"This technique really is something else. Unlike ordinary chakra, which comes from extracting physical and spiritual energy from the body's 130 trillion cells, this one absorbs natural energy from the outside world. In simpler terms—like in martial arts novels—it's qi."
"Then… doesn't that make this a kind of alternative Sage Mode?"
"And one that can be stored inside the body and used whenever needed."
"The higher the level of the technique, the purer and more abundant the natural energy that can be stored. It's not like Naruto or Jiraiya, who have to gather natural energy on the spot every time they use Sage Mode. And the Tiangang Art also has abilities that normal Sage Mode doesn't—like near-instant teleportation, protective energy barriers, and all kinds of powerful offensive techniques once it reaches a high level."
Kamikawa couldn't help but marvel inwardly.
This time, he had definitely struck gold.
Not only had he obtained Aizen's Zanpakutō with its perfect hypnosis ability, but he could also enter a Sage Mode-like state through the technique. Once he mastered the Tiangang Art's abilities, his strength would undoubtedly skyrocket in a short time.
At that point, he'd finally have some means of self-protection.
Comfortable.
But before that, he had to stay low.
He absolutely couldn't let Konoha's "F4" find out—otherwise, Danzō might very well have him dissected.
For now, he would just live as an ordinary ninja.
Time flew by, and in the blink of an eye, it was the day the Ninja Academy opened.
To make up for the losses from the Nine-Tails incident, the Academy began recruiting students in large numbers. Any child of appropriate age could apply, and after evaluation, acceptance letters would be issued.
As the child of ninja, Shimizu Kamikawa naturally received his admission notice.
He couldn't help but feel a bit excited.
The Ninja Academy was where one learned the essential skills of a shinobi. With the system, he might gain immense power in the future—but raw power alone wasn't enough.
He needed to know how to use it.
Basic ninja knowledge was indispensable.
He had no intention of ending up like Kaguya—possessing overwhelming strength but lacking any real combat intelligence.
As it happened, good things came in pairs.
On this very day, Shimizu Kamikawa turned six years old.
And the Tiangang Art had finally reached its first level.
In an instant, his perception surged dramatically.
The sounds of children playing in the streets… Naruto being mistreated by his caretaker… Kakashi standing dejectedly before Obito's grave… and Danzō arguing with the Third Hokage over Naruto's custody…
"All of this… is the first level of the Tiangang Art?"
"And this perception… just as I thought. Once the technique reaches the first level, activating it allows me to enter what this world calls Sage Mode."
A hint of satisfaction appeared on Kamikawa's face.
Next, he tested Kyōka Suigetsu again.
To his surprise, while in the Sage Mode activated through the technique, he could keep Kyōka Suigetsu released for an entire day.
The only thing to watch out for was concealing his aura while using the technique. Otherwise, if a sensory-type ninja appeared nearby, there was still a risk of being discovered.
After all, the chakra levels in Sage Mode were far beyond those of ordinary people.
Of course, for someone with this technique, hiding his presence wasn't difficult at all.
What he was curious about now was—what kind of effect would ninjutsu have if cast using this technique in Sage Mode?
Unfortunately, his original parents had died during the Nine-Tails incident. He only knew basic chakra extraction—forget ninjutsu, they hadn't even left behind a single coin.
And even if they had, it probably wouldn't have ended up in his hands. Most likely, it would've been taken by Hiruzen Sarutobi for "village reconstruction."
With that thought, Kamikawa walked over to the mirror and changed into a brand-new outfit he had never worn before.
In the reflection stood a young boy dressed in a fitted white long-sleeve shirt and black casual pants, with neat, slightly tousled black hair.
Combined with his handsome features, he looked every bit like a charming young prodigy.
"As expected of me."
Kamikawa shamelessly praised himself, grabbed the backpack issued by the Academy, and headed out toward the Ninja Academy.
By the time he arrived, many parents had already brought their children to enroll.
His arrival didn't draw much attention.
Because everyone's focus was on Uchiha Itachi.
Aside from a few children, most of the parents looked at Itachi with varying degrees of unease and resistance.
Clearly, under the deliberate spread of certain individuals, the idea that the Uchiha clan had controlled the Nine-Tails to attack Konoha was already taking root.
Just like what had once happened to the White Fang of Konoha.
As for the "strongest Hokage in history," the Third Hokage, who had now returned to power—he maintained his usual stance of neither opposing nor supporting.
Staying aloof.
To some extent, this was the result of a political compromise between him and Danzō.
Hiruzen had reclaimed the Hokage position under immense pressure, and in return, Danzō wasn't left empty-handed. Together with Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane, he formed the Konoha Council—the infamous "Konoha F4" in the eyes of many fans.
As the saying goes: whether the ninja world is in chaos depends on the Uchiha—but whether Konoha is in chaos depends on the F4.
These people practically pioneered internal strife in the ninja world.
At the same time, Danzō's power within Konoha steadily climbed toward its peak. As long as his actions didn't harm the Sarutobi clan's interests or go too far, Hiruzen generally turned a blind eye.
Kamikawa had long grown accustomed to this.
He had no intention of standing up for the Uchiha clan.
For now, it was enough to take care of himself.
Until he gained sufficient strength, he would remain just an ordinary Academy student.
As for the future—he'd leave it to fate.
If Konoha couldn't tolerate him, he could always leave. With Kyōka Suigetsu, defecting wouldn't be particularly difficult. And as of now, he had no attachments here—no sense of belonging whatsoever.
Of course, that would soon change.
Passing through the crowd, Kamikawa handed his admission notice to the two chūnin instructors in charge of registration.
Just as he finished enrolling, a small figure appeared behind him, followed by a soft, youthful voice:
"Kamikawa-kun… long time no see…"
"Yeah… it has been a while…"
Kamikawa took the class assignment card from the teacher and turned around.
There stood Uchiha Izumi, her hands hidden behind her back as if she were holding something. She leaned forward slightly, curiously studying him.
"What a plain response."
Izumi puffed out her cheeks, then stepped closer. Her face reddened slightly as she compared their heights, sounding a bit surprised.
"Kamikawa-kun… did you get a little taller?"