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In the blink of an eye, several days had passed since Chen Xing began practicing the "Star" cultivation technique.
During this time, Chen Xing carefully studied the Hoshigakure method for absorbing the Hoshikakure no Hoshi ("Star's") chakra—a process that involved drawing out the meteor's unique chakra, blending it with one's own, and refining it through a specialized breathing and molding method. In this respect, Akahoshi (Red Star) truly had exceptional skill. While many in the village avoided such dangerous training, Akahoshi had even improved on the old method. It was still far from perfect, but enough to surprise Chen Xing.
On a sunny afternoon, beneath the scorching heat, Chen Xing trained alone in the practice yard.
Bang!
His foot struck another wooden post bound with hemp rope. Each kick was deliberate, every impact analyzed for the optimal angle and force.
Although there were still more than ten years before the Fourth Shinobi World War of the future—a time when the Six Paths–empowered fighters would shake the world—Chen Xing was no ordinary child. With the vitality and chakra reserves of the Uzumaki clan running in his veins, his endurance was enormous, and his recovery rate was astonishing. Still, he felt no rush. He knew that impatience brought no benefit; only by discarding distractions could he gain the greatest results from training.
"Nine hundred… nine hundred and one…" he muttered under his breath, sweat dripping down his chin as he followed his strict regimen.
At that moment, a small purple dot appeared in the distant sky, rapidly approaching. Within seconds, it revealed itself—a Ningu (ninja tool) glider shaped like shining purple wings. Akahoshi descended gracefully and silently observed Chen Xing's practice.
Chen Xing didn't react to his arrival. There were no enemies in this remote area, and the Star Village was relatively peaceful for now. He gave his full attention to training.
Watching Chen Xing strike the post with unwavering focus, Akahoshi felt genuine appreciation. This boy had no signs of the mysterious illness that afflicted many Star users. His work ethic and talent were rare. Akahoshi's resolve strengthened—he would teach Chen Xing the "Star" cultivation personally, despite the risks. The potential rewards far outweighed them. After all, when had true strength ever come without danger?
The blazing sun bore down relentlessly.
After his thousandth kick, Chen Xing stopped, wiping the sweat from his brow. His eyes fell on Akahoshi, who was standing nearby. He suppressed his urge to rest on the spot and instead straightened his posture.
"Teacher Akahoshi, is it time?" Chen Xing asked naturally. The way he addressed Akahoshi showed the shift in their relationship—from mere acquaintance to that of student and teacher.
Akahoshi's expression softened in satisfaction. He smiled and nodded. "Yes. But first, take a short rest. You'll need to be in peak condition."
"Understood." Chen Xing jogged to the shade of a large boulder, closed his eyes, and began restoring his stamina.
Akahoshi did not rush him. In fact, he was pleased by Chen Xing's discipline. He moved to his own shaded spot and waited patiently.
After a while, Chen Xing's eyes opened again, now bright and alert.
"Teacher Akahoshi, I've recovered!" His voice held excitement—like someone about to receive a precious treasure from a master's own hands.
"Good. Let's go," Akahoshi replied. He quickly formed a sequence of hand seals, activated a wind-enhanced leap, and carried Chen Xing toward the Star's cultivation hall.
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Inside the Star Training Hall
The old wooden buildings were simple but dignified. At the center stood a raised platform several meters high. Resting atop it was the meteor itself—the Star—emitting a soft yet entrancing purple glow that immediately drew Chen Xing's gaze.
"Teacher Akahoshi… is that the 'Star'?" Chen Xing asked, his voice tinged with awe.
"Yes," Akahoshi replied, his eyes reflecting the same purple light. "Sit on the futon near it, and follow the chakra refinement method I taught you. That will begin your Star cultivation."
For a moment, a flicker of greed and ambition crossed Akahoshi's eyes. If he could absorb all of the Star's chakra himself, he would do it—no matter the price.
Chen Xing sat cross-legged on the futon, recalling the hand signs and breathing rhythm in his mind.
Two Star shinobi entered the room—both in the standard purple garb of Hoshigakure ninja. One was tall and thin with long black hair, named Yatoe (Night Hawk), and the other was shorter and stockier, with a shaved head, named Hoshiro (Burial).
"Lord Akahoshi," they greeted, before glancing curiously at Chen Xing.
"Teacher, can I start now?" Chen Xing asked, unable to hide his eagerness. The Star's power radiated over him like heat from a forge.
A calm, childlike voice spoke in his mind—the voice of the sealed celestial chakra technique. "Not yet. Your body can't handle the full flow of energy. I'll first clear your meridians and seal most of the chakra away. If I don't, you'll be torn apart."
Chen Xing's excitement dimmed slightly, replaced by focus. "When will the seal be lifted?"
"When your strength grows and your meridians can bear more chakra, the seal will gradually dissolve on its own."
Satisfied, Chen Xing braced himself.
"Be ready," the voice warned. "I will suppress the pain as much as possible, but expanding your meridians will not be pleasant."
The meteor began to levitate, floating directly over Chen Xing's head. Its purple aura flared, sending visible streams of chakra down toward him.
"Lord Akahoshi, this is…" Yatoe muttered in disbelief.
Akahoshi's eyes widened in excitement. "Incredible… the Star is reacting to him! This hasn't happened in centuries."
The concentrated purple light descended, and the Star's chakra poured into Chen Xing's network. At first it was warm—almost pleasant—but quickly it turned searing. His meridians swelled painfully as more and more energy forced its way in.
Chen Xing gritted his teeth, sweat soaking his futon. His pale face flushed red from the heat building inside his body. Each breath felt like molten air in his lungs. Still, he refused to stop.
Akahoshi watched intently. If Chen Xing could survive this, it would prove he was the perfect vessel for the Star's power.
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