s eyes snapped open. He inhaled sharply but quickly composed himself. His gaze was sharp, calculating¡ªalready assessing the situation.


    Kenshiro crouched beside him, his voice low and commanding. "Who sent you?"


    Silence.


    The man didn''t even flinch.


    Kenshiro narrowed his eyes. "What was your mission?"


    Nothing.


    Mikoto crossed her arms, her Sharingan still active, scanning for any microexpressions. "He''s been trained to resist interrogation," she muttered.


    Ryota clicked his tongue in frustration. "Tch. Of course, he has."


    Kenshiro didn''t look surprised. "One last chance." His voice was cold. Dangerous. "You can answer now¡­ or you can answer later under far worse circumstances."


    The shinobi exhaled through his nose, his expression unreadable.


    Then, slowly¡ª


    He closed his eyes.


    A silent declaration. He wouldn''t talk.


    Kiyoshi felt a wave of frustration, but he knew there was no point in wasting time. "We won''t get anything out of him here."


    Kenshiro let out a short breath and stood up. "Agreed. We''re taking him back to Konoha. The Intelligence Division can deal with him."


    Ryota frowned. "You think he''ll break under them?"


    Kenshiro''s smirk was grim. "Everyone does."


    Mikoto nodded. "Then we should move fast. We don''t know if more of them are nearby."


    Kiyoshi took one last look at the captured shinobi. They had won the battle. But the war¡ªthe true reason behind this encounter¡ªwas still a mystery.


    Well, they had completed their mission. Now, all that was left¡ª


    Was getting him back to Konoha.

 Chapter 14: Mission Debrief

    Chapter 14: Mission Debrief


    The tension still lingered in the air as Team Kenshiro moved swiftly through the dense forest, their mission now complete. The bodies of their fallen enemies had been sealed in storage scrolls, and one enemy shinobi was captured, unconscious and restrained. The battle had ended, but its weight was far from lifted.


    Kiyoshi moved ahead with sharp focus, his mind already piecing together the events. Mikoto walked beside him, her brows furrowed, deep in thought. Ryota, though exhausted, couldn''t stop himself from voicing the questions that had been swirling in all their minds.


    "Why did we even get this mission?" Ryota muttered. "That was way beyond what a genin team should handle."


    Mikoto nodded, her arms crossed. "It doesn''t add up. They weren''t just random rogue shinobi. They fought like trained soldiers."


    Kiyoshi, his eyes still scanning the trees ahead, finally spoke. "Because they weren''t rogue."


    Mikoto turned to him. "You think they were from one of the other Great Nations?"


    Kiyoshi gave a short nod. "Their formations, the way they covered each other in battle¡­ that kind of discipline isn''t something you find in runaways. But they didn''t use any village-specific jutsus, which means they were hiding their origins."


    Ryota frowned. "So we won''t know where they''re from until interrogation."


    "Exactly," Kiyoshi said.


    Mikoto exhaled slowly, her expression darkening. "Then that raises an even bigger question¡­ why were we the ones sent?"


    The three of them fell silent.


    Finally, Mikoto voiced the answer they were all starting to realize. "It''s because Konoha doesn''t have enough manpower right now, does it?"


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. "The last war drained us more than we''d like to admit. The talent pool is stretched thin. That''s why even genin teams like us are being sent on high-risk missions. The higher-ranked shinobi are forced to take missions beyond their strength, while we''re pushed into battles we''re barely ready for."


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    Mikoto grimly nodded. "And it''s going to stay this way for years."


    Ryota looked between them, his hands tightening around the straps of his gear. "But won''t Konoha recover eventually?"


    Kiyoshi sighed. "It will. But the moment we start regaining strength, the other Great Nations won''t stay silent. They''re preparing too. And the second they feel ready, they''ll come for us. At most, we have ten years before war breaks out again."


    Mikoto glanced at him, her sharp mind catching the weight in his voice. "You''re sure?"


    Kiyoshi didn''t answer. He didn''t have to.


    Ryota''s face fell. "So¡­ no matter what we do, another war is coming."


    The three of them walked in silence after that.


    Up ahead, Kenshiro glanced back at his team. He had been listening to their discussion, observing them carefully. Their ability to analyze the situation, to think beyond just their immediate survival¡ªit was beyond what most shinobi their age were capable of.


    "They''re growing faster than expected."


    But he didn''t speak. They deserved answers, but those would come later. For now, they needed rest.


    The atmosphere remained heavy as they continued their journey, but fatigue was starting to creep in. Ryota groaned, rolling his shoulders.


    "Can we just take a break?" he whined. "My legs are going to fall off."


    Mikoto sighed. "We''re almost there. Just a little longer."


    Ryota glared. "You said that an hour ago."


    Kiyoshi smirked. "If you''ve got the energy to complain, you''ve got the energy to keep moving."


    Ryota scoffed. "Says the guy who isn''t carrying a whole storage scroll full of bodies."


    Kenshiro, who had been silent for most of the trip, suddenly spoke, his tone completely serious.


    "We can stop for a bit¡­ but I did hear this area is home to giant wild boars. They tend to charge at anything that stays still for too long."


    The three genin froze.


    "Wait¡­ what?" Ryota blurted, eyes wide.


    Kenshiro kept walking, his expression unreadable.


    Mikoto narrowed her eyes. "Sensei, are you messing with us?"


    Kenshiro finally glanced over his shoulder. "Who knows?"


    A beat of silence.


    Then Kiyoshi casually stepped forward. "Well, I guess we''ll find out if Ryota gets trampled."


    Ryota immediately bolted forward. "NOPE. I''M GOOD. NO BREAKS. LET''S GO."


    Mikoto sighed, but there was a small smirk on her lips as she followed. Kiyoshi shook his head and walked calmly behind them. Kenshiro chuckled under his breath.


    The heavy tension from earlier didn''t disappear completely, but it was lighter now. They were still just kids, after all.


    As they continued moving, Ryota finally stopped running and fell back in line. He glanced sideways at Mikoto.


    "You didn''t believe him, right?" he asked hesitantly.


    Mikoto shrugged. "It wouldn''t be impossible. There are giant summons, aren''t there? Wild ones could exist too."


    Ryota paled. "Great. Now I can''t tell if you''re messing with me or not."


    Kiyoshi patted Ryota''s shoulder. "If a giant boar does come charging, don''t worry. I''ll give you a three-second head start before I run."


    Ryota shoved him. "Not funny, Kiyoshi!"


    Their voices carried through the trees, the tension finally loosening.


    After what felt like forever, the trees thinned, and the great gates of Konoha finally came into view.


    For the first time since the mission began, they felt a sense of safety.


    Mikoto exhaled. "Finally."


    Ryota grinned, despite his exhaustion. "I swear, the first thing I''m doing is eating an entire bowl of ramen."


    Kiyoshi smirked. "Just one?"


    Ryota glared. "Shut up."


    Kenshiro watched his team, allowing himself a rare, small smile. They had faced death, pieced together the reality of their village''s situation, and still found the energy to joke.


    They were strong. But they still had much to learn.


    As they entered the village, he let them bask in the relief of home.

 Chapter 15: The Weight of Survival

    [A/N: Hey everyone, Veci here! I just wanted to ask for your opinion regarding an upgrade to the system that I will introduce in a future chapter. If you have any ideas, please comment! (¡ñ¡ä?`¡ñ)]


    Chapter 15: The Weight of Survival


    The familiar streets of Konoha stretched before them, bathed in the soft glow of the setting sun. Despite the exhaustion weighing them down, the sight of home brought an undeniable sense of relief.


    As they passed through the village gates, the guards gave them a brief nod, recognizing Kenshiro and his team. There was no fanfare, no welcome party¡ªjust the quiet acknowledgment that they had returned alive.


    Without a word, Kenshiro led them straight toward the Hokage Tower. The captured shinobi, still unconscious, was tightly secured. The genin didn''t need to be told what came next¡ªdebriefing, interrogation, and, hopefully, answers.


    They ascended the tower''s spiraling steps, their footsteps echoing in the dimly lit halls. The scent of parchment, ink, and faint traces of burning incense filled the air as they neared the Hokage''s office.


    Inside, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat behind his desk, paperwork spread before him. He looked up as they entered, his sharp gaze scanning over them before settling on Kenshiro.


    "You''ve returned," Hiruzen said simply, his tone neutral but laced with expectation.


    Kenshiro gave a respectful bow. "Yes, Lord Hokage. Mission complete."


    With practiced efficiency, he launched into his report, detailing their encounter¡ªthe enemy shinobi''s tactics, the level of coordination they displayed, and how the team managed to hold their own despite being fresh genin. He ended with how Kiyoshi''s quick thinking with the smoke tag had saved them at a critical moment.


    Hiruzen''s brow lifted slightly. "Smoke tags, you say?"


    Kenshiro nodded. "It gave us just enough time to regroup and take control of the situation. A simple but effective tool."


    At that moment, Kiyoshi''s fingers twitched slightly at his side. His jaw tightened just a fraction, but he forced himself to remain still. Had he made a mistake using it so openly? If Kenshiro mentioned that the tag wasn''t one he had given them¡ª


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    But the worry passed as quickly as it came.


    The Hokage exhaled, rubbing his chin thoughtfully. "It''s a useful trick, but not unheard of. There are countless variations of tags available in the market¡ªanyone with the right amount of ry¨­ can have seal masters craft them for specific purposes."


    Kiyoshi resisted the urge to sigh in relief. Right. That makes sense. This world has all sorts of tags. Maybe it''s not that special after all¡­ Still, he mentally noted to be more careful. The last thing he wanted was unnecessary attention. And even if Hiruzen asked to see the tag, he could simply say he had only bought one. He can''t force a kid too much now, can he?


    Hiruzen''s interest in the smoke tag faded quickly, but his expression darkened as he leaned back in his chair, his fingers tapping against the desk. His eyes narrowed slightly.


    "They''re testing us."


    His voice was calm, but the weight of those words settled heavily in the room.


    "This type of skirmish¡­ they''ll keep doing it again and again, especially after our victory in the Second Great Ninja War. All the villages are watching us like prey, waiting for a weakness."


    Kenshiro remained silent. He knew Hiruzen wasn''t just thinking aloud¡ªhe was weighing the long-term implications.


    The Hokage''s gaze flickered toward the unconscious shinobi. "Take him to the Torture and Interrogation Bureau," he ordered an ANBU operative who had appeared from the shadows. "I want to know which village is behind this."


    With a nod, the masked shinobi disappeared, taking the prisoner with him.


    Hiruzen then turned back to Kenshiro. "Your genin performed well." His gaze rested on Kiyoshi for a moment. "Kiyoshi''s quick decision-making was commendable." Then, shifting to Mikoto and Ryota, he added, "And despite being fresh graduates, Mikoto and Ryota held their ground and completed the mission. That is no small feat."


    Mikoto''s back straightened slightly at the acknowledgment, while Ryota clenched his fists, as if absorbing the weight of the words.


    Hiruzen''s expression turned serious once more. "As of now, this mission and its details are classified as top-level secrecy. Your team is not to speak of it."


    Kenshiro and the others gave a curt nod. "Understood."


    "If word spreads, it could cause unrest among the villagers," Hiruzen continued. "We''ve only just begun to regain peace after the last war. There''s no need to disrupt that stability with rumors of enemy villages testing our defenses."


    Then, in a rare moment of generosity, the Hokage allowed them a silver lining.


    "Your team will still receive full payment. Additionally, I am officially raising this mission''s classification to A-rank."


    For a moment, there was silence. Then¡ª


    "Wait, what?!" Ryota burst out, eyes wide.


    Even Mikoto, who normally carried herself with calm composure, looked surprised.


    Kiyoshi felt a small thrill at the news. He hadn''t had much time since coming to this world¡ªtoo much had been about survival, adjusting, figuring out where he stood. But now? Now, he could start doing what he wanted. Exploring, seeing the world. And, of course, he had to start small. The Leaf Village itself was still mostly a mystery to him, but now that they were getting real pay¡­ and money is important even for a shinobi. I can start here. Learn everything I can.


    Ryota grinned, unable to hide his excitement. "Does that mean we get an A-rank paycheck too?! I mean, I know we almost died, but this is totally worth it¡ª"


    Kenshiro sighed, shaking his head at his student''s enthusiasm, but there was a small smirk on his face. Hiruzen, too, let out a soft chuckle, his gaze lingering on the three young shinobi.


    Maybe¡­ this new generation will be the one to lead the village after my three foolish students.


    "Enjoy it while you can," Hiruzen finally said. "Because soon enough, you''ll have another mission. And next time, it may not be so kind."


    The words should have sobered them. And perhaps, deep down, they did. But for now, the thrill of victory, recognition, and the promise of a future was enough.


    ---

 Chapter 16: A Quiet Celebration

    Chapter 16: A Quiet Celebration


    Ryota, still grinning, said, "I''m just saying, Hokage-sama¡ªA-rank pay for our first real mission? That''s gotta be some kind of record, right?"


    Mikoto shot him a flat look. "Ryota, show some tact."


    "Oh, come on, you''re excited too! Admit it!"


    Mikoto sighed but didn''t deny it. Instead, she crossed her arms and let the smallest smile tug at her lips. "It is fortunate."


    Kenshiro rubbed the bridge of his nose, though his expression was more amused than reprimanding. "Alright, alright, that''s enough. You heard the Hokage¡ªthis mission is classified. Celebrate in silence."


    Ryota coughed into his fist. "A silent celebration? That sounds¡ª"


    Kenshiro shot him a look.


    "¡ªincredibly wise and appropriate, sensei."


    Kiyoshi exhaled, the excitement settling into something steadier. An A-rank mission. It was only now sinking in what that meant¡ªnot just the pay, but the recognition. The Leaf Village had many shinobi, and new genin were usually treated as disposable, not given real responsibility until they proved themselves. But this¡­ this was different. They had already been tested, and they had come out standing.


    He clenched his fists, not in frustration, but in anticipation.


    Step by step. First, with or without the help of Gacha, learn everything within the safety of this village so he could survive on his own. Then¡­


    His thoughts were interrupted as Hiruzen leaned forward slightly. The weight of his gaze returned, though it wasn''t harsh¡ªjust measuring.


    "You will have time to rest," the Hokage said, "but not forever. The world is shifting, and war never truly disappears. You three may find yourselves on the battlefield again sooner than you think."


    The weight of that statement was enough to quiet Ryota''s enthusiasm. Even Mikoto''s small smile faded.


    Kiyoshi met Hiruzen''s gaze. The old man wasn''t speaking idly¡ªthis was a warning, one laced with expectation.


    And Kiyoshi understood.


    They weren''t just a lucky team that had been in the right place at the right time. They were seen now. And with recognition came responsibility.


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    "We''ll be ready," Kenshiro said, his voice steady.


    Hiruzen studied him for a moment before nodding. "See that you are."


    He leaned back in his chair, looking older than he had a moment ago. "You''re dismissed."


    Kenshiro bowed. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."


    The three genin followed his lead, offering respectful bows before turning to leave.


    As they stepped out of the Hokage Tower, the weight of the mission still lingering in the air, Ryota stretched his arms over his head. "Man, I don''t know about you guys, but I''m starving. We should go celebrate with food!"


    Mikoto sighed. "You just got warned about keeping a low profile."


    "What?" Ryota grinned. "We can celebrate quietly. Besides, an A-rank mission means A-rank food. No more sad rice balls for us!"


    Kiyoshi found himself chuckling slightly. Maybe he was getting too lost in his own thoughts. Taking things too seriously wouldn''t help.


    Kenshiro shook his head. "Fine. But eat quickly. You''re getting a few days of rest, and then we''re training. If you want to keep up with this new rank, you need to earn it."


    Ryota groaned. "Man, can we at least enjoy this for one night?"


