Chapter 14: Kushina Uzumaki Under Attack

Chapter 14: Kushina Uzumaki Under Attack

Hiruzen Sarutobi carefully examined the sword techniques of the Thunder Breathing Style that Chiba had handed to him.

This was no longer a matter of mere satisfaction; he was genuinely surprised.

From Hiruzen's perspective as a Ninjutsu Professor, the first five forms of this Thunder Breathing Style could only reach the level of B-rank Taijutsu at most. However, the final two forms, the Sixth and Seventh Forms, could reach the power level of A-rank.

Overall, the complete set of Thunder Breathing sword techniques could be considered A-rank.

This alone was enough to astonish Hiruzen.

After all, this was a complete set of Taijutsu techniques, which were incredibly rare and valuable.

Hiruzen put away the scroll and looked at Chiba with satisfaction. "Chiba, on behalf of Konoha, I sincerely thank you for contributing the full set of Thunder Breathing sword techniques. What reward would you like?"

Chiba shook his head and replied, "This is something I should do. I am honored to contribute to Konoha; that is reward enough for me."

Hiruzen grew increasingly pleased with Chiba.

Chiba's talent was undeniable. Not only had he mastered the transformation of Lightning Release Chakra's form and nature, but he had also mastered the entire set of Thunder Breathing sword techniques. If he continued to develop steadily, becoming a Jōnin was practically a certainty.

What impressed Hiruzen the most was Chiba's loyalty to Konoha. He had unreservedly offered an A-rank Taijutsu technique.

Originally, Hiruzen had thought that Chiba might harbor some resentment toward Konoha, but now it seemed that wasn't the case.

Otherwise, there would have been no need for Chiba to offer up a complete A-rank Taijutsu technique.

Hiruzen saw great potential in Chiba and thought he could be groomed carefully in the future.

Moreover, Chiba carried half of the Uchiha bloodline. Given his background, Chiba might play a unique role in future plans involving the Uchiha.

Hiruzen walked over to Chiba, patted him on the shoulder, and encouraged him, saying, "Chiba, make sure you train safely and diligently. Don't let me down."

Chiba lowered his head slightly, a strange expression on his face.

Was Hiruzen planning to give him more responsibilities?

That was... just perfect.

The more trust Hiruzen placed in him, the easier it would be for Chiba to execute his plans.

Chiba raised his head, his eyes burning with determination as he looked at Hiruzen. "I won't disappoint you, Lord Hokage!"

After a few more words of encouragement, Chiba took his leave.

Once he left the Hokage's office, Chiba exhaled a sigh of relief.

For the foreseeable future, aside from training, Chiba had little to do.

After all, during this time of peace, nothing major was happening in Konoha, making it difficult to earn any Witness Points.

Currently, Chiba was completely broke, with not a single Witness Point to his name.

He was beginning to suspect that the system was being deliberately difficult. A standard katana cost 10 Witness Points, and replenishing his Chakra once cost 30 Points. After three replenishments, exactly 100 Witness Points were gone.

Chiba took a deep breath, gazing at the setting sun. He had to get stronger, no matter what!

Five days later.

The Ninja Academy had no classes today.

The day before, Chiba had arranged with Kushina Uzumaki to visit the place where he used to train.

Chiba had mentioned that the scenery there was beautiful, especially now that it was cherry blossom season.

The streets were filled with falling cherry blossom petals.

They had agreed to meet at 1 PM.

Excited for her first outing, Kushina quickly finished lunch with Mito Uzumaki and then headed out.

Kushina planned to arrive at the meeting place ahead of Chiba and hide to give him a little scare.

She happily skipped toward the meeting spot.

Admiring the blooming cherry blossoms around her, Kushina smiled as she imagined walking with Chiba under the falling petals.

Suddenly, she stopped, the smile vanishing from her face as she angrily glared ahead.

Near a cherry blossom tree stood someone she recognized—the kid who always gave her trouble at the Ninja Academy.

He was glaring back at her with a look that said he was there to cause more problems.

Behind the boy appeared an older male student, a head taller, with a Konoha headband marking him as a Genin.

The Genin placed his hand on the boy's shoulder, and they both sneered at Kushina.

The Genin crossed his arms and swaggered toward her. "So, you're the one who's been making my little brother cry."

Kushina pointed at the boy, protesting, "He's the one who keeps picking fights with me! He's just a coward!"

The Genin glanced at his brother, who turned away, guilty.

He then looked back at Kushina, proudly tapping his headband. "I'm a Genin, pretty tough, huh? People who bully my brother get a good beating!"

He cracked his knuckles menacingly.

Kushina's eyes narrowed, and without hesitation, she jumped onto a tree and began to run away.

The Genin quickly followed, chasing her relentlessly.

He threw a kunai at her, which lodged into the tree beside her.

Startled, Kushina couldn't believe the Genin would actually use a real kunai against her.

She landed on a tree branch ahead and, gathering her strength, charged directly at the Genin.

Caught off guard, the Genin was punched squarely by Kushina and fell to the ground.

Before Kushina could relax, the Genin's body puffed into a cloud of smoke, transforming into a wooden log.

It was the Substitution Jutsu.

The Genin reappeared behind Kushina, striking her in the neck with a hand chop, then kicked her in the back, knocking her to the ground.

Grabbing her by the hair, the Genin yanked her up, making her cry out in pain. "Didn't even notice a simple Substitution Jutsu? You're still just a kid! Such tough, red hair—it's really annoying!"

The younger boy laughed at Kushina from the sidelines, "Serves you right!"

Kushina began to sob.

At that moment, Chiba arrived, just in time to see Kushina being grabbed by the hair, crying.

His mind exploded with rage, a wave of anger surging through him.

The boy noticed Chiba in the distance and pointed at him. "Brother, that snitch is here! He's with her!"

The Genin cracked his neck, grinning viciously. "Then let's teach that snitch a lesson too. I've been waiting for this."

Kushina saw Chiba and yelled, "Chiba, run!"

But Chiba was almost beyond reason. The worn katana was already in his hand, his body slightly hunched, and sparks of lightning crackled around him.