Several days had passed since Akahoshi handed Ryan the secret Star training method.
During that time, Ryan had carefully studied the scroll. It mainly described how to extract chakra from the Star and merge it with his own—a highly technical refinement process. Ryan had to admit, Akahoshi had talent. Many could dream of such a thing, but few could ever realize it. Though the method was far from perfect, its improvements over the previous version were impressive.
It was a bright, sun-drenched afternoon.
Amid the boulder-strewn training field, Ryan continued his routine under the sweltering sun, diligently striking the wooden posts wrapped in hemp rope.
Thud! Thud! Thud!
Each kick landed with force and precision. Ryan carefully analyzed every strike—its angle, timing, and power.
Though there were still more than ten years until the Fourth Great Ninja War, Ryan wasn't Naruto. He had no OP Uzumaki bloodline or absurd chakra reserves. He didn't regenerate like a monster. And unlike Naruto, he wouldn't get a cheat code from the Sage of Six Paths mid-war.
But Ryan wasn't anxious. He knew that panic and impatience led nowhere. Only calm, focused effort could yield real results.
"Nine hundred… nine hundred and one…"
He panted, drenched in sweat, but pushed forward, sticking firmly to his training regimen.
Suddenly, a small purple dot appeared in the sky—rapidly growing larger. It was Akahoshi, whom Ryan hadn't seen in several days.
With a flap of his chakra wings, Akahoshi descended quietly beside Ryan, watching as the boy continued his kicks without noticing his arrival.
But Ryan didn't need to notice. He knew no one in Hoshigakure would harm him—not now. Akahoshi hadn't gone rogue yet, and this village wasn't like Konoha with its endless political infighting. Here, he could train with his full focus.
Watching Ryan's relentless strikes, Akahoshi's eyes gleamed with admiration. His resolve strengthened. Ryan was a rare talent—diligent and gifted. Leaving such potential untapped was a waste. The village had no powerful jutsu, only a few weak ones. If they didn't take risks, how would Hoshigakure ever grow strong?
Yes… it was time.
The scorching sun blazed overhead. The skies were clear and cloudless.
After completing his thousandth strike, Ryan finally stopped, breathing heavily. He wiped sweat from his brow—and caught sight of Akahoshi nearby. Though he wanted to collapse and rest, he walked over, panting.
"Sensei Akahoshi… is it time?" Ryan had naturally begun calling him sensei. And honestly, at this point, Akahoshi was his teacher.
Akahoshi's heart warmed at the respectful title. Their bond had deepened. He smiled and nodded.
"Yes. But rest first. You'll need to be at your peak."
"Understood." Ryan nodded and moved to a shaded area beneath a large boulder, sitting cross-legged to recover as fast as possible.
Akahoshi didn't mind the wait. In fact, he was pleased. He quietly walked to another shaded spot and sat down, closing his eyes in calm meditation.
After a while, Ryan stood up, fully recovered, and approached Akahoshi with a smile.
"Sensei, I'm ready." His voice trembled slightly with excitement. In his past life, he'd been a nobody. But now? He was moments away from gaining power most people could only dream of. It was like a mortal about to receive a grandmaster's full power infusion.
Akahoshi opened his eyes and nodded. "Let's go."
He formed a hand seal, activating the Peacock Technique, and in one motion grabbed Ryan. Chakra wings flared out, and they soared toward the Star's sacred chamber.
The Star's Training Hall
The building was simple, elegant—a classic wooden structure. Ryan had never stepped inside before. His heart pounded as he followed Akahoshi into the chamber.
It was spartan, with no ornate decorations. But at the center stood a one-meter-high pedestal, atop which rested a glowing, purple spherical meteorite—the Star itself.
"Sensei Akahoshi… is that the Star?" Ryan stared at it, eyes blazing.
"Yes. Sit cross-legged on the cushion near it. Use the method I taught you to begin Star Training," Akahoshi said, his eyes glowing faintly with purple chakra. The fervor in his gaze mirrored Ryan's.
If he could absorb all that chakra himself, Akahoshi would do it without hesitation—even if it cost him dearly. Just like in the future, when he'd embed the Star into his own body, regardless of the consequences.
Ryan, filled with anticipation, sat cross-legged near the Star and began silently calling out to the Dimensional Seal.
Just then, two other ninja wearing Hoshigakure headbands entered the chamber. They were Akahoshi's subordinates. One was tall and lean, with black shoulder-length hair—his name was Night Hawk. The other was stocky, bald, and slightly chubby—his name was Dead Burial.
"Lord Akahoshi," the two greeted with a bow, then turned their attention to Ryan, who was about to begin Star Training.
"Dimensional Seal… can we begin now?" Ryan asked mentally, barely able to contain himself. He was no longer an average kid—he was standing before a legendary power source.
There was no response for a moment. Just as Ryan began to grow impatient, the Seal's voice rang out in his mind—a young girl's innocent tone:
"Don't rush. Your body can't handle that much energy yet. I'll need to expand your chakra pathways again and seal away most of the energy temporarily. Otherwise, your body could explode."
Ryan took a deep breath, steadying his nerves. "When will the sealed chakra be released?"
"As you grow stronger and your body can handle more, the seal will gradually unravel," the childlike voice replied.
Ryan was satisfied with that answer.
"Get ready. I'll suppress the pain as much as I can—but expanding your chakra pathways is no walk in the park."
As the voice fell silent, a mysterious force began to stir the Star.
Whoosh—
The Star rose into the air, floating above Ryan's head, its purple glow intensifying and flickering wildly.
Akahoshi, Night Hawk, and Dead Burial were stunned. Their eyes widened as they stared at Ryan and the levitating Star.
"Lord Akahoshi, what's happening…?" the two subordinates asked, eyes filled with shock.
Never before had the Star reacted this way—not even during their own training. It had only ever glowed faintly… never floated.
And now, they could only stand in awe as something far beyond their understanding began to unfold.
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