    Kenshiro smirked. "Sure. One night."


    The three genin exchanged glances before nodding in unison.


    One night. Then, back to training.


    Because they all knew¡ªthis was only the beginning.


    The streets of Konoha bustled with their usual energy, lanterns flickering to life as the sun dipped below the horizon. Vendors called out their evening specials, the air rich with the scent of grilled meat, simmering broths, and freshly steamed dumplings.


    Kiyoshi, Ryota, and Mikoto strolled behind Kenshiro, their bodies still sore from the mission but their spirits noticeably lighter.


    Ryota stretched, cracking his neck with an exaggerated groan. "Man, a few more A-rank missions and we''ll be able to afford a feast every night."


    Mikoto rolled her eyes. "You sound like you''re in this for the food."


    "I am in this for the food. And also for the honor and duty and whatever." He waved a hand dismissively. "But mostly the food."


    Kiyoshi smirked slightly at their back-and-forth but kept quiet, his gaze flickering over the different food stalls. He''d only been in this world for a short time, and while he was still adjusting, he had to admit¡ªKonoha had a warmth to it. A safety net, at least for now.


    Kenshiro stopped in front of a modest but well-known izakaya-style restaurant, where shinobi often gathered after missions. "This will do."


    Ryota''s eyes gleamed. "Oh, we''re going proper restaurant-style tonight? Sensei, you do love us."


    Kenshiro gave him a flat look. "Don''t push it."


    They stepped inside, greeted by the scent of grilled skewers and miso. The owner, an older man with a scar running down his left cheek, looked up from behind the counter and gave Kenshiro a nod. "Kenshiro. It''s been a while."


    The jonin nodded back. "Got a team now."


    The owner glanced at the three genin and gave a knowing chuckle. "First real mission, huh?"


    Ryota grinned. "And an A-rank one at that."


    Kenshiro sighed but didn''t bother correcting him. The owner merely raised a brow. "A-rank, huh? Either you kids are talented, or the village is running out of capable shinobi."


    Mikoto frowned. "It''s classified."


    That only made the owner chuckle again. "Don''t worry, I know how it works." He motioned for them to take a table. "Go on, sit. I''ll get you something good."


    They slid into their seats, the tension of the mission finally giving way to a more relaxed atmosphere. Plates of grilled meat, rice, and vegetables arrived shortly after, along with a pot of hot tea.


    Ryota practically drooled. "Now this is how you celebrate surviving."


    Kiyoshi picked up his chopsticks, taking a moment to absorb everything. The flickering lanterns, the sound of distant laughter, the warmth of a meal shared after a dangerous mission.


    It felt¡­ real.


    Mikoto took a bite of her skewer before glancing at Kenshiro. "Sensei¡­ did your first mission feel like this?"


    Kenshiro took a sip of tea, considering his answer. "No."


    Ryota blinked. "Wow. No hesitation."


    Kenshiro smirked. "We didn''t get to celebrate. My jonin sensei threw us into training immediately after."


    Mikoto sighed. "I suppose that''s what we have to look forward to, then."


    "You''re already getting a few days of rest," Kenshiro pointed out. "That''s more than I ever got."


    Kiyoshi listened quietly. He could feel the camaraderie settling in, the unspoken bond that came from fighting together, surviving together. Even Ryota, with all his jokes, had a sharper edge now¡ªhe understood, even if he masked it with humor.


    This world¡­ it wasn''t easy. But moments like this? They were worth holding onto.


    Ryota leaned back with a content sigh. "So¡­ do we just enjoy the food, or should we make dramatic speeches about how this is the start of our legendary journey?"


    Mikoto shook her head. "Just eat, Ryota."


    Kiyoshi chuckled, taking another bite.


    Maybe, just maybe, this wasn''t such a bad place to be.

 Chapter 17: Unseen Recognition

    Chapter 17: Unseen Recognition


    As Kiyoshi chewed on another piece of grilled meat, his mind drifted toward his newfound goal¡ªIchiraku Ramen.


    He had read about it in passing before, but now that he was actually here, the thought felt surreal. The ramen stand had already been open by the time of the Second Great Ninja War, meaning he could visit during his upcoming days of rest. And if Ichiraku''s reputation held true, he was in for something special.


    His mind conjured images of steaming bowls of ramen, rich broths, and fresh noodles.


    There had to be options¡ªclassic miso ramen, savory shoyu, and maybe even a hearty tonkotsu broth that had simmered for hours. Would they serve spicy ramen too? A fiery red broth packed with heat, topped with freshly cut green onions, bamboo shoots, and a perfectly soft-boiled egg? Or maybe a spicy chicken ramen, where the broth had just the right balance of spice and umami, enriched with tender slices of chicken?


    Then there was Tsukemen, the dipping ramen. Thick, chewy noodles served separately from an intensely flavorful broth¡ªone that clung to the noodles perfectly with each dip.


    And, of course, Ichiraku was known for its toppings.


    Char siu¡ªthe signature melt-in-your-mouth pork belly. A perfectly marinated, jammy-yolked boiled egg. Crisp sheets of seaweed that softened in the broth, adding a delicate umami touch. Even an extra helping of freshly made noodles to stretch out the meal.


    Kiyoshi nearly sighed just thinking about it.


    He was definitely going. No matter what, he had to try it.


    "Oi, Kiyoshi, you alive over there?" Ryota''s voice snapped him out of his thoughts.


    Kiyoshi blinked, realizing he had been staring off into space while absently holding a skewer of grilled vegetables. He coughed lightly, shaking off his ramen daydream.


    "Yeah. Just¡­ thinking."


    Ryota, mouth full of rice, gave him a skeptical look. "Thinking about what? Some top-secret classified mission detail?"


    Mikoto huffed. "Unlike you, some of us actually reflect on things beyond food."


    Ryota scoffed but didn''t deny it, shoving another piece of meat into his mouth.


    Kenshiro, watching all of this with an amused smirk, took a sip of his drink before speaking. "Let him think. It''s good for a shinobi to plan ahead."


    Kiyoshi just smirked to himself.


    That''s right, Sensei.


    He was planning ahead.


    For the greatest bowl of ramen he had ever eaten.


    ---


    As their meal wound down, the lively energy at their table slowly began to settle. Ryota leaned back, rubbing his stomach with a satisfied sigh, while Mikoto meticulously wiped her hands, ensuring not a single stain remained. Kenshiro sipped the last of his drink, watching them with his usual measured amusement.


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    Then, the atmosphere in the izakaya shifted.


    The soft murmur of conversation around them quieted, and Kiyoshi instinctively glanced toward the entrance.


    A woman had just stepped in, her presence commanding attention without effort.


    She wore a grass-green haori with the kanji for "gamble" (Ù€, kake) emblazoned on the back, standing out starkly against the red circle. Beneath it, a gray kimono-style blouse and dark bluish-gray pants hinted at practicality, but it was her expression that stood out the most¡ªdistant, heavy, and utterly unapproachable.


    Tsunade Senju.


    Even without recognizing her by name, the way the room reacted spoke volumes.


    Conversations halted. Patrons nodded respectfully, some even bowing slightly as she passed. But she didn''t acknowledge anyone. She simply walked forward, her stride purposeful yet heavy, as if the very act of moving through the world took effort.


    She settled into an empty seat in the farthest corner of the izakaya, alone.


    Kiyoshi exhaled through his nose, feeling a weight settle in his chest. He knew exactly what she was going through.


    Nawaki.


    Her younger brother¡ªfull of dreams and fire¡ªhad wanted to become Hokage, to protect Konoha, to uphold their grandfather''s legacy. On his twelfth birthday, Tsunade had kissed his forehead and gifted him Hashirama''s necklace, a gesture of belief in his future.


    He died the next day.


    A casualty of the Second Shinobi War.


    The necklace had been returned to her, a cruel echo of what she had lost.


    After his death, Tsunade had fiercely advocated for medical-nin to be included in all four-man squads, arguing that proper field medics could prevent tragedies like Nawaki''s. Hiruzen, despite agreeing with her, couldn''t dedicate the resources in the midst of war.


    But Dan Kat¨­ had shared her ideals.


    Their relationship had grown close, and when he spoke of his dream to become Hokage¡ªto protect the people he loved from death¡ªTsunade had kissed his forehead as well and given him the same necklace.


    And then he died.


    She had tried to save him, had fought to stop the blood loss. But she had failed.


    Dan''s death had left her with haemophobia¡ªa deep-seated fear of blood. A curse for a medic-nin.


    Kiyoshi tore his gaze away from her, a lump forming in his throat.


    This wasn''t the proud, powerful Sannin the world would know in the future. This was Tsunade¡ªa woman burdened by loss, drowning in grief she couldn''t escape.


    He didn''t stare. He didn''t try to approach her.


    Instead, he simply turned back to his table, gripping his chopsticks a little tighter.


    There was nothing he could do for her. Not right now.


    And yet, he couldn''t shake the feeling that this moment¡ªthis version of Tsunade¡ªwas something he needed to remember.


    ---


    As Team Kenshiro stepped out of the izakaya, Kiyoshi let out a quiet breath, shaking off the lingering thoughts of Tsunade. He assumed he had been the only one paying attention to her, and given her state, she likely hadn''t noticed him at all.


    But he was wrong.


    From her seat in the dimly lit corner of the restaurant, Tsunade''s amber eyes flickered toward the departing group. For a brief moment, her gaze lingered¡ªnot on the team as a whole, but on him.


    Kiyoshi Senju.


    Recognition stirred in her eyes, faint but present. A memory half-formed, still out of reach.


    Her fingers unconsciously brushed against the sake cup in front of her as her thoughts drifted back to earlier today¡ªto her conversation with her old teacher.


    ---


    Earlier Today ¨C The Hokage''s Office


    Tsunade had been summoned by Hiruzen in the late afternoon, expecting a brief meeting. Instead, it had taken a turn she hadn''t anticipated.


    Her sensei leaned forward slightly, his expression unreadable beneath the haze of his ever-present pipe smoke.


    "Tsunade," he began, "have you heard anything from Jiraiya lately?"


    She scoffed, arms crossing over her chest. "You should know better than anyone¡ªonce that idiot gets an idea in his head, there''s no stopping him. He''s still in Amegakure, teaching those three orphan kids."


    Hiruzen hummed, watching her closely. "And do you understand why?"


    Tsunade''s jaw tightened. She knew Jiraiya had spoken of some prophecy¡ªsomething about a child who would change the world. But at the time, she hadn''t cared.


    "He rambled about fate, about destiny," she admitted. "Something about a child of prophecy. But honestly, Sensei, I wasn''t in the right state of mind to care."


    Hiruzen sighed but didn''t press further. Instead, his gaze softened.


    "And what about you?" His voice lowered. "Have you made any progress with your haemophobia?"


    Tsunade stiffened but didn''t look away. Instead, she forced a small, sad smile. One that didn''t reach her eyes.


    "Does that answer your question?"


    He took a slow drag from his pipe, exhaling a thin stream of smoke. It''s a shame. The world''s greatest medical-nin¡­ and yet, she can''t even use her own skills anymore.


    Tsunade''s smile faltered for a fraction of a second when she saw pity on her sensei''s face. Then, it was gone, replaced by her usual mask of indifference. He only sighed, exhaling another stream of smoke before shifting topics.


    "Today, I received a report from Team Kenshiro," he said, pulling a scroll from his desk. "A rather interesting mission¡ªone that I think might interest you."


    Tsunade frowned but said nothing as he unraveled the parchment.


    "They encountered a group testing our borders," he summarized. "Not a large-scale attack, but a calculated skirmish. What caught my attention was the quick thinking of one of the genin¡ªKiyoshi Senju."


    Tsunade blinked. Senju?


    Hiruzen continued, his tone thoughtful. "At a critical moment, he made the right decision¡ªa simple yet effective strategy that allowed them to take control of the situation. That kind of judgment¡­ it''s the most important trait in a ninja."


    She frowned, searching her mind for any recollection of a prodigy from her clan.


    Nothing.


    Then again, she hadn''t exactly been keeping track of the Senju clan''s standing in recent years. She had been drowning¡ªfirst in loss, then in her own grief.


    "You''re saying we should keep an eye on him," she said, more a statement than a question.


    Hiruzen nodded. "Konoha needs strong shinobi. If we recognize talent early, we should nurture it. You, more than anyone, should understand that."


    Tsunade remained silent, absorbing the information.


    She hadn''t intended to think much of it at the time.


    But now, here in the izakaya, as her gaze lingered on the young shinobi exiting into the night, she couldn''t help but wonder.


    Had she truly been so distant from her own clan that she hadn''t even heard of him before today?

 Chapter 18: The Road Ahead

    Chapter 18: The Road Ahead


    As they stepped out of the izakaya, the cool night air greeted them¡ªa welcome contrast to the warm, smoky atmosphere inside. The village streets were quieter now, with the distant sounds of the market closing down and late-night patrols beginning.


    Kenshiro walked ahead, hands tucked into his pockets, before turning slightly to glance at his students. His usual easygoing expression shifted into something more serious.


    "You all did well on this mission," he began, his voice even. "And I mean it. But don''t let that get to your heads."


    Ryota, still grinning from their earlier celebration, blinked at the sudden shift in tone. Mikoto straightened her back slightly, already sensing where this was going. Kiyoshi, lost in thoughts of ramen, snapped back to attention.


    Kenshiro continued, "You got lucky. Even with your quick thinking, things could have easily gone wrong. And in a real battle, luck won''t always be on your side." He stopped walking, turning to face them fully. "That''s why, from now on, we''re going to sharpen your skills."


    Ryota groaned. "More training?"


    Kenshiro smirked. "Oh, you''ll be begging for the old training after this."


    Mikoto sighed, rubbing her temple. "So, what''s the plan, sensei?"


    "You''ll have a few days to rest, but after that, expect a packed schedule. Training will be the priority, and on top of that, we''ll be taking missions regularly."


    "Low-rank ones?" Kiyoshi asked.


    Kenshiro nodded. "Mostly D-rank, sometimes C-rank. Normal genin work. You need to build a foundation before getting ahead of yourselves." He folded his arms. "That said, if we do get orders for a higher-ranked mission, you''ll be informed accordingly. And when that happens, I expect you to be ready."


    Stolen from its original source, this story is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.


    His expression darkened slightly. "Don''t forget how dangerous the last mission was. You survived this time, but survival isn''t guaranteed. A single mistake can be the difference between coming home¡­ or not."


    A heavy silence settled over them. The excitement of their earlier celebration faded slightly, replaced by a sobering realization.


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. He already knew how deadly this world was¡ªhe had studied it, lived it¡ªbut hearing it so plainly from Kenshiro made it all the more real. Mikoto exhaled slowly, absorbing the weight of their sensei''s words. Ryota, uncharacteristically quiet, nodded in understanding.


    Kenshiro''s gaze softened just a fraction. "Look, I''m not trying to scare you. I''m preparing you. If you want to make something of yourselves, you need to be strong. Stronger than you are now."


    Then, with a shrug, he smirked. "But for now, enjoy your break. Eat, sleep, relax. Because once we start training, you won''t have time for that."


    Ryota groaned again, but this time, there was a hint of determination in his expression.


    Mikoto rolled her eyes. "Fine. But don''t hold back on the training. If we''re doing this, we''re doing it properly."


    Kenshiro chuckled. "That''s the spirit."


    Kiyoshi stayed silent, thoughts swirling in his mind. Training, missions, survival¡­


    And ramen. Definitely ramen first.


    With that, they parted ways, the promise of harsher days ahead lingering in the night air.


    ¡ª


    As Kenshiro walked away from his students, a sigh escaped his lips. He had told them to rest, to enjoy their break before the real training began. But for him, there would be no such luxury.


    He ran a hand through his hair, eyes drifting upward to the night sky. I''ve been slacking off.


