Bell
Chi Yu limped home under the cold moonlight, his legs aching like they'd been hammered by the hardest jutsu in the Hidden Leaf.
But no pain could mask the fire blazing in his eyes.
He was Orochimaru's disciple now—an honor and a curse wrapped in one.
Without clan ties or a prestigious bloodline, his only real edge was the Lightning Breathing technique he'd mastered in secret.
Yet, even Lightning Breathing Full Form wasn't enough. The shinobi world didn't wait for the slow or the weak.
Chi Yu knew he needed more—more power, more techniques, more options.
Orochimaru was his key, but beyond the snake's forbidden wisdom, Chi Yu's only hope to grow was the system's Witness Points—a strange, unseen currency that could unlock hidden skills.
But looking at the system's shop, his chest tightened.
The prices were astronomical. Forty Witness Points in hand, yet the techniques he craved demanded hundreds—scores he couldn't even dream of yet.
The only quick path was the upcoming Third Shinobi World War, a blood-soaked arena that would either make or break him.
But waiting until then meant risk—and time was a luxury he didn't have.
Worse, the system didn't hand mastery on a silver platter.
It taught, then left Chi Yu to grind—refine and cultivate every technique himself.
But that was also his advantage.
Unlike rigid copycats, Chi Yu's Lightning Breathing had room to breathe—fluid, adaptable, his own.
His custom take on the First Form: Thunderclap and Flash Sixfold was no mere mimicry of Zenitsu Agatsuma's style.
He'd innovated how to redirect his charge mid-attack, minimizing strain on his injured legs—pure necessity driving genius.
He inhaled deeply, steeling himself.
"To absorb Orochimaru's teachings like a sponge. To become ready for what's coming."
---
Four days later, in the Ninja Academy.
Uzumaki Kushina sat at her desk, frustration etched across her face.
"Chi Yu, you don't know how brutal Sealing Techniques are. Mito-Grandma's 'Basic Theory of Sealing Technique' is thicker than my palm, and she expects me to memorize every word!"
She looked downcast, venting her burdens.
Chi Yu smiled, ruffling her hair like a protective older brother.
"It's tough now, Kushina, but you'll get through it. You're going to be the strongest kunoichi this village's ever seen."
Kushina's pout deepened. "It's not just the difficulty. After graduation, Mito-Grandma wants me to stay and train sealing techniques before I can go on missions. I wanted to team up with you, Chi Yu… I've been waiting so long."
Chi Yu laughed softly. "I have news too. I probably won't be going on missions after graduation either—I was accepted by Orochimaru four days ago. I'll be training under him."
Kushina cocked her head, confusion plain. "Orochimaru? I've never heard of him."
Orochimaru's exile and secrecy meant almost no one had met him, especially kids like Kushina, who mostly lived between Mito's house and Chi Yu's.
"You know Tsunade and Jiraiya, right?"
"Of course."
"Well, Orochimaru is the third of the Legendary Sannin."
Kushina's eyes widened. "One of the Sannin took you as a disciple?"
Chi Yu nodded. "I passed his test four nights ago. He said he'd come find me today."
Kushina smiled wide. "That's incredible."
But Chi Yu's heart weighed heavy. "But Kushina, it means I won't see you as much. My training with Orochimaru will take most of my time."
Kushina punched his shoulder lightly. "It's fine. When you're strong, we'll have plenty of time."
Inside, Kushina's heart twisted. She'd spent every day with Chi Yu since they met. Losing that closeness after graduation was painful.
But she hid it—didn't want him distracted.
Chi Yu, sharp as ever, understood perfectly.
But now was no time for weakness. The war was coming.
---
Chi Yu pulled a small bell from his pocket.
One of a pair he'd exchanged for 30 Witness Points—a major investment.
No flashy powers—just a practical tool.
When one bell rang, the other rang in sync.
And, more importantly, they could locate each other, no matter where they were.
Chi Yu bought it knowing Kushina might someday be targeted by Hidden Cloud ninja kidnappers—a threat looming like a shadow.
He handed her the bell.
"For you."
Her eyes lit with joy.
"Is this a gift?"
Chi Yu nodded, smiling.
"I love it. Thank you, Chi Yu."
He rubbed his nose, surprised how a simple bell could make her so happy.
Then he grew serious.
"This bell links to mine. If you ring it, mine will ring too, and it will guide me to you, wherever you are. Keep it with you always. If danger comes, ring it. I'll be there immediately. Promise me."
Her face matched his solemnity.
"I promise. I'll never let it leave my side."
She shook the bell, then listened carefully as Chi Yu's bell jingled softly in response.
In that quiet moment, their bond—unspoken but unbreakable—rang louder than any bell.