Chapter 24: Bells and Promises
Kagenori limped homeward beneath the moonlight, legs throbbing yet expression bright with exhilaration. As someone without backing, he'd relied solely on Thunder Breathing's sword forms—but those couldn't make him omnipotent. He needed other methods to strengthen himself.
Without Orochimaru, his only option would be earning witness points to exchange for necessary abilities. But glancing at the system's exchange prices made him despair—with merely forty points, he couldn't afford anything desirable. Amassing substantial points required the Third Great Ninja War's outbreak—by then, it might be too late.
Moreover, exchanged abilities couldn't be mastered instantly. The system only facilitated learning—actual proficiency required personal practice and refinement. Yet this offered advantages: Kagenori developed personal understanding of Thunder Breathing rather than blind application, allowing adaptability—like his self-devised Thunderclap Flash, Sixfold, minimizing leg strain through customized directional changes.
Taking deep breaths, he mentally vowed to absorb Orochimaru's teachings like a sponge. With the Sannin's guidance, he felt confident about standing independently when war arrived.
Four days later at the academy, Uzumaki Kushina complained to her desk mate. "The sealing techniques are impossible! So much memorization! Have you seen 'Basic Sealing Introduction'? Thick as my palm, and Grandma Mito expects me to master it all!"
Her face sour, she vented to Kagenori.
He smiled, ruffling her hair. "It's difficult now but will ease later. You'll definitely become the strongest kunoichi."
Normally such praise would delight her, but today she merely pouted. "The hardness isn't the main issue... But Grandma Mito says after graduation I must stay beside her learning seals. Only after mastery can I undertake missions." She slumped despondently. "I wanted us teamed up, undertaking missions together... I've anticipated it so long..."
Kagenori chuckled. "Kushina, I actually have news. After graduation, I likely won't join any team—Orochimaru accepted me as his student four days ago. I'll train under him henceforth."
Tilting her head cutely, she asked, "Teacher Orochimaru? I've never heard of him."
Currently reclusive, Orochimaru remained largely unseen. Beyond the academy, Mito's residence, or Kagenori's home, Kushina had no sources for such information.
"You know Tsunade and Jiraiya are two of the Sannin, right?"
"Mm."
"Orochimaru-sensei is the third."
Covering her mouth, she whispered incredulously, "One of the Legendary Sannin accepted you?!"
Nodding, Kagenori confirmed, "I passed his test four nights ago. He's coming to see me today."
"How wonderful!" she exclaimed. Then hesitating, she added, "But... if you're training with Lord Orochimaru, we'll hardly see each other anymore..."
He smiled apologetically. "Our time together will shorten significantly. No more daily meetings."
Patting his shoulder, she forced cheerfulness. "It's fine! Once you've learned enough, we'll have plenty of time later!"
Actually, she felt deeply disappointed. Since meeting Kagenori, they'd seen each other daily for years—she'd grown accustomed to his presence. Their impending separation saddened her, but she masked it to avoid worrying him.
Having known her so long, Kagenori recognized her true feelings. But with crises approaching, he needed maximum strength for their survival.
Retrieving a bell from his pocket—one of a pair costing thirty witness points—he offered it. The bells possessed no special properties beyond mutual resonance and directional guidance when one rang. He'd acquired them specifically for Kushina's future kidnapping by Kumo-nin.
Uzumaki Kushina accepted it delightedly. "A gift for me?"
Nodding, he replied, "Yes."
Her smile blossomed. "I love it! Thank you, Kagenori!"
He rubbed his nose—such happiness over a simple bell?
Growing serious, he warned, "This bell has special properties. I have its match. Ring yours, and mine will chime too. No matter where you are, it'll guide me to you." Gazing intently, he emphasized, "Always keep it with you. If anything happens, ring it immediately—I'll come instantly. Understand?"
Matching his seriousness, she vowed, "I'll always carry it!"
Unable to resist, she shook it gently, listening for his bell's answering chime. Hearing the synchronized ringing from Kagenori, her smile turned radiant.