Akachen "graduated" from the Ninja School at the tender age of six, and was directly granted the status of Genin by the Tsuchikage. He was said to be of the weight of the fourth generation and would accompany Ohnoki to meet the Daimyo of the Land of Earth.
This was like a huge rock thrown into a calm pond, causing quite a stir inside and outside the Iwagakure Village, especially in the ninja school, which had caused an uproar.
Being recognized by the Tsuchikage and even confirmed as having the weight of the Fourth Hokage is a great honor, which means that Ohnoki has sufficient confidence in Akagi's strength.
In fact, this is true. Long before entering the Ninja School, Chi Chen's strength had already reached the graduation standard. He was allowed to stay in the Ninja School to study only to lay a solid foundation. Now the magnanimity shown by Chi Chen is enough for Noki to take Chi Chen seriously.
In terms of strength, Akachen, who possesses Dust Release and the Light and Heavy Rock Technique and has been trained with all his might by Ohnoki, could have made a name for himself in the ninja world long ago.
On the training ground, Fei Liu, his training uniform soaked with sweat, was swinging his sword at Tiebei Yan. When the news came from the mouths of hurriedly arriving classmates, his chopping motion suddenly stopped, and the short sword fell to the ground with a clang.
"Graduation? Genin? The successor of the Fourth Hokage?" Fei Liu's amber cat eyes widened, and her face was a mixture of shock, disbelief, and a hint of indescribable loss.
He knew better than anyone how hard Chi Chen had worked over the years, and he also knew that Chi Chen was very strong, but the concept of "graduation" came too quickly and too formally, like an invisible gap that suddenly appeared between them, and he was not ready to face it.
He hadn't even been in school with Chi Chen for a few days! Were they going to be separated after just one year? Those days of imagining forming the strongest team together and "fighting side by side" on the playground seemed to be over before they even began.
After a brief moment of daze, a stronger fire ignited in his eyes. He bent down to pick up the dagger, his fingers straining until his knuckles turned white. He chopped down at the scarred rock with all his might, roaring, "You're kidding! Don't even think about leaving me behind like this, you bastard Chichen!!"
This blow, struck with unprecedented ferocity and determination, actually left a deeper white mark on the rock. He panted, but his eyes were unusually bright. "Just wait! I will become stronger! Strong enough to stand by your side, strong enough to split any obstacle in your way! A thousand more times!"
The head teacher next to him looked at Fei Liu on the training ground. He had to say that from the perspective of combat power, Fei Liu now fully met the graduation standards. He believed that in time, Fei Liu would become a top powerhouse in the ninja world. Unfortunately, he was competing against the most powerful genius in the history of the Land of Earth!
As the class teacher, he knew that Chi Chen was already capable of fighting against a Jonin, and even a Jonin had to be careful when dealing with all kinds of ninjutsu combinations.
He still didn't know that Chi Chen had already mastered the Light and Heavy Rock Technique, allowing him to fly, as well as the Dust Escape Technique. Now, Chi Chen could be said to be invincible under the Five Kage! If he could defeat him, he could fly away, but if he couldn't, he would be annihilated in one blow.
The night before departure - Harui's family
The warm lights dispelled the chill of the night. On the small square table, there was a meal that was richer than usual, including soft rice balls mixed with wheat bran, a few thin slices of dried meat, and some home-cooked dishes.
This was specially prepared by Aunt Harui because she knew that Chichen was going on a long journey with Lord Tsuchikage to carry out an important mission.
"Chen, eat more! I heard that the royal capital is very far away and you must have had a hard time on the road." Aunt Chunjing put the largest piece of meat into Chichen's bowl, her eyes full of kindness and imperceptible worry.
"It's okay, Aunt Chunjing." Chi Chen felt a warm feeling in his heart. He picked up the rice ball and took a bite. The rough texture brought a sense of home.
He looked at Fei Liu who was eating voraciously beside him. This guy had just finished the "hell training" with Teacher Yamagami and was as hungry as a little wolf.
"Hey, Chen!" Fei Liu said incoherently with his cheeks puffed up, "Be careful, I will catch up with you. And when we go to the capital, don't forget to show me if you have any good swords!"
Chi Chen couldn't help but smile: "Okay, I'll keep an eye out for you when I have a chance." He subconsciously touched the rough wooden talisman tied with a faded red rope around his neck - the amulet given by Fei Liu. I will change all this, I will.
"Chen," Aunt Chunjing's voice rang out, a barely perceptible sob choking her throat. "Auntie doesn't understand national affairs... but I know you have something very important to do. Don't put too much pressure on yourself; you're still young... Just come back safely. Auntie, Feiliu, and the neighbors are all waiting for you."
Her rough hand gently patted the back of Chi Chen's hand.
Chi Chen nodded vigorously, his throat a little tight: "Yes! Don't worry, Auntie, I will. Our future will get better and better." He said this not only to Auntie Chunjing, but also to himself.
After finishing his meal and helping to clean up, Chi Chen stood on the rooftop and looked up at the brilliant starry sky above the Hidden Rock Village. The dark clouds of war might eventually obscure the sky, but in his heart, the determination to change all this was indeed growing stronger!
Convincing the daimyo was only the first step. His ninja journey would begin with this fundamental, profound, and complex struggle between "people's livelihood" and "power." No longer a mere genius wielding the sharp edge of Dust Release, he would be the one holding the blueprint, carving out the "rock" of the future for Iwagakure and the Land of Earth, between the cracks of rock and profit.
This journey will definitely be difficult, and he will carry the expectations of countless people. As a rising star, countless people will want to kill him. In fact, he should be stronger before doing this. Ohnoki also wants to hide Chichen, which is why he wants Chichen to stay in the ninja school.
But Chi Chen couldn't bear it any longer. If he waited any longer, more and more people would suffer. As for the danger, he had to face it anyway, so he was not afraid!
Those nobles who suck the blood of the common people, those ronin who think they can rob at will just because they have power...this world is sick!
Outside the window, the wind and sand still swirled across the vast, barren mountainous landscape. Inside the Tsuchikage's office, Ōnoki watched Akagi disappear through the door, a deep smile spreading across his wrinkled face.
"Dig deep, store up food… slowly claim your throne?" he muttered to himself, picking up the "Rock Foundation" plan outline and stroking the rough surface with his fingertips. "No, boy, you're not storing up food, you're storing up this era. This old man, with his old bones, will accompany you… and place another heavy bet! Hahahahahahaha!"
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