"This cultivation method really is amazing. Unlike ordinary chakra, which is produced by extracting physical and spiritual energy from the body's 130 trillion cells, it absorbs Natural Energy from the outside world. Put simply, in the terms of a martial arts world, it's qi."
"So... does that mean this is also a different kind of Sage Mode?"
"And one that can be stored inside the body, ready to be drawn upon whenever you need it."
"The higher your cultivation, the purer and greater the amount of Natural Energy you can store. Unlike Naruto and Jiraiya, who have to gather Natural Energy on the spot whenever they use it. And the Heavenly Steel Art also has abilities that ordinary Sage Mode lacks: once you reach a high enough level, it grants you a near-instantaneous flash step, Body Protection Qi, and all kinds of devastating attacks." Chiya couldn't help marveling to himself.
He figured he'd struck gold this time. Not only had he obtained the Zanpakuto with Aizen's complete hypnosis ability, he could also use his cultivation method to enter Sage Mode. Once he mastered the various techniques that came with the Heavenly Steel Art, his strength would surely make a huge leap in a short time.
By then, he'd have some ability to protect himself. Nice.
But before that, he had to keep his head down.
He absolutely couldn't let the Konoha F4 find out. Otherwise, that old dog Danzo might really take him away to dissect him.
For now, he'd just live as an ordinary ninja.
Time flew by, and before long, it was time for the Ninja Academy to open.
To make up for the loss of manpower in the Night of the Nine-Tails, the Ninja Academy began recruiting in large numbers. Any child old enough could apply, and after reviewing their applications, the school would send them an admission notice.
As a ninja's child, Fujiwara Chiya naturally received one.
He couldn't help feeling excited.
The Ninja Academy was where people learned ninja skills. With his system, he was bound to gain formidable strength in the future.
But no matter how powerful he became, he still had to learn how to use that strength.
Basic ninja knowledge was indispensable.
He didn't want to end up like Kaguya, with the strongest power in the world but a negative battle IQ.
As the saying went, good things came in pairs. That day, Fujiwara Chiya turned six.
His cultivation in the Heavenly Steel Art finally began to show results, reaching the first level.
In an instant, Fujiwara Chiya felt his perception soar. He sensed children playing in the streets, Naruto being mistreated by his caretaker, Kakashi standing dejectedly before Obito's grave, and Danzo arguing with the Third Hokage over who should take custody of Naruto.
"So this is the first level of the Heavenly Steel Art? And this perception... I was right. Once the art reaches the first level, activating it lets me enter what this world calls Sage Mode." Fujiwara Chiya couldn't help looking pleased with himself.
Next, he tested Kyoka Suigetsu and was surprised to find that while in Sage Mode through the cultivation method, he could keep it released continuously for an entire day.
He just had to remember to conceal his presence while activating the art. Otherwise, if a sensory-type ninja was nearby, there was still a risk of being discovered. After all, the amount of chakra in Sage Mode was far beyond that of an ordinary person.
Of course, concealing his presence was simplicity itself for someone with a cultivation method like his.
He just didn't know what it would be like to release ninjutsu through the cultivation method while in Sage Mode.
Unfortunately, his predecessor's parents had died in the Nine-Tails Incident. He only knew some basic chakra extraction techniques. They hadn't left behind a single ninjutsu—or even a single penny. Even if they had, it wouldn't have ended up in his hands. Sarutobi Hiruzen had probably taken it to "rebuild the village."
Thinking this, Chiya walked over to the mirror and changed into a new outfit he'd never worn before.
The boy in the mirror wore a fitted white long-sleeved T-shirt and black casual pants. His black hair was cut to a medium length, with tousled layers.
With his handsome features, he looked every bit the charming little boy.
"Sure enough, I'm incredible." Fujiwara Chiya shamelessly praised himself as he looked at his reflection. Then he picked up the backpack issued by the Ninja Academy, left his room, and headed for the school.
By then, many parents had already brought their children to register at the Ninja Academy. Chiya's arrival didn't draw much attention, because everyone's eyes were on Uchiha Itachi.
Except for a handful of children, most of the parents looked at Uchiha Itachi with varying degrees of wariness.
It was obvious that the claim that the Uchiha Clan had controlled the Nine-Tails and made it attack Konoha had already taken root in people's minds, thanks to the deliberate efforts of a certain Pot Kage.
Just like what had happened to the White Fang of Konoha back then.
Meanwhile, the "strongest Hokage in history," the Third Hokage, had returned to the Hokage Position and still maintained his usual attitude: neither opposing nor endorsing the accusations.
He stayed out of it.
To some extent, this was the result of a deal between the Third Hokage and Danzo.
The Third Hokage had faced tremendous pressure to reclaim the position of Hokage. In return, Danzo couldn't be left with nothing. Together with Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, he formed Konoha's elder council and became one of the infamous Konoha F4 in the eyes of countless fans.
There was a saying: "If the Shinobi World's in chaos, the Uchiha are to blame; if Konoha's in chaos, the Konoha F4 are to blame." Those men had pioneered the rat race in the Shinobi World.
At the same time, Danzo's power in Konoha began to reach its peak. As for Danzo's little schemes, as long as they didn't threaten the interests of the Sarutobi Clan and didn't go too far, Hiruzen generally didn't care.
Chiya had long since grown used to it. He had no intention of speaking up for the Uchiha Clan, either. For now, he just had to look after himself.
Until he had enough strength, he would be just an ordinary Ninja Academy student.
He'd leave the days ahead to fate. If Konoha couldn't tolerate him, he could always leave. After all, with Kyoka Suigetsu, defecting from Konoha wouldn't be too difficult. And so far, he had no ties here, nor any sense of belonging.
Of course, an exception would appear soon enough.
Fujiwara Chiya made his way through the crowd and handed his admission notice to the two Chunin teachers handling registration. Just as he finished signing up, a petite figure appeared behind him, followed by a gentle, childish voice. "It's been a long time, Chiya."
"Ah, it has." Fujiwara Chiya took the class information card from the teacher and turned around. Uchiha Izumi stood with her hands behind her back, apparently holding something. Leaning slightly forward, she looked him over curiously.
"That's such a flat reply." Izumi puffed out her cheeks, then stepped closer. With her little face turning red, she compared their heights and said in surprise, "Chiya, have you gotten a little taller?"
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