Chapter 14: Scared Pink or Systems and Setups
Sakura Haruno's heart raced as she darted through the darkened streets of Konoha, her tiny feet barely making a sound against the worn stone paths. The chill of the night nipped at her cheeks, but she could care less.
Screw you, Mom, she thought bitterly, her pink hair swaying with each determined step. "Too young," she said. "Not the right place for a girl, she said. Well, I'll show her."
Her fingers tightened around the straps of her small backpack, its weight bouncing slightly against her back with every stride.
Sakura's chest swelled with defiance, her mind buzzing with the imagined moment when she'd return home victorious. *Just wait until I show her what I can do. She won't say I'm too young after this.*
The streets, bathed in faint moonlight, seemed emptier than usual, each shadow stretching out like a silent sentinel. But Sakura didn't let the creeping unease stop her. Tonight, she was going to prove something—to herself, to her mom, and to anyone else who doubted her.
Then, like a bucket of cold water, the thought of her mother's reaction crashed over her, and her triumphant smirk faltered.
Her pace slowed, and she chewed on her bottom lip. Oh no. If Mom finds out I snuck out, I'm done for. I'll be grounded for like, ever.
The image of her mother's stern face loomed in her mind, arms crossed, her voice ringing with that terrifying mix of disappointment and fury. She could practically hear it now. "Sakura Haruno, what were you thinking?! What possessed you to go out, in the middle of the night and run the streets like some homeless vagabond. You could have been killed!"
Her defiance wavered, replaced by the creeping dread of a lecture that would probably last an eternity. Maybe this wasn't such a great idea after all.
She glanced back the way she'd come, the once-empty streets now feeling more like a trap. No! She stomped her tiny foot emphatically. There's no turning back now, though. If I go home without doing something ninja-worthy, I'll look even worse.
While she stood there, a figure suddenly stepped out of the shadows and smirked.
Sakura froze, her heart lurching. "Really?" she muttered, stepping back. "Can't a girl get a moment alone?"
The figure stepped closer, and she stiffened, ready for anything.
"Not even a 'hello'?" a familiar voice teased, its lightness tinged with mischief.
Sakura let out a breath, relief flooding her for just a second before annoyance replaced it. "Wait…what are you doing here?" she snapped, crossing her arms. "Why are you always lurking in the shadows, waiting to scare me?"
"Because it's fun." The girl smirked, leaning casually against a nearby tree. "Besides, sneaking up on you and watching your reactions is the gift that just keeps on giving. And let's be honest, you make it too easy. One loud twig snap, and you were ready to bolt."
Sakura glared, planting her hands on her hips. "I wasn't going to bolt! I was… assessing the situation."
"Assessing, huh?" The girl arched a brow, her tone dripping with sarcasm. "Well, color me impressed. I didn't realize standing frozen in fear was considered a tactical maneuver now. They've really allowed the training at that Academy of yours to slip into the gutter, haven't they?"
Sakura's face flushed, her glare sharpening. "What do you even want? Don't you have anything better to do?"
The girl shrugged, brushing a stray leaf off her sleeve. "No, not really. Watching you stumble around like you're on some top-secret mission is entertainment enough. So, what's the plan? Find the secret documents, save the village, or are you reduced to stealing a cookie from the bakery?"
"Secret documents?" Sakura snorted, narrowing her eyes. "Unlike you, I don't waste time on pointless things."
"Oh, I don't know," the girl replied lazily, inspecting her nails. "Spying on you feels pretty productive to me. You're like my own personal comedy show."
Sakura huffed, turning away with a flick of her pink hair. "Like I'd tell you. Not that you'd understand, anyway. Some of us actually have goals."
"Ouch. Harsh words from someone who tripped over her own feet two minutes ago." The girl grinned, clearly enjoying herself.
Sakura spun back around, her cheeks puffed with frustration. "Why are you even here?"
"Maybe I'm bored," the girl said with a shrug, her smirk never wavering. "Or maybe I just wanted to see if you'd last the night or run home and cry to mommy dearest."
Sakura crossed her arms tightly. "I'm not running from anyone," she retorted, her tone sharp. "I'm practicing. Unlike some people, I don't need to be seen to prove something."
"Practicing, huh?" The girl leaned forward, her grin widening. "For what, exactly? Running a race? Or maybe you're practicing how to talk big while doing nothing."
Sakura bristled, clenching her fists. "Not that it's any of your business, but I'm working on being better. Stronger. Something you'd never understand."
"Oh, I understand perfectly," the girl drawled, her smirk turning sly. "You're scared. That's why you're out here, isn't it? Scared you're not good enough, scared people will see right through you. Practicing, huh? More like avoiding."
Sakura stiffened, the words hitting deeper than she expected. "I'm not avoiding anything," she shot back, her voice tight. "I'm figuring things out. But don't worry about it."
