11-20

Chapter 11: One Kick

———

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!!!

A volley of water needles shot forth—

—only to pierce nothing but air as Kazama Koshī’s figure dissolved into a shredded afterimage.

BOOM!

Mud and water erupted, the exploding droplets fracturing into a fine mist. The remnants of the illusion faded, leaving only haze in its wake.

Through the fog, Hikari’s blank eyes remained fixed ahead.

Not far away, carried by a faint breeze, Kazama’s tall, lean frame silently reappeared. Gone was any trace of his earlier arrogance—his gaze now sharp, unflinching.

———

Hiss…

The mist stirred as if brushed by an unseen wind, coiling like a dragon around Hikari, who hadn’t moved an inch. The vaporous beast twisted, its silent roar aimed at Kazama in the distance.

"That girl… mudō Suiton?! Am I seeing things?!"

"I… I’m not sure either."

Murmurs spread among the teachers observing the training grounds. They’d come out expecting gossip—rumors that the academy’s most popular instructor, Kazama, had a secret love child.

Instead, they witnessed something far rarer: a six-year-old blind girl wielding mudō Suiton (water release without hand seals).

Mitarashi Kōten side-eyed the dazed Might Guy beside him.

This was the same Guy who’d fumbled through basic academy jutsu, fingers tangled like knotted rope. And now his daughter could cast mudō Suiton?

Something wasn’t adding up.

Kōten’s skeptical gaze lingered on Guy’s emerald-green spandex, then his plain, guileless face—before snapping back to Hikari, shrouded in mist like some ethereal spirit.

"Tch—

There’s definitely a story here."

———

"Guy."

Jolted from his thoughts on countering Hikari’s Suiton, Guy blinked at Kōten, who wore a complicated expression.

"This ‘daughter’ of yours… mighty sudden, huh? Never heard a peep about her before."

"Uh… y-yeah. Real sudden. Didn’t expect her to, uh… come this fast."

Guy’s clueless stammer earned a sigh from Kōten, who shook his head and refocused on the fight.

———

At the field’s center, Kazama’s brow furrowed.

The blind girl and her mist dragon were trouble.

Was this a kekkei genkai? Or just flawless mudō Suiton?

Impossible to tell.

Her speed, power, and control were all top-tier. Close combat was risky, and his wind-style jutsu—though lethal—was off-limits against a child.

Only option: blitz her.

Break through the water barrier, get in close. One hit would end it—she looked fragile.

But that cane…

Deceptively ordinary, its wooden shaft tipped with metal. Yet she’d shattered office marble with it earlier. The mudō Suiton likely stemmed from it, too.

No room for error.

———

Across from him, Hikari tilted her head.

Her Byakugan couldn’t read minds, but Kazama’s fixation on her "stick" was… confusing.

As she waited, her own analysis ran coldly:

His evasion earlier—some form of Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker). Too fast to chase without overtaxing my muscles.

One shot. That’s all I get.

———

Then—Kazama moved.

A single-handed seal.

SWISH!

His form blurred.

Wind roared as he reappeared at Hikari’s left, fist driving toward her—

Fūton: Kaze Shunshin no Jutsu! (Wind Release: Wind Body Flicker Technique)

The mist dragon solidified into a wall.

THUD!

Kazama’s punch cratered the water—but Hikari’s hand snapped up, fingers curling.

SPLASH!

The wall melted, surging upward like a colossal claw to crush him.

Kazama kicked off the ground, barely dodging—

—as his hands flew through another sequence.

WHOOSH!

Another gust.

This time, he materialized at Hikari’s right.

The water twisted to intercept, but slower now.

"She’s done for."

"Mm. Kazama-sensei’s too sharp—found the flaw already."

"Pity."

The teachers’ whispers aligned.

Even Guy, ever the dunce, frowned. "What flaw?"

Kōten groaned. "Direction, you oaf.

Water’s strength lies in flow —force builds from pressure. But Kazama’s flickering around like a caffeinated squirrel forces her to keep redirecting. Each shift drains momentum. By now, that water’s got all the bite of a damp napkin."

He side-eyed Guy. "It’s like marriage. Husband’s off on missions, wife’s bored at home—energy’s not synced. Sooner or later—"

Guy nodded blankly.

Kōten sighed.

———

As predicted—

Kazama’s next flicker came from Hikari’s rear.

The water barrier formed, but thin, sluggish.

Got her.

His fist, reinforced with chakra, smashed through—

—and there she was. Exposed.

Victory.

The teachers braced for impact.

Yet—

Hikari didn’t turn.

Her Byakugan had tracked everything: his chakra, his muscles, the micro-tremors in his tendons.

Her left foot slid back—

—her right leg coiled, a bowstring taut to snapping.

HIP-TORQUE—

CRACK!

Her shin whipped through the air, fabric screeching. The kick—a thunderbolt—slammed into Kazama’s sternum.

For a split second, time froze.

His eyes bulged, veins rupturing.

Then—

BOOM!!!

The mist detonated as Kazama’s body rocketed backward in a V-shaped arc.

He skidded across the dirt, carving a trench before finally stopping—

—while the teachers gaped.

At the field’s center, Hikari calmly lowered her leg.

The sole of her boot smoldered, its heat boiling the puddles beneath her.

Hiss…

Steam rose like a victory banner.

---

Chapter 12: Victory

"HOLY SHIT—DID YOU SEE THAT KICK?!"

"Is… is Kazama-sensei dead?!"

"If I took that hit, I’d be done for."

"Her water style was strong, but without that finishing blow, Kazama’s wind-speed would’ve worn her down eventually."

The teachers erupted into chaos. Just when they thought the fight was over—bam!—a blind girl flipped the script.

A water-style prodigy? Try a brute-force loli. One kick. That’s all it took to floor Konoha’s elite wind-ninja.

---

Kōten’s Brain Short-Circuited

"That taijutsu…"

Yep. Definitely Guy’s kid.

But what kind of woman could cancel out Guy’s… ahem, "unique" looks and mediocre water affinity to produce this?!

The Mizukage?

…Wait, no. The current Mizukage’s a dude.

