Sarutobi Hiruzen looked over the Thunder Breathing Sword Forms that Shiranui Riku had presented.
This wasn't just a matter of being satisfied—it was astonishing.
From Hiruzen's professional viewpoint, the first five forms of the Thunder Breathing Sword Style could only be rated as B-rank ninjutsu at most. However, the sixth and seventh forms—"Land Form" and "Seventh Form"—had the potential to reach A-rank. Taken as a whole, the Thunder Breathing Full Sword Style could be considered an A-rank technique.
That alone was enough to impress Sarutobi Hiruzen.
It wasn't just a powerful single jutsu—it was a complete system. That made it immensely valuable.
Sarutobi Hiruzen rolled up the scroll and looked at Riku with great satisfaction. "Shiranui Riku, on behalf of the Hidden Leaf, I sincerely thank you for your contribution. What reward would you like?"
Riku shook his head. "This is my duty. Being able to contribute to Konoha is reward enough."
Sarutobi Hiruzen grew even more pleased.
There was no doubt about Shiranui Riku's talent. He had mastered both the form and nature transformations of Lightning Release, created a complex system of sword-based breathing techniques, and still showed humility and loyalty to the village. At this rate, it was a certainty that he would become a Jonin.
And, most importantly, he was loyal. He had offered an A-rank technique to the village without hesitation or hidden motives.
Originally, Sarutobi Hiruzen had worried that Riku might bear resentment toward Konoha—but that fear had vanished.
Why else would someone so young give up such a powerful original technique?
Sarutobi now saw Riku as a valuable asset and decided he would nurture him.
There was another layer to it. Riku had Uchiha blood. That heritage might allow him to play a special role in future dealings with the Uchiha clan.
Hiruzen walked over and clapped Riku on the shoulder. "Riku, be careful in your training. Keep growing stronger. Don't let me down."
Riku lowered his head slightly, his expression unreadable.
So Sarutobi Hiruzen intended to use him?
Perfect.
The more attention Hiruzen gave him, the smoother Riku's plans would go.
He raised his head, looked the Hokage in the eye, and said with intensity, "I won't let you down, Lord Hokage."
After a few more words of encouragement, Sarutobi let Riku go.
Once outside the Hokage Building, Riku let out a breath.
For now, there wasn't much for him to do except train.
Konoha was in a time of peace. No major incidents were happening, and there were no chances to gain witness points.
He was basically broke. Not a single witness point left.
The system's economy was absurd. A standard katana cost 10 witness points. Chakra refills cost 30 points each. After just three refills, he'd burned through 100 points.
Riku exhaled slowly as the sunset bathed the village in red light.
He needed to keep pushing. Keep getting stronger.
Five days later.
The Ninja Academy was closed.
Riku had made plans with Uzumaki Kushina the day before to visit the place where he had trained previously. He had told her it was beautiful this time of year, with the cherry blossoms in full bloom.
Petals fluttered all over the village.
They had agreed to meet at one in the afternoon.
Excited for her first outing, Kushina left right after lunch with Uzumaki Mito. She planned to get there early and hide, hoping to jump out and startle Riku.
She skipped through the streets, smiling as the blooming cherry trees lined her path. She imagined walking with Riku through the falling petals.
Then, suddenly—
She stopped. Her smile vanished, her eyes narrowed.
Ahead, standing by a cherry tree, was a boy who often bullied her at school.
He glared at her as if daring her to come closer.
Then a taller boy appeared behind him, wearing a forehead protector—a Genin.
The Genin rested his hands on the bully's shoulders. Both smirked at her.
"So you're the girl who keeps making my little brother cry," the Genin said as he walked forward, arms crossed.
"He started it!" Kushina shot back. "He's just a coward."
The younger boy looked away.
The Genin smirked and tapped his forehead protector. "See this? I'm a Genin. That means I deal with punks who hurt my family."
He cracked his knuckles.
Kushina's eyes sharpened. Without hesitation, she leapt into the trees and bolted.
The Genin chased after her, hurling a kunai. It zipped past and pinned her sleeve to a tree.
She was stunned. He'd used a real weapon.
No choice.
She sprang off the trunk and launched herself at him.
He wasn't expecting a counterattack.
Her punch landed squarely, sending him sprawling.
But as she caught her breath, he disappeared in a puff of smoke.
A substitution technique!
He reappeared behind her, striking the back of her neck and kicking her down.
Then he grabbed her hair and yanked her up.
Kushina cried out, pain flashing across her face.
"Didn't even see the substitution? You really are just a brat," he sneered. "And this red hair of yours? It's disgusting."
The other boy laughed. "Serves you right!"
Kushina began to cry.
That's when Riku arrived.
He saw the Genin gripping Kushina by the hair.
Something exploded in his mind.
His vision blurred with rage.
The younger bully saw Riku and pointed. "Brother! That traitor's here! He's with her!"
The Genin cracked his neck and grinned. "Perfect. I've been itching to smack this freak around."
"Riku, run!" Kushina screamed.
But Riku wasn't listening.
He was already reaching for his chipped katana.
His body lowered into a stance.
Sparks danced along his skin.
Lightning had already begun to crackle.
And in the next moment—
Shiranui Riku would strike.