"And this move… I can even inject elemental attributes into it, turning it into entirely different jutsu. Even without nature transformation, pure chakra alone makes it deadly enough!"
Yō clenched his fist, eyes gleaming."Alright, mid-to-long term goal—you're it!"
But he quickly reined himself in."Before that, I need to master these two first—Wind Cutter and Water Formation Wall. One for offense, one for defense. A damn solid combo."
He smirked."With these, my strength takes another leap forward."
Three days later.
Host: Natsume YōPlane: Naruto WorldAge: 10Skills: Lion Barrage, Leaf Whirlwind, Clone/Substitution/Transformation (basic trio, soon obsolete), Wind Cutter, Water Formation WallStatus: 45/100Gold: 140Rank: GeninWeapons: Kunai, ANBU-issue short blade
"Huff… already down to nearly half stamina. Didn't think leveling up with the system would be this damn hard. No wonder the world is full of jōnin, yet Kage-level powerhouses are rare!"
Natsume Yō wiped the sweat from his brow and rose to his feet. For three straight days he hadn't stepped outside his door except to eat. Every breath, every second, had been poured into training.
Right now, he could easily crush four or five versions of himself from three days ago.
Not just because of learning elemental jutsu—but because the rising EXP had subtly toughened his body, sharpening his reflexes, hardening his frame.
Even the incomplete taijutsu scroll, Leaf Whirlwind, he'd patched with gold and practically mastered. It gave him speed and fluidity that made every movement more lethal.
Knock knock knock!
The sudden pounding on his door snapped him out of thought.
"…Who?" Yō frowned. A visit now? ANBU, maybe?
But when he opened the door, relief washed over him.It wasn't masked assassins. It was Wada Chiba—the girl who'd slipped him a love letter.
"Chiba-san… it's you. What's the matter?"
"That letter… did you read it?" Her voice was soft, cheeks faintly flushed.
"I read it," Yō nodded, keeping it simple. The folded note still sat on his desk inside.
"Then… what do you think of me? Do you… want to give it a try? We could spend some time together, and if it works, maybe take it further."
Her eyes shone with shy hope.
Yō tapped his chin, considering—only for a few seconds. "Yeah. I don't see a problem with that."
After all, kids in this world tended to grow up fast.
Her face lit up like fireworks. "Then… are you free today? I'd like to go out with you."
"Sure. Wait here, I'll change." Yō stretched, realizing a day of rest might not be so bad after three days of relentless grind.
"Mm!"
Ten minutes later.
Natsume Yō stepped out, refreshed and transformed. Short dark hair, sharp brows like drawn blades, lean body brimming with hidden strength. His hawk-like eyes and straight nose gave off a charisma beyond his years. A slightly oversized robe lent him an air of composed elegance.
"Let's go." He smiled lightly, extending his hand.
"…Mm."
Chiba's cheeks reddened further as she slid her hand into his.
Neither of them noticed the girl standing behind a nearby tree, plain-clothed, staring with envy that twisted into quiet sorrow.
"…In the end, the gap between us is just too big."
Her whisper scattered with the evening wind, tears tracing down her cheeks, carrying away her unspoken longing.
Time flew in joy's embrace. By the time Yō and Chiba parted, dusk had already painted the horizon in amber fire.