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Chapter 42
The following period in Konoha passed without major incidents.
Although Uchiha Fugaku's beating caused quite a stir within the Uchiha clan, since the culprit's identity remained unknown and they refused to let such a humiliating matter spread, the clan completely sealed the incident away, forbidding anyone from speaking of it.
Despite Fugaku's later insistence that Ling Yu, Kushina, and the others were responsible, no one believed a few six- or seven-year-old children could defeat the Uchiha clan's genius—who was already a chunin at the time—while those same kids were still attending the ninja academy.
Moreover, witnesses confirmed the three had been at the Senju residence all night and couldn't possibly have appeared at the Uchiha compound in such a short window. This further proved their innocence.
Meanwhile, the real culprits—Ling Yu, Kushina, and Mikoto—continued living carefree lives. The three gradually formed a small group, regularly gathering at Ling Yu's underground training room to train together.
Realizing how much stronger Ling Yu was becoming, the two girls refused to fall behind. They trained with fierce determination, devoting almost all their free time outside of school and rest to practice.
Tsunade was the same. Though her mission frequency increased, she never neglected training. After returning from assignments, she would immediately begin her own sessions.
Time flew, and in the blink of an eye, three years passed.
Ling Yu, Kushina, and Mikoto had all grown up—no longer the tender children from three years ago, but now brimming with the spirit of youth.
After three years of growth, Ling Yu had fully matured into an elegant and handsome young man: short black hair, pure white eyes, a refined and striking face, combined with his status as the young master of the Senju clan. He earned the title "Konoha's Most Handsome Boy" and became the idol of countless girls.
Mikoto had also blossomed: long black hair, a slender figure, and beautiful features. She retained her gentle, serene appearance as the perfect graceful young lady.
Kushina had lost her childhood roundness. Now with an oval face, long red hair, refined features, and her naturally bold personality, she was a lively and adorable beauty.
Of course, this was only on the surface. To those who knew her well—like Ling Yu—she was cute. To the rest of the class, she was terrifying.
After the story of Kushina single-handedly defeating five opponents spread, though she escaped punishment, she earned the nickname "Fiery Red Hot Pepper" and became the undisputed "big boss" no one dared provoke in class.
Thanks to completing the Yin Seal long ago, Tsunade's appearance remained unchanged. However, her chest had grown into something no woman in Konoha could rival—even Kushina and Mikoto, who spent so much time with her, were openly envious.
In terms of strength: Tsunade was the strongest, having reached quasi-Kage level and completely outpacing both Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Mikoto, under Ling Yu's guidance, had awakened her three-tomoe Sharingan and mastered most of the ninjutsu scrolls he'd given her. She ranked second, at full jonin level.
Kushina, focusing mainly on Uzumaki sealing techniques and Crystal Release, was the weakest of the three—elite chunin, but very close to jonin.
…
Ninja Academy
At this moment, Ling Yu sat in the classroom, half-listening to the lesson while gazing out the window at the scenery.
He was growing increasingly disinterested in school. He'd rather graduate early and train at home.
Beside him, Kushina had already collapsed onto her desk, fast asleep. Drool dripped from her mouth, soaking her textbook. No wonder her grades were so bad—Ling Yu looked at her with visible disgust.
Mikoto, sitting in front, was the complete opposite. She sat perfectly straight, listened attentively, and took diligent notes. Her disciplined attitude formed a stark contrast with Kushina's slacker behavior.
"Yawn~"
Ling Yu let out a small yawn, feeling sleepy. Like Kushina, he laid his head on the desk and sank his mind into the system space.
Host: Ling Yu Age: 9 Physique: Sage Body (Awakening: 90%) Skills: Rinnegan [Enhanced], Rokushiki, Copy & Analyze, Super Strength, Mystical Palm Technique, Space Power, Rasengan, Various Ninjutsu Series Weapons: Kyōka Suigetsu Strength Level: Kage-level Exchange Points: 2500 Inventory: Curse Talisman of Misfortune ×1, Exquisite Chest ×5, Ordinary Chest ×2
Ling Yu's panel had changed dramatically. His strength had advanced to full Kage level—slightly surpassing even Tsunade's quasi-Kage. Yet this was the result of him deliberately slowing his progress.
For the past three years, he had spent half his time deeply mastering his existing skills rather than rushing to gain new power.
Because of this focused refinement, his growth had been slower. Otherwise, with his upgraded Rinnegan, he might already have reached the peak of Kage level.
Though progress was slower, the gains were immense. Through relentless mastery, he had completely integrated all his abilities.
Now he could fight multiple Kage-level opponents without falling behind—and even kill one or two before escaping with Space Power.
As for the extra chests and points—they came from defeating strong opponents like Orochimaru, Sakumo Hatake, and others, plus the 2000-point reward for reaching quasi-Kage, along with completing Minato's Rasengan development task.
"Sage Body awakening is already at 90%. Just one more year and I can learn Wood Release. I can't wait."
Ling Yu gazed at his Sage Body progress, excitement bubbling inside.
As his strength grew, small-scale ninjutsu no longer interested him. Now he craved only the most powerful techniques—like Wood Release or Dust Release.
While lost in daydreams, a familiar, gentle voice pulled him back to reality.
"Ling Yu, wake up. Class is over."
"Mmm…"
Opening his eyes, Ling Yu saw Mikoto gently shaking his shoulder, smiling warmly at him.
"Ling Yu, you're so lazy. Sleeping through class again."
Kushina leaned over too, looking like she was scolding him.
"You slept too, didn't you?"
Ling Yu rolled his eyes. How dare this chronic class-sleeper lecture him?
"Hmph! This lady was resting her eyes—not sleeping!"
"Then how come I saw you drooling—"
Before he could finish exposing her, Kushina jumped onto him and covered his mouth, glaring fiercely.
"Shut up! This lady did no such thing!"
"Mmmph… mmph…"
"Hehehe."
"Alright, stop messing around. Otherwise we'll miss lunch."
Mikoto smiled at the two playfully fighting, thinking days like this were quite nice.
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