    It wasn''t something he liked admitting, but it was the truth. Ever since becoming a j¨­nin, he had let himself relax more than he should have. Not in battle¡ªno, he was still competent, still a solid j¨­nin¡ªbut he wasn''t pushing himself anymore. His growth had plateaued, and until now, he hadn''t thought much of it.


    Back then, if things got too bad, I could always escape. That was the worst-case scenario, and it was enough.


    But now? That wasn''t enough. Not anymore.


    He glanced back toward the direction his students had gone, their figures already disappearing into the night. They were strong, each in their own way, but they were still just genin. They didn''t have the experience, the instincts, or the sheer skill to get themselves out of a true crisis.


    That''s my job.


    Every j¨­nin sensei was supposed to be the safety net¡ªthe last line of defense. If things went south, it was on him to make sure they all made it back home. All of them.


    His grip on his arm tightened. If I stay as I am now¡­ will I be enough?


    The answer was clear.


    No.


    He needed to be stronger. He needed to refine his skills, to push past his current level. There was a reason some j¨­nin were called elite j¨­nin¡ªthe highest tier before ANBU or Kage-level strength. If he wanted to protect his team properly, he needed to reach that level.


    He had no excuses.


    No more slacking.


    No more half-hearted training.


    If they were going to push themselves, then so would he. He had to be faster, sharper, stronger. Not just for himself, but for them.


    Kenshiro exhaled slowly, rolling his shoulders. Tomorrow, I start again.


    Because in this world, weakness wasn''t an option.

 Chapter 19: Shadows in the Flame

    Chapter 19: Shadows in the Flame


    The flickering candle cast long shadows across the Hokage''s office, its dim glow barely illuminating the stacks of reports and mission scrolls littering the desk. Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, rubbing his temples as he exhaled slowly. Another long night. The weight of the village rested on his shoulders¡ªheavier than ever.


    A quiet knock at the door disrupted the silence.


    "Enter," he said, his voice calm but firm.


    The door slid open, and a masked ANBU operative stepped inside, kneeling swiftly. The flickering light caught the steel of his mask, the carved patterns giving him a ghostly appearance in the dim office.


    "Hokage-sama," the ANBU said evenly. "The captive shinobi delivered by Team Kenshiro has been processed for interrogation. Initial findings are¡­ troubling."


    Hiruzen straightened, his sharp gaze locking onto the operative. "Explain."


    The ANBU placed a scroll on the desk. "We identified him as a missing-nin from the Land of Lightning. However, his allegiance is unclear. He bears no village insignia, and his records do not match those of known defectors."


    Hiruzen''s fingers brushed over the scroll, but he did not open it just yet. "And his purpose?"


    The ANBU hesitated. "Uncertain. But he has extensive knowledge of our patrol routes along the northeastern border¡ªtoo extensive for a mere mercenary."


    Hiruzen''s grip on the scroll tightened. The northeastern border¡­ That was no random location. It was a weak point, a stretch of land where defenses had only recently been reinforced.


    "If he knew our patrol routes," Hiruzen mused, "then either he has been watching us for some time¡­ or someone has been feeding him information."


    The ANBU nodded. "We''re pressing him for details, but he''s trained to resist interrogation. It will take time."


    Hiruzen sighed, finally unrolling the scroll. His eyes scanned the detailed report, each line deepening the furrow in his brow. The missing-nin had been caught testing their defenses, yet his techniques suggested formal training¡ªstructured, disciplined. This was not the work of a wandering rogue.


    A bitter thought crossed his mind. The world is shifting again. Shadows move beneath the surface, unseen but ever-present. I had hoped for peace¡­ but peace is always temporary.


    "Hokage-sama," the ANBU spoke again, quieter this time. "What are your orders?"


    Hiruzen closed the scroll with a decisive snap.


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    "Double the surveillance along the northeastern border. Have our reconnaissance teams sweep the area¡ªdiscreetly. If this was a scouting mission, we cannot afford to assume he was acting alone."


    The ANBU bowed. "Understood."


    As the masked shinobi disappeared into the night, Hiruzen allowed himself a rare moment of stillness. He reached for his pipe, lighting it with practiced ease. The first slow drag of smoke curled into the air, dissolving like the brief illusion of peace.


    Something is coming.


    And Konoha had to be ready.


    ---


    Deep Beneath Konoha¡­


    Where even the air seemed to suffocate under the weight of secrecy, Danzo Shimura sat in his underground chamber. The dim candlelight barely illuminated the scrolls and reports spread across his desk. Around him, the silent presence of his ROOT operatives loomed¡ªfaceless, voiceless, obedient.


    A faint smirk ghosted across Danzo''s lips as he ran his fingers over the two scrolls before him. So, the Hokage finally received the report. He had, of course, already read it long before Hiruzen had.


    His eye flicked over the first scroll¡ªan account of a young genin''s supposed cleverness during a border skirmish.


    Kiyoshi Senju.


    Danzo snorted. What''s so remarkable about a child using a simple tag at the right time? The report praised the boy''s quick thinking, but in the end, it was nothing extraordinary. If not for his surname, Danzo doubted the boy would have even been mentioned.


    Senju¡­


    His single visible eye narrowed. The name once carried weight, but over the years, it had faded. And soon, it will disappear completely.


    With a flick of his wrist, he tossed the first scroll aside and unrolled the second¡ªfar more interesting. This one contained the interrogation results of the captured shinobi. As his eye scanned the document, a slow, satisfied nod followed.


    Kumogakure''s shinobi were as careful as expected. Their operatives knew how to erase their tracks, leaving behind no substantial evidence that could link them directly to an orchestrated attack. And yet¡­ they had failed.


    Danzo''s smirk deepened. Even after I handed them critical intelligence regarding Konoha''s patrol routes, they accomplished nothing of real significance.


    His fingers tapped against the wooden desk, a rhythm of calculated thought. He had allowed Kumogakure access to that information, hoping they would create a major disruption at the border¡ªenough to force Hiruzen''s hand. If they had succeeded, he could have used the rising tensions as leverage:


    Demand more funding for ROOT.


    Push for his operatives to be embedded within ANBU and other elite divisions.


    Slowly tighten his grip on Konoha''s most vital institutions.


    Eventually, the Hokage''s chair would no longer be out of reach.


    And yet, despite all that¡­ it wasn''t a total loss.


    He had still profited from this.


    Selling the information had yielded a considerable sum, further strengthening ROOT''s hidden resources. Money is power¡ªand power is what I need to shape Konoha into the village it should be.


    Danzo exhaled slowly, folding the scroll. This was just a minor setback. The bigger game was still in motion, and as long as he remained in the shadows, pulling the right strings, his time would come.


    His gaze flickered toward his waiting operatives. "Continue observing the Hokage''s next move. If he attempts to investigate further, I want to know before he does."


    The masked shinobi bowed silently before vanishing into the darkness.


    Danzo leaned back, steepling his fingers.


    Hiruzen, old friend¡­ let''s see how you handle this.


    The room was silent.


    Then, a voice¡ªsilken, taunting¡ªcut through the darkness.


    "You always have your little games, don''t you, Danzo?"


    From the shadows, a figure stepped forward, the candlelight flickering eerily against his pale skin.


    Orochimaru.


    Danzo didn''t flinch, nor did he look surprised. "I assume you''ve come for your¡­ investment."


    Orochimaru smiled, slow and serpentine. "I do appreciate our partnership." His golden eyes gleamed with something unreadable as he moved closer. "Funding is such a tedious thing to procure when one''s research is deemed¡­ unethical."


    Danzo retrieved another scroll¡ªone bearing the seal of a hidden funding channel, untraceable to ROOT or Konoha. He placed it on the table between them.


    Orochimaru''s long fingers plucked the scroll from the desk, rolling it open just enough to confirm its authenticity.


    Satisfied, he looked back at Danzo. "I assume you''re curious about my latest findings?"


    Danzo nodded. "That mysterious DNA you were working on. Tell me¡­ is it viable?"


    A low chuckle escaped the Sannin''s lips. "Oh, you wound me, Danzo. When have I ever failed you?"


    Danzo''s expression remained unreadable, but his fingers tightened slightly against the table. "Explain."


    Orochimaru leaned in, his voice dropping to a whisper.


    "You recall the Eight-Tails'' last rampage in Kumogakure, yes?"


    Danzo gave a slow nod.


    "That¡­ was my doing."


    Orochimaru''s smirk widened.


    Danzo listened in silence. Shadows stretched across the room as the candle burned lower.

 Chapter 20: Echoes of Blood and Bonds

    [A/N: Kiyoshi''s love for ramen represents every person who watched Naruto in their childhood (???).]


    Chapter 20: Echoes of Blood and Bonds


    Orochimaru''s smirk widened as he continued.


    "I infiltrated their village, disguised as a trusted medic. I found Blue B¡ªthe previous host of the Eight-Tails. It was a simple matter, really. A few genjutsu-infused pills, a little manipulation¡­ and the beast stirred into a frenzy."


    He exhaled in mock nostalgia. "Ah, what a beautiful scene of destruction it was. And in the chaos¡­ I retrieved something quite valuable."


    Reaching into his cloak, he pulled out a small vial, holding it up between two fingers.


    "The severed horn of the Eight-Tails. And within it¡­ Blue B''s DNA."


    Danzo''s eye gleamed with interest. "And? What have you discovered?"


    Orochimaru rolled the vial between his fingers. "I believe that, with enough refinement, the power of the tailed beasts can be harnessed¡ªnot through Jinch¨±riki, not through crude seals, but through science. Through blood."


    Danzo was silent for a long moment before speaking. "I trust you will not disappoint me."


    Orochimaru''s laughter was soft but laced with malice. "Oh, Danzo¡­ disappointment is a word reserved for lesser men."


    The candlelight flickered again as the shadows stretched, swallowing the room whole.


    ---


    The streets of Konoha were quiet at this hour, the usual bustle of the village giving way to a more subdued stillness. Kiyoshi moved through the dimly lit paths with ease, his mind caught between the lingering exhaustion of his mission and the familiar comfort of returning home.


    As he approached the Senju Clan compound, a sense of relief settled in his chest. The compound was large but far from grand, a quiet remnant of what was once one of Konoha''s most powerful clans. Now, only a handful of families remained, their presence a shadow of the Senju''s former glory.


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    Kiyoshi made his way toward his house, his footsteps light on the stone path. Just as he was about to step inside, movement near his gate caught his eye.


    A man stood there, knocking lightly against the wooden frame. At first, Kiyoshi didn''t recognize him, but as he drew closer, a flicker of familiarity stirred in his mind¡ªmemories not entirely his own, yet deeply ingrained within him.


    He''s¡­


    The realization clicked.


    "Shigeru-san?" Kiyoshi found himself saying, the name rolling off his tongue naturally.


    The older man turned, a warm smile forming beneath his graying mustache. His sharp eyes, despite their age, still carried the keen awareness of a seasoned shinobi. Shigeru Senju had once been a respected j¨­nin, but injuries sustained during the Second Shinobi War had forced him into retirement. Even so, he remained a strong presence within the Senju compound, looking after those who still called this place home.


    "Kiyoshi," Shigeru greeted, his voice rich with familiarity. "It''s good to see you back, kid."


    Kiyoshi nodded, pushing open the gate as he stepped closer. "It''s been a while," he admitted.


    Shigeru let out a quiet chuckle. "It has. And you''ve been gone the past two days. I was starting to wonder if you were off causing trouble." His tone was light, but there was an undertone of genuine concern.


    "Some mission," Kiyoshi answered simply, not elaborating further. He had no desire to talk about the near-fatal encounter with the missing-nin.


    Shigeru''s gaze lingered on him for a moment, sharp and knowing. He had been a shinobi long enough to recognize when someone was withholding the truth. But instead of pressing, he merely gave a small nod.


    "Good," he said. "It means you''re growing. Missions shape a shinobi more than any lesson ever could."


    Kiyoshi hummed in response, unsure of what to say.


    "Have you eaten?" Shigeru asked after a pause.


    Kiyoshi gave a slight smile at that. "Yeah. Sensei treated us to dinner earlier¡ªto celebrate the mission''s success."


    Shigeru''s brows rose slightly. "That''s good. At least someone''s making sure you''re taking care of yourself." He shook his head with a chuckle. "You young ones always think you can run on an empty stomach."


    Kiyoshi shifted slightly, not quite used to the warmth in Shigeru''s tone. The older man had always treated him kindly, even more so after his parents passed. It was a quiet kind of care, one that didn''t smother but was always there.


    Shigeru smiled. "Good, good. A well-fed shinobi is a sharp one." Then, as if remembering something, his expression softened. "Your aunt was asking about you, you know."


    Kiyoshi blinked, a little taken aback. "She was?"


    Shigeru nodded. "She worries. Said you don''t come by as often as you should." He let out a small chuckle. "She told me to make sure you know you''re welcome at our place anytime. And that means anytime, Kiyoshi." His voice took on a lightly scolding tone. "That woman will have my head if I don''t get you to come over for a proper meal soon."


    Kiyoshi felt a rare warmth settle in his chest at the sentiment. He had never been the type to impose on others, but Shigeru and his wife had always treated him with a kindness that never felt forced. Still, old habits were hard to break.


    "I appreciate it, Shigeru-san, really. But I wouldn''t want to be a bother¡ª"


    "Enough of that," Shigeru interrupted, waving a hand dismissively. "You''re family, Kiyoshi. And family doesn''t need a reason to share a meal." He paused, then added, "She wants you to come by tomorrow for lunch. No excuses."


    Kiyoshi hesitated, then exhaled, nodding. "Alright. I''ll come by."


    Shigeru smiled, satisfied. "Good. We''ll be expecting you. Besides, it''s been too long since we''ve had a proper meal together."


    Kiyoshi hesitated a moment longer before finally nodding. "... I''ll be there."


    With that, Shigeru patted Kiyoshi''s shoulder and turned away, heading back toward his own home. Kiyoshi watched him go before exhaling a quiet breath and stepping into his house.


    The warmth of home settled around him, but the conversation with Shigeru lingered in his mind.


    Maybe tomorrow wouldn''t be so bad.

 Chapter 21: The Butterfly Effect

    Chapter 21: The Butterfly Effect


    Kiyoshi set his gear down by the entrance, rolling his shoulders to shake off the lingering tension from his mission. The quiet of his home wrapped around him like a familiar blanket¡ªwelcoming, yet also reminding him of its emptiness. He was used to it by now, but some nights, it still felt heavier than others.


    He moved to the small kitchen, filled a glass with water, and leaned against the counter. His conversation with Shigeru replayed in his mind, especially the mention of his aunt. He had been meaning to visit, but time had slipped away between missions and training. Maybe that was just an excuse. Maybe part of him had been avoiding the feeling of being cared for¡ªof being reminded of the family he once had and the ones he had lost.


    Kiyoshi sighed, shaking his head.


    Tomorrow. He''d go tomorrow. It wouldn''t be so bad.


    Finishing his water, he set the glass down and turned toward his bedroom. Just as he reached the doorway, a flicker of movement caught his eye.


    [Ding!]


    A screen.


    It materialized out of thin air¡ªfloating, glowing faintly in the dim light of his home.


    ---


    [Congratulations! The Host has successfully started participating in this world''s matters. Due to your actions, an important event has been delayed.]


    [Gacha System is now ready for an upgrade. Would you like to proceed?]


    ---


    He stared at the prompt for a second before muttering, "Yes. Why not?"


    The moment he spoke, the screen flickered.


    ---


    [Upgrade complete! The Trade-In System has been added. The Host can now accumulate spins to increase the probability of obtaining higher-tier rewards.]


    Another screen popped up, displaying a neatly organized table.


    ---


    [?? Spin Stacking System ¨C Probability Boosting Mechanism]


    ? Common Spins can be accumulated, increasing the probability of obtaining Uncommon Spins.