Kōten’s imagination spiraled.

---

Guy’s Turn to Bluescreen

As a taijutsu master, he’d seen zero training marks on Hikari.

Soft skin. Delicate frame.

Her water prowess? Believable.

But that kick—precision, power, even a flicker of Asa Kujaku (Morning Peacock)’s essence—left him shook.

"YOSH! THAT’S MY GIRL, Hikari!" Guy bellowed, teeth gleaming, thumbs-up cranked to max.

Hikari frantically waved him off.

Guy mistook it for hype. "THIS IS THE PASSION OF YOUTH!!"

Hikari noped out of eye contact.

---

Kazama’s Comeback (Literally)

"Cough… cough…"

A groan. Then—

Kazama dragged himself up, clutching his ribs. "Hah… almost kicked my soul out."

Hikari blinked innocently. "So… do I pass?"

Kazama’s eye twitched.

His flak vest was shattered, a boot-shaped burn seared into his chest. Without last-second chakra armor, he’d be in the afterlife.

And this gremlin had the audacity to play "harmless newbie"?!

"Tch. Fine. But expect extra homework every day."

Hikari deadpanned: "Your taijutsu’s trash. Skip those questions—don’t embarrass yourself."

Kazama choked on his own rage.

---

Paperwork & Legacy

Kōten herded Guy and Hikari toward enrollment, while Kazama wheezed off to the hospital.

The crowd dispersed, buzzing.

Konoha bred geniuses like weeds:

- Minato, slaughtering Kumo-nin as a student.

- Kakashi, ANBU by 12.

- Itachi, a shadow-warrior at 13.

But today?

A six-year-old had toppled a jonin.

Sure, Kazama held back—but in the shinobi world, victory was victory.

"Chase the Sun" Hikari had just etched her name into history.

---

Meanwhile, the Rookie 9’s Fail Brigade

"Naruto! WHO WON?!" Sakura shrieked.

"I CAN’T SEE—TOO MUCH MIST!" Naruto squinted through binoculars, perched atop a wobbly human tower (courtesy of Choji’s back and Kiba’s patience).

"Hurry up! My legs are dying!" Choji whined.

"Tch. Pathetic." Sasuke, who’d secretly tree-hopped for a better view, lied: "Boring. Leaving."

Then—

"SKIPPING CLASS, ARE WE?!"

A teacher’s roar sent them scattering like roaches.

Smoke bombs flew.

"RUN, HINATA!" Ino yanked the dazed Hyūga.

"GYAH—!" Naruto faceplanted mid-leap.

By the time the smoke cleared, only one kid remained:

"…Me?" Shino pointed at himself, abandoned.

The teachers loomed. "Name. Class. 3,000-word essay. NOW."

Shino’s soul left his body.

---

Chapter 13: Methods

After paying tuition and receiving her textbooks, Hikari was assigned to Iruka’s class.

Once her name was clarified, Mitsuda-sensei and Might Gai finally cleared up their misunderstanding.

Hikari was satisfied with the placement.

Ever since the Second Hokage established the Ninja Academy, it had carried deep political significance for Konoha.

Its purpose?

To develop civilian shinobi, break the clans’ monopoly on jutsu, and gradually weaken their influence—like a frog boiled in warm water.

At the same time…

Only those who graduated from the academy could receive an official Konoha shinobi ID, becoming registered ninja recognized by the village.

And every clan head had to be one of them.

This rule was far more powerful than it seemed.

Without an ID, no matter how strong you were, you weren’t truly Konoha. You couldn’t access resources, missions, or status.

But with an ID?

The Hokage could assign you missions directly—stripping clans of their autonomy and forcing their elites under the village’s control.

In the past, clan ninja could operate independently, ignoring the Hokage’s orders.

Now?

Every clan heir had to attend the academy, bending the knee to the system.

The Second’s plan was brilliant:

- Centralized power.

- Nurtured new blood.

- Forged bonds early.

By letting future leaders compete as children, Konoha avoided large-scale bloodshed over the Hokage title.

Hikari understood all of this.

By entering Iruka’s class, she had stepped into Konoha’s inner circle.

Her next move?

Dominate her classmates.

Become the undisputed leader of the new generation.

If she could do that, her origins as a missing-nin from Kirigakure would fade under her overwhelming talent.

By the time she reached her full potential, no one would dare question her.

Schemes and politics were just stepping stones—tools for the weak.

True power was what mattered.

And Hikari never forgot her real goal.

---

By the time Hikari and Gai left the academy, her name was already everywhere.

- Six years old.

- Jōnin-level strength.

- Seamless, hand-sign-less Water Release.

- Brutal taijutsu that crushed a teacher.

Oh, and she was blind.

Every detail about her was explosive.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage—and the academy’s nominal headmaster—received the report immediately.

In his smoke-filled office, Hiruzen set down his pipe and picked up the file on Hikari.

Most of it was information he already knew:

- Identity: Formerly unknown, now Might Gai’s adopted daughter.

- Appearance: Around 130 cm tall, blindfolded.

- Abilities: Water Release, taijutsu…

But one detail stood out:

Her taijutsu was monstrous.

Water Release + taijutsu.

That combination made Hiruzen’s mind immediately jump to Kirigakure—the Bloody Mist, just across the sea.

"A Kiri-nin?"

The blindfold, the aura—it all fit.

Kiri had more bloodlines than any other village. If a new one allowed hand-sign-less Water Release, it wouldn’t be surprising.

And with Kiri’s history of hunting its own kekkei genkai users, her fleeing to Konoha made sense.

But what truly unsettled Hiruzen wasn’t her strength—

It was her political instincts.

- Day 1: Somehow convinced Gai to adopt her.

- Day 2: Enrolled officially, then stomped a teacher to cement her reputation.

Now, the entire village knew:

"Hikari is Gai’s daughter."

And Gai?

He was Hiruzen’s loyalist—a man he’d personally promoted to jōnin, despite his lack of ninjutsu.

In the eyes of Konoha’s elite, Hikari was now a Sarutobi faction prodigy.

- Civilian-born.

- Genius talent.

- Hokage’s backing.

