Chakra

During a quiet month, Uchiha Zhuang's chakra reserves had grown considerably. The chakra training technique and Kage-level ninja insights produced by the system were guaranteed to be top quality, and for Uchiha Zhuang, who was still building his foundation, they had been as nourishing as spring rain. On one of Meiko's days off, Uchiha Zhuang got up early—earlier even than she did—and made a special breakfast of fried eggs, ramen, sausage and fish cakes, finished off with a glass of orange juice. Meiko knew he must want something from her. After savoring the breakfast he had carefully prepared, she said, "Zhuang, go on. What do you want Mom to help you with?" Uchiha Zhuang hesitated awkwardly, then quickly replied, "Meiko, I want to buy some training gear, but the shopkeepers won't sell it to me. They say I'm too young. So could you come with me to buy it today?" Meiko smiled. "I haven't gone shopping with you in ages. Let's go now!" Uchiha Zhuang was delighted. They chatted as they headed to the ninja tool district. As they carefully examined the merchandise and learned about it—mostly by listening to Meiko talk with the shopkeepers—he picked up all sorts of details and common knowledge about blades, materials, hidden weapons, scrolls, chakra natures, and more. In the end, they bought a huge pile of things: shuriken, kunai, a multipurpose tool pouch, smoke bombs, wire, military ration pills, and other gear. Meiko's status as a hospital employee was what allowed them to buy many tools that ordinary people couldn't get. Near noon, they finally returned home, both carrying large bundles. "Meiko, you didn't have to buy so many ninja tools. I can't use all of this." "Your father's letter said he'll be back in a little over a month. I bought everything ahead of time so we wouldn't have to spend more time and effort getting it ready when he returns. And I wanted to get you some things, too." Uchiha Zhuang nodded, then took out a Chakra Paper and slowly channeled chakra into it. He tried several times, and each time it became damp and burned. "Haha, Zhuang, you have the rare water nature among the Uchiha Clan! That's wonderful! You really are my son." Uchiha Zhuang was at a loss. What was there to praise? It was just a water nature. That was perfectly normal. Uchiha Meiko prepared a full set of ninja equipment and rations for him, then looked at him solemnly, meeting his eyes. "Your father and I are both decisive people. We believe that if you've made a decision, you've already thought through the consequences. We trust you. As long as you aren't doing anything evil, you can make your own choices. We'll always be your safe harbor." Uchiha Zhuang nodded at Meiko's unusually serious expression. "Don't worry. It'll be fine. I'll train hard. This world needs the right kind of power to guide it. I've already made a promise to her: I'll carry out my will in this world." Meiko seemed to selectively ignore everything else he had said and pounced on him with questions. "Who is she? Is she pretty and gentle? When did this happen? Zhuang, Mom has to remind you to be careful. You're still young..." Uchiha Zhuang was speechless. With a dark expression, he hurriedly put away his gear, ran into his room, and slammed the door shut. "Honestly! I finally opened up to her, and she couldn't be serious for once." After spending the night training his mind, Uchiha Zhuang woke refreshed the next day, finished breakfast, and left early. He picked a secluded stream and watched the golden liquid in the Chakra Essence glow. He pulled out the stopper and gulped it down. Then he quickly trained his chakra natures. His body felt full of energy; the fire techniques he'd previously struggled to perform—failing nine times out of ten—now worked almost every time. Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique! Water Release: Water Needle Technique! Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire! Water Release: Water Colliding Wave! After unleashing a barrage of techniques, Uchiha Zhuang felt his body settle down. He sat quietly, regulating his chakra and reflecting on his condition. At noon, he ran all the way to a ramen shop and ate an enormous bowl, then picked up a training outfit he'd ordered from a clothing store. Meiko had gone in person before the shopkeeper agreed to tailor it for him. Finally, he returned to the stream. Looking at the Butterfly Bracelet in his hand, Uchiha Zhuang hesitated. This trip would take him straight into the brutal ninja world, nothing like the peace of Konoha. He had to prepare himself. He checked once more that he had everything he needed. "Echo of the Distance." The teleportation activated. A speck of golden light flickered, and Uchiha Zhuang vanished from beside the stream, leaving only the quiet woods, where birds called now and then.