The girl didn't speak, her smirk lingering as Sakura turned on her heel and continued to walk away. The fire burning inside her roared louder with each step. I'll show them. I'll prove I'm not just some timid little girl. Not anymore.
The girl didn't speak, but her smirk spoke volumes, as Sakura continued to walk away.
As Sakura stormed off, the girl called out after her, voice laced with amusement. "Figuring things out, huh? Sounds like code for running away to me."
Sakura stopped abruptly, her fists clenching at her sides. Without turning around, she snapped, "You don't know anything about me or what I'm dealing with. So just leave me alone."
The girl laughed, her voice echoing through the quiet clearing. "Touchy. Relax, I'm just saying--running away isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes it gives you a head start."
Sakura turned slowly, her eyes narrowing. "And what's that supposed to mean?"
The girl shrugged, her smirk softening into something almost thoughtful. "It means everyone's running from something, Pinky. The question is, what are you running toward?"
Sakura stared at her, caught off guard by the shift in tone. She opened her mouth to retort, but the words wouldn't come. The girl waved a dismissive hand, stepping back into the shadows. "Think about it, or don't. Either way, you'll figure it out… eventually."
And just like that, she was gone, leaving Sakura alone with her thoughts and a nagging sense of unease.
She crossed her arms, scowling at the empty space where the girl had stood. "What am I running toward?" she muttered to herself, her tone somber.
She glanced up at the night sky, stars scattered like glittering shards across the darkness. "I already know the answer," she whispered, her voice firmer now.
Turning on her heel, Sakura walked away, her steps steady and purposeful, the fire in her chest burning brighter than ever. I'll show her. I'll show everyone.
Determined to prove her shadowy tormenter wrong, Sakura set an ambitious goal for herself: make it to the park and get back home without her mother realizing she'd been gone. Easy, right? After all, ninjas were supposed to be sneaky, and she was practically one already.
She crouched low behind a neighbor's fence, clutching the hem of her pajamas like they were some high-tech stealth gear. The streets of Konoha were quiet, bathed in the soft glow of street lamps. The only sound was the rustle of leaves and the occasional bark of a dog. It felt… thrilling. For the first time in forever, she wasn't just the quiet girl with the massive forehead...she was on a mission.
The air was crisp, carrying a faint scent of cherry blossoms that stubbornly lingered despite the petals' slow retreat into memory. Spring wasn't ready to let go yet, apparently, though Sakura wondered if it could hurry up already.
The soft flicker of the street lamps lit her path just enough to keep her from walking into a wall but not enough to make the thick shadows any less ominous. Typical Konoha...bright enough to guide your way but always ready to make things just a little more dramatic.
Each step toward the park felt like a victory march, a quiet rebellion against her mother's overprotective rules. She pictured herself as a shinobi-in-training, darting through enemy lines, leaping across rooftops, and avoiding detection with the grace of a seasoned kunoichi. Okay, maybe she wasn't quite there yet...her "stealth" mainly consisted of trying not to trip over her own feet...but still.
The moonlight turned the ordinary streets into a training ground, and Sakura let herself believe, just for a moment, that she was already on her way to greatness.
But as she stepped onto the playground, the thrill began to ebb. The swings swayed gently in the breeze, their chains creaking like an old door, a sound that felt way louder than it should've in the suffocating silence. The park, once her imagined proving ground, now felt less like a training field and more like a void...empty, quiet, and unsettling.
The shadows seemed deeper here, stretching across the gravel like black, skeletal hands. The silence pressed down on her, heavy and unrelenting, and she couldn't shake the creeping sensation that her triumphant adventure had turned into something… smaller. Insignificant, even.
The truth sank in as she stood there, arms crossed, trying not to shiver in the cool breeze. She wasn't a daring shinobi on a secret mission. She was a seven-year-old girl, standing alone in an empty park, where even the swings seemed to pity her.
She turned to leave, eager to get home before her mother found out she'd slipped out.
Just as she was about to turn and take her first step toward home, a low rustling sound reached her ears. Her head snapped toward the bushes at the park's edge. Great. Just what I need. A rogue squirrel giving me a heart attack.
But no, it wasn't a squirrel...or a cat, or even a breeze. The rustling grew louder, accompanied by an ominous snapping of twigs. Sakura froze, every ounce of her seven-year-old bravery evaporating like mist in the morning sun. The shadows she'd barely tolerated now seemed to stretch and writhe as if the park itself was conspiring against her.
Her pulse thundered in her ears as she gripped the straps of her small backpack, unsure whether to investigate or bolt. *This is fine* she thought, trying to summon some courage. Right…ok…everything's fine. Shinobi face danger all the time. If I'm going to be a kunoichi, I should probably… do something brave. Like… investigate the strange unknown sound with no backup, Sakura thought, and even in her mind, the idea made no sense.