Sound familiar?

She was following the exact same path as the Fourth Hokage.

If she bonded with the future clan heirs in her class…

She could even compete for Hokage one day.

"How terrifying."

A chill ran down Hiruzen’s spine.

A possible Kiri spy, with the potential to become Konoha’s leader?

The Uchiha had spent decades failing to grasp what she’d achieved in a day.

"Gai… you’ve really given me a problem."

Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe.

His suspicion grew:

She had to be from Kiri.

Only Kiri—the village that had lost four of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen to Might Dai’s Eight Gates—would know Gai’s true power.

Not only had she climbed aboard his faction, she was likely after the Eight Gates technique itself.

"What a move."

Against his will, Hiruzen felt a flicker of admiration.

His three students had inherited his strength, but none had his political mind.

The shinobi world was full of powerful fools—but true geniuses, sharp in both battle and strategy, were rare.

Rational. Intelligent. Skilled in Water Release.

And that silver-gray hair…

For a moment, he almost saw a shadow of the Second Hokage in her.

"Like a ghost of the past."

Two people, unrelated by blood, yet giving him the same feeling…

It was uncanny.

---

Knock. Knock. Knock.

"Hokage-sama, Elder Shimura requests an audience."

Hiruzen’s eyes narrowed.

He quickly tucked Hikari’s file under his hat.

"Let him in."

The door creaked open.

A one-eyed old man stepped inside—Danzo Shimura, his left arm in a sling, his right gripping a cane.

A bandage covered his right eye, and a cruel X-shaped scar marked his chin.

His presence was venomous.

"What is it?" Hiruzen rubbed his temples.

Blindfold. Cane. Missing eye.

Again, the parallels.

What was it about that girl?

Danzo didn’t waste time.

"Hiruzen… the Uchiha are reaching their limit."

"So am I."

---

(＾▽＾)

Chapter 14: The Conditions for Joining Root

"The Uchiha clan has called another high-level meeting—their third this month."

"What’s the agenda?"

"They excluded Itachi. He’s been exposed."

Hiruzen Sarutobi listened to Danzō’s report while puffing on his pipe, the smoke accentuating the deep wrinkles on his aged face.

"Hiruzen."

Danzō’s voice was a low growl, snapping the Third Hokage out of his hesitation.

"The Uchiha’s rebellion is inevitable. Our priority is to minimize the damage. I propose Root exterminates the Uchiha—down to the last."

"Not yet."

"But—"

Danzō tried to argue, but Hiruzen suddenly lifted his head. His clouded eyes locked onto Danzō with a killing intent so sharp it felt tangible. For a moment, the old man resembled the legendary "Shinobi no Ō" (God of Shinobi) of his youth.

"Do not act without my order."

Staring at his old friend, now radiating the aura of his prime, Danzō shut his mouth.

"Hah…"

A slow exhale of smoke filled the room as Hiruzen’s sharp gaze faded, replaced by exhaustion.

"The Uchiha are co-founders of Konoha, alongside the Senju. Any action against them must be handled with care. Times have changed. Since the village’s founding, clans that stand apart have faced extinction—the Uzumaki, and now the Uchiha. They know this. The Uchiha excel in one-on-one combat, but they can’t sustain a war of attrition. Konoha’s forces outnumber them a hundred to one. Even with five more Mangekyō, how many could they kill before their chakra runs dry? Rebellion or defection—their fate is sealed. Fugaku is no fool. He understands this."

Danzō smirked inwardly.

Root’s research on the Sharingan and Hashirama’s cells is at a critical stage. We need test subjects. If the Uchiha don’t rebel, where else will I get my hands on their eyes?

Watching Hiruzen cling to futile hope, Danzō scoffed.

Weak. He never deserved the title of Hokage. Once I master the First’s power and the Uchiha’s, I’ll unite the shinobi world and prove our teacher wrong.

"Every Root operative has mastered the Darkness Genjutsu. With the Sealing and Water Style units on standby, we can move against the Uchiha at any time."

Hiruzen nodded, acknowledging the preparedness. Even if the Uchiha revolted, Konoha wouldn’t be crippled.

With the Uchiha matter tabled, Danzō shifted gears.

"About that promise you made—any progress?"

Hiruzen blinked innocently. "What promise?"

Danzō’s eye twitched.

"Tch. Don’t play dumb. Root is understaffed and underfunded. You said you’d assign new recruits a week ago. Where are they?"

Hiruzen dropped the act.

"You want young, elite shinobi with kekkei genkai or secret techniques. Those are the clans’ treasures. How am I supposed to just hand them over?"

"Fine. Lower your standards, then!"

Hiruzen paused—then remembered her.

Hikari. Young. Gifted. A mystery.

Perfect for Danzō’s needs. Sending her to Root would neutralize her suspicious intent to enroll in the Academy while exploiting her talent. If things went south, it’d be Danzō’s fault—not his.

"Actually… I might have someone for you."

"Oh? Which clan?"

Danzō perked up. Usually, Hiruzen took from Root—rarely did he give.

"Here. Review this."

Hiruzen slid Hikari’s file from under his hat.

Danzō scanned it eagerly—then froze.

Might Guy’s adopted daughter? A civilian?

Disappointed but still hopeful, he read on.

Six years old. Blind—

"BLIND?!"

He slammed the file onto the desk and stormed out.

"If you won’t cooperate, don’t insult me with rejects!"

Hiruzen gaped.

"Wait—keep reading! You’re not even—ugh, always so impatient!"

Danzō didn’t look back. Antagonizing Might Guy over a disabled civilian? He wasn’t suicidal.

"Root doesn’t accept liabilities!"

The door slammed shut.

"You’ll regret this, Danzō."

"I lead Root. Not you."

Hiruzen sighed, picking up the discarded file.

Hypocrite. You’re half-blind yourself.

Still, part of him was relieved. Someone like Hikari didn’t belong in Root’s darkness.

Fine. If he doesn’t want her, I’ll keep an eye on her myself.

---

[Later, with Guy and Hikari]

"Hikari, why so glum?"

Guy balanced grocery bags and a tower of books, his bushy eyebrows furrowing.

