Chapter 8: Reflections

Perched on a tree branch, Kazuki gazed at his hand, the weight of his recent actions pressing upon his conscience. He muttered softly to himself, as if trying to come to terms with the reality he now found himself in. "I killed someone for the first time," he acknowledged, the gravity of the statement hanging in the air. This world, no longer an anime or a game he had come to know, this world became his reality—a realm where consequences carried weight and lives could be lost including himself at any moment of time.

He reminded himself that eliminating the spy had been a necessary choice, a means of protecting himself from the prying eyes of other organizations. It was a path he had chosen to ensure his own survival. With the battle behind him, a newfound realization took hold. Kazuki understood that acquiring a foundation in basic jutsu at an early age would prove crucial in his journey toward self-improvement.

"Before delving deeper into ninjutsu, I should determine my chakra nature using chakra paper," Kazuki mused. Fortunately, the fallen spy had possessed a sheet of chakra paper, allowing him to proceed with his training. He hoped that the Mind Reading Amplification Machine, rumored to have been employed by Konohagakure specifically by Yamanaka Clan, would not function on a lifeless body.

With resolute determination, Kazuki flickered away from the forest, immersing himself once more in his training. He knew that this was only the beginning of his arduous journey.

At the Hokage's office, ANBU operatives stood before the third Hokage, bearing news of the battle that had transpired between the unknown assailant and the spy from Kirigakure. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on the Hokage's countenance, aware that the village's growing tension and the Uchiha Clan's potential rebellion had not gone unnoticed by neighboring countries.

The third Hokage's gaze turned serious as he contemplated the implications. "Investigate further into what transpired in that isolated alley. The person who killed the spy may very well be another spy sent by rival nations. Alternatively, they could also be a Konoha citizen seeking to conceal their true capabilities for unknown reason or that person might just be a skilled murderer who happened to stumble on the Kirigakure's spy," he instructed the ANBU, his voice laced with a mix of concern and resolve.

With a flicker of movement, the ANBU swiftly departed from the office, their duty to uncover the truth weighing heavily upon their shoulders. The third Hokage's attention then turned to the window, his gaze fixed upon the setting sun. A sigh escaped his lips, mingling with the smoke from his pipe. He knew that another significant event loomed on the horizon, one that threatened to plunge the village into chaos and unrest.

"There will be another event within our village—an event that will undoubtedly cause a great uproar," he murmured, his voice laden with weariness and concern. He exhaled slowly, hoping against hope that the impending storm could somehow be averted.

As the sun sank below the horizon, casting long shadows across the village, a sense of unease settled upon Konohagakure. Unknown to many, within the shadows, a young Uzumaki prodigy continued his relentless pursuit of strength, bound to leave an indelible mark on the destiny of the village.

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AN: Good day readers, Chapter 8 is here and I'm sorry for the short chapter huhu. I tried my best to make this chapter longer but as from what I can see, it resulted to some repetitive words and some scene doesn't suit the Chapter's title. I hoped you understand my sufferings in writing :D ~~~~~~~