She swallowed hard and took a shaky step toward the noise, her tiny fists clenching tightly around the straps of her backpack.
The rustling intensified, and Sakura's vivid imagination wasted no time conjuring multiple worst-case scenarios. What if it's a bandit? Or… a monster? Or worse…! She shook her head fiercely. Nope. I've got to get out of here before anyone sees me. If Mom finds out, I won't just be grounded...I'll be grounded for life. No friends, no freedom, no sunlight. Just me, my room, and endless lectures about "responsibility."
Her inner pep talk wasn't exactly doing the trick. If anything, it was making her feel like an even bigger idiot. The shadows seemed to thicken, almost as if they were in on the joke, swallowing the last pathetic traces of moonlight.
Then came the sharp snap of a twig. Not subtle, not accidental. It was the kind of sound that practically screamed, Hey, sorry, murderer over here! Hope I didn't scare you.
Sakura froze, her heart hammering as she fought the urge to scream her lungs out.
"Okay, Sakura, calm down," she whispered to herself, her voice trembling. "You've got this. Just… pretend you're brave. Pretend you're already a kick-ass kunoichi… pretend there isn't a mass murderer out there stalking its prey, with a bloody kunai in their hand just waiting for me to let my guard down..."
And then, because the universe apparently had a terrible sense of humor, she saw it...a glint of silver in the darkness. Her breath caught, and she froze mid-step. That's not a squirrel. Definitely not a squirrel.
The glint moved, and a figure stepped into the moonlight, cloaked and masked, with a faint shimmer of weapons strapped to their back. Sakura's eyes went as wide as saucers.
"Oh no. Oh no. Oh no!" The pink-haired girl squealed as she fell on her butt. This can't be happening!
Raiden walked toward the girl, his steps deliberate and unyielding, as he released his killing intent like a suffocating wave of pressure.
With some satisfaction, he watched her crumble, dropping to her hands and knees under the crushing force, her breaths coming in short, desperate gasps.
"I'm only going to say this once," he growled, his voice sharp and devoid of patience. "If you don't answer my questions quickly and honestly, I will slit your throat. Do you understand?"
The girl stared up at him, her lips trembling as she struggled to breathe, her fear rendering her mute.
Raiden clicked his tongue in irritation, realizing his mistake. With a sharp exhale, he suppressed his killing intent by half, allowing her some reprieve. "There," he said with mock politeness, his tone dripping with sarcasm. "Sorry about that. You should be able to speak now."
She lifted her head slightly, her wide, terrified eyes locking onto his. Her entire body quivered as she stammered, "I… I… I understand."
"Good." His tone softened just enough to sound commanding rather than murderous. "First question--what is your name?"
"S… Sakura," she whispered, barely audible.
"Why are you out here alone?" he demanded next, leaning down to meet her eye level, his sharp gaze narrowing.
She swallowed hard, her tiny hands clenching the dirt beneath her as she fought to find her voice. "I… I wanted to prove to my mom… that I could be a ninja."
Raiden scoffed, shaking his head in disbelief. "A ninja? You?" He straightened, his blade glinting in the faint moonlight, a harsh contrast to his dismissive tone. "Kid, this is not a game. You're going to get yourself killed."
The weight of his words lingered in the air, as the would be kunoichi tried to steady her breathing.
Before she could respond, Raiden's sharp eyes hardened, as they bore into her. "Does anyone else know you're here?" His voice was calm, but beneath the surface was a cold, unyielding edge that demanded answers… answers she wasn't sure she wanted to give.
"N… no," Sakura stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
"Good." His lips curled into a cold smile. "That will make things easier for the both of us."
Sakura looked up at him, her wide eyes swimming with fear and confusion, her small frame trembling as if caught in a storm.
He chuckled, a low, humorless sound that sent a chill down her spine. He put his kunai away, before reaching over his shoulder, and unsheathing a long, gleaming blade from his back. The steel caught, then reflected the faint moonlight as it traveled through the air. His grip on the hilt was steady, deliberate, as though the weight of what he was about to do didn't trouble him in the slightest.
He saw the obvious fear in the girl's eyes and relished it. "Oh, don't worry your pink little head about it," he said with a cruel smile, the blade tilting slightly as he inspected it. "I'll make this quick, so you won't feel a thing. You'll be in the arms of your ancestors before you know it."
Sakura's breath hitched as the blade reflected the dim light, its edge sharp enough to slice through her fragile courage.
"P-please," she stuttered, her voice cracking. "I-I won't tell anyone. I swear!"
Raiden tilted his head, his cold gaze unwavering. "That's what they all say, kid. But you see, I can't take that chance."
Her hands clenched into fists against the dirt. "I-I can prove it! I-I'll leave right now! You'll never see me again!"
