At that moment, the system's voice echoed once again.
[Congratulations! The host's forging level has successfully upgraded to the intermediate level!]
[Level-Up Reward: One Virtual Forging Space]
Kazuki glanced at the system interface, his curiosity piqued.
"System, what is the Virtual Forging Space?" he asked.
[The Virtual Forging Space is an independent dimension separate from the host's original world. Within this space, the host can forge ninja tools without external disturbances. Additionally, time outside will flow at a significantly slower rate while the host is inside.]
Closing his eyes, Kazuki immediately sensed the existence of this newly acquired space. When he opened them again, he found himself standing in a completely different place.
Before him stood three distinct objects. The first two were familiar—a forging table and a forging hammer. However, unlike his previous tools, these were of exceptional quality, with a white jade-like finish, far superior to what he had used before.
The third object, however, was something he had never seen before—a massive, intricate machine.
"System, what is this?" Kazuki asked.
[This is a fully automatic workbench. If the host has reached 100% proficiency in forging a particular ninja tool, the host can simply place the required materials into the workbench. The machine will then automatically forge the tool based on the host's forging memory.]
Kazuki was stunned.
"A high-tech upgrade all of a sudden?" he thought in amazement.
With this workbench, his forging process would be significantly faster and more efficient. No longer would he need to work in the small shed in his backyard—now, he could forge anytime, anywhere within his own space.
"This is incredible! Is this the benefit of reaching the intermediate blacksmith level?" Kazuki thought, excitement surging through him.
At just eight years old, Kazuki was already pushing his limits, training with a staggering 200-pound weight on his body.
Over the next six months, he began attempting to open the Eight Gates. After numerous trials, he realized that his body had finally adapted to the immense strain caused by unlocking the gates, allowing him to withstand their power without sustaining injuries.
During this time, Might Guy wasn't idle either. In addition to mentoring Kazuki in the Eight Gates Formation, he was frequently assigned high-level missions by the village.
Following the Uchiha Clan Massacre, Konoha was critically understaffed, leaving even elite jōnin like Might Guy burdened with numerous assignments. This was a vulnerable period for Konoha, and maintaining its security was a top priority.
Another six months passed, and Konoha finally regained some stability. By then, Kazuki had turned nine years old, and his training had intensified. The weight he carried increased from 200 pounds to 300 pounds.
Sticking to his plan, he officially began learning the Leaf Great Whirlwind (Konoha Daisenkū) under Might Guy's guidance.
Training Ground, Konoha
"The Leaf Great Whirlwind!"
Kazuki channeled his chakra, wrapping his legs in a vibrant green aura before launching a powerful spinning kick at a massive tree trunk.
Boom!
A deafening impact echoed as sawdust exploded into the air. The once-sturdy tree, thick enough to require an adult's arms to encircle, was split clean in two from a mere two kicks.
Might Guy's eyes widened in disbelief, his jaw nearly dropping.
"Kazuki, your progress is insane! You mastered this technique so fast!" Guy exclaimed.
Kazuki, wiping his forehead, replied calmly, "It's probably because of my consistent physical training over the years. Plus, I had already mastered the Leaf Whirlwind (Konoha Senpū) before, so my foundation in taijutsu and chakra control was already solid. That's why this technique came so naturally—I didn't have to struggle much."
Might Guy nodded approvingly.
"In taijutsu, flashy moves aren't the most important thing. What truly matters is consistent physical training and a strong foundation. And you, Kazuki, have trained harder than anyone I've ever seen at your age."
Then, with a thumbs-up and his signature grin, Guy added,
"Kazuki, you don't have to be so modest. I've never seen a child achieve such an extraordinary level of physical strength and control! There's no doubt about it—you're a genius!"
Genius?
Kazuki's lips curled into a faint smile, but he didn't deny it.
Just then, Might Guy received a summons from the Anbu to attend a meeting in the Hokage's office.
