You Are My Pride and the Direction I Strive For
Orochimaru and Chiyu exited the Hokage's office together.
At the entrance, Orochimaru turned to Chiyu. "Next, you'll accompany me to the battlefield. Prepare yourself—restock your ninja tools. Meet me at the base tomorrow morning."
Chiyu nodded respectfully. "Yes, Teacher Orochimaru."
They parted ways. Chiyu headed first to the ninja tool shop, where he bought kunai, shuriken, and explosive tags.
Stepping out, a flicker of frustration crossed Chiyu's face.
Though he hadn't completed many missions—only C-rank so far—none of the reward was deducted by Orochimaru. Still, with little else to spend on, Chiyu had been saving every ryo he earned.
He had thought himself financially stable, but after this trip, his wallet was effectively empty.
Kunai and shuriken were affordable enough, but explosive tags hit him hard—three hundred ryo each.
Explosive tags are indispensable in combat. Whether setting traps or controlling the battlefield, their strategic value is enormous. Skimping on them could mean disaster.
Chiyu sighed, patting his nearly empty pouch.
Thankfully, Orochimaru took care of his basic needs—food, lodging, and travel—so at least he didn't have to worry there.
Returning home, Chiyu opened his character panel to check his Witness Points.
Because of the recent incident—Cloud Village ninjas kidnapping Uzumaki Kushina—he had earned a hefty reward.
[Witnessed the abduction of Uzumaki Kushina by Cloud Village ninjas: +500 Witness Points]
[Direct participation in the event: +800 Witness Points]
Staring at the total—1300 Witness Points—Chiyu allowed himself a small smile.
This was a massive jump compared to witnessing Kushina's enrollment (+50) or Might Guy's birth (+50).
Next, he reviewed his character stats:
Character: Chiyu
Bloodline: Uchiha Clan, Senju Clan
Kekkei Genkai: Double Tomoe Sharingan
Chakra: Comparable to Kakashi with Sharingan activated
Ninjutsu: E-rank Three Body Technique, C-rank Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, ...
Genjutsu: Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique, Sharingan Genjutsu
Taijutsu: Shuriken Proficiency, C-rank Taijutsu
Extra Ability: Thunder Breathing Full Form
Chiyu's chest swelled with quiet pride. Years of grinding through the ninja academy and countless missions had sharpened him into a far different shinobi than the boy he once was.
Despite his Witness Points growing steadily, he hadn't spent them recklessly.
Orochimaru's guidance meant Chiyu had no shortage of jutsu knowledge or training. If he wanted to unlock something major—like the coveted Three Tomoe Sharingan in both eyes—his current 1310 points wouldn't cut it.
"Still broke, huh?" Chiyu muttered to himself, closing the panel.
From his pouch, he drew out a sealed scroll and broke the seal.
Within appeared the Ooyoroi ninja sword—a weapon he had come to respect during battle. Its chakra conductivity was exceptional, a clear sign it was forged with chakra-infused metal, albeit in limited quantities.
Better than the katana he currently wielded, which was battered and jagged from repeated sharpening after numerous fights.
This sword could finally retire his old blade.
Chiyu glanced around his modest home. Since claiming it, he'd barely set foot inside.
He had planned to rest there one night before departing Konoha for the battlefield, but seeing the thick dust on the bed, he reconsidered.
Instead, he headed to Mito Uzumaki's residence to inform Kushina of his imminent mission.
Kushina opened the door, surprised but smiling.
"Already awake, Kushina?" Chiyu asked.
Her cheeks flushed, memories of their previous intimate moment causing her to lower her gaze shyly, murmuring softly.
Chiyu explained, "I'm going to Yugakure with Teacher Orochimaru for a long-term mission. I might be gone a while."
Kushina's expression faltered in surprise.
Chiyu gently ruffled her hair. "Even if I stay in Yugakure for a long time, I'll find a way to return to Konoha and see you."
Kushina pouted, disappointed. She had been waiting for Chiyu these past few days, dressing up in hope of seeing him.
"I just wanted to sit with you, talk," she confessed softly.
Sensing her sadness, Chiyu smiled warmly. "I'm not leaving until tomorrow morning. Want to go out and stroll around?"
Her face lit up, nodding enthusiastically. "Let's go now!"
After a brief greeting to Mito Uzumaki, they wandered through Konoha together.
They eventually reached the forest, where silence and peace wrapped around them like a cloak.
Words felt unnecessary in this fleeting moment of calm.
Night fell, and Chiyu escorted Kushina back to her home.
At the door, he gave careful instructions. "Konoha's been unstable lately. Stay close to Lady Mito for now and don't wander off. If anything happens, ring the bell—I'll rush over immediately."
Kushina nodded silently, drinking in every word.
Suddenly, she grasped Chiyu's right hand, bandaged but healing.
"It's just a scratch," Chiyu reassured, smiling. "It'll heal in a few days. No need to worry."
Her eyes met his, fierce and determined. "Chiyu, I'll work hard too. I'll train and grow stronger. I won't be a burden to you anymore."
Chiyu pulled her into a gentle embrace, voice low and sincere.
"You've never been a burden. You are my pride, the very direction I strive for."