He paused, the blade lowering slightly, though his expression didn't soften. "You think it's that simple, huh? Just walk away and pretend you didn't see a thing?" He crouched down, bringing the blade's edge close to her cheek. "Tell me, Sakura--what's to stop me from making sure you don't get the chance to talk?"
Raiden's cold gaze swept over the trembling girl as she stammered her desperate pleas.
"I-I won't tell anyone! I swear! Please!" Sakura's voice cracked, tears streaming down her cheeks, her tiny fists clutching the fabric of her dress as though it would somehow anchor her to safety.
He crouched before her, his blade glinting in the moonlight as it hovered mere inches from her tear-streaked face. "In my line of work, swearing isn't worth much," he said coldly. "You'd be surprised how many people, when faced with death, swear all kinds of nonsense on their lives, only to turn around and break their word the moment they think they're safe?" He tilted his head, his voice dropping into a low, predatory tone. "You'd be no different."
"I-I'm just a kid!" she cried, her small frame shaking violently. "I don't even know what's happening! Please!"
Raiden let out a slow breath as though he were considering her words. His gaze, however, betrayed no mercy. "First of all, you wouldn't be the first kid I've killed. Second, your ignorance is precisely what makes you so dangerous to me. And dangerous things…" He let the words hang, his blade shifting slightly in his hand, catching the faint light like a promise.
She stood up abruptly, her legs trembling as though they might give way beneath her. Her wide, tear-filled eyes were brimming with desperation, fear radiating off her in waves.
"P-please!" she sobbed, her voice raw and cracking under the weight of her panic. "I-I'll disappear! I'll never come back here! I swear I'll—"
Her words tumbled out in a frantic rush, her hands raised defensively as if warding off an unseen blow. The sheer terror in her voice cut through the silence like a blade, leaving the air thick with tension.
"Enough," he said sharply, silencing her with a single word.
The girl froze, her breath hitching as his killing intent flared again, though only slightly. It was enough to make her knees buckle, forcing her back onto the ground.
Raiden stood, looming over her trembling form like a shadow of death itself. He adjusted his grip on the blade, the metal singing softly as it cut through the air. "I don't take chances, little kunoichi. You stumbled into something far beyond you, and now…" He paused, his voice darkening. "You'll pay the price."
"No!" she screamed, crawling backward, her palms scraping against the rough dirt. "Please don't! I-I didn't mean to! I'll—"
He lunged, cutting off her words as he slammed his palm into the ground beside her, the impact shaking the earth and sending a crack of electricity through the air. The smell of ozone filled her nose, making her cough and gag.
"You don't get to beg," he hissed his face inches from hers. "You should've run when you had the chance."
Sakura's sobs came in choked gasps as she clawed at the ground, trying to create even the slightest distance between them.
Raiden straightened, his expression void of pity as he raised his blade. "Close your eyes, kid. This will be quick."
"No! Please!"
Her cries echoed into the night as the blade descended.
She was going to die.
She squeezed her eyes shut, tears slipping down her face as her body refused to stop shaking. Don't cry. Don't let him see you break, she thought, but the silent command felt meaningless. She couldn't stop the fear, couldn't muster the strength to even glance up at her captor.
I'm not ready. I don't want to die* her thoughts screamed, her chest heaving with the effort to stay quiet, to hold back the sobs threatening to escape. Yet, despite her terror, all she could do was wait, frozen, staring at the ground and praying for a miracle she knew would never come.
Not far from a potential murder scene, Thirty Minutes Prior…
Naruto weaved effortlessly through the towering trees, his movements fluid and precise. The soft rustle of leaves and the occasional creak of branches underfoot were the only sounds accompanying him as he darted through the forest. His focus, however, wasn't on his surroundings but on the voice echoing in his head.
"So let me get this straight," Naruto said as he landed lightly on a sturdy branch, the golden glow around his arms flickering like fireflies in the night. He crossed his arms, glaring into the void where Kazua's voice seemed to echo. "You're trying to tell me there's something special about my Golden Chakra?" His tone was skeptical, laced with his usual defiant edge. "I mean, don't get me wrong--it looks cool and all--but it's not like I've suddenly turned into some super shinobi. So, what's the big deal?"
Kazua's response was immediate. *Special? That's putting it lightly. This isn't just some random power boost, Naruto. The Golden Chakra is one of the rarest manifestations of personal power in the world. It ties your essence—your will, instincts, and potential--directly to the fundamental building blocks of reality. Most people couldn't handle a fraction of it without burning themselves to ash.*
Naruto's eyebrows shot up, his mouth tugging into a smirk. "Oh, cool. So I'm some kind of chosen one now, huh? Should I start calling myself the Golden Sage or something?"