"It’s nothing."

Her heavy footsteps betrayed her mood.

She had considered Root’s threat. Allying with Hiruzen and Guy was her shield against the Hyūga—but Danzō? He was unpredictable.

What if he ignores them and comes for me anyway?

Madmen didn’t follow logic.

For now, the Uchiha crisis bought her time. But the uncertainty gnawed at her.

If I had Hashirama’s power, I’d crush them all.

"Ta-daa! Look what I got you!"

Guy reappeared, now holding a stuffed pink bear backpack.

"A gift for your first day at the Academy! May your dreams bloom with youth!"

"No."

She turned away. A thirty-year-old in a kiddie backpack? She’d rather join Root.

Guy wilted.

"But it’s cute! See?"

"I’m blind."

"Liar! You tracked Fūma-sensei’s Wind Release: Instant Movement earlier!"

"Still no."

"...Just try it?"

"......"

Ignoring him, Hikari marched ahead, her blindstaff tapping the ground. Guy trailed her, waving the bag like a salesman.

---

Chapter 15: Enrollment

The next morning, at the Konoha Ninja Academy—Elite Class, Year 1.

Iruka hadn’t arrived yet, and the classroom buzzed with restless energy.

"Hey, heard the news? Teacher Kazama’s in the hospital."

"They say his sternum’s shattered—multiple ribs broken."

"Ugh… that’s brutal."

Sakura and Ino huddled with a gaggle of Kazama-sensei’s fangirls, chattering away. Meanwhile, Sasuke and Hinata sat stiffly at their desks, expressions grim.

The boys, however, weren’t as carefree.

Kiba gnawed on his pen cap, squinting at his notebook. "Shikamaru, this answer’s wrong, isn’t it?"

"I copied it from Ino’s homework. Yawn~" Shikamaru slouched in his seat like a lazy old man, radiating exhaustion despite his age.

His peace lasted exactly two seconds.

"Choji—get your chip-greased hands OFF my notebook!"

"Sorry, Shikamaru… Hey, why isn’t Naruto copying ours?"

Shikamaru shrugged. "He said he already finished."

Nearby, a group of boys whispered:

"Word is, that blind girl got put in our class!"

"No way. You think she’ll beat us up? She’s gotta be crazy violent!"

"Total monster…"

BAM!

Naruto slammed his fists on the desk and stood. The entire class turned to stare.

"Naruto, what’s your problem?!" A tall boy—startled at first, then furious—glared at him.

Naruto met his gaze head-on. "Don’t talk about Hikari like that."

He’d already figured it out: the girl who fought Kazama-sensei yesterday was the same Hikari he’d met at Ichiraku Ramen. Kind, gentle, mysterious—nothing like the brute they were describing. He wouldn’t let anyone slander his friend.

"You asking for a beating?!" The taller boy and his lackeys surrounded Naruto, fists clenched—

—Until footsteps echoed outside.

"Teacher’s coming!"

Like a switch flipped, everyone scrambled to their seats. The room fell dead silent.

Tap… tap…

The rhythmic sound of a blind cane tapped down the hallway. Naruto’s heart inexplicably synced with the beats. He couldn’t explain it—just like he couldn’t explain why he’d bothered finishing his homework last night.

The door slid open.

Iruka-sensei entered first. Behind him, a silver-haired girl with a pink teddy bear backpack stepped in, cane in hand.

"Whoa… pretty."

"She’s kinda cute!"

Murmurs rippled through the class. After hearing how she’d hospitalized Kazama-sensei, they’d expected some muscle-bound beast. Reality was… different.

Hikari ignored the whispers. Staring at these tiny, wide-eyed future legends gave her an odd thrill.

Iruka cleared his throat. "Settle down!"

Silence.

"Class, we have a new student today. Let’s give her a warm welcome."

Clap clap clap—

"Hikari, would you introduce yourself?" Iruka smiled nervously. He’d heard about Kazama. If she could wreck a chunin, he wasn’t risking it.

"Of course, sensei."

Her voice was soft—wind chimes on a summer breeze. Paired with her delicate features, Iruka’s tension melted.

Such a gentle girl… Kazama must’ve provoked her!

Hikari turned to the class, smiling.

"My name is Hinode Hikari.

I specialize in taijutsu, love peace, and hate anything that disrupts it.

Favorite food: tomato and egg stir-fry.

Dream? To defeat a powerful foe… then live quietly.

Please treat me well."

Iruka clapped so hard his head bobbed. He could’ve cried. After dealing with this class’s chaos, her normalcy felt surreal.

"She seems nice," Choji whispered.

"Yeah, cute," Kiba agreed.

Shikamaru stayed quiet. Something felt off about her—like a lion pretending to be housecat. If you looked close, its golden eyes were still watching… sizing you up.

He shuddered.

"Hikari, your seat is—"

Before Iruka could finish, she walked straight to the back-right desk—where a certain blond sat vibrating with excitement.

"Sensei, may I sit here?" She tapped the empty seat beside Naruto.

"Uh… sure."

By the time Iruka blinked, her bag was already there.

(…So much for gentle. Kazama, I take back my doubts.)

Hikari didn’t care. Her "kindness" was just to blend in with these clan kids—not to play model student.

"Naruto-kun, we’re desk mates now. Let’s get along."

"H-Hikari-chan! Y-yeah! Let’s!"

Naruto’s face burned red. Hikari’s smile deepened as her milky-white eyes locked onto his stomach—where faint red chakra seeped from the seal.

Inside her, deep blue chakra pulsed hungrily.

(The Nine-Tails… Just a few bites, and I’d reach Kage-level reserves.)

She swallowed hard.

The temptation was maddening.

---

(◠‿◠)

Chapter 16: Chakra

"Alright, class. Let’s begin today’s lesson."

Iruka-sensei stood at the front of the room, chalk in hand. "Last semester, we covered Konoha’s history and the Third Hokage’s Will of Fire. Hikari, since you missed it, review the material on your own."

"Today, we’re focusing on the Chakra Core and the three types of shinobi. Take notes—this will be on the exam! And pay attention to a critical misconception you must understand."