Left alone on the training grounds, Kazuki continued his practice, unwavering in his dedication even in Might Guy's absence.
At that moment, a small figure dressed in a cheongsam approached the training grounds.
"Brother!"
A cheerful voice called out, and Kazuki turned to see his younger sister, Tenten, cupping her hands around her mouth like a makeshift megaphone.
Kazuki looked at her in surprise. "Tenten? What are you doing here?"
Tenten pouted, crossing her arms in mock annoyance. "Brother, don't tell me you forgot what day it is today?"
Kazuki froze. What day is today?
For a straightforward guy like him, this was a dangerous question. His mind went blank as he struggled to come up with an answer.
"Uh… your birthday? My birthday? Mom and Dad's birthdays?" He threw out guesses one after another.
Tenten's small head shook furiously like a rattling maraca. "Our birthdays were last month, and Mom and Dad's aren't until winter! Your guesses are way off!" she huffed.
Kazuki let out an awkward chuckle. "Then what day is it? Just tell me, okay?"
Tenten placed her hands on her hips, her twin buns bouncing slightly as she huffed, "It's the Spring Festival! We agreed to go out and celebrate together!"
"Oh… right."
Realization dawned on Kazuki's face.
He had never been too interested in festivals like the Haru Matsuri.
In Konoha, the Spring Festival was a lively occasion. The village bustled with activity—street performances, festival parades, and various stalls selling colorful goods. Villagers dressed in beautiful kimonos and yukatas, strolling through the markets, shopping, and enjoying the seasonal blooms.
In the past, he and Tenten had attended the festival together a few times. But after experiencing the same events repeatedly, it had lost its novelty.
Maybe doing something different would be more fun…
He glanced at the clear sky, the soft breeze rustling through the cherry blossom trees. The scenery outside the village must be stunning right now.
An idea sparked in his mind.
"How about we invite some friends and go for a barbecue picnic instead?" he suggested.
Tenten's eyes lit up instantly. She jumped up in excitement. "That sounds amazing! I've been craving barbecue for so long!"
"Alright, let's split the tasks," Kazuki said. "You buy the ingredients, I'll get the cooking equipment and charcoal. We'll invite whoever we meet along the way, and then gather by the river. How does that sound?"
"Got it! I'll go get the ingredients right away!"
With that, Tenten dashed off, disappearing into the distance like a whirlwind.
Kazuki watched her go with a small smile. Training day after day like an ascetic monk could get exhausting.
Maybe it was time to take a break and have some fun.
After changing into casual clothes, he made his way to the market to buy charcoal.
Unexpectedly, as he was leaving the store, he ran into a familiar face.
Hinata Hyuga stood nearby, dressed in a soft white kimono with delicate magnolia flower patterns. The elegant simplicity of her outfit perfectly suited her gentle demeanor.
"K-Kazuki-kun… what a coincidence," Hinata greeted him hesitantly.
Kazuki smiled. "Hinata, what a surprise. You look beautiful today."
"Th-thank you…"
Hinata's face immediately turned red, and she shyly lowered her gaze, unable to meet his eyes.
Kazuki noticed she was holding several hairpins in her hands. "Are you buying hair accessories?" he asked curiously.
Hinata nodded softly. Then, after gathering her courage, she raised her head slightly and asked, "K-Kazuki-kun… which one do you think looks best? Could you help me choose?"
"Of course."
Kazuki glanced at the selection and picked out a pink cherry blossom hairpin. "I think this one suits you best."
Hinata's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
That's the one I liked the most…
Did this mean she and Kazuki shared the same taste?
Her cheeks turned an even deeper shade of pink at the thought.
"I'll take this one," she whispered.
"I'll pay for it," Kazuki said casually, stepping forward before she could protest.
After handing the money to the vendor, he turned back to Hinata with a smile.
"Since it's the Spring Festival, consider this a gift from me. Here—let me put it on for you."
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