    ? Stacking Uncommon Spins increases the likelihood of triggering a Rare Spin.


    ? Stacking Rare Spins raises the chances of obtaining an Epic Spin.


    ? However, stacking Epic Spins does NOT increase the chance of getting a Legendary Spin.


    If you come across this story on Amazon, it''s taken without permission from the author. Report it.


    ? Legendary Spins can only be obtained through Special Events.


    ---


    [?? Legendary Spin ¨C Special Event Conditions ]


    ? Can only be obtained when a Special Event occurs.


    ? When a Special Event is triggered, the Gacha System will evaluate the Host''s influence on the event.


    ? The greater the Host''s impact, the higher the probability of obtaining a Legendary Spin.


    ? However, a Legendary Spin is not guaranteed, as it follows gacha mechanics.


    ? At minimum, the Host will receive a Rare Spin from Special Event participation.


    ---


    His eyes widened.


    Legendary Spins? That was new.


    His gaze flicked back to the notification. The system had mentioned an important event being delayed.


    His stomach dropped.


    Had he just done something that could qualify for a Legendary Spin?


    ---


    And Legendary Spins can only be obtained through major events...


    Then, Kiyoshi wondered how the stacking system worked. The screen flickered again.


    ---


    [?? Spin Stacking System ¨C Mechanics]


    ? Accumulation Rule: Spins can be saved instead of being used immediately.


    ? Conversion Threshold: Once enough spins are stacked, they will automatically upgrade to the next tier.


    ---


    [? Spin Types & Conversion Rates: ]


    [Spin Stacking System - Conversion & Priority]


    [Spin Type: Common]


    - Stacks Needed for Upgrade: 5 -> 1 Uncommon


    - Priority: Lowest


    - Obtainable Through: Standard Rolls


    [Spin Type: Uncommon]


    - Stacks Needed for Upgrade: 4 -> 1 Rare


    - Priority: Low


    - Obtainable Through: Stacking Commons


    [Spin Type: Rare]


    - Stacks Needed for Upgrade: 3 -> 1 Epic


    - Priority: Medium


    - Obtainable Through: Stacking Uncommons


    [Spin Type: Epic]


    - Stacks Needed for Upgrade: N/A


    - Priority: High


    - Obtainable Through: Stacking Rares


    [Spin Type: Legendary]


    - Stacks Needed for Upgrade: Special Event Only


    - Priority: Highest


    - Obtainable Through: Special Events


    ---


    ? Priority System: Higher-tier spins will always be used first when rolling for rewards.


    ? Storage Limit: The Host can store up to 50 spins at a time before being forced to use or upgrade them.


    ---


    Kiyoshi''s fingers twitched as he skimmed through the table. This was huge. If he planned carefully, he could maximize his rewards instead of blindly rolling whenever he got a spin. The system was still based on luck, but this gave him at least some control over his fate.


    But before he could test anything, there was still the matter of the Special Event Spin in front of him.


    He took a deep breath, cracking his knuckles.


    Wait.


    That meant¡ª


    His excitement faltered as his gaze returned to the original notification.


    ---


    [By your actions, you have delayed an important event.]


    ---


    Kiyoshi barely reacted this time. After all, the Gacha System had been with him since the moment he found himself in this world. What caught his attention, however, was the part about delaying an important event.


    His brows furrowed. Special event? What had I done recently?


    His last mission¡­ They had captured an enemy shinobi. Nothing unusual there. Standard procedure¡ªengage, subdue, extract.


    But then it clicked.


    The interrogation report.


    The shinobi they caught must have given up something important¡ªcritical information that changed the course of events. The Hokage must have received the report from the Torture and Interrogation Bureau by now.


    Kiyoshi''s breath hitched. What event could I have changed?


    He racked his brain, trying to remember what was supposed to happen in this time period. His memories of the Naruto timeline were a little hazy, but he was sure of one thing:


    In a few years, Kushina Uzumaki and Minato Namikaze would graduate from the academy. And then¡­


    Kushina would be kidnapped.


    His stomach dropped.


    The Kumogakure infiltration.


    The shinobi they captured¡ªhe must have been from Kumo. They must have been sneaking in, gathering intelligence, making sure everything was in place. The moment they felt confident, they would have made their move.


    In the original timeline, they did kidnap Kushina. But Minato followed the trail of her red hair and rescued her.


    That moment wasn''t just a simple rescue. It was the moment their bond solidified¡ªthe moment their love story truly began.


    And Kiyoshi had maybe¡­ erased it.


    His hands gripped the counter.


    "Shit, shit, shit¡ª"


    Had he just killed Naruto before he was even born? That can definitely be counted as world shattering!


    Panic surged through him. He had only been in this world for a few days, and he had already potentially erased the main character of the story.


    No, no, no¡ªwait.


    Kiyoshi forced himself to think. The rescue wasn''t the start of their love¡ªit was just the final push. Minato had already liked Kushina from the moment he saw her. Her red hair¡­ That was what first caught his attention, and from there, he slowly won her heart.


    That meant there was still hope. There was still a chance for Naruto to be born.


    He let out a breath of relief, running a hand through his hair.


    At least, he hadn''t completely destroyed the timeline. Probably.


    Just as his heartbeat returned to normal, the gacha screen flickered to life again.


    ---


    [After participating in an important event, the Host has been granted a Special Event Spin.]


    [The highest possible reward, a Legendary Spin, has been added to the prize pool.]


    [Would you like to spin now?]


    ---


    Kiyoshi blinked.


    Then, slowly, a grin tugged at the corner of his lips.


    "Well¡­ might as well see what I get."

 Chapter 22: The Path to Power

    [A/N: Shoutout to Piet¡ªthank you for the support!]


    Chapter 22: The Path to Power


    Kiyoshi watched as the golden roulette wheel spun, each section gleaming with possibility. His heart pounded in anticipation, his fingers unconsciously tightening into fists. Then, with a final click, the wheel came to a stop.


    A radiant glow pulsed from the center, and words materialized before his eyes.


    [Congratulations! You have obtained: Rasengan (ÂÝÐýÍè) ¨C Epic Tier!]


    Kiyoshi''s breath hitched. Rasengan?!


    Before he could fully register his excitement, a sudden jolt surged through his body. His vision blurred for a split second, and then¡ª


    A torrent of information flooded his mind.


    It wasn''t just knowledge; it was experience.


    The principles of chakra rotation and compression imprinted themselves in his thoughts as if he had spent years studying them. He could feel the precise micro-adjustments needed to mold chakra into a stable sphere. His body trembled slightly, not from pain, but from the sheer intensity of the process.


    The three-stage training method flashed through his mind:


    1. Chakra Rotation ¨C Controlling raw chakra and making it swirl in all directions.


    2. Chakra Forming ¨C Compressing and containing the chaotic energy into a concentrated sphere.


    3. Chakra Stability ¨C Maintaining the Rasengan''s shape without external support.


    It was as if a door had been thrown open in his consciousness, revealing pathways he had never known existed. His fingers twitched involuntarily, his muscle memory already adapting to what his mind had absorbed.


    Then, as quickly as it had begun, the sensation faded.


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    Kiyoshi staggered slightly, inhaling deeply as the last echoes of the system''s transfer settled within him. He lifted his hand, staring at his palm as if expecting something to appear.


    He knew how to perform the Rasengan.


    Not in the sense that he could immediately execute it perfectly, but the blueprint was there, etched into his mind like an unshakable instinct. The years of training that normally accompanied the technique had been compressed into pure understanding.


    A grin tugged at his lips.


    "This¡­ is insane."


    He exhaled, testing his chakra flow. The familiar warmth pooled in his palm, and he could feel the energy wanting to take shape. The system hadn''t granted him instant mastery, but it had given him something just as valuable¡ªa perfect roadmap to get there.


    With this, he wasn''t just fumbling in the dark, hoping to grasp a technique beyond his level. He had a shortcut¡ªa clear, structured path to unlocking one of the most powerful A-rank jutsu in history.


    He clenched his fist, determination flaring in his eyes.


    "Let''s see how far I can take this."


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly, letting his heartbeat settle. The rush of receiving an Epic-tier technique was exhilarating, but exhaustion was creeping up on him. His body was still worn from the mission, and while the system''s knowledge transfer had been smooth, it hadn''t erased his fatigue.


    He glanced at his palm, flexing his fingers. He could almost feel the Rasengan taking form¡ªbut forcing himself to train now, half-asleep and mentally drained, would be pointless.


    "Tomorrow," he muttered to himself. "I''ll try it tomorrow."


    With that, he pushed himself off the counter and made his way to his bedroom. The silence of his home felt different now¡ªnot empty, but full of potential. For the first time in a while, he felt like he had taken a real step forward.


    Collapsing onto his bed, he let out a deep sigh.


    His last thoughts before sleep took him were filled with swirling chakra and the realization that, for the first time since arriving in this world¡ª


    He was truly starting to change its course.


    ---


    The first thing Kiyoshi noticed when he woke up was how well-rested he felt.


    There were no lingering aches from yesterday''s mission, no stiffness in his joints¡ªjust a lightness in his body that almost made him forget the exhaustion from before.


    Then, the memories of last night resurfaced.


    His eyes snapped open.


    He had gotten the Rasengan.


    Sitting up, he ran a hand through his hair, shaking off the remnants of sleep. The system''s ingrained knowledge was there, resting in his mind like an unspoken truth. He didn''t have to recall training steps or figure out where to start¡ªthe requirements for learning were already embedded within him. All that was left was execution.


    Kiyoshi swung his legs over the bed, stretching his arms before standing. The house was quiet, bathed in the soft glow of morning sunlight filtering through the windows. It was the perfect time to practice.


    Moving to the center of the room, he took a deep breath. His hands came together, fingers forming the natural stance for chakra manipulation.


    The Rasengan wasn''t about hand seals or elemental affinity¡ªit was pure chakra control. A spinning sphere of compressed energy, meant to deal immense damage on impact.


    Alright. First attempt.


    He extended his palm outward and began channeling his chakra. The energy gathered swiftly, but keeping it stable was another issue entirely. The moment he tried to rotate it¡ª


    Fwoosh¡ª


    It dispersed, vanishing into harmless strands of energy.


    Kiyoshi blinked. That was fast.


    His chakra control wasn''t bad, but the Rasengan required unparalleled refinement. He clenched his fist, taking another deep breath.


    Again.


    This time, he focused on building the rotation gradually. Not forcing it, not rushing¡ªjust letting it form naturally. The chakra gathered in his palm once more, swirling in small, unstable movements.


    Fwoosh¡ª


    Gone again.


    Kiyoshi sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. "This is gonna take a while, huh?"


    Despite the failures, he didn''t feel frustrated¡ªjust determined. He could feel that he was close. His body knew what to do; it was just about getting there.


    And if nothing else¡ª


    He had all the time he needed.

 Chapter 23: Glorified Errands

    [A/N: Shoutout to Jean and Lord Of the Mysteries¡ªthank you for the support!]


    Chapter 23: Glorified Errands


    Deciding that further Rasengan attempts could wait, Kiyoshi grabbed a fresh set of clothes and headed to the bathroom. The cold splash of water on his face grounded him, washing away the last remnants of sleep.


    As he dried his face with a towel, his gaze flickered to the mirror. He looked¡­ normal. No drastic changes, no overwhelming realization that he was holding one of the most powerful jutsu in the world.


    Yet deep down, he knew.


    He was getting stronger.


    After changing into his usual shinobi attire, he stepped into the kitchen and quickly prepared a simple breakfast¡ªnothing fancy, just rice, miso soup, and grilled fish. As he ate, his mind drifted to the day ahead.


    He still had to check in at the mission office. Even though his last mission was technically over, the paperwork still needed to be finalized. There was also the matter of his promise to his uncle¡ªhe had assured him yesterday that he''d come over for lunch. He had no excuses now.


    Kiyoshi exhaled, pushing his empty plate aside.


    Mission office first, then everything else.


    Kiyoshi set a fresh scroll on the table, uncapped his ink, and dipped his brush. The quiet hum of the village outside was a stark contrast to the battles fought in the field, but this¡ªwriting reports, handling the aftermath¡ªwas just as much a part of shinobi life.


    He began writing, his strokes precise and efficient. The structure was drilled into every shinobi from the academy¡ªobjectives, execution, outcome. Simple in theory, but in practice, it required a balance of clarity and detail. Too vague, and it raised questions. Too elaborate, and it wasted time.


    His brush glided over the parchment, filling in the necessary sections. Every mission had nuances that couldn''t be fully captured in words, yet the report had to be as close to reality as possible¡ªa record for future reference, an account for the village''s intelligence network, a summary that could influence future assignments.


    As he neared the end, his thoughts briefly wandered back to the Rasengan.


    If I had this technique back then, would it have made a difference?


    He pushed the thought aside. No use dwelling on what-ifs.


    Once finished, he let the ink dry before rolling up the scroll and sealing it. He''d drop it off at the mission office later.


    With that done, Kiyoshi exhaled and leaned back slightly.


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    ---


    Kiyoshi stepped into the mission office, stretching his arms as he approached the desk. He was about to hand over his mission report when he noticed a familiar figure standing nearby, arms crossed, observing him with an unreadable expression.


    Kenshiro. His J¨­nin-sensei.


    Kenshiro raised an eyebrow. "Took you long enough, kid."


    Kiyoshi handed over the mission report, exhaling. "I wasn''t exactly rushing. Mission''s done¡ªthat''s what matters."


    Kenshiro smirked. "Efficiency matters too." He tapped the counter. "At least you didn''t forget, unlike a certain teammate of yours."


    Kiyoshi rolled his eyes. "Ryota?"


    Kenshiro nodded. "Who else?"


    Kiyoshi sighed. "I''ll remind him later. What are you doing here anyway, Sensei?"


    Kenshiro glanced at the mission board, scanning the available listings. "Scouting your next mission. You and your team have a few days to rest, but I''d rather not let you slack off too much."


    Kiyoshi smirked. "Didn''t take you for a babysitter."


    Kenshiro chuckled and ruffled Kiyoshi''s hair in a deliberately annoying manner. "I''m your sensei, kid. If I don''t push you, who will?"


    Kiyoshi swatted his hand away. "Tch. Fine. Just don''t pick anything too ridiculous."


    Kenshiro laughed. "No promises. Enjoy your break while you can."


    With that, the J¨­nin turned and strode toward the mission board, leaving Kiyoshi to start making his way home.


    ---


    As Kiyoshi walked through the village, he caught sight of Mikoto just ahead. She was heading home, likely having just submitted her own report.


    But what caught his attention was the boy walking beside her¡ªa young Fugaku Uchiha.


    Dressed in a Ch¨±nin vest, the boy looked around 13 or 14 years old, a few years older than both Kiyoshi and Mikoto. His sharp features and serious demeanor made it clear he carried himself with the pride expected of an Uchiha.


    Kiyoshi instantly recognized him. The future head of the Uchiha clan. Right now, he must be in ANBU...


    Curious, he quickened his pace slightly and called out. "Mikoto!"


    Mikoto turned, her face lighting up. "Oh, Kiyoshi! Done with your report?"


    Kiyoshi nodded. "Yeah. Figured I''d head home."


    Mikoto chuckled. "You should remind Ryota to submit his. He probably forgot the moment we got back."


    Kiyoshi smirked. "He''ll remember when Kenshiro-sensei finds him."


    As they talked, Kiyoshi noticed Fugaku glancing at him repeatedly. The young Uchiha wasn''t being subtle, but his expression remained unreadable.


    Deciding to break the awkwardness, Kiyoshi turned to him and smiled warmly.


    Fugaku flinched.


    For the briefest moment, something like guilt crossed his face. Mikoto, ever observant, caught it immediately.