The screech of chalk against the board sent Hikari spiraling back to her high school days—anxiety creeping in on instinct. But the bold words "Chakra Core" snapped her back to reality.

"Chakra is formed by—"

"Hey, Hikari… did you eat breakfast?" Naruto’s whisper cut through Iruka’s lecture, making her brow twitch.

The Kaguya clan’s training had been brutal—chakra extraction, bone dances, live combat. It made her strong, but left her knowledge full of gaps. Especially in this realer version of the ninja world.

Last night, she’d skimmed the textbooks. The first-year material was disappointingly basic, dodging the deeper truths she craved. Might Guy was no help (self-proclaimed "eternal genin," after all). This classroom was her only shot at real theory.

"Naruto, focus." She kept her voice sweet.

"Yeah, yeah!" He nodded—then immediately spun his pen between his fingers.

Click. Clack. The pen kept hitting the desk.

Hikari sighed.

Nothing’s free. Scheming for the Nine-Tails’ chakra came with a price. Might as well consider this prepayment for an all-you-can-eat buffet later.

"Naruto-kun."

"Huh?" He perked up.

"Could you do me a favor?" She tilted her head, morning light gilding her profile. The shadow of her nose curved delicately over her lips.

"Y-yeah! Anything!" He didn’t even hear the request—just stared, dazed, at her mouth.

---

Iruka’s chalk screeched again. A quarter of the board was now dense with notes.

"As you know, chakra is a blend of mental and physical energy. The key to synthesizing them? The Chakra Core in your heart—some call it the ‘Chakra Seed’."

He paused, letting it sink in.

"The core devours mental and physical energy to grow, then feeds chakra back to the shinobi. Like a seed—we nurture it, it matures.

Since every soul and body is unique, each core develops differently. That’s why no two people’s chakra are exactly alike.

A ninja’s entire power lies within their core…"

Hikari listened, struck by déjà vu.

A miniature Divine Tree.

The Ōtsutsuki planted the tree to drain the world’s energy for chakra fruit. Shinobi cores did the same—just on a smaller scale. It also explained why Orochimaru’s cloning experiments failed.

Kekkei Genkai weren’t about genes. They were about the core. Children inherited a "fruit" from their parents’ matured cores—not DNA. Limited fruits meant limited bloodline heirs. And shinobi could choose whether to pass them on.

---

Byakugan: ACTIVATE.

Hikari peered inward at her own core—a swirling deep blue. It hadn’t always been that color. After absorbing a fragment of the Three-Tails’ chakra, it had… mutated.

"Exposure to foreign chakra can alter the core," Iruka wrote, "which then produces new chakra!"

He dusted off his hands.

Most of the class was slumped over, asleep.

Iruka’s eye landed on Hikari—motionless, blindfolded. Had she absorbed any of this? He’d spoken slowly for her sake.

Then he saw Naruto.

And nearly dropped his chalk.

Uzumaki Naruto, the class dunce, was taking notes.

"Ch… a… kra…" Naruto’s handwriting was atrocious, but he gritted his teeth, scribbling.

He’d promised Hikari he’d record the lesson for her.

And an Uzumaki keeps his word.

(Even if it was so boring his brain was melting.)

---

Iruka clapped. "Wake up! This next part’s essential for exams!"

"Chakra reserves are tied to vitality—the stronger your life force, the more energy your core absorbs, the more chakra you produce.

In other words…" His voice turned grave.

"Your chakra capacity is fixed at birth.

It. Cannot. Change."

---

(◠‿◠)

Chapter 17: The Limits of a Shinobi

Shinobi have limits.

This was a truth Hikari had long understood. But as Iruka’s lecture unfolded, her grasp of those limits deepened.

The universal struggle for shinobi? Insufficient chakra.

They trained in taijutsu, ninjutsu, genjutsu—all built upon chakra—yet overlooked the core issue:

How does chakra grow?

Iruka delivered the final verdict: Chakra cannot be artificially increased.

Chakra stems from the chakra nucleus absorbing energy. Physical and mental energies both derive from a shinobi’s life force, an innate, unchangeable capacity.

But… if that were absolute, why did stronger bodies correlate with more chakra?

Just as the question formed in Hikari’s mind, someone voiced it.

"Sensei, then why does more physical strength mean more chakra?" Sakura, ever the diligent student, raised her hand.

Iruka nodded approvingly.

"An excellent question, Sakura. This leads us to a fundamental truth, one discovered by the Third Hokage, the 'Professor of Shinobi.' It corrects a millennia-old misconception."

He paused for emphasis.

"It’s not that a stronger body produces more chakra. Rather, only those with abundant chakra and life force can strengthen their bodies at all.

Many argue, ‘If we eat more, won’t our chakra grow?’ This is wrong. Food must be digested, converted into energy. Without sufficient life force to absorb it, you’d just… burst.

---

Chakra determines strength?

Hikari’s mind reeled. Iruka’s words shattered her assumptions.

If true, every shinobi’s ceiling was fixed at birth.

Without vast life force, all training would eventually hit a wall—until their vitality drained away.

Her gaze snapped to Naruto.

Slouched at his desk, he scribbled notes halfheartedly. Yet within him blazed a supernova of chakra, so dense it seemed liquid.

The Uzumaki’s monstrous vitality. The near-infinite chakra of the Nine-Tails. The life-giving Ashura lineage.

Some stood atop the heavens from birth.

And her?

Hikari closed her eyes, feeling the turbulent chakra within. After absorbing the Three-Tails’ flesh, hers had doubled.

Did tailed beast chakra enhance my life force?

Too many unknowns. She’d need to investigate later.

Coming to the Academy was the right choice.

Iruka, it seemed, was far from ordinary.

---

"Due to these limits, shinobi specialize into three types," Iruka continued.

- Ninjutsu users minimized physical training to stockpile chakra for explosive, short-term battles.

- Taijutsu users channeled chakra into their bodies, excelling in endurance despite smaller reserves.

- Genjutsu users, the rarest, nurtured their minds with chakra—unpredictable and lethal.

