293

That same afternoon, Haruto, Daichi, Minato, and Kushina gathered in the Forest of Death, away from prying eyes. Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy, casting shifting patterns of light and shadow across the forest floor.

Daichi, unable to keep still, practically bounced with anticipation. "Alright, Haruto," he called out with a wide grin, "let's see this beast in action!"

Kushina gave Daichi a playful smack on the back of the head. "Hold your horses! Just because we know what it might do doesn't mean you want to stand in its way when it goes off," she said with a smirk, but her eyes sparkled with excitement. She glanced at Haruto, eyebrows raised. "Let's see if this claymore of yours packs the punch you promised."

Haruto nodded and took a deep breath, positioning the claymore tag carefully on a sturdy, low-hanging branch. Minato observed him with calm attentiveness, nodding approvingly as Haruto adjusted it just right.

After ensuring everyone was at a safe distance, Haruto activated the seal. A split second later, the tag detonated, and an explosive shockwave rocked the clearing. The blast sent shrapnel flying in a fierce, lethal arc, carving gouges into the nearby trees and leaving behind smoking scars in the bark.

Kushina's expression shifted from a knowing smile to genuine satisfaction as she surveyed the scene. "Now that's the punch you promised!" She stepped forward, careful to avoid the shrapnel lodged in the ground, and gave Haruto an approving nod. "The spread's exactly as planned—every bit as deadly as we'd imagined. You've created something that could really shift a fight."

Minato crouched down by a tree that had taken the brunt of the blast, tracing a finger along one of the deep cuts made by the shrapnel. He looked up at Haruto, his respect clear. "It's more than just power; the focused force is something special. This is no standard tag—this could turn the tide of battle."

Daichi, eyes wide with awe, gave a low whistle. "Remind me never to stand on the wrong side of you, man. That thing could rip through a whole squad in seconds!"

Haruto couldn't help the proud smile that tugged at his lips. Seeing his teachers and close friends genuinely impressed with the results of his work was a validation he hadn't anticipated. This wasn't just a tool; it was a stepping stone in his journey to shape his own legacy in the shinobi world.