"Kusagakure-ryuu: Happou Shou (Grass Style: Breaking Palm)!"
"BOOM!!"
In the training field, a young man with a ponytail bent low, slipping past his opponent's wild punch. His palms shot into the ribs with precision, sending the burly fighter flying dozens of meters before smashing into the wall.
"Winner, Kamihi!"
The referee didn't bother dragging it out. With a raise of his hand, the outcome was declared, and staff hurried to pry the loser from the wall.
"Life really is lonely at the top~"
Kamihi yawned as he left. These weaklings no longer stirred his blood.
"Kamihiko!"
A powerful slap nearly rearranged his organs. Behind him stood a lively young girl, smiling brightly.
"I knew you were the best!"
Kamihi's expression softened. But he quickly put on a stern face.
"Mako. Did you finish your chakra refinement today?"
"Please. Refining chakra is child's play!"
Hands on her hips, Mako struck a triumphant pose. But her pale face and unsteady steps betrayed her exhaustion.
"You… sigh. Come on, I'll treat you to food."
Seeing through her bravado, Kamihi shook his head helplessly.
"Yes!"
—
"Boss! Another bowl!"
At a humble noodle stall, the frail-looking Mako displayed monstrous appetite. Bowl after empty bowl stacked before her.
"Coming, coming!"
The owner was sweating bullets, unable to keep pace.
"Eat slower, you'll choke," Kamihi muttered, sliding his own untouched bowl to her.
"Fake concern! When have I ever choked?"
Mako snatched the bowl and inhaled the noodles without hesitation.
By the end, she patted her round belly with satisfaction.
"Forty-six bowls. Appetite keeps growing, but body doesn't change," Kamihi muttered, eyeing her flat figure.
"What was that?"
Mako's sharp ears caught it. Her teeth ground menacingly.
Kamihi flinched and quickly changed the subject.
"What's your training now? Still just refining chakra?"
"Mm. The elder's harsher every day. If my refining is too slow or impure, I get punished."
She sighed, but Kamihi patted her shoulder.
"Work hard. Someday you'll be a fighter too. We'll be on the same squad. I'll protect you."
"Hmph! Maybe I'll be the one protecting you."
Both were orphans taken in by Grass shinobi. Those without chakra talent became slaves. The few with talent were raised as soldiers, tools of war. Kamihi rose quickly, now an elite fighter. But Mako was left behind, endlessly refining chakra into a strange box.
"Why is she still stuck there?" Kamihi thought often.
—
The next day, Kamihi knelt before the elder.
"Elder."
"Kamihi, you've grown strong. I didn't misjudge you back then. You're a rare talent."
"Thanks to your guidance," Kamihi replied smoothly.
"Cut the flattery. Why are you here?"
Kamihi took a breath. "When will Mako be released from that place?"
The elder's brows furrowed. "Mako… that girl you were taken in with?"
"Yes. She's been there for years. Surely it's time?"
"I'll look into it."
Dismissed, Kamihi left with unease gnawing at him.
After he departed, the elder summoned a shadowed figure.
"Check on the box's progress."
"Yes."
—
Days later, Kamihi's squad was assembled at night. Confused whispers spread.
"War?"
"No news of war…"
The commander appeared, face grave.
"Tonight, an important ritual. Guard it. No mistakes."
"Ritual?"
None had heard of such a thing. But they nodded in obedience.
Kamihi edged close. "Captain… what ritual?"
The man's face hardened. "Don't ask."
Kamihi smirked. "Captain, I heard your wife's been wondering how many 'night shifts' you worked last month…"
The man stiffened. Sweat trickled. "…Fine. Tonight, the elders will perform the Opening of the Box ritual. If successful, Grass will soar to glory!"
The Box. Kamihi's stomach dropped.
He remembered it clearly: a massive cube carved with four faces—joy, anger, sorrow, and bliss. Children like him and Mako had once poured their chakra into it until collapse. He had been spared only because of his talent.
"Mako… don't be harmed…"
—
Inside a hall, the elder stood before the colossal Box of Bliss. Animal-masked figures flanked him.
"Elder, the Box needs only a little more chakra to awaken."
"Only a little?"
"Yes. Drain them dry, and it will awaken."
The elder nodded. "Begin."
Children—"batteries"—were herded in.
"Ugh, overtime again? Not even a break?" one complained.
"For Elder, I'll work 25 hours a day!" another cried fanatically.
Among them was Mako, clutching her stomach.
They knelt, channeling chakra. The Box trembled, red eyes blazing. Black smoke spilled, filling the hall with dread.
Outside, Kamihi raced closer.
"Rumble… rumble…"
The Box spun until the "bliss" face stopped before the elder.
"Not enough," he murmured.
Then the mouth of a lion-shaped gate opened.
"You, boy—prove your loyalty."
An eager youth stepped in. "Elder, I won't fail you!"
One after another, zealots threw themselves inside. But it still wasn't enough.
Hidden in the corner, Mako trembled pale. Not me… not yet. Kamihi is waiting…
"Still short. Find more," growled the elder.
"No need. You masked fools will suffice," the elder suddenly said. With a wave, he flung the beast-masked men screaming into the gate.
Still, the Box pulsed hungrily. His gaze turned coldly to his loyal guards.
"Elder, we're loyal!" they begged.
"Then prove it. Find others."
They bowed in relief—until a loud rumble echoed.
"Grrr…"
All eyes turned. In the shadows, a girl was dragged out—Mako.
"Elder! No!" she cried, struggling, tears streaming.
"What's your name?" the elder asked.
"M-Mako."
"So you are Mako… the girl Kamihi treasures."
The Box roared, demanding her.
The elder sighed. "Go."
The guards shoved her toward the gate.
"BOOM!!"
A lightning-fast figure smashed through the roof. Kamihi descended, palms cracking with force as he struck the guard's skull.
"Take your filthy hands off her—those are mine to touch, and I haven't even done it yet!"
(End of Chapter)
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