    She sighed softly. "I''m really lucky, you know."


    Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow. "Huh?"


    Mikoto smiled gently. "That I got you and Ryota as teammates. You don''t treat me differently because of my Uchiha status."


    Kiyoshi blinked, then scoffed. "Why would I?"


    Fugaku stiffened at the comment.


    Mikoto continued, her voice quieter. "Not everyone is like you. There are people in the village who see the Uchiha as¡­ a problem."


    Kiyoshi wasn''t blind to the whispers and the politics. The Uchiha were respected but also feared, and fear could easily turn into resentment. This had been going on since the time of the Second Hokage. His mistrust, along with the subsequent actions of people like Danzo, had worsened the situation.


    Fugaku looked a bit embarrassed.


    Kiyoshi didn''t press the matter. Instead, he simply shrugged. "Doesn''t matter to me. You''re my teammate¡ªthat''s all there is to it."


    Mikoto smiled, while Fugaku remained silent, clearly lost in thought.


    After a moment, they continued walking, their conversation shifting to lighter topics.


    As they walked through the village streets, the morning sun cast long shadows across the stone pathways. The usual bustle of the village was just beginning to stir.


    "For the next few weeks, we''ll mostly be sticking to D-rank missions," Mikoto said, recalling what their J¨­nin-sensei had mentioned earlier. "Simple stuff¡ªescort jobs within the village, assisting in the archives, minor patrols. Nothing too exciting."


    Kiyoshi sighed. "Glorified errands, huh?"


    Mikoto chuckled. "It''s necessary, though. The village doesn''t just run on high-stakes missions."


    Fugaku, who had been mostly quiet, glanced at them before adding, "He''s right to start you slow. Most Genin get overconfident too quickly and end up making careless mistakes. D-rank missions help with discipline."


    Kiyoshi gave him a look. "You sound like you''re speaking from experience."


    Fugaku crossed his arms, his expression serious. "I''ve seen it happen. A mission that looks easy can turn dangerous in an instant. You should never let your guard down, even on something as mundane as delivering supplies."


    As they reached a crossroads, their paths diverged. Mikoto turned toward the Uchiha compound, and Fugaku followed. Kiyoshi adjusted his posture and continued toward the Senju compound.


    Mikoto glanced over her shoulder and gave Kiyoshi a small wave. "See you tomorrow, Kiyoshi."


    He nodded. "Yeah. Later."


    Fugaku hesitated before saying, "Be careful out there."


    It was a simple statement, but coming from him, it carried weight.


    Kiyoshi smiled slightly. "You too."


    With that, they parted ways. The village remained peaceful, but in the back of Kiyoshi''s mind, he knew that peace was never guaranteed. Training, missions, and the responsibilities of a shinobi¡ªthey were only just beginning.

 Chapter 24: The Perils of a Wandering Gaze

    [A/N: Hey guys, I wanted to ask your opinion on something someone recently pointed out¡ªthey said I''m going too fast with the story and need to slow down, letting it unfold more gradually. Is that true? Please let me know in the comments!]


    Chapter 24: The Perils of a Wandering Gaze


    As soon as Kiyoshi reached home, he let out a breath and stretched his arms. There was still some time before lunch, which meant he could finally put his newly acquired technique to the test.


    He had already grasped the fundamentals of the Rasengan¡ªhis system-awarded knowledge ensured that. But theory alone wouldn''t help in battle. He needed to refine it, to make it second nature, so he wouldn''t fumble when it truly mattered.


    With that thought, he made his way to the backyard. The enclosed space ensured privacy, and the sturdy trees lining it could withstand a beating¡ªperfect for training.


    Kiyoshi took a deep breath, rolling his shoulders as he centered himself. Extending his right hand, palm facing upward, he began focusing his chakra. Just as the ingrained knowledge had instructed, he started shaping it into a sphere while applying the necessary rotation.


    At first, the unstable chakra swirled erratically, dissipating before it could form properly. He narrowed his eyes and tried again. And again. Each time, he got a little closer¡ªthe chakra spun faster, and the shape became more refined. His control wavered, but he persisted.


    Then, after several minutes of practice, something changed.


    The swirling mass of chakra in his palm stabilized, condensing into a perfect, rotating sphere. The Rasengan had formed.


    It glowed with vibrant, dynamic energy¡ªa pulsating mass of raw power contained within its smooth, shimmering surface. The spiraling chakra emitted a faint blue light, casting an almost ethereal glow in the dim shade of the backyard. The sheer force of the technique was undeniable¡ªhe could feel its weight in his palm, the controlled chaos of compressed energy ready to be unleashed.


    Kiyoshi''s eyes widened slightly, a thrill rushing through him. This was it.


    Without hesitation, he stepped forward and launched the Rasengan at a sturdy tree in his backyard.


    The moment it made contact, an explosive burst of energy erupted, sending a powerful shockwave rippling outward. Bark and splinters scattered, and a deep indentation was left where the sphere had struck. Though it hadn''t completely shattered the tree, the sheer force behind the impact was undeniable.


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly, watching the aftermath of his attack.


    He could already feel it¡ªsoon, this would become an extension of himself, a weapon he could wield at will.


    But for now, he needed to refine it even further.


    Just as Kiyoshi was deep in thought, strategizing ways to integrate the Rasengan into his fighting style, a sharp, surprised voice cut through the air.


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    "Oi, where the hell did you learn that technique?"


    Kiyoshi''s body tensed as he whipped his head toward the source of the voice. Standing there, arms crossed and golden eyes narrowed at him, was none other than Tsunade Senju of the Sannin.


    Out of sheer shock, the words left his mouth before he could stop them¡ª"Tsunade?!"


    A nerve visibly twitched on her forehead.


    "That''s Tsunade-san to you, brat."


    And that was when reality hit him like a brick. He had just casually blurted out Tsunade''s name without any honorifics, as if they were close friends.


    His back stiffened, and he immediately lowered his head in apology. "Ah¡ª! My apologies, Tsunade-san."


    But just as he bowed, his eyes involuntarily landed on something that completely derailed his thoughts¡ªthose ridiculous cushions strapped to her chest, barely contained despite her efforts.


    How does she even walk around with those¡­?


    Hadn''t he always thought the manga and anime had exaggerated?


    But seeing them in reality¡­ How is that even possible?!


    Kiyoshi momentarily forgot about his surroundings as he seriously pondered the mechanics of such proportions.


    That was his biggest mistake.


    Tsunade''s sharp gaze caught how his eyes lingered on her chest. Her brow twitched dangerously, her expression darkening as a barely restrained vein pulsed on her temple.


    "You''ve got some nerve, brat."


    Before Kiyoshi could even register his impending doom, she had already shifted into a stance, foot pulling back¡ªready to launch him into next week.


    "Wait! It''s not what you think¡ª!"


    He barely had time to yell before he saw his life flash before his eyes.


    But just as Tsunade''s foot was about to connect, another voice interrupted.


    "Tsunade, don''t break the kid. It''s time for lunch."


    Tsunade''s movement halted, her eyes flicking toward the approaching figure. Kiyoshi, still frozen in his half-bowing position, turned his head to see Shigeru, his uncle, walking toward them with an amused yet exasperated look.


    "You''re lucky, brat," Tsunade muttered, clicking her tongue before dropping her stance.


    Kiyoshi quickly straightened up, his heart still hammering in his chest. He had faced deadly situations on his last mission, trained under Kenshiro, and even fought enemies above his level, but this¡ªthis was true fear.


    Shigeru glanced between the two, then raised an eyebrow at Kiyoshi. "What did you do to piss her off?"


    Tsunade crossed her arms, shooting Kiyoshi a sideways glare. "He was staring."


    Shigeru blinked. "At what?"


    Kiyoshi immediately panicked, waving his hands. "I wasn''t! It''s a misunderstanding! I just¡ª"


    Tsunade cracked her knuckles. "I know a perverted look when I see one, kid."


    Kiyoshi gulped. "I swear, I wasn''t¡ª!"


    Sensing the imminent bloodbath, Shigeru sighed and clapped a hand on Kiyoshi''s shoulder.


    "Alright, enough. Tsunade, give the kid a break¡ªhe''s exhausted from his mission. And Kiyoshi, maybe don''t anger the one person who can turn you into paste with a flick of her finger."


    Tsunade huffed but relented, though not before muttering something about kids these days and no respect.


    Kiyoshi, meanwhile, felt like he had just survived a natural disaster.


    He had barely begun to process what had happened when Shigeru patted his back and gestured toward the house.


    "Come on, lunch is ready."


    Kiyoshi didn''t need to be told twice. He quickly followed his uncle, making sure to keep a very safe distance from Tsunade.


    As they made their way toward Shigeru''s house, both he and Kiyoshi noticed that Tsunade was trailing behind them. At first, they exchanged confused glances, but the silence stretched until Shigeru finally broke it.


    "Why are you following us, Tsunade?" he asked, glancing over his shoulder with a mixture of curiosity and amusement.


    Tsunade crossed her arms, adopting an imperious stance. "I am the princess of Konoha, the head of the Senju clan. I can go wherever I want."


    Shigeru smirked, shaking his head with a playful sigh. "Of course, of course. Who am I to question the great Tsunade-sama?"


    Her sharp glare could have cut through steel, but Shigeru merely chuckled, unfazed.


    Then, as if recalling something serious, Shigeru''s expression shifted. "Speaking of that¡­ How is Mito-sama? How is her health?"


    At this, Tsunade''s confident facade cracked slightly. She let out a small sigh, her gaze softening. "The seal is weakening¡­ and so is she," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.


    A heavy silence enveloped them. Even Kiyoshi, who had no direct ties to Mito Uzumaki, felt the weight of her words.


    (So it''s already close to that time¡­)


    He thought, the implications crashing over him like a wave. Kushina Uzumaki would soon become the next jinch¨±riki of the Nine-Tails, and with that, her absence from the academy would be felt. He recalled the looming threat of Kumogakure''s attempted kidnapping when Kushina graduated and pondered whether his presence in this world had already altered the course of events.


    Would that still happen now?


    Sensing the somber atmosphere, Shigeru offered gently, "Please let her know that my family and I are praying for her well-being. Her contributions to this village will never be forgotten."


    Tsunade nodded.


    To lighten the mood, Shigeru grinned. "Why don''t you join us for lunch?"


    Tsunade shrugged. "Sure, why not? I suppose I could grace you with my presence."

 Chapter 25: The Weight of Fate: Kiyoshi鈥檚 Gamble with Tsunade

    Chapter 25: The Weight of Fate: Kiyoshi''s Gamble with Tsunade


    As they walked, Kiyoshi felt Tsunade''s gaze lingering on him, the intensity of her scrutiny almost palpable. When he dared to glance at her, he found her sharp brown eyes studying him with keen interest.


    "You," she said suddenly, pointing directly at him. "What was that jutsu you were practicing earlier? And who taught you that?"


    A bead of sweat trickled down Kiyoshi''s temple. He had anticipated this question, but he still hadn''t figured out how to evade it. Tsunade was perceptive enough to sense the immense chakra swirling within the technique, and she wouldn''t let it slide easily.


    Thinking quickly, he attempted to downplay it. "I''ve had the concept in my mind for years, but I only recently started working on making it a reality. I''ve named it the Rasengan."


    Tsunade raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed. "Oh? And how does it work?"


    Kiyoshi knew he had to tread carefully. The intricate nature of the Rasengan was far too complex to explain without drawing suspicion. If he revealed too much, he risked arousing Tsunade''s curiosity about his unconventional training.


    But more importantly, this was an opportunity.


    His mind raced. If he could establish a connection with Tsunade, influencing her fate in even the slightest way, it might shift his odds for the Special Event Spin. If his interference had a significant impact, it could even increase his chances of winning the Legendary Spin. And if that happened¡­ his entire path in this world could change.


    But exactly how much should he interfere?


    He had learned his lesson the last time. He had tampered too much¡ªfar too much¡ªand had almost erased Naruto from existence. Just thinking about that made his stomach turn. Sure, if he had gone through with it, the system would have definitely rewarded him with the Legendary Spin¡­ but at what cost?


    That experience had forced him to accept a painful truth¡ªthe bigger the change, the more blind he became. Right now, he still had years before the canon timeline began. He only knew fragments of what happened before then, and if he altered too much too soon, he would be stumbling through uncharted territory.


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    And that was not worth it.


    No, he needed to be careful. He couldn''t afford to blindly chase after the Legendary Spin without considering the long-term consequences. He had to handle Tsunade in a way that nudged fate just enough without completely rewriting the script.


    "Well," he began, rubbing the back of his head, "how about we make a deal?"


    Tsunade narrowed her eyes, intrigued despite herself. "A deal?"


    "Yes. You seem interested in my jutsu, and I''d love to learn something valuable from you in return. So, how about you teach me something of equal worth, and I''ll explain my technique to you?"


    He could almost see the gears turning in Tsunade''s mind. Despite her skeptical expression, the allure of knowledge and ninjutsu was hard for her to resist. After all, the Rasengan wasn''t just any jutsu¡ªit was a technique with immense potential.


    Yet, that wasn''t the only reason Tsunade was interested.


    Sure, she was following them under the pretense of lunch, but the truth was clear¡ªher attention was far more fixed on Kiyoshi''s jutsu than whatever meal awaited them. The Rasengan. It was refined, controlled, yet powerful. The kind of technique that should have taken years under a master to even conceptualize. And yet, this brat claimed to have been developing it since the Academy?


    That alone might not have been enough to truly garner her interest, but there was something else.


    Hiruzen''s report.


    Before leaving, she had been shown a file detailing Kiyoshi''s actions. His quick thinking during a certain mission had caught the Hokage''s attention¡ªenough for him to make a passing remark about Kiyoshi''s potential. Individually, none of this was enough to make Tsunade care. But taken together? His skill, his on-the-spot decision-making, his sudden emergence¡ªthere was something off about him.


    And Tsunade was not the kind of person to ignore a mystery.


    Perhaps unraveling him would be interesting.


    Besides, there was something else on her mind. That decision. The one she had been pondering since Dan''s death.


    Leaving the village.


    Main Reason: Loss of Hope


    Witnessing the continued cycle of war and loss, and the fact that the village never truly changed for the better, had further disillusioned her. It only reinforced her belief that achieving one''s dreams was impossible.


    Even after the countless casualties of the last war, the Senju Clan still had shinobi capable of leading. She could walk away, and the clan would still stand.(1)


    But deep down, she wanted something more. If she were to leave, she needed someone she had personally trained¡ªsomeone she could trust to carry on a legacy, if not for the clan, then for her grandfather and granduncle.


    Kushina? No. She was an Uzumaki. The Senju clan wouldn''t fully accept her as their leader, and her role as the next jinch¨±riki meant she had little freedom.


    But Kiyoshi¡­


    She wasn''t seriously considering him. Not yet. But for a passing moment, the thought entered her mind.


    There was still time before she made her decision. Grandma Mito was still here. For now.


    And yet, how long would that last?


    Tsunade knew the answer. She just didn''t want to accept it.


    Her thoughts were interrupted when Shigeru suddenly turned toward Kiyoshi, a smirk on his face.


    "So, what''s this jutsu you two are talking about? It''s not every day the Slug Sannin herself takes an interest."


    Kiyoshi''s expression remained neutral as he replied, "It''s just a concept I had back in the Academy. Now that my chakra reserves have grown, I''ve finally started working on implementing it."


    Tsunade let out a small hum, her eyes flickering with amusement. So, that''s the story he''s going with.


    Kiyoshi could feel her continued scrutiny, but he didn''t let it show.


    This was just the beginning.


    [A/N: (1) We all know that war was not the only factor behind the Senju Clan''s decline. The village higher-ups actively encouraged the few remaining Senju members to intermarry with other clans, effectively diluting the Senju bloodline and identity.]

