A translucent status panel shimmered before Keiji's eyes.
It had appeared shortly after he started practicing how to walk on water.
The progress bar had already reached 25%.
A few more days, and he should unlock the title: [Water Walker (White)].
"I can do it faster."
Keiji dismissed the panel and continued pushing his body to the limit, drawing out more chakra.
With bloodlines from both the Yagetsu Clan and the Uchiha, his chakra reserves were naturally larger than most.
The Uchiha were already known for their formidable chakra levels.
But those who could surpass them in raw chakra output were only the Senju and the Uzumaki, who were described in official records as "possessing massive chakra reserves."
Keiji, however, had an edge beyond even the typical Uchiha—his Yagetsu lineage.
The Yagetsu were renowned for their taijutsu prowess and innate compatibility with Lightning Release. Naturally, their bodies held immense energy.
This allowed Keiji to train longer than others.
Chakra is a fusion of mental and physical energy.
Continuous physical training increases chakra, as it tempers the will and strengthens the body.
Often, it's not that others don't want to keep training—it's that their chakra gets depleted too quickly.
This was their… "limit."
For civilian-born shinobi, even if they gave everything they had, the heights they could reach were painfully visible and rarely impressive.
The strongest among them? Might Guy, who could open the Eighth Gate. But that came at the cost of burning through all his chakra, choosing a moment of brilliance in exchange for his life—just to briefly catch up with those born at the summit of power.
Those with Otsutsuki blood flowing in their veins.
Keiji, by luck—or fate—belonged to the latter.
Tracing his ancestry, his origins could be linked all the way back to Otsutsuki Kaguya.
The night breeze blew gently as a lone figure walked across the surface of the river.
The flowing current washed away the sweat trailing down Keiji's body.
Land of Lightning — Kumogakure
In a deep canyon, a waterfall thundered as it crashed below, the sound of its roar echoing like rumbling thunder.
From beneath the falls, a dark-skinned man emerged, his muscular torso bare, a tattoo of the kanji for "雷" (thunder) inked into his right shoulder.
"Any news, Tsuchidai?"
The Third Raikage looked toward the man approaching—wearing a black cap and an eyepatch over his right eye.
This was his most trusted right-hand man.
"There is. Just a few days ago, Yagetsu Keiji made contact with one of our embedded agents in Konoha. Samoto's report is detailed."
"Good. We cannot afford mistakes with this."
The Third Raikage patted Tsuchidai on the shoulder—his massive hand larger than the man's entire head.
"Yes, sir."
Tsuchidai bowed respectfully to the Raikage—whose burly frame and steel-like muscles looked forged from iron.
"Have we confirmed his lineage yet?"
The Raikage's deep voice rumbled again, his dark upper lip twitching slightly as he spoke.
"We have."
Tsuchidai presented a scroll.
The Raikage unrolled it, his brows furrowing slightly as he read.
"He's actually related to the Second…?"
Yagetsu Keiji was born in a small place called Mizukumo Gorge, inheriting the innate talents of the Yagetsu Clan.
His branch family had little strength in the previous generation, so they were tasked with managing the clan's business operations outside the village.
Upon close examination, Keiji turned out to be a distant nephew of the Second Raikage.
The Second, too, had been of Yagetsu descent.
In fact, among the last few Raikage, he was the only one from the Yagetsu Clan.
While the First and the current Raikage shared the distinctive dark upper lip, the Second did not.
Still, all of them had dark skin and massive physiques, which made them appear nearly identical to outsiders.
"He's part Uchiha. That won't affect the next Raikage's succession."
Tsuchidai spoke up.
The Third Raikage had a son, who was already being groomed as the next Raikage. He had even begun referring to himself as A.
The waterfall continued to crash, sending up a fine mist that veiled the Raikage's face from view.
"His kekkei genkai could be of great value to the village. Bring him back—soon."
"Yes, Lord Raikage."
Days passed.
Autumn rain fell softly. The sky was overcast, bringing a damp chill to the air.
"Excuse me, Keiji."
"Is something the matter, Mikoto-sama?"
Keiji held an umbrella as he opened the courtyard gate.
It was Mikoto's third visit since she'd introduced him to Yakushi Nonō.
He remembered clearly—just like today, the skies had been grey the first time she walked him home.
"It's not a school day, but Fugaku asked me to invite you over. Since we're all clan members, it's good to gather once in a while."
Mikoto's gentle face peeked out from beneath her umbrella—delicate features framed by flowing black hair.
She wasn't wearing her shinobi gear today, just a simple outfit.
After all, being a ninja was just a profession.
There were missions, but also days off.
No need to wear the uniform on rest days.
Even in plain clothes, Mikoto's graceful figure couldn't be concealed.
Her fair skin practically glowed, even under the gloomy sky.
Keiji, wearing a look of touched surprise, agreed to go with her.
The two walked side by side beneath separate umbrellas through the Uchiha district.
Around them, the fan-shaped clan crest was everywhere.
The gates of Fugaku's house stood open.
Mikoto led Keiji into the back courtyard, where a sizable clearing stretched out.
BOOM!
Fugaku exhaled sharply, releasing a blazing fireball over three meters wide.
The falling rain evaporated into mist the moment it touched the searing flames.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!
Keiji's eyes narrowed.
This was the Uchiha's signature technique—almost every clan shinobi knew it.
"You're here."
Fugaku turned toward them—one tall, one short.
"Training in the rain? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?" Mikoto gently chided him.
"Hahaha, I'm the mighty 'Glaring-Eyes Fugaku!' A little rain won't bring me down."
Her concern brought warmth to Fugaku's heart.
The fireball quickly vanished, leaving only residual heat in the air.
"Let's go inside."
He'd only wanted to test the jutsu and hadn't gotten too wet.
Turning, he walked toward the house.
"Keiji, how's life at the Academy treating you?"
Fugaku stood by the engawa—the wooden porch—looking toward the boy behind Mikoto.
"I've been adjusting well," Keiji replied, placing his umbrella down by the veranda.
"This way, there are indoor slippers."
"Thank you."
After changing into slippers, Keiji stepped onto the wooden floor.
Mikoto had already changed hers and waited for him.
The three of them entered the house together.
"These dishes were all prepared at my request. Please, help yourself, Keiji."
Keiji entered to find the table filled with food, the air rich with savory aromas.
"Mikoto-sama's cooking is amazing," he said sincerely.
He wondered just how far along their relationship had progressed…
Not quite lovers, but clearly more than friends?
"Fugaku kept pestering me until I agreed," Mikoto laughed softly.
In truth, this was her first time visiting Fugaku's home.
The Uchiha were a prestigious clan. Their rules weren't as rigid as the Hyuga, but stricter than common households.
Since they hadn't officially started a relationship, she couldn't come here lightly.
If it hadn't been for Keiji being the excuse, Mikoto wouldn't have shown up today at all.
Unless… they had already become something more.