Chapter 5: The Thunder's Awakening
Kagenori walked away from Uzumaki Kushina with a heavy heart. The truth was, after so long in isolation, he desperately wanted a friend—someone to talk with, to share the burden of loneliness. But he meant what he'd told her: associating with him would only lead to her own isolation. In Konoha, those who shunned him were the normal ones; those who didn't became outcasts by association.
His refusal came from a place of protection, however painful it felt to turn away the first friendly overture he'd received in years.
The small, dilapidated house he returned to showed signs of repeated repairs—a testament to both his poverty and his determination to maintain what little he had. Standing in the main room, Kagenori felt his nerves humming with anticipation.
"System," he asked mentally, maintaining outward calm, "when you take over my body to simulate the lightning chakra transformation and Thunder Breathing sword forms, will it create significant disturbance?"
[It is recommended the host find an open area. The host's current residence has a 99.99% probability of being destroyed.]
Kagenori's eye twitched. Thank goodness he'd asked—he'd have been homeless by morning otherwise.
He left his dwelling and made his way to a river at Konoha's very edge, a secluded training spot he'd used for years where few ever ventured. The surrounding tree trunks bore numerous marks from his previous training sessions.
Taking a deep breath, Kagenori commanded, "System, begin. Claim the reward!"
[Reward claimed. System will take over host's body in three seconds. 3... 2... 1... Host body control assumed.]
The sensation was extraordinary—Kagenori's senses sharpened dramatically, becoming acutely aware of everything from the flow of blood through his veins to the minute shifts of air currents around him.
[Simulation commencing. First: lightning-nature chakra form transformation.]
The system guided Kagenori's right hand upward. A sphere of chakra condensed in his palm. Though he wasn't controlling his movements, each action felt intimately his own, as if he were performing them voluntarily—a deeply contradictory and strange experience.
The neutral chakra in his hand began transforming. The energy concentrated densely, causing Kagenori's chakra pathways to ache with building pressure. Despite the discomfort, the simulation continued uninterrupted.
As the chakra reached critical density, Kagenori's body maintained the formation. Then came the intensity increase. Lightning-nature chakra infused the neutral energy, and instantly, his right hand crackled with visible electricity.
Pain shot through his arm, making his face contort, yet excitement surged within him. The appearance and maintenance of the lightning meant he'd mastered form transformation.
[Lightning-nature chakra form transformation simulation successful. Proceeding to lightning-nature chakra nature transformation.]
Nature transformation meant bringing out the attribute's inherent advantages. The lightning currently dancing around his arm was largely visual—it needed killing power. Proper nature transformation would grant his chakra electrocuting and paralyzing properties while enhancing his physical capabilities with greater explosive force and penetration.
What followed felt like torture. The system showed no concern for difficulty, pushing forward relentlessly so long as he remained alive.
Kagenori felt as if thousands of ants crawled through his chakra pathways. Full-body numbness combined with skin-crawling tingles. With his senses amplified, the discomfort intensified exponentially. Trapped within his own body, he couldn't even scream.
Time stretched agonizingly until the system's voice brought relief.
[Lightning-nature chakra nature transformation simulation successful. Proceeding to Thunder Breathing complete sword forms. Detected host lacks sword. Recommended purchase for optimal simulation. Does host wish to purchase?]
"Purchase!" Kagenori responded immediately.
The system's exchange panel appeared in his vision. With only 100 witness points, his options were limited. He selected the most basic standard sword, costing just 10 points.
The katana materialized in his hand—approximately one meter of polished steel.
[Beginning Thunder Breathing complete sword forms simulation.]
Kagenori's body lowered into a slight crouch. Blue lightning chakra enveloped the blade while simultaneously wrapping around his right foot, stimulating his leg muscles. His breathing pattern shifted, and despite the warm weather, he exhaled a cloud of white mist.
"Thunder Breathing, First Form: Thunderclap and Flash!"
Lightning-charged chakra erupted from his right foot. With a thunderous roar that seemed to tear the air, he became a flash of lightning. In an instant, he stood before a tree as wide as two people, his blade cutting through it at invisible speed.
The tree severed cleanly.
Before he could catch his breath, the second form began.
"Thunder Breathing, Second Form: Rice Spirit!"
As Kagenori exhaled, he launched five lightning-shaped consecutive strikes, reducing the already falling tree into dozens of pieces.
The forms continued without pause. Though the system controlled his body, Kagenori experienced every sensation fully. Each movement felt like his muscles were tearing, the pain accumulating with every form.
The surrounding trees suffered devastation. Lightning's high temperature ignited small fires, and numerous trees crashed to the ground.
Through his haze of pain, Kagenori realized the noise and destruction would undoubtedly attract Konoha's sensory ninjas. There was no way this level of disturbance would go unnoticed.
By the fourth form, his chakra reserves depleted, but the system automatically spent 30 witness points to replenish his energy, forcing continuation.
From the Fifth Form onward, each technique required additional chakra replenishment.
Finally came the last form.
[30 witness points spent to replenish host's chakra.]
"Thunder Breathing, Seventh Form: Honoikazuchi!"
Kagenori charged forward, slashing at speeds imperceptible to normal vision. Everything in a straight line—trees, rocks, earth—was cleanly severed. The slash trajectory produced a dark blue dragon of thunder, spectacular and terrifying in its power.
As the final technique completed, control returned to Kagenori. He collapsed to his knees, panting heavily, his body screaming in protest. The katana slipped from his trembling fingers as he surveyed the devastation around him—a clearing where once stood dense trees, with scattered fires beginning to spread.
He had his power now. But he also had the certain knowledge that someone would come investigating. And he needed to be gone before they arrived.