"These divisions exist because no one has enough chakra to master all three."

---

Ding-ding-ding—

The bell rang. Before Iruka could dismiss class, students bolted from their seats.

He sighed. Youth never changes.

They’d only grasp this lesson’s value when they hit their limits years later.

---

Classroom Chaos

With Iruka gone, the room buzzed. Hikari, the enigmatic new girl, drew curious stares—but her reputation kept most at bay.

Except for Naruto.

Still hunched over his notebook, his pencil scrawled like a wounded animal.

"What’re you writing? Let me see!"

The tall boy from earlier yanked the notebook free. The pencil tore a jagged line across the page.

"Hey! Give it back!" Naruto lunged.

"Make me!" The boy held it high, grinning as Naruto strained on tiptoes.

A fist to the gut solved that.

"OOF—!"

The notebook fell. Naruto snatched it up, but three boys tackled him.

"Beat the monster!"

Fists and kicks rained down. Naruto curled around the notebook, shielding his face.

Nearby, Hinata trembled, lips bloodless. Shikamaru held back a furious Choji and Kiba, his eyes locked on Hikari.

Why isn’t she moving?

This was her notebook. Her friend.

Yet she sat, still as stone.

---

Chapter 18: Monster

The three boys kept at it for what felt like forever.

They fought until the break ended and the next combat class was about to begin.

They fought until even Uchiha Sasuke, who’d been waiting in vain for Hikari to intervene, grew bored and left the classroom.

They fought until every other student had trickled out.

And they didn’t stop until all three were exhausted—only relenting after snatching the notebook Naruto had shielded against his chest, tearing it to pieces, and scattering the scraps across the floor.

"Worthless."

A icy sneer, one last glance at Hikari (still unmoving), and the trio dashed out of the room, laughing.

Sunlight streamed through the windows, painting the classroom gold.

Loose pages fluttered in the air.

Dust motes danced in the beams of light.

The only ones left were Hikari and Naruto—curled on the floor, his arm thrown over his eyes, his clothes filthy, his body trembling with quiet sobs.

"Does it hurt?"

Hikari’s voice, cool and clear, made Naruto’s crying hitch. His shoulders shook harder.

She walked over and knelt beside him.

His orange jumpsuit was smeared with dirt and shoe prints. His usually spiky blond hair lay limp. The skin on his arms, still pressed over his face, was mottled with bruises.

"Hikari, I—I ruined your notebook…"

"That doesn’t matter."

Water spiraled from Hikari’s sleeve, coiling around Naruto’s swollen injuries. The chill soothed the burning pain, and as her chakra flowed into him, warmth followed.

Gently, she pulled his arm away, revealing his tear-streaked, battered face. The water she guided over his skin mixed with his tears until the two were indistinguishable.

Naruto froze.

His wide, sky-blue eyes—damp and desperate—stared up at the girl above him.

No one had ever treated him this kindly.

"I’ll… buy you a new one tomorrow!"

"I told you, it’s not important."

Hikari looked down at him. "Do you know why they bully you?"

Naruto flinched, his gaze darting away. "Because… they say I’m a monster."

"No."

She shook her head. "The opposite. You’re not a monster."

"But everyone—"

"I was called a monster once too."

Hikari cut him off, her voice distant, as if recalling a memory.

"After I killed them all, no one dared call me that again."

"Now, they call me a genius."

She tilted her head. "Having the name of a monster without the power of one—that’s why they hurt you."

Naruto’s breath caught.

Ignoring the whole murder part, her words struck him as undeniably true.

If he were as strong as Hikari, would anyone dare lay a hand on him?

"But… the whole village says I’m a monster."

Watching Naruto’s dazed expression—like a door to a new world had just cracked open—Hikari finally smiled.

"Grow stronger. Stronger than all of them."

"I… I can’t."

Naruto hung his head.

This Naruto, still young and unformed, lacked the unshakable confidence of his future self.

Then a pale hand appeared in front of him.

He looked up—and the sight burned itself into his memory forever.

The girl crouched before him, her hand outstretched.

Her lips curved faintly. The black cloth over her eyes did nothing to dull her quiet warmth. Behind her, the sun gilded her silver-gray hair with gold, radiant and pure.

"I’ll help you."

Three simple words he’d never heard before shattered the dam.

Tears flooded his vision.

The world blurred—except for her, glowing like sunlight, waiting patiently for him to take her hand.

For the first time in his shadowed life, a light broke through.

"Hikari… why didn’t you help me earlier?"

"Boys your age care about pride. ‘The coward who hides behind a girl’—you wouldn’t want that nickname, would you?"

She stood, brushing off her clothes. "Come on. We’re late."

Naruto watched as Hikari used a water jutsu to clean his wounds, his face burning.

Maybe pride wasn’t so important after all… if it meant she would protect him.

---

"First match: Uchiha Sasuke vs. Hyūga Hinata!"

On the training grounds, Iruka announced the next spar.

He already knew about Naruto and Hikari’s situation.

The Academy wasn’t for coddling. Battles were routine here. As long as things didn’t go too far, students settled their own disputes.

Frankly, Hikari didn’t even need to attend combat drills.

If the entire elite class—himself included—fought her at once, they’d still lose.

As for Naruto? Well, consider today’s beating an early practical lesson.

"Form the seal of confrontation!"

The two complied, eyes locked.

Sasuke, hands in pockets, oozed confidence.

Hinata, in a Gentle Fist stance, pretended to.

"Please go easy on me!" they chorused.

BAM!

Sasuke lunged, fist aimed straight for Hinata’s face.

She flinched but dodged, countering with a palm strike to his ribs—only for him to block with a raised knee.

The fight erupted into a flurry of blows, the sharp crack of flesh meeting flesh echoing across the field.

---

"Hikari, how do I get stronger?"

As Iruka scored the match, Hikari and Naruto emerged from the school building, heading toward the training grounds.

Every head turned.

Hikari walked calmly, unbothered.

Naruto trailed behind, chatting animatedly. His orange jumpsuit, once stamped with shoe prints, was now clean. Aside from a faint bruise around his eye, his injuries had nearly vanished.

