After putting away the kunai, Summer Li (Xia Li) calmed her excitement. The next training schedule would need to be adjusted again, but for the Flying Thunder God technique, such adjustments were absolutely worth it.
"For now, just stay home and wait for Sinai to return," she said.
...
At that moment, Sinai was walking home, humming a little tune, carrying several boxes.
Although she hadn't yet reached home, Sinai had already learned from well-informed customers that her son had once again achieved first place in the evaluations.
Considering her son's outstanding performance, didn't Sinai feel that this was only natural?
This time, she had stayed late at work, then stopped by the shop to buy plenty of grilled meat to bring home for Summer Li as snacks. She remembered how much he loved this kind of meat. While he wasn't picky, he did have some small preferences.
Soon, Sinai arrived at the doorstep. Unsure if Summer Li was home or out again, she didn't call out.
However, before she could open the door, Summer Li had already done so, walking up to her with a box in hand.
"You brought so much today?" Summer Li said, picking up one of the boxes.
"This is your favorite barbecue. I even brought the seasonings. I'll set up the grill so we can celebrate little Summer Li taking first place again!" Sinai said with a smile.
"You already know," Summer Li replied.
"Of course. You've made quite a name for yourself at our barbecue shop. It seems everyone knows you're my son, so news of your achievements spreads fast here."
Sinai looked at Summer Li's formal attire with some confusion. "Why are you dressed so formally today? Normally, I let you wear clothes you'd never pick yourself."
"Of course, that's because…" Summer Li didn't hide anything and explained that the Third Hokage had taken him under his wing.
Seeing Sinai's shocked expression, Summer Li was satisfied. If the first move couldn't create surprise, then let the Third Hokage's guidance and the Fourth Hokage's techniques do it!
"My son is incredible—he can even learn the Fourth Hokage's techniques!" Sinai finally reacted after a moment, murmuring to herself. The Fourth Hokage wasn't an ordinary person; he was a male deity among their generation. Now, her son was qualified to learn his techniques, which felt almost unreal.
"Hmm, well, I am first place," Summer Li said without further comment.
Sinai didn't respond. Even if she hadn't been overly concerned, she knew that ranking first alone shouldn't earn such special treatment. The only explanation was that Summer Li's talent exceeded her expectations, enough to attract the attention of someone as influential as the Third Hokage.
But no matter what, this was her son. It was time for barbecue—let little Summer Li try his skills!
After dinner.
"What's the matter?" Sinai asked, looking at Summer Li with some curiosity. Normally, he would have retreated to his room to read at this time.
"Mom, I recently learned some massage techniques and want to try them," Summer Li explained.
"I'd like a massage from you, but it's not necessary. You should focus on your own things," Sinai said, not wanting to waste his time.
However, Sinai's words could not change Summer Li's mind. He had saved that chakra specifically for her.
Eventually, Sinai relented and allowed Summer Li to proceed, her eyes filled with joy.
Soon, she realized something was unusual about this massage. Why did it feel so comfortable? And why did it suddenly feel like thunder and lightning were present?
Sinai nearly jumped in surprise but quickly reminded herself that it must be Summer Li. She calmed down. Regardless, she trusted that Summer Li would not harm her, and the combination of thunder and lightning actually felt very pleasant.
At that moment, Sinai understood that Summer Li had prepared this intentionally for her. She didn't fully understand the mechanism but knew it was likely not simple—at least for a genin who had never dealt with such techniques before.
While it felt enjoyable, Sinai still worried. Could this cause any trouble for Summer Li? She didn't want him to waste his talent because of her.
For Summer Li, could it really be troublesome? Learning ninja techniques was meant to make him stronger and improve his family's well-being.
Since he now had this ability, why not use it?
Previously, he hadn't done so because his control wasn't sufficient, and he feared harming Sinai. After repeated experiments, he was now fully confident.
Moreover, the results were easier than expected because Sinai's chakra nature was lightning, making her resistance higher than Xiao Li's. Of course, the effect was still less than Xiao Li's. After all, Sinai had never undergone training like Xiao Li.
Nevertheless, fatigue relief and physical enhancement were still achievable. For Summer Li, being able to do this was enough.
After the massage, Sinai wanted to advise Summer Li not to do this again, but out of affection and helplessness, she ultimately let him continue.
Sinai realized that having such a son, even without the same talent herself, was an immense blessing.
Chapter 42 – The Mark of the Flying Thunder God
The next day.
Summer Li rarely used shadow clones for research that day. Instead, he took the Fourth Hokage's specially crafted kunai and carefully began channeling his chakra into the Flying Thunder God mark engraved on it—the very mark that read "The Ninja's Beloved Sword."
This kunai was specially designed, and the Flying Thunder God mark was deliberately left for others to learn. Otherwise, it would be impossible to channel chakra into it so easily. Even the most obedient disciple of the Fourth Hokage would have noticed the mark if it weren't designed for learning.
This kunai could not be used for combat. Summer Li needed it to learn the Flying Thunder God technique. While the mark usually wouldn't disappear, that didn't mean the marked object couldn't be destroyed.
Even as he infused his chakra, he remained extremely cautious. In fact, even this seemingly simple four-character mark was far more complex than he had imagined. By his estimate, the entire infusion process would take two to three days.