Kazua sighed audibly. *Sometimes, I don't even know why I bother. You'd do better to focus on not falling out of that tree before you start handing out nicknames. This isn't about titles or glory. It's about learning to harness what's already inside you.*
Naruto snorted, balancing on the balls of his feet as he leaped to another branch. "Okay, fine. I'll bite. What's so different about this chakra compared to, you know, regular chakra?"
Glad you asked,* Kazua said, her tone shifting to one of subtle amusement. *Regular chakra is a balance between your physical and spiritual energy, right? It's the fuel you generate to power your techniques. But your Golden Chakra… it's on another level. It's a manifestation of pure harmony between everything that makes you you and the very threads of reality itself--something most people never achieve.*
Naruto landed on a higher branch, crouching low as he mulled over her words. "So, what you're saying is, I'm basically better than everyone else?" His smirk widened as he leaned against the trunk of the tree. "Not that I didn't already know that."
You're impossible* Kazua snapped, completely annoyed by the blonde idiot. *No, you're not *'better.'* You're… different. Your Golden Chakra isn't just about raw strength. It's a bridge, Naruto--a connection to something greater. You possess a potential that goes beyond the limits of ordinary shinobi, pushing the boundaries of what can be achieved with sheer willpower and skill.*
Naruto straightened, his expression sobering slightly. "Okay, but what does that even mean? Potential to do what? Be stronger? Faster? Blow stuff up bigger?"
Kazua hesitated for a moment, her tone softening. *It means you can change the rules of the game. With this power, you won't just be fighting within the system of chakra--you'll be shaping it. But only if you learn to control it.*
Naruto's grin returned, though it was smaller, almost hesitant. "Alright, I'll admit, that sounds kinda awesome. But this seems way different than how I've been using it."
You don't say* Kazua mocked. *You've been using it like a toddler uses a kunai… badly, and with the potential to put out more than just your eye.*
"Hey!" Naruto complained.
Stop whining, Kit* Kazua shot back. *I'm telling you the truth. By the Hells, you've only managed to barely scrape the surface of what you're capable of. And that's why you need to stop being so cocky and start listening, *she continued sharply. *Your chakra control is… let's just say it's not exactly impressive right now. That's the first thing we need to fix.*
"Excuse—"
I mean, look at you now* Kazua pressed on, ignoring his irritated grumbling. *Lighting up the forest like a shooting star--and that's you barely holding it together. Honestly, I'm almost impressed. Almost.*
Naruto bristled, the glow around his arms flickering as his emotions surged. "Hey! I've got plenty of chakra control. You don't see me blowing myself up every time I use a jutsu."
Kazua laughed, a low, mocking sound that made Naruto's jaw tighten. *Please. You've been coasting on raw power and dumb luck your whole life. Controlling normal chakra— and believe me, even with that, you're shit—is one thing. But when it comes to Golden Chakra your control is less than shit. If you don't learn to sync with it, you'll never unlock its true potential. And there's a good chance you'll rip a hole in reality.*
"What does that even mean?" Naruto asked warily, his eyes narrowing as he crossed his arms, a petulant frown on his face.
Kazua's laugh deepened, reverberating in Naruto's mind like a taunt. *Oh, you sweet baby-nin. It means exactly what it sounds like. Bang. Boom. Shattered dimensions. Maybe you'd create a nice little vortex to suck everything you love into oblivion. Or maybe you tear a hole into the ether and open a gate straight to Hell. Who knows? I'm not an oracle. Use your imagination, because the possibilities are practically endless.*
Naruto clenched his fists, glaring into the swirling energy surrounding him. "Why don't you just tell me how to fix it instead of sitting there with your smug commentary?"
Fix it?* Kazua's tone dripped with exaggerated disbelief. *Oh, forgive me, oh mighty hero, for not spoon-feeding you the answers. Do you think this is some training montage where you figure it out by punching stuff? No. This is going to take actual effort.*
"Effort I can handle," Naruto growled, eyes narrowing. "Smug spirit throwing snarky comments while hitching a ride in my head? That I can do without."
Technically* she corrected, *I'm located within a seal attached to your belly.*
"Kazua," Naruto snarled.
Sorry* she said, not sounding sorry at all. Her voice turned serious, as she continued, like nothing happened. *Golden Chakra doesn't just exist in reality; it's the thread that weaves it. Every molecule, every law of physics, every concept--gravity, time, life itself—they're all written into existence by fundamental rules. The Golden Chakra? It's a big middle finger that lets you edit those rules.*
Naruto exhaled sharply, the swirling energy around him flickering. "Edit them? Like how?"
Imagine you're holding a pen, and the world is written on parchment. With the proper control, you could erase a mountain, create an ocean, or reshape yourself entirely. But here's the catch: the universe doesn't like being rewritten. It pushes back.*
Naruto's brow furrowed as he perched on the edge of a branch, the golden energy around him crackling faintly. "Pushes back how? Like a jutsu rebound? Or are we talking bigger—like world-ending stuff?"
