Ōshima-sensei didn't have time to think and rushed toward the center of the explosion.
He had thought the two children would be gravely injured by such a violent blast, but the scene before him left Ōshima-sensei stunned.
He saw Princess Mio carrying Rikka, struggling to walk toward him. Though they were both covered in dust and grime, their injuries weren't severe, much to Ōshima-sensei's overjoyed relief.
"Quick! Find the medical team!"
When Rikka woke up again, he found himself lying in a hospital bed.
A faint scent of disinfectant filled the room. Across from the bed were many fruit baskets and flowers, but the most eye-catching thing was a giant pair of deer antlers!
Looking to the side, he saw Mio dozing, slumped over a table. It was clear she had been by his side for a long time.
Rikka had only ever seen Mio napping from behind in the classroom. Now, seeing her from the front, he realized the girl was even more adorable when she slept.
Before Rikka could take a closer look at his surroundings, a slight pain began to emanate from his back.
Soon, the pain intensified, forcing a groan from Rikka that startled Mio awake.
"Ah! You're awake! I'll go get the doctor!" Mio said, darting off like a rabbit.
The doctor arrived quickly. "It's nothing serious. You fainted from extreme exhaustion, and you were injured by the exploding tags. The pain is normal."
"Also, due to your long-term, intensive training, your muscles can't handle the strain. If you keep this up, you might sustain some lasting internal injuries."
Rikka nodded, indicating he understood.
"Doctor, how long was I out?"
"Not long, just a day. You should really thank your little girlfriend. She's been here with you the whole time."
Rikka's face instantly turned red. "N-No… It's not like that. We're not in that kind of relationship."
Before he could finish, the door to the room was thrown open. Ōshima-sensei burst in, still holding a triangle ruler. He had clearly been in the middle of a class and rushed over as soon as he heard the news.
"Rikka, you're finally awake! How are you feeling?"
The doctor tactfully left the teacher and student alone. Before Rikka could explain anything to Ōshima-sensei, a flurry of hurried footsteps echoed from the hallway.
"Rikka! My man, you had me so worried!"
It was Guy and Kakashi, followed by the Ino-Shika-Cho Trio. Mio was panting, her face flushed red from running around to deliver the message.
The teacher and students exchanged warm greetings, creating a cheerful atmosphere. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief upon learning that Rikka was not seriously hurt. They all told him to rest well and not push himself too hard.
Rikka nodded in agreement. Since transmigrating, he had met so many people and made so many friends. It was an experience he had never had in his previous life.
Rikka sat up and looked at Akimichi Dai, motioning for him to come closer.
"Dai, I heard what you said during the fight. I really respect the courage and perseverance you showed for the team."
"And look, neither of us is a genius. We're just people who work hard."
With that, he gently patted Dai's head.
*DING!*
*Headpat on C-Rank Ninja: Akimichi Dai. Please select one of the following rewards.*
"Choose later," Rikka thought to himself.
"Keep it up, Dai! I believe you'll become a great ninja who can stand on his own two feet one day!"
In the past, Dai might have dismissed Rikka's encouragement, but only after facing him in battle did he understand just how strong Rikka was.
To be acknowledged by a peer so much stronger than himself left Dai feeling a bit overwhelmed with flattery.
"Rikka, I bought you a lot of snacks! They're all my favorites. Thanks for encouraging me!"
Dai's face reddened slightly, making everyone laugh heartily. After a bit more chatter, Ōshima-sensei called for everyone to head back to class, promising they would all come back to help when Rikka was discharged.
He then led the students back to the Ninja Academy. Mio, however, volunteered to stay behind to look after Rikka. Ōshima-sensei just smiled and tacitly approved.
Now, only Rikka and Mio were left. An indefinable atmosphere subtly filled the room.
Rikka felt his heart begin to beat a little faster, and the room seemed a bit warmer than before.
Their eyes met, and Mio was the first to speak.
"Why do you have so much power, but only used it at the very end?"
"Because this was just a mock battle, not a real life-or-death fight."
"Why did you risk getting hurt by the explosion to save me?" Mio recalled the scene, her eyes welling up with tears.
Rikka knew that if he said something sweet and romantic right now, the young girl would be moved to tears. However, he decided to stick to his true feelings.
"It's not just you. I would do my best to step up for any of my comrades in danger. Because you're all my companions!"
Mio was stunned by his words. For some reason, she sensed a hint of loneliness in them, a feeling that veiled the boy before her in an aura of mystery.
"M-My parents are very grateful to you. They'd like to treat you to a meal in a few days, if you'd honor us with your presence." After saying this, Mio fled as if escaping.
As Mio left, Rikka's heart grew heavy. He remembered the doctor saying that if he continued training so intensely, he could sustain lasting internal injuries.
But if he didn't train like this, how could he survive in the perilous ninja world? He couldn't afford to give up either path.
That was why he'd thought to pat Dai's head. After all, Dai had something Rikka still lacked.
"System, claim reward!" Rikka commanded inwardly.
*DING!*
*Headpat on C-Rank Ninja: Akimichi Dai. Please select one of the following rewards.*
*Shamato-Style Tutoring*
*Yang Release Chakra*
*100 Bags of Potato Chips*
There it is! I knew it!
"I choose 'Yang Release Chakra'!"
*Reward has been distributed.*
In an instant, a warmth spread through Rikka's body, as if he were soaking in a hot spring. There was no pain, only a pleasant sensation like a spring breeze, making him wish the feeling would last a little longer.
But the warm current vanished as quickly as it came. Rikka then felt a new chakra within him, one that didn't belong to him--or rather, one that didn't belong to the Uchiha clan at all.
Yang Release Chakra!
With his "Kage-Level Chakra Control," Rikka instantly understood the effects of Yang Release Chakra.
"Yang Release" represented the power of the body; its techniques could breathe life into form.
However, since Rikka didn't possess the Power of Six Paths--that is, the Sage's Body and the Sage's Eyes--he couldn't wield Yin-Yang Release with the same might as Naruto and Sasuke in the original story.
Still, with some simple experimentation, Rikka fully grasped what Yang Release could do for him.
First, it had passive effects. Yang Release could increase his healing and recovery speed, as well as enhance his life force and physical constitution.
Unlike the system's "Physical Enhancement," Yang Release Chakra provided a slow, steady strengthening of his body. Over time, he would become tougher and more resilient.
Second was an active skill, a secret Yang Release technique Rikka developed entirely on his own: "Life Return"!
That's right. Rikka had borrowed and improved upon an idea from *One Piece*. By using precise chakra control to infuse Yang Release Chakra into his organs, he could make his body act according to his will.
This included, but was not limited to, eating quickly and then accelerating digestion, boosting his metabolism to rapidly heal wounds, slowing his heartbeat to feign death, and healing internal injuries.
Rikka immediately began to experiment. He devoured the fruit baskets and food everyone had brought, furiously circulating "Life Return." His stomach became a bottomless pit, madly absorbing nutrients.
A rapid recovery followed, and Rikka instantly felt his body surging with strength.
"This power is so useful!" Rikka said excitedly.
*DING!*
*Congratulations, Host, for successfully collecting all seven chakra natures. Unlocking hidden quest: Kekkei Genkai Collection!*