The crimson hue of dusk painted the skies over Konoha as two figures streaked through the treetops, their movements graceful like birds soaring on the wind.
This time, it was different. Two months ago, Eren had to grit his teeth just to keep up with Satoru, gasping for breath with every leap. But now, he was no longer the one trailing behind. His speed matched Satoru's stride for stride, like two fierce gusts of wind sweeping across the forest canopy, rustling the leaves with every pass.
When they landed in the western forest, a lively scene greeted them. Satoru's students had arrived before them and were already immersed in training:
- Kakashi, expression as indifferent and lazy as ever, focused intensely while repeatedly striking a large boulder. His fists shimmered with the dark hue of Armament Haki.
- Gai, head wrapped in a white bandage, was walking on his hands in circles through the forest, blindfolded and trying to sense his surroundings using Observation Haki. But he was clearly struggling, stumbling over tree roots and falling face-first into the dirt.
- Obito? He wasn't training at all. Instead, he was squatting beside Rin, excitedly recounting some wild adventure tale.
What truly caught Satoru's attention, however, was Rin's gaze. Though she was chatting with Obito, her eyes occasionally drifted toward Kakashi, who was training a short distance away.
Satoru thought to himself, "Ah, this was a big debate back in the old world. As a certified weeb, I used to swear up and down that Rin liked Obito. I would fight anyone who said she liked Kakashi. But now... standing here, actually seeing these kids... it feels different."
From Rin's gaze, from the way she looked at Kakashi, it seemed more like admiration than affection. And toward Obito? She likely saw him as a close friend—a younger brother she needed to protect. Then again, these kids were only 8 or 9 years old. Their feelings were still hazy and undeveloped.
**Welcome Back!**
The moment the two arrived, the training came to a halt. Everyone ran over to greet them.
- Kakashi gave a small nod. "Sensei."
- Gai grinned brightly and gave a thumbs up. "THE YOUTH HAS GATHERED AGAIN!"
- Obito jumped up, ecstatic. "Sensei! You're finally back!"
What surprised Satoru the most, though, was Rin stepping forward, bowing slightly and saying, "Sensei... may I join your training group?"
Obito's eyes lit up. He immediately grabbed Satoru's arm and pleaded, "Sensei, please let Rin join! The more the merrier!"
Satoru stroked his chin in thought. Rin was a natural medical ninja. Teaching her Observation Haki would be perfect. On top of that, Chakra Blade Control—a refined technique for medical ninjas—would suit her well.
Finally, he smiled warmly. "Welcome, Rin. I'm glad to have you here."
Obito jumped up like a child receiving a gift. "Sensei is the best!!" he shouted, drawing laughter from everyone.
**Training Begins - Showing Off the Goods**
Before starting, Satoru spent 2,000 system points to acquire a few new jutsu:
1. Chakra Blade Control Technique — specifically for Rin.
2. Fire Style: Dragon Flame Jutsu — an A-rank fire technique that becomes even deadlier when mastered.
3. Chidori — he chuckled at the irony of teaching Kakashi a jutsu that Kakashi would one day invent.
He then gathered the group and began explaining chakra nature control, sharing his and Eren's personal experiences in sensing elemental energy. The kids were all deeply fascinated.
Obito got so hyped that he nearly jumped into a campfire to "understand fire style."
Satoru quickly thwacked him on the head. "Idiot! You trying to become charcoal or something!?"
Everyone burst into laughter.
Then, Satoru stepped forward.
"Watch closely, everyone. This is an S-rank Water Style jutsu."
He explained calmly:
"I infused this jutsu with a bit of Observation Haki, giving it a degree of awareness. It can dodge basic attacks and respond to my chakra flow. I also use water particles in the air to guide its movement. Plus, I can force the water into a rapid boil, creating an explosive blast at will."
The kids stared with wide eyes, eager to witness it.
Satoru rapidly weaved hand seals. Chakra surged, and the air trembled slightly.
**"Water Style: Supreme Water Dragon!"**
Moisture gathered from the air, spiraling into a violent vortex.
**BOOM!**
A colossal 20-meter water dragon roared to life, soaring into the sky. Its eyes glowed, its body shimmering as sunlight danced off each droplet, creating a breathtaking display.
The dragon circled the group before halting in front of Obito and sneering. Then it playfully wagged its tail in Obito's face.
Obito turned pale. "Sensei... can I hit this thing?"
Satoru chuckled and nodded.
Obito threw a flurry of shuriken—which the dragon casually dodged, twisting and flipping with an almost smug attitude.
Before Obito could react, Satoru formed another seal.
**"Supreme Water Dragon – Burst!"**
The dragon let out one final roar and launched itself into a distant cliffside.
**BOOM!!**
The entire forest trembled. Trees were flattened, rocks exploded, and an immense shockwave rippled outward. Just before impact, the dragon flared bright red and detonated, creating a massive burst of pressure and heat.
Everyone gaped, stunned.
Obito shivered. "Good thing it didn't hit me earlier..."
**End of Chapter.**