Kazua's voice took on a grim edge. *Bigger, Kit. Much bigger. When you manipulate reality with Golden Chakra, you're forcing the universe to rewrite its code. That's not something it does willingly. If you don't handle it correctly, the consequences could ripple outwards—paradoxes, dimensional tears, time distortions. You're essentially poking a Bijū armed with a canon and a bad attitude.*
Naruto let out a low whistle, running a hand through his hair. "Yeah, that sounds… not ideal. So how do I keep it from blowing up in my face?"
Control, patience, and discipline* Kazua replied firmly. *Your Golden Chakra is incredibly potent, but it doesn't respond to brute force. *You can't just will things into existence or erase them on a whim.* She paused, considering her next words carefully before continuing. *Actually, you can—but it's a really bad idea. Anyway, you have to align your intentions with the natural flow of the world. Think of it like a river—you can guide its course, but if you try to dam it up, force it into a box, or, worse, make it flow backward, it'll burst free and destroy everything in its path, including you.*
Naruto leaned back against the tree trunk, his purple eyes narrowing in thought. "So it's like walking a fine line, huh? Too much, and everything falls apart. Too little, and nothing happens."
Precisely* Kazua confirmed. *Every move you make with the Golden Chakra has to be deliberate. You're not just using it—you're negotiating with existence itself. And existence doesn't play nice when pushed too far.*
Naruto scratched his head, his expression shifting between confusion and determination. "Alright, so how do I practice this without, you know, tearing a hole in the universe?"
Kazua chuckled softly, a rare note of approval in her tone. *Good question, Kit. You start small. Right now, your chakra control is, let's be generous, mediocre at best. So, we focus on honing that first. Once you can guide normal chakra with precision, we'll work on channeling the Golden Chakra in tiny, controlled amounts.*
"Tiny amounts, huh?" Naruto echoed, his smirk returning. "Not really my style, but I'll try not to blow up the forest."
You say that now* Kazua retorted dryly. *But I give you five minutes before you try something reckless and stupid.*
Naruto's smirk widened. "Hey, I don't always do stupid stuff. Sometimes it's just… creative problem-solving."
Kazua groaned, her exasperation palpable. *This is going to be a long process, isn't it?*
Naruto shrugged, his golden aura dimming slightly as he took a deep breath. "Guess you're stuck with me, Kazua. Let's get started before I start glowing so bright someone mistakes me for a festival lantern."
Fine* she muttered. *First lesson: stop glowing like a beacon. Reign it in. Focus on bringing the energy back into yourself. Picture it coiling inside, like a calm flame instead of a wildfire.*
Naruto closed his eyes, his breathing steadying as he followed her instructions. The golden light around him began to fade, dimming to a soft shimmer that clung close to his skin.
Kazua's tone softened, a rare note of approval slipping through. *Not bad for a first attempt. But don't get cocky--this is just the beginning. We've got a long road ahead, Kit.*
Naruto opened his eyes, a determined gleam in their purple depths. "Good. The longer the road, the stronger I'll get."
Kazua sighed, but there was a hint of amusement in her voice. *Just try not to trip over your own feet along the way. Now, let's move on. Lesson two…*
Still not far from a potential murder scene. T-Minus Five Minutes Until Sakura… or (In my Sponge Bob voice) twenty-five… Minutes… Later…*
With a deep breath, he launched himself toward the next branch, his movements sharper and more fluid. The golden chakra seemed to hum in time with his heartbeat, its glow intensifying. For the first time, he felt something—something new--a rhythm, a connection. The energy wasn't just reacting to him; it was anticipating him.
Kazua's voice chimed in again, this time tinged with approval. *I'm impressed, Kit. I might not regret choosing you after all.*
Naruto smirked his confidence swelling with each leap. "Keep that up, and I might start thinking you like me."
Her laughter was brief, almost a chuckle. *Don't push your luck, Kit.*
Then, suddenly, as if responding to his efforts, a golden, semi-transparent window materialized in mid-air before him. Its edges rippled like water, glowing faintly. Naruto froze mid-step, his eyes widening in disbelief. "What the hell is that?!" he exclaimed, pointing at the floating rectangle.
Kazua's tone remained maddeningly calm, her voice carrying a tinge of amusement. *That, Kit, is your chakra interface. A visualization of your current personal statistics--a snapshot of your abilities, strengths, and glaring weaknesses.*
Naruto blinked, staring at the golden holographic panel now hovering in front of him. It was segmented into neat rows and columns, glowing symbols shifting and shimmering as if alive. At the top, bold lettering read:
--
Name: Naruto Uzumaki
Rank: (Lvl 1) Civilian
Strength: 25
Speed: 30
Agility: 25
Stamina: 70
Intelligence: 30
Charisma: 60
Chakra: 1000
Chakra Control: 15
Ninjutsu Proficiency: 20
Taijutsu Proficiency: 18
Genjutsu Proficiency: 5
Golden Chakra Sync: 12%
Power Level: 196
--
He cocked his head, purple eyes scanning the display, then something caught his eye. "Wait… what, Civilian? What kind of joke is this? I've been training like crazy! How am I still considered a Level 1 Civilian?"
