Hiruzen Sarutobi sat quietly, his eyes narrowed as he carefully examined the scroll containing the Thunder Breathing sword forms that Senyu had submitted.
At this point, it wasn't a matter of mere satisfaction—it was outright astonishment.
From the perspective of the "Professor of Ninjutsu," a man who had mastered nearly every technique in Konoha's arsenal, the first five forms of Thunder Breathing could be classified no higher than B-rank Body Enhancement techniques. But the sixth and seventh forms—those were something else entirely. They skirted the boundary between B-rank and high A-rank taijutsu-based chakra enhancements.
Taking the technique as a whole? It stood firmly in A-rank territory.
That alone was enough to impress Hiruzen. Techniques of this caliber, especially full sets of internal body cultivation and breathing-based enhancement arts, were exceedingly rare—on par with clan-specific secrets like the Hachimon or the Hyūga's Gentle Fist.
He rolled up the scroll and looked at Senyu with a rare gleam of approval in his eyes.
"Senyu," Hiruzen said solemnly, "on behalf of the Hidden Leaf, thank you. This Thunder Breathing style is a remarkable contribution. What would you like as a reward?"
Senyu shook his head. "This is my duty, Lord Hokage. Being able to offer something meaningful to the village—that's reward enough."
Hiruzen nodded slowly, his approval deepening. Senyu wasn't just skilled—he was humble, respectful, and clearly loyal to the village.
A rare combination.
Not only had Senyu mastered Lightning Release in both its shape and nature transformations—already impressive for a shinobi his age—but he had developed or at least adapted an entire breathing-based body technique, likely through intense self-discipline and unorthodox training. As far as Hiruzen could see, Senyu was well on the path to becoming a Jōnin.
And what truly set him apart?
He had Uchiha blood.
Half-Uchiha, according to the records. That lineage, coupled with his obedience and talent, might make him a valuable asset in the coming years—especially with tensions rising between the village and the Uchiha clan.
Hiruzen placed a hand firmly on Senyu's shoulder.
"Take care of yourself, Senyu. Train hard, but wisely. I expect great things from you. Don't let me down."
Senyu lowered his head slightly, hiding the flicker of amusement in his expression.
So… Hiruzen was planning to use him.
Perfect.
The more trust Hiruzen gave him, the more freedom Senyu would have to carry out his long-term plan.
He raised his head, eyes blazing with determination. "I won't disappoint you, Lord Hokage!"
After exchanging a few more formalities, Senyu excused himself and left the Hokage's office. Once outside, he let out a slow breath, tension easing from his shoulders.
For now, all he had to do was train.
Konoha was in a rare state of peace, which meant fewer missions and even fewer opportunities to gain Witness Points—his system's lifeblood.
At the moment, Senyu was broke. Absolutely destitute. He almost felt like the system was trolling him.
A standard katana cost 10 Witness Points. Chakra restoration? A whopping 30 points per use. After replenishing it three times, he'd burned exactly 100 points.
It stung.
Still, no point whining. He looked out at the sunset, fists clenched. He had to keep grinding. He had to get stronger.
---
Five Days Later
The Ninja Academy was closed for the day.
Senyu had made plans with Kushina Uzumaki the day before to visit one of his old training spots—a place tucked between cliffs and trees, bathed in cherry blossoms this time of year.
Kushina had been visibly excited. It was the first time she'd gone out for fun, and after lunch with Mito Uzumaki, she rushed out the door, eager to beat Senyu to the meeting spot.
She had a plan—get there first, hide, and pop out to surprise him. Classic Kushina.
As she jogged along the blossom-lined path, she was all smiles, the cherry petals fluttering around her like snow. She imagined walking beside Senyu under the pink cascade.
Then she stopped cold.
Standing under one of the blooming trees was the last person she wanted to see—the Academy brat who constantly harassed her. And next to him stood a tall boy with a Konoha forehead protector—clearly a Genin.
They were both grinning maliciously.
"So you're the one who keeps making my little brother cry," the Genin sneered, cracking his knuckles as he stepped forward.
Kushina pointed accusingly. "He's the one who always picks fights! Don't turn this around!"
The younger boy looked away guiltily, but the Genin didn't back down. He jabbed a thumb at his headband. "I'm a real ninja now. And today, I'm going to teach you a lesson."
Kushina didn't hesitate. She leapt up into the trees and sprinted.
The Genin chased her instantly. A kunai whistled past and struck the tree beside her head.
A real kunai.
Kushina's eyes widened. That wasn't a prank—he was trying to hurt her.
She spun and launched herself toward the Genin, catching him completely off-guard. Her punch landed square in his gut, knocking him to the ground.
But before she could celebrate—poof.
A cloud of smoke burst from his body.
Body Replacement Technique.
He reappeared behind her in a flash, striking her in the neck, then kicking her in the back. She hit the ground hard.
The Genin grabbed a fistful of her hair, yanking her up roughly. Kushina cried out, tears stinging her eyes.
"Didn't even catch the substitution? Tch. You're still a baby," he jeered, sneering at her vibrant red hair. "This stiff mop is such an eyesore."
His younger brother laughed beside him. "Serves you right, tomato head!"
Kushina began to sob.
And then—
A crack of electricity in the air.
Senyu arrived on the scene just in time to see Kushina being lifted by the hair.
His mind went blank.
The brat noticed him and pointed. "Brother, that traitor's here too! He's with her!"
The Genin cracked his neck, a savage grin spreading across his face. "Good. I've been meaning to deal with that bastard anyway."
"Senyu! Run!" Kushina screamed.
But Senyu wasn't listening. His heart pounded like a drum. His vision tunneled. His hand had already drawn the battered katana from his back.
Lightning began to arc across his body.
Senyu lowered his stance.
Thunder Breathing, First Form…