Once out of the underground shelter built for civilians, Yuichi immediately focused his senses to detect chakra signatures, his primary targets being Kagami and the massive presence he had sensed earlier.
Chakra signatures, though invisible to the average person, held subtle differences unique to each individual. Skilled sensory ninjas could distinguish clan lineage, even identify individuals by the chakra alone.
Yuichi, however, was still far from that level. He could only recognize his teammates' chakra by forcefully memorizing their patterns through prolonged exposure. That was the extent of his sensing capabilities.
Leaping across rooftops, he scanned the area while moving toward Kagami's location. Most of the foreign chakra presence had faded, and the silence in the area made it clear that the conflict had subsided.
Still, as a shinobi, Yuichi knew not to interfere in civil wars unless explicitly ordered after all Political sensitivities ran deep.
Konoha's direct involvement in the Land of Grain's internal affairs could be interpreted as a hostile act, potentially giving rival villages an excuse to intervene. Here, Fire Daimyō's private forces assisting a noble house were diplomatically far safer.
"Haa... All this is confusing as hell," Yuichi muttered, shaking his head. Politics was never his strong suit. Civics had always been his least favorite subject, even in his past life. Understanding the gist of the situation was enough for him. This was the furthest he could give to the civics.
'Enough about politics... Let's check my stats. Status.'
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[STATUS SCREEN]
Name: Ensho Yuichi
Rank: B+
Age: 10
STR - B+
AGI - B+
INT - B
PER - A-
CHK - B+
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Yuichi's growth over the last year was substantial. His overall rank had risen to the peak of B, with Perception being his standout stat due to his focus on sensory training.
However, Intelligence lagged behind—a frustratingly slow stat to improve, requiring immense study and accumulated experience.
'Tch... it barely moved. That's why I hate opening this damn thing too often.'
He usually avoided the status screen because it often made his progress feel sluggish. But today, after successfully performing advanced medical ninjutsu to reattach Mio's fingers, he allowed himself the indulgence. A grounding reminder of how far he'd come.
He closed his status screen as he arrived at the location, he spotted Kagami seated on the ground, facing the rising sun. The morning sky painted the surroundings in a chilly blue hue. The air was crisp, peaceful—a stark contrast to the chaos concluded in the surrounding.
Just as Yuichi was about to approach, Kagami spoke.
"Yuichi, first check the pit. Confirm if the man inside is dead or not."
"Hmm? Got it," Yuichi replied, changing course.
He headed for the large crater, the origin of the colossal chakra signature. But now, it was so faint, it barely registered.
'Is he dead or just on the verge?' Yuichi wondered.
Peering into the pit, his eyes widened. The man, Kinkaku, was still alive. Barely. Yet he was healing rapidly. Too rapidly.
"Just die already. Not like you're important to the plot anymore," Yuichi muttered darkly.
He was unsure how he reached here and why he was even alive. But yuichi knew one thing for sure, that keeping him alive will only bring more chaos in the future.
He charged his blade with Lightning Chakra through his Lightning Enhancement ability, and further refined it using Wind Chakra to sharpen and shape the energy. With precise control, he launched a piercing thrust downward.
With a loud explosion violent lightning struck out from the Yuichi's blade. Kinkaku's upper body got incinerated instantly on the moment of impact, while the explosion due to lightning increased the crater's size.
"This move is damn cool... but this numbness..." Yuichi grumbled as he slid the blade back into its sheath. His left hand trembled slightly. He flicked it before applying a light healing technique to reduce the numbing effects of his own jutsu.
Then, he turned toward Kagami - only to freeze.
Kagami's expression was terrifying. His Sharingan glowed crimson. His face furrowed, eyes swollen, radiating a mix of fury and exasperation.
"Uhh... Sensei? Why are you looking at me like that? And what's with the swollen goldfish eyes?" Yuichi joked nervously.
Kagami didn't laugh.
He simply gestured. "Come here."
Sensing danger, Yuichi cautiously edged closer, preparing to flee. But the moment he stepped within reach, a fist slammed down onto his head, smashing his face into the dirt. Kagami's foot pressed onto his back, pinning him.
"You little brat! What the hell was that technique? Are you trying to kill yourself?!" Kagami ran a hand through his hair, clearly fighting to stay calm.
"Ah... that?" Yuichi chuckled weakly. "Just something I was working on. After a bunch of failures, it finally worked. Cool, right? Pretty powerful too!"
"If you keep this up, you're going to blow yourself to pieces one of these days. You have no idea how much that would hurt me," Kagami said, pressing down harder.
"Ahhh! Sorry! I swear I'll ask your guidance next time before testing stuff like that!"
"No, no, why bother? Go ahead! Keep inventing suicidal jutsu. Strain your arm until it falls off. Either you'll end your ninja career yourself, or I'll end it for you."
Kagami cracked his knuckles. Yuichi tilted his head awkwardly, staring up at him.
"One chance! Please! Just one!"
...
After a round of scolding and physical persuasion, Kagami finally let Yuichi go. The two of them sat side by side, the tension easing. Just two shinobi, a student and a teacher, watching the first rays of sunlight stretch across a battered sky.