On the road to the Land of Lightning, White Fang couldn't help but ask curiously:
"What's with that eerie chakra of yours?"
Chakra was influenced by personal traits, giving it unique characteristics. But that was more about the impression it left—fundamentally, chakra was still chakra.
Kin's chakra, however, felt fundamentally different. If not for the fact that Kin could still use ninjutsu, White Fang might have thought it was something entirely distinct.
"An evolved version of the Basic Internal Energy Technique—Chakra Internal Energy," Kin replied, looking up at White Fang.
Why is this guy so tall?
I kinda want to kick his knees.
"Can I get a copy to study?" White Fang's interest was piqued. The enhancements from the Basic Internal Energy Technique were undeniable, and the Chakra Internal Energy might be even more powerful.
"If you want to understand the theory, I can discuss it with you. But if you expect me to develop it for you? Dream on," Kin said, rolling his eyes.
He wanted ninjas who could help him refine the technique, not ones who needed him to do all the work.
"Is it still based on sealing techniques?" White Fang asked.
"Of course."
Chakra Internal Energy was essentially an extension of sealing techniques—just far more complex. It required not only high chakra control but also deep understanding of sealing jutsu. It wasn't just one seal anymore; it was a composition of multiple seals.
The technical difficulty was immense.
Multiple seals meant that even the slightest instability would lead to failure. Depending on one's physique, constant experimentation and summarization of experience were necessary.
This was also why Kin hadn't fully mastered it yet.
"Maybe you should develop one for me," White Fang sighed helplessly. When it came to sealing techniques, he was "nine out of ten holes unplugged"—clueless.
Kin extended his hand, his meaning clear.
Pay up.
White Fang hesitated, then placed his family's ancestral sword into Kin's palm.
"What are you doing?" Kin's face darkened.
White Fang's strength lay in that blade. Handing it over meant losing half his combat power. Were they even going to the Land of Lightning anymore? Who would handle any dangers they encountered?
White Fang scratched his head awkwardly.
"I don't have anything else. Besides this sword, I've got a son. If you want him, he's yours too."
Kakashi's gonna cry if he hears this!
Kin stared at White Fang in disbelief. Was this guy really willing to trade anything for a jutsu?
Kin already had the Kusanagi Sword; he wasn't a dual-wielder, so another blade was useless.
As for Kakashi—what was he supposed to do with him!?
Give myself a headache?
Maybe when Kakashi was older, he could repay his father's debt.
After all, a father's debts are repaid by the son.
"Forget it," Kin sighed in resignation.
"So you agree?"
"Come back when you've got something that actually interests me."
Kin walked past White Fang, heading into the distance.
Freebies? Not a chance.
The Land of Lightning was unlike any other nation.
Towering mountains stretched into the clouds, their peaks layered like waves. Some summits even pierced the sky—a signature feature of this country.
Cities here were built into the mountainsides, their unique geography shielding them from the wars below.
But this came at a cost.
While the scenery was breathtaking, travel between cities was arduous. Merchants—especially ordinary ones—avoided the Land of Lightning.
Add to that the frequent thunderstorms, and the risks only multiplied.
With trade stifled, the Land of Lightning remained impoverished.
This was why they coveted the Land of Fire. A foothold on fertile plains would let them thrive independently.
Economics and trade shaped nations far more than people realized.
As Kin and White Fang climbed into a mountain city, the constant rumble of thunder filled their ears.
Compared to the neon-lit cities below, this place lacked glamour—but the streets bustled with life. Couples on dates, elderly shoppers, children playing—the air was alive with chatter.
There was no hint of war here.
Large stores were rare, but street vendors were everywhere. In a poor nation like this, only the wealthiest could afford proper shops.
"The Land of Lightning is surprisingly peaceful," Kin remarked.
"Geography's to thank. Invading this place is far harder than other nations," White Fang explained.
Every country had its unique terrain, but the Land of Fire held the richest soil.
No wonder others coveted it.
Kin's gaze lingered on a passing woman.
Noticing his stare, she didn't scold him—instead, she winked.
"Not a bad place at all," Kin mused.
"Indeed," White Fang agreed.
They exchanged glances.
White Fang coughed and straightened his expression.
"People here are just... warm and open."
Yeah, right.
White Fang was clearly not a serious man.
After settling into an inn, White Fang turned to Kin with a solemn expression.
"We'll split up now. Scout for Cloud ninjas in this city."
With that, he left.
Kin opened the window, watching White Fang's retreating figure.
Acting all serious... Something's fishy.
He leaped out, cloaking himself in Yin-natured chakra to mask his presence.
Tailing White Fang, he watched as the man asked for directions before slipping into a secluded alley.
Finally, White Fang entered a small shop.
Kin stood outside, eyeing the sign:
"Cloud Dream Inn."
The pink chalk letters and seemingly ordinary facade didn't fool him.
Finally, I've got you.
Grinning, Kin formed hand seals.
"Transformation Jutsu!"
His form shifted into a tanned, muscular man. He strode inside.
"Welcome!" A scantily clad hostess greeted him warmly.
Definitely not a respectable establishment.
Kin—a proper gentleman—kept his eyes forward and declared, "I'm with the guy who just came in."
The hostess smiled, unfazed by his occasional glances at her exposed skin.
No one comes here for "respectable" reasons.
"Right this way."
A woman in a red dress led him to a private room bathed in dim, pink light.
Inside, White Fang sat with arms around two women, looking utterly pleased.
Seeing Kin enter, he blinked.
"And you are—?"
Before the hostess could answer, Kin shoved the women aside and slung an arm around White Fang's shoulders.
"Guess who?"
His voice hadn't changed.
White Fang's face turned green.
...
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(End of Chapter)