 Chapter 26: A Taste of Home

    Chapter 26: A Taste of Home


    Just as Tsunade was about to tease Kiyoshi, a voice interrupted.


    "We''re here," Shigeru announced, stepping forward with a grin.


    Kiyoshi looked up to see a modest yet spacious home, large enough to house five or six people comfortably. The wooden exterior gave it a welcoming aura, and the faint scent of home-cooked food drifted through the air.


    Before Kiyoshi or Tsunade could step inside, a warm yet firm voice rang out.


    "Shigeru! What took you so long to bring Kiyoshi for lunch?"


    A woman with black hair stepped out of the gate, her sharp eyes narrowing at her husband. Despite her scolding tone, there was a distinct warmth in her voice.


    Kiyoshi barely had time to react before she turned to him, her expression softening into a playful pout.


    "Kiyoshi, how could you forget your dear aunt?" she demanded dramatically, placing a hand over her chest. "I always treat you like my own son, and yet you never come to eat! Do you know how much my heart aches because of you?"


    Kiyoshi blinked, caught off guard by her sudden emotional outburst. A twinge of guilt crept up his spine. Had he really neglected visiting her that much?


    Before he could respond, Tsunade let out a quiet chuckle.


    Shigeru, standing beside him, merely smiled wryly.


    Kiyoshi, however, remained oblivious.


    Shigeru knew better. His wife''s dramatic complaints weren''t entirely serious¡ªit was just her way of showing affection. He had long grown used to it, and Tsunade, perceptive as always, had instantly seen through the act as well.


    Kiyoshi, however, was completely missing the point.


    Just as he was about to stammer out an apology, his aunt''s gaze suddenly flickered behind him. Her eyes widened in shock.


    "Tsunade-san?"


    Kiyoshi turned slightly to glance at the Sannin, who stood casually behind him with her arms crossed, watching the interaction with mild amusement.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    "Why are you standing outside?" his aunt exclaimed, completely forgetting about her scolding as she rushed forward. "Come in, come in! You''re always welcome here!"


    Kiyoshi and Shigeru exchanged a wry smile. Just like that, they had been completely sidelined.


    Yet, as Kiyoshi observed the interaction, he felt something stir within him¡ªan unfamiliar warmth settling in his chest.


    He had experienced many things since coming to this world¡ªdanger, power, strategy¡ªbut this¡­ this was different.


    It was a simple moment. A casual, everyday occurrence. And yet, as he stood at the threshold of the home, watching this family banter with him so naturally, he realized something.


    They truly cared for him.


    Not as a warrior, not as a tool, not because of what he could do¡ªjust as Kiyoshi.


    A warmth he hadn''t felt even in his previous life wrapped around him, soft yet undeniable.


    And for the first time in a long while, he felt like he belonged.


    ---


    As they stepped inside after Aunt Sayaka and Tsunade, Kiyoshi immediately noticed a girl, almost a year younger than him, standing near the dining area. She had blonde hair and striking grey eyes, which were currently locked onto Tsunade with an almost comical intensity.


    Her hands were clasped together, and her expression was one of pure admiration¡ªlike a die-hard K-pop fan from his previous life seeing their idol up close for the first time. Cute.


    Kiyoshi couldn''t help but let out a small chuckle¡ªa little too loud for his own good.


    The girl snapped out of her daze at the sound and turned toward him. She stared at him for a moment, her grey eyes narrowing slightly before she puffed up her cheeks and let out an exaggerated hmph! before dramatically turning away.


    Kiyoshi blinked, completely confused. What just happened?


    Beside him, Shigeru leaned down slightly, a smirk on his face as he whispered, "Well, Emiko has been waiting for you to come play with her for a long time, you know? But you ignored her because you were too caught up with graduation and training."


    Kiyoshi stiffened slightly. Damn it, previous Kiyoshi! Of all the things to leave me with, why this?


    He turned his gaze back toward Emiko, and sure enough, she was still sneaking glances at him while maintaining her little pout.


    This was bad.


    Sure, he could fight shinobi, strategize under pressure, and navigate dangerous missions. But handling puppy love? That was an entirely different battlefield.


    How was he even supposed to move forward from here?


    ---


    Kiyoshi shifted uncomfortably, his mind scrambling for a way to salvage the situation.


    What the hell do I do now?


    The pout on Emiko''s face remained firm, her grey eyes still flickering toward him between exaggerated hmphs. She clearly wanted him to say something.


    Tsunade, catching on to the awkward tension, smirked. "Wow, Kiyoshi, didn''t know you were the heartbreaker type."


    Kiyoshi nearly choked. "I¡ªwhat? No, it''s not¡ª"


    "Oh?" Tsunade''s smirk widened. "Then why does she look like you abandoned her in the middle of a battlefield?"


    Kiyoshi glanced at Emiko again, and to his horror, she really did look like she had just been wronged. Her arms were crossed, cheeks puffed out, but there was a distinct shimmer in her eyes¡ªthe kind that screamed, Aren''t you even a little sorry?


    Shigeru chuckled, shaking his head. "You better say something, kid. Emiko''s got a long memory. She won''t let you off easy."


    Great, Kiyoshi thought. Just what I needed. A vengeful childhood friend with an elephant''s memory.


    Sighing, he decided to take the safest approach. He rubbed the back of his neck, offering a small, sheepish smile. "Uh¡­ Sorry, Emiko. I didn''t mean to ignore you. I was just¡­ busy."


    For a second, she didn''t respond. Then, with a dramatic turn of her head, she scoffed. "Hmph! That''s what they all say!"


    Kiyoshi blinked. What does that even mean?


    "But," she added, peeking at him from the corner of her eye, "I suppose I can forgive you¡­ if you make it up to me."


    Kiyoshi''s instincts screamed that this was a trap. "Make it up to you¡­ how?"


    Emiko''s pout shifted into a sly grin. "By playing with me, of course! You owe me, Kiyoshi."


    Kiyoshi groaned internally. Just when I thought I escaped one battlefield, I get dragged into another.


    Shigeru laughed heartily at the exchange, while Tsunade looked thoroughly entertained. Sayaka, on the other hand, clapped her hands together with a satisfied smile. "Good! That settles it. Kiyoshi, you''ll stay for dinner too."


    "Wait, I never¡ª"


    "It''s decided!" Sayaka declared, cutting off his protest. "Now, everyone, sit down! Lunch is ready!"


    And just like that, Kiyoshi was swept into a whirlwind of family warmth, childhood antics, and one particularly persistent girl who clearly wasn''t going to let him off the hook anytime soon.


    As he sat down at the table, feeling the buzz of lively conversation around him, he couldn''t help but smile to himself.

 Chapter 27: A Demonstration Worth Watching

    [A/N: Shoutout to Sonny Eugene¡ªthank you for the support!]


    Chapter 27: A Demonstration Worth Watching


    The dining table was lively, thanks to Sayaka, who effortlessly kept everyone engaged in conversation. Whether it was recounting a humorous market incident or dramatically complaining about how she was underappreciated as a mother, she had a way of drawing people in.


    Emiko, on the other hand, was struggling. She couldn''t decide whether to keep pouting at Kiyoshi or simply admire Tsunade, her role model, sitting right across from her. The dilemma left her stealing quick glances between the two, much to Tsunade''s amusement.


    Tsunade smirked as she observed Emiko''s internal conflict, occasionally meeting Kiyoshi''s awkward glances. He was clearly aware of the storm brewing beside him but had no idea how to navigate it. Meanwhile, Shigeru continued eating peacefully, completely unfazed by the dynamics around him. Perhaps age truly did make people braver.


    As they ate, Shigeru suddenly spoke up, his tone casual but curious. "Where''s Rika? She returned from a mission yesterday, didn''t she?"


    Sayaka, pouring more soup into Kiyoshi''s bowl as if he had no say in the matter, replied, "She went to train with her friends at the training ground. She said she''d be back in time for lunch."


    Just as she finished speaking, a voice echoed from the entrance.


    "I''m home!"


    Everyone turned toward the doorway as a girl, around sixteen or seventeen, stepped inside. She had long, jet-black hair tied loosely at the back, though several strands stuck to her face due to sweat. Her training clothes were slightly damp from exertion, and she looked like she had just finished an intense workout.


    Her dark eyes swept over the room until they landed on Tsunade. The moment recognition hit, she let out a startled gasp.


    Enjoying this book? Seek out the original to ensure the author gets credit.


    "Tsunade-nee-san?! Why are you here?"


    Tsunade, ever the tease, leaned back slightly with a smirk. "Oh? Our little Rika is no longer happy to see me, huh?"


    Rika immediately waved her hands in denial. "No, no! That''s not it at all! I''m always happy to see you!" She straightened up, a spark of excitement flashing in her eyes. "Last time, the pointers you gave me on Taijutsu were life-saving! If you have time after lunch, can we spar a little?"


    Tsunade chuckled, clearly pleased. "Why not?"


    Before the excitement could settle, Sayaka interjected, dramatically sighing. "Look at this! My daughter no longer cares for cleanliness at all. She was such a sweet child once, but now she''s turned into a brute! A tomboy! Who will marry you at this rate?"


    Rika narrowed her eyes at her mother, clearly used to this kind of teasing. "Yeah, yeah. I''ll wash up first, alright?" With a grumble, she walked off toward her room.


    Watching this exchange, Kiyoshi instinctively searched his memories. The more he thought about it, the more familiar Rika seemed. Then, it clicked¡ªshe had taught him Taijutsu and even some sword techniques back in the academy.


    So that''s why past Kiyoshi was already decent at Taijutsu. He had always been worried about his Ninjutsu progress, but his foundation in close combat had been solid thanks to her.


    Sometime later, after Rika had returned, lunch continued in a more relaxed atmosphere. As expected, Shigeru and Tsunade finished first, already waiting for the others to wrap up so they could head to the backyard.


    That''s when Rika turned to Emiko, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "So, Emiko, your Kiyoshi-oniichan finally visited, and you''re ignoring him?"


    Kiyoshi nearly choked on his tea. Oniichan?


    Emiko''s face turned red as she jumped to her feet. "I-I wasn''t waiting for anyone!" she shouted, glaring at her sister.


    Rika smirked, resting her chin on her palm. "Oh? But weren''t you sulking earlier?"


    "Was not!"


    Kiyoshi, still recovering from the oniichan revelation, was about to say something to clear the air when Tsunade suddenly cut in.


    "Actually," she said with a smirk, "Kiyoshi wasn''t ignoring Emiko. He was busy practicing a new Ninjutsu¡­ one that he''ll be teaching me soon."


    Silence.


    Both Emiko and Rika turned their full attention to Kiyoshi, their eyes shining with curiosity.


    Kiyoshi felt a drop of sweat slide down his temple. Damn it, Tsunade!


    Teaching a Jutsu was completely different from demonstrating it. Still, as he looked at Emiko, who was now staring at him expectantly, an idea formed in his mind. Maybe, just maybe, this was his chance to escape her childhood friend enmity.


    He sighed, rubbing the back of his head. "Fine. I''ll show you."


    Rika grinned. "Now this, I gotta see."


    With that, lunch wrapped up quickly, and everyone moved to the backyard, anticipation hanging in the air as they waited to see what Kiyoshi had up his sleeve.


    The group stepped into the backyard, the afternoon sun casting long shadows over the neatly trimmed grass. The space was spacious enough for sparring, with a few wooden training dummies positioned at the far end. A slight breeze rustled the trees, bringing a sense of calm¡ªthough the anticipation in the air was anything but.


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly, mentally preparing himself. He had no choice but to follow through now. His gaze briefly met Tsunade''s, and immediately, he felt like prey in front of a predator. She wasn''t just watching him¡ªshe was analyzing him.


    Great. Now I''ve basically volunteered to be her test subject.

 Chapter 28: A Demonstration Worth Watching (2)

    Chapter 28: A Demonstration Worth Watching (2)


    But there was no turning back now. He raised his hand, gathering chakra into his palm, feeling the familiar sensation as it surged outward. Carefully, he shaped it, compressing and rotating it in multiple directions at once.


    The air around him swirled as the energy condensed¡ªuntil finally, a perfect sphere of chakra materialized in his hand.


    Silence.


    Then¡ª


    "That''s¡­" Rika blinked, staring at the spinning orb. "That''s crazy. You didn''t use any hand seals?"


    Emiko, completely mesmerized, clutched her hands together. "It''s¡­ beautiful."


    Shigeru''s eyes narrowed slightly in thought. He was clearly impressed, but unlike the others, his mind had already started dissecting its mechanics.


    Sayaka, meanwhile, merely tilted her head, unimpressed¡ªuntil she noticed both her husband and Tsunade looking far more serious than usual. That alone told her just how significant this technique was.


    And Tsunade¡ª


    Her expression had shifted entirely. Gone was the teasing amusement from earlier. Now, she was watching with sharp, calculating eyes.


    Kiyoshi had always known that she was skilled in medical ninjutsu, famous for her ability to manipulate chakra inside the body with perfect precision. But the Rasengan was the opposite. It required molding chakra outside the body¡ªpure Shape Transformation.


    No hand seals. No external elements. Just raw chakra.


    And Kiyoshi had done it.


    She folded her arms, deep in thought. If I can incorporate this into close combat¡­ if I can develop a way to use it instantly in a fight¡ª


    The possibilities were already spinning in her mind. A single well-placed Rasengan could be a one-hit KO in a brawl. No hand seals meant no warning. It could be devastating.


    But Kiyoshi had no idea he had just sparked one of Tsunade''s new obsessions.


    "¡­Hmph."


    She smirked slightly, finally breaking the silence.


    "Well, well, Kiyoshi." She placed a hand on her hip. "Looks like you''ve been holding out on us."


    Before Kiyoshi could respond, Sayaka suddenly clapped her hands together.


    "Ahh, my dear Kiyoshi!" she gushed dramatically. "You must have practiced so much to finally perfect such an amazing jutsu! And all of this¡­ for Emiko!"


    Kiyoshi stumbled mid-step, nearly losing his balance. The Rasengan in his palm flickered dangerously before he hastily dispersed it.


    Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.


    Emiko''s face turned bright red. "W-Wait! That''s not¡ªhe wasn''t¡ª" She whirled toward Kiyoshi in panic. "You weren''t doing it for me, right? Right?!"


    Kiyoshi rubbed his temples, exhaling in exasperation. "Sayaka-san, please don''t say things that make me want to disappear."


    Sayaka just giggled, looking far too entertained.


    Tsunade chuckled as well, watching the chaos unfold with amusement. "Now that''s a good family atmosphere."


    Rika, meanwhile, was grinning ear to ear. She walked up to Kiyoshi and nudged him with her elbow. "Looks like you''ve really taken your oniichan role seriously, huh?"


    "Don''t you start."


    Shigeru let out a tired sigh, shaking his head at his wife''s antics, but a fond smile played at his lips.


    And just like that, the heavy tension from earlier disappeared, replaced by laughter and teasing.


    But even as the conversation shifted, Tsunade''s mind remained locked on the technique she had just witnessed.


    The Rasengan, huh?


    She glanced at Kiyoshi, her smirk deepening.


    I wonder how much more I can learn from you¡­


    The backyard atmosphere gradually settled after Sayaka''s teasing, though Kiyoshi still felt residual embarrassment clinging to him like an unwelcome shadow. He sighed, ruffling his hair as he tried to shake it off.


    This family is dangerous in a completely different way¡­


    Meanwhile, Emiko¡ªstill red-faced¡ªstood stiffly beside him, glancing away every time he so much as shifted. Rika, of course, was grinning smugly at her sister''s predicament, while Tsunade remained disturbingly quiet.


    Kiyoshi knew what that meant.


    She wasn''t done with him yet.