He reached out to touch it, his fingers passing through the surface like water, sending ripples cascading across the shimmering panel.
Kazua sighed audibly, her voice dripping with exasperation. *Because, in terms of actual skill, you're still a civilian, Kit. Those stunts you pull? They're more brute force and raw luck than actual technique.*
She paused for emphasis before continuing, her tone sharper now. *See that 'Power Level' stat? You're considered a Level 1 Civilian because your chakra said so, and because that stat isn't high enough.*
"How do I raise my Power Level?" Naruto asked, his tone somewhere between curiosity and impatience. He glanced at the floating golden text box, his eyes scanning for answers that weren't immediately obvious.
By increasing your other stats* Kazua replied, her voice carrying an air of tired patience. *Strength, Agility, Chakra Control, Perception—all of it matters. The more balanced and developed your stats are, the higher your Power Level will climb.*
Naruto's eyes narrowed in determination. "Okay, so… I just train harder? More push-ups, more tree climbing, more everything?"
Kazua snorted. *Sort of. But it's not just about physical effort, Kit. Training smarter is just as important as training harder. Master the fundamentals, and your stats will follow. Remember, it's not just brute strength or speed—it's precision, strategy, and control. You're not going to power your way through everything.*
Naruto rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his golden aura flickering as he mulled over her words. "So, if I work on stuff like chakra control exercises, combat techniques, and maybe even studying…" He trailed off, his face scrunching up at the last part.
Yes, even studying* Kazua confirmed, her tone smug. *You'll get nowhere if your brain isn't as sharp as your kunai.*
Naruto sighed dramatically, throwing his arms up in defeat. "Fine, fine. I'll work on everything. But you're taking all the fun out of this."
Welcome to life, Kit* Kazua replied dryly. *It's a harsh teacher and usually not very fun. Better start studying.*
Naruto bristled, crossing his arms. "Okay, fine. Maybe my Power Level isn't great. But look at my stamina! Seventy's gotta count for something, right?"
Kazua chuckled. *Yes, congratulations. You've got enough stamina to outrun a charging bull. Too bad you'll trip over your own feet before you get anywhere. See your Agility? It's only at 25. If you can't coordinate that with your Speed and Strength, you'll end up running in circles.*
Naruto scowled, his eyes drifting lower to his Golden Chakra Sync: 12%. "What about this? Twelve percent sounds… okay, I guess? What's the average?"
Average?* Kazua snorted. *For normal shinobi, it's zero because they don't have Golden Chakra. But for you? Twelve percent means you're barely scratching the surface. With your current control, it's like trying to steer a warship with a toothpick. The power's there, but you're entirely out of sync.*
Naruto groaned, his head falling into his hands. "This is worse than the Academy test results. I didn't even know I had stats, and now I feel like I'm failing all over again."
Kazua's tone softened slightly. *Relax, Kit. This isn't about grades. It's about progress. These stats are just a starting point. With focus and training, you can raise every single one of them. But only if you stop whining and start putting in the work.*
Naruto lifted his head, his eyes narrowing. "Alright then. What do I do first? How do I fix this mess?"
Step one* Kazua said firmly, *is fixing your chakra control. Without that, you won't make it past Level 1. See that 'Chakra Control: 15'? That number needs to at least triple before we even think about improving your Golden Chakra Sync.*
Naruto straightened, determination flaring in his purple eyes. "Fine. Where do we start?"
Kazua's grin was audible. *Good question. I hope you're ready to practice tree climbing as if your life depends on it. Because if you don't figure this out, Kit? It just might.*
Naruto's mouth fell open, his finger jabbing toward the bottom of the panel. "Can you explain what exactly 12% Golden Chakra means for me?"
Before Kazue could answer, another text window appeared beside the stat window. It pulsed briefly before new text appeared:
[Current Golden Chakra Sync: 12%. Represents alignment of physical, mental, and spiritual energy. Higher synchronization unlocks advanced techniques and enhances attributes.]
Naruto groaned, dragging a hand down his face. "Oh, great. My chakra answers questions. Wait, why does my chakra answer questions?"
Kazua's laughter echoed through Naruto's mind, low and teasing. *Why does your chakra answer questions? Oh, Kit, you really don't know how special you are, do you?*
Naruto frowned, lowering his hand. "If this is another 'you're unique' speech, I swear—!"