"Uh—"

Hinata, distracted, took a brutal punch to the stomach from Sasuke and crumpled, her face scrunched in pain.

"Hinata! How many times must I say it? Focus during a fight!"

"Sasuke wins! Ten points!"

Iruka scribbled in his notebook.

"Sasuke’s so cool!"

Sakura and Ino swooned, hearts practically shooting from their eyes.

Hinata staggered to her feet, avoiding Hikari’s gaze entirely.

---

"Iruka-sensei."

Hikari stopped before the instructor.

The three bullies tensed, bracing for a complaint.

"Naruto fell and hurt himself. I took him to the infirmary, so we’re late."

…Fell.

Onto his fist-shaped eye bruise.

And was escorted by the blind new girl.

To the nonexistent Academy infirmary.

The sheer audacity of the lie made Iruka’s eye twitch. His early praise for Hikari evaporated.

"Fine. You’re up after this. Wait over there."

"Wait!"

Sasuke’s voice cut through.

His dark eyes burned with challenge as he stared at the silver-haired girl.

Ever since hearing she’d defeated Jōnin Kazama Gōtsu, he’d ached to fight her.

Last night, his father had even praised her strength—urging Sasuke to surpass her.

If I beat her, Father will finally acknowledge me.

"Iruka-sensei. I want to spar with Hikari."

Ignoring Hinata’s stunned look, Sasuke squared his shoulders.

---

(◠‿◠)

Chapter 19: Combat Training

Konoha Training Grounds.

Clear skies.

Sasuke felt like he was hot stuff.

But Iruka? Iruka was done.

He knew exactly how strong Hikari was.

The teacher’s lounge had already buzzed with rumors about her.

Even if Sasuke had awakened his Sharingan—let alone a three-tomoe one—it wouldn’t matter.

A blind girl hard-counters ocular jutsu.

Her sealless water release hard-counters fire.

And her ridiculously fast taijutsu? Even if you see it coming, you can’t dodge. Hell, even Kazama-sensei—a jonin with wind-speed movement so refined it was practically art—got kicked so hard he wound up in the hospital.

This matchup was brutal.

Frankly, even Sasuke’s dad, "Fierce-Eye" Fugaku Uchiha, would’ve struggled. And this Sasuke? The kid could barely handle the Academy Three.

With tensions rising between the Uchiha clan and the village, Iruka really didn’t need the clan’s second son dying in his class. Would the Third Hokage even protect him if that happened?

Trying to spare Sasuke’s pride, Iruka carefully chose his words:

"I think it’s better if—"

"Fine."

Hikari agreed instantly.

Clutching his clipboard, Iruka stood frozen at the edge of the field. As a teacher who knew he’d lose to his own student, he had zero authority to argue.

At the center of the training ground, Hikari and Sasuke faced off.

Her mission with Naruto was basically complete.

Sasuke? She didn’t care much about him.

Sure, he was easy to manipulate—but what did he really offer? An Eternal Mangekyō? A Rinnegan way later? Meh.

Even if she stole his eyes, where would she put them? She liked her Byakugan.

It might’ve looked unimpressive, but—

From merging it with Shikotsumyaku to create "Body Domination," to taming volatile tailed-beast chakra for sealless water release—her Byakgu was essential.

So her goal was simple: Break Sasuke. Make him know who ruled this class. Then drag him along to fight Kaguya later.

Hikari’s plans were set.

---

The moment the class realized Hikari and Sasuke were actually fighting?

Chaos.

Finally—a chance to see the mysterious Hikari in action!

Sure, they’d heard the rumors about Kazama-sensei’s hospital trip…

But seeing was believing.

Uchiha Sasuke, the undisputed king of sparring, versus Hikari, the girl who hospitalized a jonin on day one? This was gonna be epic.

…At least, that’s what Sasuke’s fangirls (led by Sakura) thought.

The boys? Different story.

"Hey, Shikamaru—think Sasuke’s got a chance?" Kiba tilted his head, Akamaru pawing excitedly at his hair.

Shikamaru side-eyed him.

"If he walks away without broken ribs, it’s a win."

His dad, Nara Shikaku, had warned him about Hikari last night:

"Don’t piss her off. Stay friendly. And never—never—fight her."

Shikamaru wasn’t stupid. He listened.

Even when Naruto got bullied earlier, he’d wanted to step in—but if Hikari wasn’t moving? Neither was he.

Now, Naruto stood with the others, cupping his hands around his mouth:

"Hikari! YOU GOT THIS!"

Sakura immediately rallied the Sasuke Fan Club to drown him out:

"SASUKE-KUN! YOU’RE THE BEST!"

"QUIET!—I mean, GO SASUKE!"

Iruka’s attempt at order vanished under the screaming.

Watching Sasuke and Hikari lock eyes, Iruka tensed.

"I am Uchiha Sasuke. Fight me."

For once, Sasuke wasn’t smirking like he had against Hinata. He formed a hand seal, deadly serious.

Hikari didn’t even acknowledge him.

Sasuke’s hands dropped. His eyes burned.

Oh, she’s dead.

"BEGIN!"

---

Sasuke lunged—

And flew back faster.

BOOM.

His tiny body skidded across the dirt, kicking up dust.

Hikari lowered her foot.

The fangirls’ cheers died mid-scream.

"YEAH! BEAT HIS ASS, Hikari!" Naruto’s voice echoed—he was too short to even see the fight, still cheering blindly.

"Uh, Naruto? It’s over," Choji muttered, eyeing Ino’s glare.

"Huh?"

Naruto pushed forward—

And gaped at Sasuke, still crumpled on the ground, while Hikari stood untouched.

"That… that was it?!"

The class shared his shock. Even the ones in front had barely seen it—just Sasuke charging, then flying back.

"Sensei. You can call it."

Hikari’s voice snapped Iruka back to reality.

"Winner: Hikari—"

"I’M NOT DONE!"

Sasuke lurched up, eyes red, his back trembling.

"But I am."

Hikari tilted her head—even blindfolded, her disdain was palpable.

"I expected more from an Uchiha."

"YOU—!"