    "So, Kiyoshi¡­" Tsunade finally spoke, cracking her knuckles lazily. "You''ve got some free time, right?"


    Kiyoshi''s stomach dropped. "Uh¡­ maybe?"


    Tsunade''s smirk widened. "Good. Because you''re going to spar with me."


    Silence.


    Rika blinked. "Wait, what?"


    Emiko''s eyes widened. "But¡­ but Tsunade-nee-san, Kiyoshi just¡ª"


    "No excuses," Tsunade interrupted smoothly. "I just want to see something."


    Kiyoshi''s jaw clenched. He knew exactly what she wanted to ''see.''


    His Rasengan.


    And the worst part? There was no way out of it.


    If I say no, she''ll just drag me into it anyway. If I say yes¡­ well, I might end up in a hospital bed by the end of the day.


    "¡­Fine." He exhaled slowly. "But go easy on me, will you?"


    Tsunade''s smirk turned positively predatory. "No promises."


    Emiko and Sayaka exchanged worried glances, while Shigeru simply sighed, as if mentally preparing himself to step in if things got out of hand.


    Rika, on the other hand, was already backing away, excitement in her eyes. "I have to see this."


    They moved toward a more open area of the backyard, where the ground was uneven¡ªworn down by years of training and sparring. The perfect stage.


    Tsunade cracked her neck as she stretched her arms, rolling her shoulders like a fighter warming up. "Alright, Kiyoshi. Show me how you fight."


    Kiyoshi took a stance, steadying his breathing. He had no illusions about this match¡ªTsunade was leagues above him. If he went in recklessly, he''d get flattened in seconds.


    But that didn''t mean he wouldn''t try.


    Without warning, he dashed forward. He didn''t waste time throwing a basic punch or testing the waters¡ªhe went straight for the Rasengan.


    Chakra swirled in his palm as the sphere formed. The moment he closed the distance, he drove it forward¡ª


    Only to hit nothing.


    Tsunade had moved.


    Before he could react, something slammed into his stomach.


    The world tilted.


    Air rushed out of his lungs as he was thrown backward, skidding across the dirt before he barely managed to steady himself.


    He coughed, doubling over slightly. What the hell was that?!


    Tsunade sighed dramatically, shaking her head. "Too predictable, Kiyoshi."


    He grit his teeth, looking up to see her standing there, completely unbothered.


    "Here''s the thing," she continued, rolling her wrist. "That jutsu of yours? It''s powerful. But if you don''t know how to land it, then it''s useless."


    He straightened, wiping the dirt from his sleeve. "Then what do you suggest?"


    Tsunade smirked. "Try again."


    Kiyoshi''s eye twitched.


    Fine.


    If she wanted him to get creative, then so be it.


    Kiyoshi dashed forward again, but this time, instead of aiming directly for her, he feinted¡ªducking low before twisting his body into a sweeping kick.


    Tsunade, however, merely hopped over it.


    But that was exactly what he wanted.


    The moment her feet left the ground, his chakra surged again¡ªthis time, forming a Rasengan even faster than before. He lunged upward, aiming straight for her midsection.


    For a split second, he thought he had her.


    Then¡ª


    CRACK.


    Pain exploded in his wrist as Tsunade grabbed his arm mid-motion and twisted it sharply, forcing him to release the chakra sphere before it could even connect.


    And then¡ª


    She flipped him.


    The ground met him violently, knocking the wind out of his lungs for the second time.


    Tsunade crouched beside him, resting an elbow on her knee. "Better," she admitted. "But still not good enough."


    Kiyoshi groaned. "I hate this."


    Rika howled with laughter in the background, clapping her hands. "Oh man, Kiyoshi, I almost thought you had her!"


    Sayaka, meanwhile, was already halfway to running over to check if he was still alive, only to be held back by Shigeru shaking his head in exasperation.


    Emiko, however, looked on the verge of a meltdown.


    "Tsunade-nee-san!" she whined. "You promised to go easy on him!"


    Tsunade merely smirked. "I never said that."


    Kiyoshi groaned again, barely managing to push himself up. He was bruised, humiliated, and exhausted¡ªbut at the same time¡­


    His blood was pumping.


    Because despite everything, this was fun.


    And deep down, he knew¡ªthis was only the beginning.


    (Please support me if you like this story)

 Chapter 29: A Familiar Name

    Chapter 29: A Familiar Name


    The backyard had fallen into a mix of laughter and groans as Kiyoshi lay sprawled on the ground, bruised and thoroughly humbled.


    "That," Tsunade declared, dusting off her hands, "was a lesson."


    Kiyoshi coughed, rolling onto his back. "A beating. That was a beating."


    Tsunade smirked. "Same thing."


    Rika was still laughing like this was the best thing she''d ever seen, while Sayaka had settled into amused silence. Shigeru, ever the mediator, simply shook his head, and Emiko? Well¡­ she was pouting hard.


    "Tsunade-nee-san, that was too much!" she huffed, stomping over to help Kiyoshi up. "He''s not used to thisa kind of training!"


    "If he wants to survive in this world, he better get used to it." Tsunade cracked her knuckles before glancing at Rika. "Speaking of training¡­"


    Rika froze. "Huh?"


    "You''re still sloppy." Tsunade jabbed a finger at her. "Your stance is good, but your footwork''s all over the place. You hesitate too much when closing in, and you waste energy on unnecessary movements."


    "Rika felt a chill run down her spine, but she listened carefully as Tsunade went on, giving her a few pointers¡ªadjusting her footing, showing her a more efficient way to dodge, and even demonstrating how to put more force behind her punches without overextending."


    Kiyoshi watched, still catching his breath. It was clear that despite her teasing, Tsunade took Rika''s progress seriously. There was something oddly nostalgic about seeing her in this role¡ªnot just the powerhouse, but a mentor.


    Finally, as the sun began dipping lower, Tsunade clapped her hands. "Alright. That''s enough for today."


    Sayaka raised an eyebrow. "You''re actually leaving without another fight?"


    "I''ve done what I came for." Tsunade stretched her arms, then turned toward Kiyoshi. "But before I go¡­"


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    She gestured for him to step closer.


    Kiyoshi narrowed his eyes but obeyed, still a little wary after his ''lesson.'' "What?"


    "You wanted something from me, didn''t you?" Tsunade said, tilting her head. "An exchange."


    Kiyoshi stiffened. Oh.


    He had never said it outright, but Tsunade had clearly picked up on his interest. She wasn''t someone who handed out favors easily¡ªif she was bringing this up, it meant she had an offer in mind.


    "¡­And?" he asked cautiously.


    Tsunade smirked. "I''ll teach you how integrate chakra enhanced strength into your taijutsu."


    Silence.


    Rika choked. "W-Wait, seriously? You want to train him?"


    Kiyoshi, on the other hand, was already processing the implications.


    Tsunade wasn''t just strong¡ªshe was legendary. Learning hand-to-hand combat from her would put him in an entirely different league. It wasn''t just about improving his Taijutsu; it was an opportunity.


    If he trained under Tsunade, he''d be able to interfere.


    The Special Event Spin wasn''t just about major battles¡ªit was about key moments in history. If he could subtly influence Tsunade''s journey, shape events in ways that mattered¡­


    Would that be enough?


    Would that be enough to push him toward the Legendary Spin?


    His heart pounded. This was a gamble. A huge one.


    But it was also an opportunity he couldn''t afford to waste.


    Kiyoshi exhaled, straightening his posture.


    "¡­Alright," he said. "I''ll do it."


    Tsunade''s grin widened, and for a brief moment, Kiyoshi wondered if he had just made a deal with the devil.


    As the sun dipped below the horizon, Tsunade cracked her neck and stretched lazily. "Be at my house by morning," she said, giving Kiyoshi a pointed look. "Don''t be late."


    And with that, she turned and walked off, leaving behind a slightly sore but undeniably excited Kiyoshi.


    The backyard had settled into a more relaxed atmosphere now that Tsunade was gone. Shigeru, Sayaka, Rika, and Emiko gathered around, casually chatting. Sayaka had already returned to her usual warm demeanor, gently scolding Kiyoshi about taking care of himself while preparing something for him to take home.


    Rika, on the other hand, leaned toward Kiyoshi with a sly grin. "So¡­ what about your first mission? You''ve been back for a while, but you never told us what you did."


    Kiyoshi shrugged, keeping his voice casual. "Just an escort mission. Nothing special."


    Rika groaned. "Boring."


    Kiyoshi simply smirked, but before the conversation could continue, he noticed Emiko standing beside him, unusually quiet. Her head was slightly lowered, her expression downcast.


    Frowning, he turned to her. "What''s wrong?"


    Emiko hesitated before speaking softly. "I misjudged you," she murmured. "I thought¡­ you didn''t want to meet me anymore."


    Kiyoshi blinked in surprise. "That''s not it," he said quickly. "There''s just been too much on my schedule. Training, missions¡­ things got busy."


    Emiko looked up at him, pouting slightly. "Yeah¡­ and creating a new jutsu too."


    Kiyoshi coughed, suddenly feeling guilty. Minato, forgive me.


    Shifting the topic, he frowned as a thought struck him. "By the way, Emiko¡­ is there a red-haired girl in your class? Name''s Kushina Uzumaki?"


    Emiko tilted her head. "Yeah, there is. She''s always angry about something. And there''s this blonde boy always sticking to her, trying to calm her down. Everyone in class calls her ''Red-Hot Habanero'' or something."


    Kiyoshi raised an eyebrow. "And you?"


    Emiko shook her head. "I don''t call her that. It sounds rude."


    She then narrowed her eyes at him, suddenly suspicious. "Why do you ask about Kushina?"


    Kiyoshi waved her off with a casual shrug. "No reason." Before she could press further, he smoothly changed the subject. "So, how''s your jutsu training going?"


    Emiko huffed, but she allowed the conversation to shift, launching into a discussion about her recent progress.


    The conversation continued until the evening grew late. As Kiyoshi finally got up to leave, Sayaka handed him a neatly packed box of food. "Take this with you. And remember, you can come anytime."


    Kiyoshi accepted it with a small smile. "Thanks."


    With that, he left, making his way home as the quiet night settled around him.


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 Chapter 30: Student?

    Chapter 30: Student?


    As Tsunade reached her home, the evening air had cooled, carrying the lingering scent of damp earth from a recent drizzle. Instead of heading to her own room, she walked deeper into the house, stepping into an inner chamber bathed in the soft glow of paper lanterns. The room was simple yet elegant, furnished with dark wood and delicate silk curtains swaying lightly with the night breeze.


    At the center of the room sat an old woman with pale red hair, tied neatly at the back. Her presence was calm, composed¡ªan air of quiet dignity radiating from her as she read a book with measured grace. The violet-colored diamond mark on her forehead mirrored Tsunade''s own. She wore a loose-fitting kimono, its soft fabric held in place by a dark obi, accentuating the regal presence she carried effortlessly.


    The moment Tsunade entered, the old woman lifted her gaze, a warm smile spreading across her face.


    "Tsunade," she greeted softly.


    Tsunade returned the smile, stepping forward. "Grandmother."


    Mito Uzumaki studied her for a moment, then arched a delicate brow. "You didn''t go drinking today."


    Tsunade sighed, already anticipating what was coming next.


    Mito''s smile deepened, pleased yet surprised. "I was starting to worry you would spend the rest of your life drowning in sake." Her voice softened. "I''m glad to see you''re finally letting go of your grief."


    Tsunade looked away for a brief second before smirking. "Don''t get too excited. I just had better things to do today."


    "Ah, so you''re finally behaving as a lady should," Mito mused with a teasing lilt.


    Tsunade chuckled, shaking her head. Even now, her grandmother still held onto the old ways. She briefly thought about Rika, who had been scolded earlier for not being ''womanly'' enough. It seemed that some things never changed.


    Shifting topics, Tsunade''s gaze flickered. "How''s your seal holding up?"


    Mito closed her book, placing it gently on the table beside her. "I can still hold on."


    Tsunade''s jaw tightened slightly. She knew the truth. Knew that the great Mito Uzumaki, the first jinch¨±riki of the Nine-Tails, was not as strong as she used to be. The seal she carried, the burden she bore¡ªit was wearing her down. But Tsunade said nothing. She knew Mito wouldn''t appreciate pity.


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    Their conversation was interrupted by a sudden outburst from outside.


    "Arghhh! I swear I''ll kill them all one day!"


    Tsunade and Mito exchanged a knowing glance before a red-haired blur burst into the courtyard. A young girl, about eight or nine, stomped in with all the fury of a brewing storm, her small hands curled into fists. She carried herself with haughty confidence, though the slight puffiness in her cheeks suggested she had been sulking moments ago.


    "Kushina," Tsunade greeted, smirking.


    The girl turned sharply, ready to rant further, but her expression completely changed the moment she saw Mito. She ran toward her, eyes bright.


    "Grandma!" Kushina wailed, throwing her arms around Mito.


    Mito chuckled, stroking Kushina''s wild red hair. "What happened this time?"


    Kushina scowled. "My stupid classmates won''t stop making fun of my hair! They keep calling me names!" She pouted before adding, "Except one person. He''s okay, I guess."


    Mito hummed in thought before giving a small, teasing smile. "Oh dear. If you don''t make some friends, you''ll be all alone."


    "Grandmaaa," Kushina whined, burying her face against Mito''s sleeve.


    Tsunade smirked before crouching down, resting her chin on her fist. "You know, I could teach you a new move," she offered casually. "One that''ll make those brats regret ever calling you names."


    Kushina''s head shot up, her violet eyes practically sparkling. "Really?! You''ll teach me?!"


    Mito, however, sighed in exasperation. "Tsunade," she chided, "stop encouraging her to brawl. You''ll turn her into a wild child just like yourself."


    Tsunade snickered. "She''s already halfway there."


    As Mito shook her head in fond exasperation, Tsunade leaned back slightly. Then, a thought crossed her mind. "Wait a second," she said, narrowing her eyes at Kushina. "Aren''t your academy classes on break? How did you end up running into your classmates today?"


    Kushina puffed up her cheeks. "Hmph! I was out with Minato, just wandering around the village. We were having fun until we ran into those jerks." She scowled. "They started making fun of my hair again, so I beat up one or two of them. If Minato hadn''t been there, I swear I would''ve beaten up all of them!"


    Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Minato, huh? And what did he do?"


    Kushina''s face turned slightly red. "Uhh¡­ He told me to stop. Then he just smiled and said something about how my hair is actually really unique and cool. Only Minato has the sense to recognize my beautiful hair." She crossed her arms, huffing. "I mean, I already know that, but still!"


    Mito chuckled softly, watching Kushina with amusement. "It seems you have made at least one good friend," she mused.


    Kushina''s lips twitched as she muttered, "I guess he''s okay¡­"


    Tsunade smirked knowingly but didn''t press the matter further. "Well, next time, just ignore those brats. Or better yet, learn that move from me and scare them off for good."


    "Tsunade," Mito sighed again, though this time, there was more amusement than disapproval in her voice.


    Tsunade shrugged, a mischievous glint in her eyes. "Just saying."


    Mito shook her head before shifting the conversation. "So? What kept you busy today?"


    Tsunade leaned back on her hands, exhaling lightly. "Had lunch with Shigeru and his family. Stuck around for a bit, and after lunch, Kiyoshi showed me a jutsu he developed."


    Mito raised an eyebrow. "Kiyoshi?"


    Kushina tilted her head. "Who''s that?"


    Tsunade waved a hand dismissively. "Just some kid who graduated a few weeks ago."


    Mito''s interest didn''t fade. "And? What''s so special about this jutsu?"


    Tsunade''s expression turned thoughtful. "It''s called Rasengan. It''s¡­ different. No hand seals, just pure chakra control and rotation. And the way it felt¡­" She furrowed her brows slightly. "It gave me a dangerous feeling."


