Chinya, now Orochimaru's disciple, limped home under the moonlight.
Although his legs ached, Chinya's face was lit with excitement.
Without any background, all Chinya had to offer right now were the Full Sword Forms of Thunder Breathing.
But relying solely on Thunder Breathing wouldn't make him invincible, so Chinya needed other methods to strengthen himself.
Without Orochimaru, he'd only be able to enhance himself by spending Witness Points in exchange for abilities.
However, when he saw the number of Witness Points required at the System's Redemption Shop, Chinya saw stars.
With only 40 Witness Points, there was no way he could afford even the most basic upgrades.
And if he waited until the Third Great Ninja War to obtain more points, it would already be too late.
By that time, it would be too late.
The System wouldn't grant full command of new techniques immediately—it would only build upon Chinya's existing mastery of Thunder Breathing. Then, Chinya would have to train and refine those skills himself.
But this did have an advantage: Chinya developed his own understanding of Thunder Breathing without rigidly copying others' styles.
This made it highly adaptable.
Take Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunder Flash Sixfold Slash, for example.
Though originally imitated from its user, Zenitsu Agatsuma, figuring out how to change directions while minimizing strain on the legs—this was all Chinya's own work.
Chinya took a deep breath, encouraging himself mentally. He had to be like a sponge, soaking up every bit of wisdom Orochimaru passed down.
With Orochimaru's guidance, Chinya was confident he'd be able to stand on his own when war arrived!
...
Four days later, at the Ninja Academy.
In her seat, Kushina Uzumaki vented to Chinya.
"Chinya, you don't know how hard Sealing Techniques are! Pages and pages of boring theory you have to memorize! The *Introduction to Sealing Techniques*? Do you know how thick it is? As thick as my palm! And Grandma Mito wants me to memorize it all!"
Kushina scrunched up her face as she poured out her complaints to Chinya.
Chinya chuckled and gently ruffled Kushina's hair. "You work hard now, and things will get easier later. Kushina will definitely become the greatest kunoichi ever."
Hearing Chinya's comforting words, Kushina—who normally would've smiled by now—still pouted. "Actually, working hard isn't the problem. It's what Grandma Mito said that upset me. She told me after graduation, I have to stay with her to learn sealing techniques. Only after I've mastered them inside-out will she let me go on missions.
But I was really looking forward to forming a team with you, Chinya..."
Her head drooping, Kushina looked visibly disappointed.
Chinya laughed softly. "Kushina, actually, I also have something to tell you. After graduation, I probably won't go on missions with anyone else because four days ago, I was accepted as Orochimaru-sensei's personal disciple. From now on, I'll be training under Master Orochimaru."
Kushina tilted her pretty little head in confusion. "Orochimaru-sensei? I haven't heard of him before."
Orochimaru had been living in seclusion for a long time and was rarely seen by anyone.
Moreover, aside from the Ninja Academy, Mito Uzumaki's residence, and Chinya's home, Kushina Uzumaki didn't have many places to go. Therefore, she had no way of hearing any news about Orochimaru, and she didn't know him at all.
"Kushina, you know that Tsunade and Jiraiya are among the Sannin, right?"
"Yeah, I know."
"Orochimaru-sensei is also one of the Sannin."
Kushina was so surprised she covered her mouth with her hand and whispered, "One of the legendary Sannin has taken you as his disciple?"
Chinya nodded happily. "That's right. Four nights ago, I passed Orochimaru-sensei's test. As he mentioned back then, he'll come find me today."
Kushina said excitedly, "Wow, Chinya! A big shot like Orochimaru actually took you as his student!"
Chinya replied with some guilt, "But Kushina, after this, I'll be training under Orochimaru-sensei, so we won't be able to spend much time together anymore. We won't get to see each other every day like before."
Kushina gave Chinya a playful punch on the shoulder. "Oh don't worry about it! Once your training's done, we'll have all the time in the world!"
In truth, Kushina felt quite disappointed inside.
Ever since they'd become friends years ago, she and Chinya had seen each other every single day—never missing a day. She had grown accustomed to having him by her side.
Now that they were graduating and being separated, she felt terribly reluctant.
However, she tried her best to appear cheerful, not wanting Chinya to feel concerned.
After spending so many years with Kushina, Chinya naturally understood her completely.
He understood well enough how she truly felt inside.
However, there was no time to get caught up in those feelings now. A crisis was already drawing near, and Chinya needed to grow stronger by any means possible to ensure both his and Kushina's survival through the coming dangers.
Chinya pulled out a small bell from his pocket.
It was one of a matching pair of bells he had purchased for a hefty price of 30 Witness Points from the Redemption Shop.
These bells didn't possess any special abilities, except for one unique function.
When one bell rang, the other would also sound, and they could be used to locate each other's position.
The reason Chinya had exchanged for this bell was because he already knew about the future attempt by Kumo ninja to kidnap Kushina Uzumaki.
Chinya handed the bell to Kushina. "This is for you, Kushina."
Seeing the small bell in Chinya's hand, Kushina happily accepted it and excitedly asked, "Is this a gift for me?"
Seeing the look of anticipation on Kushina's face, Chinya smiled. "Yes, it is."
Kushina's smile was radiant. "I really like it. Thank you, Chinya."
Chinya scratched his nose awkwardly. Could just a little bell really make Kushina this happy?
Chinya looked at Kushina Uzumaki seriously and said, "Kushina Uzumaki, this bell has a special function. I also have a matching bell right here. As long as you ring yours, mine will trigger too, and no matter where you are, the bell will guide me to find you.
So you must always carry this bell on you. If you're ever in trouble, be sure to ring it immediately—I'll come right away. Do you understand?"
Seeing how serious Chinya was, Kushina Uzumaki responded with an equally serious little face: "I swear I'll carry this bell with me all the time!"
With that, Kushina Uzumaki couldn't resist giving the bell a shake and listened closely for a response from Chinya.
When she heard Chinya's bell ring too, Kushina Uzumaki couldn't help but smile warmly.
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