After returning home, Chao YanQian opened the scroll Tsunade had given him, expecting to find ninjutsu techniques recorded within. However, to his slight disappointment, the scroll contained methods for increasing cellular activity rather than combat techniques.
Despite the initial letdown,Chao YanQian knew this was a crucial technique for him at this stage. The strength of a ninja's body is closely tied to the vitality of their cells. Enhancing cell activity can improve various physical functions.
Kakashi's ,Chao YanQian him to rush at enemies at high speed by stimulating his cells with lightning-natured chakra. Similarly, Uchiha Sasuke was able to match Rock Lee's speed in just one month during the Chunin Exams by using lightning chakra to enhance his cellular activity.
However, Chao YanQian lacked the lightning-natured chakra needed to replicate these feats. Instead, Tsunade's method fell under the category of medical ninjutsu, requiring high proficiency in medical techniques and exceptional chakra control.
Chao YanQian analyzed that Tsunade's ability to use her renowned "Strength of a Hundred Seal" and monstrous strength wasn't just due to her Senju heritage. The enhancement of cell viability was likely a key factor. Sakura also learned to use Tsunade's incredible strength, showing that it was not the bloodline that enabled this power but an understanding of cellular activity.
At his current age, Chao YanQian's body had not yet matured, leaving him physically outmatched against adult ninjas. But by improving his cellular activity, his taijutsu would become much more effective.
After committing the contents of the scroll to memory,Chao YanQian carefully hid it in a secret compartment under the floorboards. He had a mission on the Fire Country's border soon and would only be able to practice this method once he reached his destination.
Intent on thanking Tsunade personally,Chao YanQian headed to Konoha Hospital but learned that Tsunade wasn't there. He then tried her home, but she was still absent. In the end, he left a thank-you note at her door.
The next morning, Chao YanQian made his way to the gates of Konoha, where a large gathering of ninjas, mostly genin, had assembled. Despite the bustling scene, only a few of the leaders were jonin, while most were chunin. Among the crowd, Chao YanQian recognized members of the Inuzuka, Hyuga, and Aburame clans. It became clear to him that these clans formed the core of the mission to guard the border, while the rest, likely including himself, would serve as support.
"Chao YanQian, over here!" a familiar voice called out. It was Hoshinohara, waving to him with enthusiasm.
"Ueno-sensei!" Chao YanQian greeted Uenome, his jonin leader, with a nod.
After working together for two years, Chao YanQian had grown more social, though the grim reality of their current mission weighed heavily on him.
Sensing his unease, Uenome placed a reassuring hand on Chao YanQian's shoulder. "Don't worry. Our task is to guard the border. Just stick close to me, and you'll be fine."
Chao YanQian knew what Uenome meant—under his protection, they would avoid the more dangerous assignments, like reconnaissance deep into the Land of Wind, which often led to fatal encounters. For now, he felt fortunate to be part of Uenome's team, but he knew it was his own abilities that had earned him this position.
"Destiny is a strange thing," Chao YanQian muttered, smirking to himself.
"Do you think so, too?" a raspy voice interrupted from behind. "Destiny is indeed fascinating."
Chao YanQian turned to see Orochimaru standing behind him. His tone was playful, yet the danger lurking in his voice was palpable.
"Orochimaru-sama!" Uenome and the others immediately bowed with respect.
Chao YanQian noticed how everyone tensed up at the sight of Orochimaru. Despite his high status in the village, there was an underlying fear of the man. He radiated a sense of concealed menace that no one could ignore.
"Do you think so, Orochimaru-sama?" Chao YanQian asked, narrowing his eyes.
"I look forward to your performance in this mission," Orochimaru replied lightly before turning and walking away.
As Orochimaru left, Hoshinohara turned to Chao YanQian, brimming with excitement. "He knows your name, Chao YanQian Orochimaru-sama knows your name!"
"I've met him before," Chao YanQian replied calmly. Then, turning to Uenome, he asked, "Why is Orochimaru-sama here, sensei?"
"Orochimaru-sama is the commander of this mission," Uenome explained.
"The village sent one of the legendary Sannin for a border mission?" Chao YanQian frowned in surprise.
"The village can't afford to lose this war," Uenome sighed.
Chao YanQian nodded thoughtfully. The war between Konoha and Sunagakure was the first major conflict between two great nations since the Second Great Ninja War. Konoha had invested all its resources into this battle, and failure wasn't an option. A loss here would embolden Konoha's enemies to attack from all sides.
Orochimaru's presence at the border was not just to keep Sunagakure at bay but to bolster Konoha's morale and provide critical leadership in case the conflict escalated. His being there signified just how much was at stake in this war.