---
"…!!!"
"Nine hundred ninety-one… nine hundred ninety-two… nine hundred ninety-three…!"
Sweat dripped down Chen Xing's face as his fists slammed into the wooden training post again and again. When he finally reached one thousand strikes, he exhaled sharply, pulling back his aching hands. His knuckles were raw and throbbing.
Fortunately, the Third Hoshikage had given him a storage scroll containing a bottle of specially brewed medicinal wine for treating injuries. Its healing properties were strong—without it, training the next day would have been impossible.
"Next—kicks!"
Without resting, Chen Xing dropped into stance, driving his shins and feet repeatedly into the post with explosive force.
---
Four Years Later – Hidden Valley, Land of Bears
Time passed quickly. In the blink of an eye, four years had gone by since Chen Xing began training in the secluded valley. He was now twelve years old.
During those years, Xia Xing had occasionally taken him along on B- and C-rank missions. He had seen blood, taken lives, and experienced the reality of a shinobi's world.
The first time he killed, Chen Xing—who in his past life had grown up in a peaceful society—had felt uneasy. Though he hadn't vomited, the act of ending another's life sat heavily with him, especially when ordered to eliminate the elderly or the weak. But after seeing the hatred and malice in the eyes of certain enemies—people who would gladly harm the innocent—he came to believe that granting them a swift death might be a kinder fate than letting them continue in the cycle of violence.
The Third Hoshikage's intent in sending Chen Xing on missions was not to earn commissions, but to temper his spirit—to make him face blood and danger so that when true battle came, his talent and power would not be dulled by hesitation.
Despite his soft-spoken nature, Chen Xing adapted well, keeping a balanced mindset. This pleased both the Third Hoshikage and Xia Xing.
---
The hidden valley was as beautiful as ever. Silver-white water spilled like silk threads over a cliff, striking the rocks below and sending mist into the air.
On a boulder two meters wide stood a shirtless boy, about one meter fifty tall, with a lean, defined build and long black hair falling over his shoulders. His eyes were closed as he stood directly under the falling water, letting it pound against him. Though the waterfall wasn't massive, the force from over twenty meters up was enough to crush an ordinary man.
Suddenly—
Chidori-like chirping filled the valley, mingling with the roar of the waterfall. Countless blue arcs erupted from Chen Xing's body, their light dazzling, their crackle sharp enough to sting the ears.
In an instant, the entire pool was awash in lightning. The current surged through the water, sending up clouds of steam. For several seconds, the valley was engulfed in a storm of light and sound before gradually falling silent again.
When the mist cleared, Chen Xing's pale skin gleamed in the sunlight, his long black hair plastered to his back. His expression was calm.
"Four years… I should return," he murmured, gazing toward the distant direction of Hoshigakure.
In that time, Chen Xing's strength had grown immensely. His body had matured, allowing him to learn advanced techniques. He had mastered the Lightning and Fire chakra natures from the First Hoshikage's notes, though Wind Release still eluded him. He could slice leaves with wind chakra easily, but cutting something as dense as a waterfall remained a work in progress.
His physical power had increased to the point where he could handle half the chakra from the "Star" safely, sealing the other half within his heart. Even now, his chakra reserves rivaled—or even exceeded—those of Orochimaru.
Chen Xing's control over the Peacock Technique had advanced beyond the standard form used in the village. Normally, the technique's weakness was the mental focus required—making the user vulnerable to close-range attacks. Chen Xing's modified version eliminated this flaw, allowing him to fully envelop himself in chakra wings for both offense and defense.
Switching his chakra nature to Fire to dry himself, he dressed in a tight-fitting violet-and-white combat suit, fitted his gas mask, and formed hand seals.
"Peacock Technique—Wings!"
A pair of radiant purple chakra wings unfurled from his back, each feather sharp and defined, gleaming with chakra light. Even among Hoshigakure shinobi, few had seen wings this lifelike.
With a powerful beat, Chen Xing soared into the sky, heading toward the village.
---
Perimeter of Hoshigakure
His unusual chakra signature and wing form immediately drew attention from patrolling shinobi. Two ninja—Night Hawk and Burial—moved to intercept.
"Who goes there?!"
The Peacock Technique was rare now, especially with the Star depleted of its chakra. Seeing such a refined version put them on high alert.
Chen Xing sighed, descended, and landed before them. "It's me—Chen Xing."
Removing his mask, he showed his face. Night Hawk and Burial stared in shock at how much he had grown.
"Chen Xing?!"
He nodded, pulling out his Star forehead protector and fastening it to his arm.
Burial frowned. "You disappeared for four years. Star Shadow-sama hid all news about you. Where have you been?"
"Grandfather took me to a hidden place to train without disturbance," Chen Xing explained with a small smile. "I just came back."
Night Hawk's gaze flicked to the chakra wings. "And those?"
"My improved version of the Peacock Technique," Chen Xing said simply.
The two exchanged incredulous looks. Even with his known talent, they had never imagined he could refine the technique to such a degree.
---
Hoshigakure – Star Shadow's Office
The Third Hoshikage sat at his desk, sorting the few documents that required attention. Before him stood Xia Xing, her beauty unchanged but her health quietly declining from the Peacock Technique's side effects. She could feel her body weakening with time, but was content knowing she had helped raise her son, Shima.
"The time passed quickly… four years already," the Hoshikage said, standing and stretching his back.
"Yes," Xia Xing replied with a smile. "At this point, I doubt I could defeat Chen Xing myself."
The Hoshikage's expression softened into one of pride. "I see… That is good."
---