This was the result of Summer Li's exceptional chakra control. If a regular student attempted it, it would be uncertain whether the correct amount of chakra could be infused, and the special mark might have to be destroyed and redone.
It was clear that most people not only lacked the qualifications to learn the Flying Thunder God technique but even to test if they had the talent to learn it.
This demonstrated just how difficult mastering the Flying Thunder God technique was.
Even Summer Li could do it so smoothly only because his control had been greatly enhanced through training in the path of Sage techniques and insight into void and Netherworld realms. Without these, it would have been impossible. He had the basic conditions; now he just needed more time.
After a while, Summer Li stopped, feeling a twinge of pain in his heart. If he pushed a little more, he might complete the first step by tomorrow.
He needed to go train now. If it was purely academic, he could pause for two days. The Flying Thunder God technique was worth it, but training could not stop.
Even the Flying Thunder God consumed chakra, as it was a space-time ninjutsu, though its cost was relatively moderate compared to some other high-level techniques.
Nonetheless, the amount of chakra used depended on mastery. The Fourth Hokage had more than enough chakra, but that didn't mean Summer Li's chakra wasn't substantial. He still had room to grow.
Sometimes, Summer Li wanted to surpass others, testing his limits like Xiao Li. Even if there were side effects, it felt like a minor inconvenience for geniuses. For Xiao Li, it was almost as easy as drinking water, and he'd still be lively the next day.
Even so, Summer Li's training method was harsh on the body. The aftereffects would inevitably return with age, even if invisible now. Only advanced medical ninjutsu or Sage Mode techniques might mitigate them.
But now, it was too early. Summer Li maintained training at peak capacity, only pushing past limits when his body was in perfect condition. Even as he aged, he would not force further breakthroughs—the process would naturally unfold.
Summer Li headed toward the familiar training grounds.
On the third day, Summer Li finally completed the first step with the special kunai. It now truly belonged to him. Even if given to others, its effectiveness could not be easily verified.
The complexity of the Flying Thunder God mark made Summer Li sigh. Just the infusion process was troublesome—establishing his own mark when learning the technique would be even harder.
The more he interacted with the technique, the harder mastering it seemed. No wonder Konoha had so many talented ninjas, but only the Second and Fourth Hokage mastered it. Summer Li was confident that he would join that elite group someday.
Upon establishing an initial connection with the mark left by the Fourth Hokage, Summer Li sensed something unique. Thanks to his strong perception, he could now unconsciously detect the kunai's location—a clear sign of talent.
Indeed, closing his eyes and focusing intensified this connection.
He then sat cross-legged, placing the kunai on his lap, and slowly entered a void state.
In this state, his perception was heightened. Facing a kunai with which he had already established a connection, the effect was astonishing.
He could directly sense the exact location of the Flying Thunder God. In other words, if he had already learned the technique, he could deploy it immediately.
Unfortunately, he still couldn't fully harness the power, lacked sufficient chakra, and couldn't use ninjutsu in this void state.
Still, Summer Li smiled. He now had full confidence that by the end of the third semester, he could pass the exam.
As for the mind techniques on the scroll, that was secondary.
For Summer Li, this was the simplest step. He had memorized the chakra flow and seal, so applying it was easy.
The next few days would focus on strengthening the connection, which would require less chakra after familiarization. Efficiency would increase, saving time.
It was a pity—extra chakra could have been used to practice C-rank techniques, but that would have to wait.
Chapter 43 – New Year
The holiday brought no special changes to Summer Li. His training and studies never stopped, and as his physique strengthened, sessions became longer.
Days passed, finally bringing the New Year.
To Summer Li, it was nothing particularly special, but Sinai valued the day greatly and prepared dishes he normally couldn't eat to celebrate another year of safety.
Seeing Sinai so happy, Summer Li abandoned the idea of going out to train. On such a special day, he decided to rest.
Seeing that her son stayed home to accompany her, Sinai smiled but sighed inwardly. So much had changed this year. The biggest change was Summer Li entering the ninja academy and showing astonishing talent—far beyond Sinai's expectations.
She had assumed that even if Summer Li's talent was good, he could at most become a special jonin, following in his father's footsteps. Now, she realized she had underestimated him.
After dinner, Sinai changed into a kimono she didn't often wear.
Summer Li didn't wear a kimono—not because he opposed it, but because he wasn't used to it. It was cumbersome and inconvenient. Still, he changed into another outfit.
The outfit resembled the one he had worn when meeting the Third Hokage. Seeing him dressed like this, Sinai's eyes lit up again.
Years of training had made Summer Li resilient beyond his peers, and he had grown quite handsome.
"Let's go," Sinai said with a smile.
Summer Li nodded and followed her. On such a special day, he wanted to spend more time with his mother.
Soon, when Sinai brought Summer Li to the street, it was crowded with people, food stalls, and entertainment booths—bustling and lively.
Sinai seemed happy in the crowd. Even without buying anything, the atmosphere brought her joy.
Frankly, Summer Li didn't understand this feeling. He preferred solitude or time with friends. The crowded scene made him uneasy.
But even if he disliked it, today was an exception, and such endurance would pass.
Not long after, Sinai ran into colleagues at work, and Summer Li had to politely greet them.
What was more amusing was that Sinai's reputation had spread throughout her workplace, so every colleague looked at Summer Li with admiration.
This made Summer Li smile and thank her.
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