Sasuke roared, charging again. His fist slammed toward her face—

CRACK.

Hikari caught it mid-air.

"GAAAAH—!"

Sasuke screamed as her grip crushed his knuckles.

"Pathetic."

Her cane blocked his hidden kick—then her foot drove into his liver.

"Ghk—!"

Sasuke folded, face purpling like a boiled lobster.

"D-don’t… insult… my clan…"

THUD.

Another kick sent him flying. The class watched, silent.

"The only one insulting the Uchiha is you."

Hikari’s voice was ice.

"Arrogant. Weak. If this is what your clan produces? Pathetic."

No sympathy. None.

She knew Sasuke. Knew he’d stab even those who loved him (cough Karin cough).

You couldn’t nice him into loyalty.

Carrot and stick. Stay stronger, and he’d never betray you.

Then—

Sasuke looked up, face twisted in pain—

And spat fire.

"DIE—!"

Fire Release: Great Fireball Jutsu!

A burst of flames shot at Hikari—

No water jutsu. No dodge.

Was she too slow?!

Sasuke grinned, savoring his revenge—

---

(End of Chapter.)

(◠‿◠)✌️

Chapter 20: The Queen of the Elite Class

"AAAAHHH—!"

The sudden fireball sent the watching students into a panic.

Sure, this was "combat training," but it wasn’t a real battlefield.

Ninja tools? Jutsu? Strictly forbidden for first-years.

Sasuke had just broken every rule.

As the flames roared toward Hikari, some of the girls winced, squeezing their eyes shut.

"Hikari! MOVE!!!"

Naruto screamed, fists clenched, looking like Ash trying to wake up a fainted Pikachu.

Even Iruka and Shikamaru—who knew Hikari was strong—frowned.

The fireball was inches from her now. Too late to dodge. Too late to block.

She hadn’t used water release. Hadn’t moved.

Even a jonin could die from a direct hit like this.

What the hell was she doing?!

Then—

Hikari lifted her left hand.

Gloop… gloop…

Dark blue chakra—boiling like water under her skin—bubbled up from her pores, shifting into a crimson haze.

In seconds, her pale hand was sheathed in red energy.

WHOOSH!

The fireball slammed into her palm.

Sasuke’s eyes widened as Hikari squeezed.

HISSSSS—!

The flames writhed, spitting sparks—but her grip was iron. The fireball struggled, its force crushed by something even more monstrous.

Then—

PFFT.

It died in her hand.

The red energy faded. Her skin? Unscathed.

Silence.

Absolute silence.

The class—Iruka included—just gaped.

No jutsu. No defense. She’d caught an Uchiha’s fireball bare-handed.

If they hadn’t seen it? They’d never believe it.

"Your fireball couldn’t light a candle."

Tap. Tap. Tap.

Her cane tapped past Sasuke—still frozen on the ground—as she returned to the group.

The students scrambled back, forming a wide circle around her.

Nobody dared get close to the girl who crushed fire with her fist.

Finally, Iruka coughed.

"Hikari… full marks. Sasuke… try harder."

That broke Sasuke.

Between the beating, the chakra drain, and now this? He passed out.

"You three." Iruka pointed at the boys who’d bullied Naruto earlier. "Take Sasuke to the infirmary. Then fight Choji, Shikamaru, and Kiba."

"HUH?!" x3

The Elite Class rankings? Sasuke was first. Those three? Second, third, fourth.

"Move it, or it’s marked as skipping!"

"Y-yes, sensei…"

Grumbling, they hauled Sasuke away.

"Next match! Sakura vs. Ino!"

The training ground buzzed again—but after that spectacle? Everything else felt dull.

Meanwhile, the real star sat cross-legged, flexing her hand.

Damn, that stung.

Sure, the Three-Tails’ chakra cloak had tanked the fireball—but she’d barely stolen enough for a thin layer.

A real jinchūriki’s cloak could no-sell attacks. Hers? A bootleg version.

If this had been Itachi’s fireball? She’d be charcoal.

But the result was perfect.

She watched the class sneak glances at her—fear and awe in their eyes.

Her status? Now above Iruka’s.

Just as planned.

Step one: Crush the Uchiha to establish dominance.

Step two: Win over the clan heirs for their secret techniques.

She didn’t care about being Hokage.

But their yin-yang jutsu knowledge? Essential for her path to godhood.

"Hikari! How’d you do that?!"

Naruto—bouncing over—was the only one brave enough to ask.

"You’ll manage it someday."

She side-eyed the Nine-Tails inside him, itching to steal its chakra too.

Using the cloak had drained her.

The Byakugan and Shikotsumyaku weren’t chakra-heavy—without the Three-Tails’ reserves, she’d be dry.

"REALLY?! THANKS!"

Naruto beamed, already imagining himself smacking Sasuke’s fireballs away.

Hikari turned to Kiba, who’d been watching her.

"You. What’s your name?"

Kiba jumped, pointing at himself. "M-me?"

"Mm. Your puppy’s cute."

"Oh! I’m Kiba! This is Akamaru! We’re partners!"

"Bark! Bark!"

Kiba grinned. Dog people loved anyone who praised their pets.

"And you two?"

Shikamaru and Choji stepped forward, exchanging names.

"I’m Hikari. Need a favor."

The trio glanced at each other.

"What favor?"

"Later, during sparring—go hard on those three. I’ll owe you."

Behind her, Naruto teared up. She’s doing this for ME?!

Shikamaru’s group lit up.

Hikari was unstoppable. Having her as an ally meant carte blanche in the Academy.

Plus? They hated those guys anyway.

"Deal."

"Make sure they visit the infirmary."

"Leave it to us!"

As the three puffed their chests, and Naruto sparkled behind her, Hikari’s smile deepened.

Friendship was built on mutual benefit.

Small favors now… big alliances later.

And crushing the Uchiha? A message to the village:

"I’m strong. I’m not with the Uchiha. Invest in me."

Kids were the best gossipers. The more they exaggerated, the more clans would flock to her.

Soon?

She’d just whisper what she needed—and "investors" would throw resources at her.

The snowball was already rolling.

---

(＾▽＾)