Looking at the dense forest around him, Uchiha Zhuang knew he had arrived at the farthest point he could see. He had traveled northwest, toward the Land of Rivers. Relying on common sense, he first concealed himself and assessed his stamina, then began running along the ground, mostly beneath the trees. Whenever he came across a main road, he detoured around it; he avoided side paths, too, carefully making his way through overgrown grass where no one traveled. He gripped the Flowing Light Red Dragon Tachi strapped to his back, and a sense of reassurance welled up inside him. Since he was wearing Speed Boots, he used very little stamina, so he wasn't particularly nervous. After several days of traveling by day and hiding at night, he stopped once more to survey the area. Far away, he spotted leaves shaking. A few rough-looking men carrying swords emerged and headed toward a nearby path. Uchiha Zhuang immediately moved closer under cover. Thanks to his exceptional physique and caution, he slowly approached the bandits and followed them at a distance, listening carefully. "Damn it! Those miserable country bumpkins. We only took a little food, and they came at us like they didn't care if they died. Did they think I, Lord Masheng, was putting on a play?" a vulgar voice said. "Masheng, you're a vicious bastard. There were more than twenty people, and you didn't hold back at all. Two of them were girls, too. What a waste," said a leering voice. A third, high-pitched voice chimed in. "Lord Xiaoquan is right. Lord Masheng's swordsmanship is remarkable. I'd say you're as good as the greatest swordsman of our time, Lord Iba Mizuki. No, even better! Hehehe." "All of you, shut your mouths. We're almost at the hideout. Keep an eye out. Don't let any straggling refugees or damn rival bandits follow us in." At the low, stern voice, the other three immediately fell silent and obediently continued on, glancing around as they went. Uchiha Zhuang listened without any reaction. In this world, the weak suffered like this; their lives and deaths were at the mercy of others. His emotions were calm, but a fire burned inside him: he was eager to wipe out these bandits.

Uchiha Zhuang carefully followed the bandits. Before long, he spotted a high ridge. There was only one path up the mountain, guarded in layers by bandits; everywhere else, steep cliffs rose sheer. Looking up, he saw a ring of wooden palisades around the summit. That had to be the bandits' stronghold. Uchiha Zhuang waited patiently for nightfall. The sky was thick with clouds, and there was no moonlight; it was so dark he couldn't see his hand in front of his face. Only a few torches flickered on the mountain, as if the night were destined for something to happen. The darkness didn't hinder Uchiha Zhuang's vision. If anything, he could see better. He could even make out a bandit on sentry duty halfway up the mountain yawning. He changed into his night clothes in the woods, then crept to the foot of the mountain. Light-footed, he ran up along the path beside the cliff, slipping over the palisades whenever he encountered them. He reached the stronghold at the summit without anyone noticing the deadly assassin. In the shadows, beside a wooden training dummy at the peak, he watched the only brightly lit cabin. A familiar yet unfamiliar stench hung around it, mingling with ceaseless roars, beatings, and moans. The assassin slowly drew his one-meter-long death-dealing tachi. The red dragon pattern on its hilt seemed to roar, while the blade gleamed darkly without reflecting any light. Uchiha Zhuang stepped out of the shadows and moved toward the cabin, gripping the tachi with both hands and resting it on his right shoulder as he quietly gathered his strength. He didn't approach the door or windows. He knew that ruthless bandits who lived by the sword usually had sharp instincts, so he quietly took out an iron caltrop and casually tossed it onto the wooden boards by the door. It clattered against the wood. The sounds inside stopped at once, followed by muttering and curses. "Damn it! Whatever it is, it can wait until tomorrow! You bunch of trash, bother me again and I'll skin you alive!" Then the moans started up again. Having confirmed that the people inside were important, had been drinking, and were not thinking clearly, Uchiha Zhuang vaulted through a window and into the cabin in a flash. Three bodies were tangled on the floor. While the others gaped in shock, Uchiha Zhuang seized his chance and rushed at the ugly, scarred man in the middle, who was still