"The past does not sleep. It coils quietly, waiting for chakra to stir it awake."
Morning – Academy Practice Yard
The clouds were thick this morning, the sky a dull silver-gray that matched the mood hovering over Training Ground 2. A faint breeze swirled through the trees, and the field buzzed with the low hum of chakra-based training targets whirring in place.
Renji stood at the far end of the field, headbandless and shirt half-unbuttoned, breathing slow, steady. His eyes weren't focused on the targets — they were focused inward.
His chakra was… strange today.
More sensitive. More alive.
He had barely touched it, and it pulsed like a living thing — waiting.
Hinata's Perspective
From beneath a shaded tree, Hinata peeked out behind her small notepad, lips parted.
She watched as Renji placed both hands on the ground and slowly began to channel his chakra. Tiny sparks of red flickered along his forearms. His veins glowed. The air shimmered.
It's warm… his chakra feels warm again.
It reminded her of the day he saved her.
That same steady, fearless energy. It didn't crackle like fire or buzz like lightning. It flowed like blood. Powerful, thick, deep.
And then it happened.
With a loud CRACK, the earth beneath Renji's feet split open. But instead of rock, chains of glowing red chakra erupted upward — writhing like serpents, slamming into the practice targets with a sonic boom.
Naruto, Shikamaru, and even Sasuke turned to look.
The targets disintegrated in mid-air.
"Those… weren't normal."
Renji stared at his own hands, slightly trembling.
The chains had receded now, evaporating like smoke. But the imprint in the ground remained.
"That wasn't… me."
"It was you."
Iruka appeared behind him, arms crossed, face serious.
"I knew it the moment I saw your chakra signatures when you were unconscious. You're carrying something very powerful."
Renji stayed silent.
"It looks like you've inherited something unique from the Uzumaki Clan. You might not have their name, but chakra doesn't lie."
"Chakra chains," Iruka continued, "are rare even among them. If you can use them… train them."
"I don't know how," Renji muttered.
"You will," Iruka said. "Because if you don't — the first time you lose control might be the last."
Lunch – Ichiraku Ramen Stand
Naruto was unusually quiet between bites of miso pork.
"So," he finally said. "You summoned chains. Real ones."
Renji stared into his bowl. "Yeah."
"Cool."
Renji blinked.
"That's it?"
"You think some spooky glowing ropes scare me?"
"…Fair."
Hinata sat across from them, smiling quietly behind her steamed bowl.
Naruto elbowed Renji. "Next time you bring them out, I wanna spar you."
"Seriously?"
"Yeah! If I can beat the chains, then I'm one step closer to beating Sasuke!"
Renji chuckled, shaking his head. "You're impossible."
Hinata smiled wider. That sound — his laughter — it was rare.
And it made her stomach flutter.
Afternoon – Hyuga Compound
Hiashi Hyuga was silent for a long time after Hinata reported the morning's events.
"Chains… chakra-based?"
"Yes, Father."
"And you were partnered with him again?"
"…Yes."
A pause.
"You will keep your distance from this boy."
Hinata's breath caught.
"But—"
"No 'but,' Hinata. This Renji is powerful, yes — but he is unknown. A wild card. And you… you must focus on mastering your Byakugan."
Hinata's fingers curled into her sleeves.
"Father, he—he saved me. Twice."
"You are a Hyuga. You do not need to be saved."
Hiashi turned away.
"Dismissed."
Hinata left the room, but the rebellion brewing in her chest didn't fade.
Evening – Sparring Grounds
The match had drawn a crowd.
Renji stood shirtless, headband tied around his arm. Across from him, Naruto grinned, full of chaotic confidence, kunai in both hands.
"Don't hold back!" Naruto yelled.
"Wouldn't dream of it," Renji replied.
The fight exploded into motion.
Naruto dashed in, chakra surging into his fists. Renji deflected the first strike, countered with a spinning kick, and then weaved through the hand seals he had practiced in secret:
"Fūin Style: Spiral Binding!"
A red seal flared at his feet — but Naruto was gone.
"Substitution Jutsu!" shouted Naruto
He came from behind, throwing shurikens diving into a pincer attack.
Renji spun midair, chakra flickering along his forearms.
Clink!
Chains burst out again — but this time, he guided them.
They snapped the shurikens apart mid-jump, slicing the air with terrifying speed.
The crowd gasped.
Naruto landed hard, panting.
"…That. Was. AWESOME!"
Renji walked over, panting too, but smiling.
"Not bad, whisker-boy."
"Thanks, Chainsaw."
They both laughed.
Hidden Behind Scrolls – Jiraiya's Notes
"His chains respond to emotion. Not control. Which is dangerous."
"But also… promising. Especially if the Nine-Tails is involved."
"He must not fall into Danzo's hands. Or worse…"
Midnight – Renji's Dream
He stood in a red corridor, ancient and damp, symbols glowing along the walls.
A voice echoed through the hallway — whispering his name.
"Renji…
Uzumaki…"
He turned, and at the far end of the corridor stood a woman with long red hair, a smile soft and sad.
"Mom?" he whispered.
She didn't answer — just lifted her hand, revealing the same mark on his palm.
Then the walls began to crack, the corridor collapsing inward.
The whisper became a roar.
End of Chapter 8