    Kushina looked up in wonder. "Whoa. That sounds cool."


    Mito, however, narrowed her eyes slightly. "A newly graduated child developed such a jutsu?"


    Tsunade nodded. "Yeah. And that''s not even the surprising part." She crossed her arms. "I decided I''d train him for a bit¡ªteach him how to integrate chakra-enhanced strength into his taijutsu."


    That made Mito''s eyes widen slightly. "You?"


    Kushina, however, looked up with newfound admiration. "Tsunade-nee-san, you''re training someone? Like, as your student?"


    Tsunade scoffed. "No. I''m just training him for a while. If I ever take a real disciple, they''d have to be skilled in medical ninjutsu too."


    Mito studied her granddaughter carefully before giving a small, knowing smile. "Is that so?"


    Tsunade held her gaze for a moment before looking away.


    Mito chuckled, shaking her head. "Well, regardless, it sounds like this Kiyoshi is an interesting one. I''ll be watching his progress with curiosity."


    Tsunade simply shrugged, though deep down, she couldn''t deny that a part of her was just as curious.


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 Chapter 31: A Gamble Worth Taking

    Chapter 31: A Gamble Worth Taking


    Kiyoshi let out a tired sigh as he reached home, shutting the door behind him. His entire body ached from the intense training session with Tsunade, his clothes covered in dust from their spar. Stripping off the dirtied fabric, he tossed them into a pile and headed to wash up.


    The cool water was refreshing, easing the tension in his muscles, but it did little to clear his mind. Even after drying off and changing into fresh clothes, one thought refused to leave him.


    Tsunade''s offer.


    Learning Chakra-Enhanced Strength from her was a no-brainer. He had seen what it was capable of in his past life¡ªfrom Tsunade turning battlefields into rubble with a single punch to Jiraiya, a legendary Sannin, actively fearing her wrath. Even Sakura, after training under her, had used the technique to devastate entire forces. If he could integrate that into his fighting style, his close-combat abilities would skyrocket.


    But that wasn''t the only thing on his mind.


    Medical Ninjutsu.


    Tsunade wasn''t just a powerhouse¡ªshe was the greatest medical-nin the shinobi world had ever known. If he could learn even a fraction of her knowledge, it could open countless possibilities. The problem was¡ªhe knew she wouldn''t agree to train him just because he asked.


    Even in the original timeline, Sakura had to prove herself before Tsunade accepted her as a student. She had exceptional chakra control and relentless determination, yet she still struggled under Tsunade''s training.


    Kiyoshi had neither of those things¡ªat least, not when it came to medical-nin training.


    Would Tsunade even consider him for such training? Probably not. And he wasn''t about to waste time trying to convince her.


    Start small. That was the best approach. He could nudge Tsunade in the right direction¡ªsubtly influencing her choices and eventually triggering the Special Event Spin.


    And if he played his cards right¡­ that could lead him to a Legendary Spin.


    The Gacha System


    Kiyoshi exhaled and pulled up the familiar interface.


    ---


    [Gacha System]


    Storage: 2 Common Spins saved (48 empty slots)


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    Guaranteed Uncommon Spin: 3 days remaining


    Guaranteed Rare Spin: 18 days remaining


    Guaranteed Epic Spin: 58 days remaining.


    ---


    His eyes lingered on the numbers, debating his next move.


    If he waited 58 more days, he''d be guaranteed an Epic Spin¡ªa power-up that could change everything. But if he used his spins now, the system would prioritize Common Spins first due to its last upgrade.


    That meant that if he wanted to store higher-tier spins in the future, he''d need to fill up all 48 remaining slots first.


    Did he want to wait two months for a guaranteed boost? Or should he take a gamble now?


    After a moment of hesitation, he shook his head.


    No.


    Waiting two months was the right choice¡ªthe safe choice.


    With Tsunade personally training him, his growth would skyrocket. And Kenshiro-sensei was still guiding him, ensuring his foundation remained solid.


    There is also the Chakra Affinity Booster, which gives him five times the normal chakra growth. This means that even if he doesn''t do anything, his chakra will grow at a much faster rate than that of his peers.


    Most importantly¡ªhe was in Konoha.


    This was the safest place for him to grow. The Third Great Ninja War was still at least nine to ten years away. If Minato was around nine years old now, and the war took place when he was about nineteen or twenty, Kiyoshi had time.


    Time to train.


    Time to grow stronger.


    Time to prepare.


    Rushing things now would be foolish. Instead, he would play it safe.


    Letting out a breath, he dismissed the system and climbed into bed. His body still ached, but his mind was finally at ease.


    Tomorrow marked the first day of training under Tsunade.


    And he needed all the rest he could get.


    ---


    The Next Morning


    Kiyoshi woke early, feeling refreshed. His body still carried some soreness, but nothing unbearable. He quickly washed up, dressed in his training gear, and headed toward Tsunade''s residence.


    But the moment he arrived¡ª


    Silence.


    Frowning, he knocked on the courtyard door. No response.


    Not that he was surprised.


    He knocked again. Still nothing.


    After a few more tries, he sighed, crossing his arms. Did she seriously sleep in?


    Just as he was about to knock again, a presence appeared behind him.


    He turned¡ªonly to see a masked ANBU standing there.


    The shinobi''s voice was calm but firm. "State your name and business."


    Kiyoshi blinked before realization hit him.


    Mito Uzumaki and Kushina''s residence must be nearby. That explained the ANBU presence.


    Before he could answer, a sleepy voice called from inside.


    "He''s fine¡­ Let him in¡­"


    The ANBU hesitated for only a moment before vanishing from sight.


    Kiyoshi turned toward the voice¡ªonly to freeze.


    Tsunade stood in the doorway, dressed in her nightwear.


    Her golden hair was disheveled, her robe loosely hanging over her shoulders, revealing a very distracting amount of skin.


    Kiyoshi immediately looked away, staring firmly at the ground.


    "¡­Your garb is messed up," he muttered.


    Tsunade yawned, lazily glancing at herself before shrugging. "Yeah, yeah¡­ I''ll change. Go warm up or something."


    Not waiting for a response, she turned and disappeared back inside.


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly.


    This is going to be a long day.


    ---


    Training Begins


    By the time Tsunade returned¡ªdressed properly, thankfully¡ªKiyoshi had already finished his warm-ups.


    She studied him for a moment before speaking. "Alright, let''s start. What do you understand about chakra enhancement?"


    Kiyoshi answered without hesitation. "Shinobi use chakra to enhance their physical abilities beyond human limits. By training the body and chakra pathways, they can increase their strength, speed, and senses."


    Tsunade raised a brow, but she nodded in approval. "Not bad."


    She then went on to explain:


    Chakra enhancement allows shinobi to perform superhuman feats like jumping over buildings or running on water.


    Shinobi can focus chakra into specific body parts to boost strength, speed, durability, and senses. With enough practice, this becomes instinctive.


    However, there are limits. Focusing too much chakra into one area can cause severe injuries due to overexertion.


    "Which is why," she continued, "you need precise chakra control."


    Kiyoshi nodded, already familiar with the basics. But Tsunade wasn''t finished.


    She smirked. "Now, let''s see how good your control really is."


    And with that, the real training began.


    Step One: Precise Chakra Control.


    Leaf Concentration Exercise ¨C Keeping a leaf stuck to his forehead using only chakra.


    Tree Climbing Training ¨C Walking up vertical surfaces without using his hands.


    Water Walking ¨C Maintaining constant chakra output to stand on water.


    Tsunade watched as he struggled with the water walking. He could do it, but his control wasn''t flawless.


    "You''re gonna need to fix that," she remarked. "Because if you can''t, you''ll never master it.


    Kiyoshi sighed.


    This really is going to be a long day.

 Chapter 32: The Path of Strength and Precision

    Chapter 32: The Path of Strength and Precision


    Tsunade watched as Kiyoshi struggled to maintain his balance on the water, her arms crossed as she let out a small sigh. He was improving, but not nearly fast enough to meet her standards.


    "Alright," she finally said, snapping Kiyoshi out of his concentration. "You''ll practice these on your own. I don''t have time to babysit you every step of the way."


    Kiyoshi wiped some sweat from his brow and nodded. He had expected as much.


    "You master all three to my satisfaction," she continued, her sharp gaze making it clear she would accept nothing less, "and only then will you move on to step two."


    Kiyoshi straightened. "Which is?"


    Tsunade smirked. Instead of answering, she turned on her heel and took a few steps away. Then, without warning, she raised her foot and slammed it down.


    The ground shattered.


    A deafening crack echoed as deep fissures split the earth, spiderwebbing out in all directions. Dust shot into the air, and a powerful shockwave rippled outward, making Kiyoshi stumble slightly despite standing several meters away.


    His breath hitched. Even though he had expected something big, witnessing it in person was an entirely different experience.


    Tsunade stepped back, shaking some dust off her sleeve. "All of that power," she said, looking at him expectantly, "comes down to precision."


    Kiyoshi swallowed. "Precision?"


    She smirked. "That''s right. Chakra-Enhanced Strength isn''t just about dumping chakra into your fists or feet and hoping for the best. If you do that, you''ll waste energy, overstrain your body, and worst of all¡ª" She tapped a knuckle against her own forearm. "¡ªyou might break yourself before you break your opponent."


    A chill ran down Kiyoshi''s spine.


    "Too little chakra, and it''s just a normal punch. Too much, and the backlash can shatter your own bones," she continued, her tone firm. "The key is to release the perfect amount of chakra at the exact moment of impact. Not before, not after."


    She pointed at the cracked ground. "That''s why step one is crucial. If your chakra control isn''t flawless, you won''t even get to attempt step two."


    Kiyoshi exhaled slowly. No pressure.


    Tsunade crossed her arms again. "Step two isn''t just about learning to punch harder. Your body needs to be able to handle it. Strengthening your physical conditioning is the foundation."


    She listed them off:


    1. Strength Training ¨C Building muscle to withstand the strain of high-impact techniques.


    2. Endurance Training ¨C Enhancing stamina so he wouldn''t burn out after just a few punches.


    3. Durability Training ¨C Reinforcing his body to absorb the recoil of his own strength.


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    "A weak body with powerful chakra control is just as useless as raw strength with no control," Tsunade said. "You''ll need both. That means rigorous training, and if you can''t keep up, you''re better off quitting now."


    Kiyoshi clenched his fists. Like hell I''m quitting.


    Satisfied with his expression, Tsunade stretched and turned away. "That''s all for today. Practice step one until you perfect it. Then we''ll talk."


    And with that, she left.


    Kiyoshi stood there for a moment, staring at the shattered ground before exhaling.


    Master step one first. Then survive step two.


    Simple enough.


    ¡­Right?


    ---


    After leaving Tsunade''s place, Kiyoshi made his way home, his mind still buzzing with everything she had said. Perfect step one first. Then move to step two. Simple in theory, but execution was another matter.


    Arriving at his house, he wasted no time. Without a pool to practice water-walking, he focused on the two exercises he could do: Leaf Concentration and Tree Climbing.


    He started with the leaf exercise, sitting cross-legged as he placed a small leaf on his forehead. Slowly, he concentrated his chakra into a steady flow, keeping the leaf in place. It was tedious but necessary¡ªchakra control was the foundation of everything.


    Once he felt satisfied, he moved on to tree climbing. He sprinted toward a nearby tree, channeled chakra into his feet, and ran up the trunk. A few steps in, his chakra wavered, and he lost his footing, flipping back and landing gracefully.


    "Tch." Kiyoshi clicked his tongue. Still not perfect.


    He kept at it, climbing over and over, gradually improving his balance and chakra output.


    After an hour, he wiped sweat from his forehead and prepared to rest for a bit, but then he noticed something¡ªhe still had plenty of chakra left.


    At first, he was surprised. Then, realization struck.


    Of course¡­ it''s the Chakra Affinity Booster.


    It boosted his chakra growth fivefold, accelerating his recovery and reserve expansion. Its effects were remarkable. Not only was he refining his control, but his chakra pool itself was growing faster than normal.


    Besides, these techniques didn''t consume much chakra. The leaf concentration and tree-climbing exercises were about precision, not raw power, making them efficient training tools with minimal chakra drain.


    A small smirk played on his lips.


    I can push myself a little further.


    Curious, he rummaged through his parents'' old ninjutsu scrolls. They had left behind a large collection¡ªmostly fire and earth-based techniques, with a few lightning ones mixed in.


    As he sorted through them, his hand brushed against a worn-out scroll tucked at the very back. A small note was pasted on it:


    "To Kiyoshi, only attempt this when you have enough chakra, and it must be practiced under my or your mother''s supervision. ¨C Your Dad"


    Kiyoshi stared at the message, his fingers tightening around the parchment.


    His father''s handwriting¡­ His mother''s name included¡­something stirred within him.


    Even in their final moments, they had thought of their son, preparing for a future they wouldn''t be in.


    A deep ache settled in his chest, but instead of sadness, this time, he felt warmth.


    They weren''t the only ones.


    He thought back to the previous day¡ªShigeru, Sayaka, Emiko. The past Kiyoshi might have felt alone, but he wasn''t. People had always been there for him.


    A faint smile formed on his lips.


    Alright then. Let''s see what this is.


    With newfound determination, he unrolled the scroll¡ªand his eyes widened.


    Shadow Clone Jutsu.


    This¡­ this is exactly what I need right now.


    If he could use shadow clones, he could speed up his training exponentially.


    Kiyoshi eagerly scanned the instructions. So that''s how it works¡­ He already knew about the jutsu in theory, but this scroll provided a detailed breakdown:


    ? The correct chakra distribution


    ? The precise hand signs


    ? The chakra pathways required


    But I still need an expert''s guidance.


    As a high-level jutsu, creating shadow clones required fine-tuned chakra control. He could attempt it alone, but it would be safer¡ªand far more efficient¡ªif someone experienced guided him.


    Kenshiro.


    The next time they trained, he''d ask Kenshiro for pointers.


    For now, he memorized the sequence of hand signs and practiced molding his chakra accordingly. After a few failed attempts, he decided to take a break and return to the exercises he could already attempt.


    Placing the Shadow Clone Scroll aside, he grabbed two fire-style ninjutsu scrolls and headed to his backyard.


    It was time to practice a technique he had been eager to learn¡ª


    The Great Fireball Technique.


    One of the most iconic fire-style techniques in the world. He had seen Uchiha clan members use it with frightening ease, but he knew better¡ªthis wasn''t an easy jutsu.


    It required: ? Proper chakra molding ? Controlled breath control ? Perfectly shaping the fire upon release


    Alright. Let''s do this.


    He formed the hand signs: Snake ¡ú Ram ¡ú Monkey ¡ú Boar ¡ú Horse ¡ú Tiger.


    Taking a deep breath, he gathered chakra into his lungs, then released¡ª


    Fwoosh!


    A small burst of flame shot forward¡­ then flickered out.


    Kiyoshi sighed. Too little chakra.


    Again.


    Hand signs. Deep breath. Push the chakra out properly.


    Fwoosh!


    This time, a larger flame erupted, traveling a short distance before dispersing.


    He smirked. Getting there. He already had some insights in Fire release jutsus as he had already gotten Fire Release: Flaming Palm Technique which is an advanced Fire Release Jutsu.


    After several more tries, he managed to produce a decent-sized fireball, though not as massive as he wanted. His throat was slightly sore from all the heat, but he could tell he was improving.


    His stomach growled.


    Kiyoshi blinked, then looked up at the sky. How long have I been training?


    No wonder. I haven''t eaten since morning.


    He patted his pocket, feeling the small amount of money he had brought with him.


    There''s only one place I want to go.


    Grinning, he grabbed his jacket and headed out.


    Tonight, he was finally going to eat the meal he had been craving since returning from his mission.


    Ichiraku Ramen.


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