stunned. Gripping the tachi with both hands and planting his feet, he drove power through his waist and brought the blade down hard from his shoulder. The scarred man was sitting on the floor and hadn't even changed expression before his upper body was split open by a huge gash. Warm liquid sprayed everywhere. Uchiha Zhuang struck with lightning speed and didn't even look to see the result. He immediately coated his palms with chakra and struck the two women beside him, one after the other, silencing their screams with hard blows to the head. It had all taken only a few moments. Looking around the cabin, Uchiha Zhuang found a set of worn armor and two great tachi displayed on a weapon rack. Their owner had died on the bed. He searched the storage cabinet and found silver, gold, and paper money. In the innermost cabinet, he found a locked compartment. He pried it open with his sword and discovered a pile of letters. After reading a few lines, Uchiha Zhuang frowned. They discussed military deployments and war plans in the Land of Rivers. This was important information. He bundled up all the letters, took them out through the window, and ran to a boulder at the summit. He hid the bundle beneath it and covered it with some loose soil. The assassination was far from over. Uchiha Zhuang carefully searched the entire mountaintop and found a room where women were being held. At least ten of them had been kidnapped. The other bandits—more than ten in each of two thatched huts—were staying in two separate buildings. There were at least thirty bandits left, not counting those keeping watch on the path or patrolling the summit. He had to eliminate the sentries on the summit and along the mountain path, then wipe out all the bandits in the huts. Uchiha Zhuang immediately crouched low and slipped up beside a patrolling bandit. He drew a short blade and stabbed him through the back, straight into the heart. There was no need to wonder whether he could make a sound. The White-robed Mage had said it when making The Lord of the Rings: a person who'd been stabbed couldn't make a sound. After dealing with the guards at the summit, Uchiha Zhuang followed the mountain path and stabbed the sentries in the back, one by one, from the summit to the foot of the mountain. From the moment the first bandit died, he knew there was no longer any option to hold back. If he killed only the ringleader and spared the rest, the surviving thugs would vent their fear and rage on the innocent women at the summit. The surrounding villages would be left with no people or livestock. After steadying himself, Uchiha Zhuang stood in front of the bandits' hut and began forming Hand Seals. Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique! A huge fireball shot through the open doorway and straight into the hut. The intense heat instantly engulfed the whole room, followed by screams. The bandits in the other hut heard the noise. The quickest to react came running out with their tachi. Water Release: Water Needle Technique! Countless needles of water flew toward them, and the first few bandits fell dead. "A ninja! A damn ninja!" "Kill him! Quick! We'll die if you don't—everyone, get him!" The bandits behind them shouted, charging at Uchiha Zhuang with all sorts of weapons. Faced with a burning hut and more than a dozen murderous desperadoes rushing toward him, Uchiha Zhuang felt strangely calm. By this point, he had little stamina left. He had put too much power into the Great Fireball Technique. Though it was much stronger, it had consumed a lot of his strength and chakra. And using the Water Needle Technique beside a burning building had been a rookie mistake. It had drained him even more. But Uchiha Zhuang was fully equipped, and his Flowing Light Red Dragon Tachi was far better than the bandits' weapons. His fighting spirit surged. More than ten men charged. The first two raised their swords and shouted as they brought them down from overhead. Uchiha Zhuang swept the tachi hard across from his right shoulder, and both men fell at once, blood pouring from their bodies. Seeing this, the men behind them stopped. They surrounded Uchiha Zhuang and circled slowly, waiting for him to let his guard down for even an instant so they could cut him down. Uchiha Zhuang kept his eyes on the ground, watching and listening to their footsteps. He didn't look at their ugly faces or sharp blades. His expression was solemn, his eyelids lowered. It was absurd: a group of murderous bandits were so frightened by a five-year-old child that they could