Fine, fine* Kazua relented, her tone shifting to one of mild exasperation. *Your Golden Chakra isn't just raw energy, Naruto. It's an extension of your will, your essence. Think of it as a bridge between your consciousness and the underlying rules of existence. When you focus your intent—whether you're aware of it or not—it interacts with those rules, sometimes giving you answers in the form of instinct, intuition, or even direct communication.*
Naruto tilted his head, his brow furrowed. "So, you're saying my chakra has a mind of its own?"
Not quite* Kazua clarified. *It's still your chakra. But because it's tied to the fabric of reality, it picks up on things you might not consciously notice. It's like having an extra sense, one that whispers truths and possibilities straight to your gut—or, in your case, blurts them out in ways you can actually understand.*
Naruto rubbed the back of his head, his frown deepening. "So… what? My chakra's just smarter than me?"
Kazua laughed again, a mocking edge to her tone. *Well, when you put it that way, I guess it does seem like that sometimes. But don't take it personally, Kit. It's not about intelligence--it's about connection. You're still learning to tap into the bigger picture. Until then, your chakra's doing some of the heavy lifting for you. Think of it as training wheels.*
Naruto's jaw tightened, his pride flaring. "Great. Just what I always wanted--training wheels on my power."
Oh, don't be so dramatic* Kazua chided. *The fact that your chakra can answer questions at all puts you leagues ahead of most people. Once you learn to control it, those 'answers' will feel as natural as breathing. For now, be grateful your Golden Chakra hasn't started asking questions. That's when things get really interesting.*
Naruto blinked, his stomach sinking slightly. "Wait… it can do that?"
Kazua's grin was audible once more. *Focus on fixing your control first, Kit. Then we'll talk about that. One existential crisis at a time.*
The panel shifted again, text rippling across its surface:
[Tip: Focus your intent to refine control. Sarcasm decreases effectiveness by 20%.]
Naruto stumbled back, pointing accusingly at the glowing window. "Did that thing just sass me?! Oh, I'm not letting this slide."
Technically* Kazua teased, *it's your chakra sassing you. Maybe take the hint.*
Naruto scowled, his gaze flicking back to the panel. "Fine," he muttered under his breath. "You want focus? You'll get focus."
He crouched low, his hands brushing against the bark of the branch beneath him. The golden glow around him intensified as he took a deep, steadying breath. This time, instead of forcing the energy, he let it flow naturally, syncing with the rhythm he'd felt earlier.
The results were immediate. The golden aura flared brighter, enveloping him completely. For the first time, the chakra didn't feel like a foreign entity--it felt like an extension of himself.
Not bad* Kazua said, her tone softer now, almost approving. *You're getting the hang of it. Now, let's see if you can handle a real challenge.*
Before he could agree, the absurdity of the situation hit him all at once—golden windows, snarky inner voices, and now this bizarre training system that felt way too convenient. It was all too much, too fast, and Naruto couldn't shake the creeping sense that something wasn't adding up. Suspicion finally bubbled to the surface, sharp and undeniable, as he stopped pacing and turned his focus inward. "How do you even know all this stuff?" he asked, narrowing his eyes.
Kazua's snort rang through his mind, brimming with derision. Her response came swiftly, her tone dripping with mockery. *My guess? Your chakra implanted the required information in my mind so you wouldn't keep bothering it with dumb questions.*
Naruto's eyebrow twitched, the explanation doing nothing to calm his growing irritation. "Seriously? My own chakra thinks I'm an idiot now?"
Then the totality of what he heard hit him and his jaw dropped. "Hey! Dumb questions? It's my chakra, isn't it? Why wouldn't *my* chakra want to answer my questions about it? And why does it treat me like even more of a moron than you do?"
Those sound like personal questions, and I can neither confirm nor deny my opinion of your questionable intelligence* Kazua shot back with a laugh. *As for your chakra, my guess is it took one deep look into your mind, and whatever it found there made it decide to go through me instead of subjecting itself to your inane questions.*
Naruto's jaw tightened as he felt Kazua shrug dismissively. *Or maybe it just doesn't like you. Who knows?*
Naruto let out a frustrated growl, his hands clenching into fists. "Great. Even my own chakra system thinks I'm an idiot." He started pacing, the weight of the situation pressing down on him. "You know, this would all be easier if I had a manual or something instead of dealing with your constant insults."
Before he could push further, his senses prickled. A sudden flare of cloaked chakra rippled through the air, sharp and unsettling. He froze, his body tensing as his instincts kicked in. "Kazua," he muttered, his voice low and urgent. "We're not alone. Someone's out there that shouldn't be."
Her reply was swift and deadly serious. *I feel it, too. Stay sharp. This isn't a coincidence.*
Naruto's smirk vanished, replaced by a steely determination. The forest around him seemed to grow quieter as he crouched low, ready to act. Whatever was coming, he'd face it head-on--with or without his new chakra tricks.