only circle around him. The standoff continued until the nearby hut collapsed. None of the bandits inside had survived. Ninja techniques were terrifying! "Damn brat! Are you here to die?" "Let us open a few dozen holes in you!" "Lord Masheng will send you straight to hell!" "Die, you little brat!" The surrounding bandits began hurling insults, trying to shake Uchiha Zhuang's resolve. Finally, he lowered the tachi from his shoulder. He seemed tired. Seeing this, the bandits rushed in to hack him to pieces. A few sharp pops rang out, and smoke billowed around them. It was night, with no moon. The burning hut had provided just enough light for them to see, but now the thick smoke made everyone tense. Water Release: Water Colliding Wave! A voice rang out from a distance, and the water immediately extinguished the embers. Darkness swallowed the area once more. The crowd erupted in shouts. Some tried to run into the hut to get torches; some clutched their swords and trembled; others shouted and hacked at those beside them. One scream after another rang out. The first to fall were the bandits who had run toward the hut. Then one after another, they dropped. Finally, as Lord Masheng stared in terror, a flash of steel slashed down from above. Lord Masheng's vision went black, and he fell dead. The bandits in the area had been wiped out. After confirming there wasn't a single living bandit left, Uchiha Zhuang dragged his exhausted body over to the thatched hut where the women were held and slumped beside it, recovering his strength as he listened for sounds inside. After eating some rations and drinking water, he heard nothing useful from within. Having recovered some strength and chakra, Uchiha Zhuang cut through the chains on the door and opened it. Leaning against the doorway, he said, "We're ninja from Konoha, scouting enemy movements nearby. We came across this bandit hideout by chance and have wiped out every last bandit. You can escape on your own." Seeing their frightened faces, Uchiha Zhuang steeled himself and said in a low voice, "Our jonin captain said we have five minutes. There are still people on this mountain. They'll be killed immediately!" Then he closed his eyes and sat in a dark corner of the hut. Under the pressure, one woman finally led the way out. The rest rushed out after her, all desperate to escape the dungeon they had once loathed and feared. Uchiha Zhuang peered through narrowed eyes at the women, some of whom wore torn clothes or had nothing more than a rag draped over them. He sighed and clenched his fists. The military forces of the Land of Rivers would arrive here tomorrow. The night was dangerous, but if the women stayed until tomorrow, they would run into those soldiers. Against regular soldiers, becoming "germ fertilizer" would be lucky; being turned into food was the norm. In the second half of the night, Uchiha Zhuang slipped away as well, leaving the scene untouched. The appearance of a ninja would make the scheming bastards of the Land of Rivers think twice about their ways, lest their lackeys be wiped out again.

A new day began. Sunlight fell across the earth. Uchiha Zhuang took off his bloodstained night clothes, burned them by a river with Fire Release, then washed away the ashes with Water Release. He turned and looked back at the bandit hideout, now only a tiny peak in the distance, then hurried toward the horizon without looking back. At the bandit hideout, the military forces of the Land of Rivers had gathered. Their commander shouted curses, repeating, "Damn it! Die!" Beside him, a strategist dressed like a nobleman said, "General Shibata, there's no need to be angry. Ninja had already discovered this place. So many warriors were all killed in a single night, and not one escaped alive. That's terrifying power. It must have been a jonin squad!" After a long silence, General Shibata snarled, "Those damned women! I'll send men to capture and kill them all! Damn it!" The nobleman covered his mouth with a fan. "I strongly advise you not to do that, General Shibata. The ninja killed all the bandits but let the women go. That means they're showing that ridiculous compassion of theirs! We'd better not provoke them. The people at the top are negotiating with them right now. We shouldn't cause trouble for the lord." "Damn it! Just you wait, you wretched ninja. One day, I'll tear you limb from limb!" After his impotent outburst, they carried off everything useful in the camp. The two men paid no attention to the corpses and left, abandoning the carnage behind them.