"Big sis Natsuhoshi, you're here!"
Sensing a familiar chakra presence approaching—one that wasn't even trying to hide—Ryan looked up toward the other side of the forest. Sure enough, Natsuhoshi was walking toward him through the trees.
"How's your progress?" she asked gently, glancing at the soaking wet ground and the bits of burst balloon scattered around him.
Ryan offered a small smile, undeterred by the mess. "I think my concept is solid, but getting the chakra to spin irregularly around a single point… that's really tough."
"The technique you've come up with is no small thing," Natsuhoshi said seriously.
She then explained briefly that the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had already developed the jutsu known as the Rasengan, confirming Ryan's idea wasn't just plausible—it had already been successfully created. She added with a warm smile, "So your theory is right. But mastering the Rasengan is going to be really difficult… especially since you're figuring it out all on your own."
"I see!" Ryan acted surprised and nodded thoughtfully, before flashing a confident grin. "It's hard, yeah—but since someone's done it before, I know it's possible. All I need is the right direction, and I'll get there!"
Three days later, Ryan finally completed the first stage of training and moved on to the second.
However, the second stage was on a whole different level. It took him over a month to fully master it. And then came the final piece—maintaining a stable output of chakra—which alone took him another full month.
In total, Ryan spent two to three months to "develop" the Rasengan.
And the result… was utterly shocking.
When he demonstrated the Rasengan's power in front of the Third Hoshikage and Natsuhoshi, they were stunned. They had expected Ryan to eventually master the jutsu, yes—but certainly not within just a couple of months.
The rise of a prodigy within Star Village was a miracle, but it was also a threat.
The news of Ryan's talent was not allowed to spread.
The Third Hoshikage personally altered all records of him. To the outside world, Ryan appeared to be nothing more than a bright but ordinary child.
Early morning.
Gentle sunlight pierced through the dark canopy, bathing the earth in golden light.
Deep within the great forests of Bear Country, towering trees swayed softly in the morning breeze. The forest was calm—still untouched by the rustling of birds or beasts just beginning to stir.
Above this rarely traveled wilderness, three streaks of purple light glided silently through the air. The shapes were human, though masked. If anyone from Star Village were to witness this, they'd immediately cry out in surprise:
"That's the Peacock Method!"
The three figures traveling at high speed through the sky were none other than the Third Hoshikage, Natsuhoshi, and Ryan. But what were they doing deep in Bear Country's wilderness at dawn?
Though Star Village bordered Bear Country, the heart of the great forest was still far from its outskirts. Clearly, the trio had begun their journey long before sunrise.
The reason was simple: the Third Hoshikage was worried.
If Ryan remained in Star Village, his unbelievable talent might soon draw the attention of the Five Great Nations. Powerful clans and villages might see him as a threat. Assassination or abduction were real dangers.
So, the Hoshikage made a bold decision: send Ryan away, hide him somewhere secret, where he could grow strong without interruption.
Perhaps, he thought, Ryan is the hope of Star Village's future prosperity.
The old Hoshikage flew in front, leading the way. Ryan and Natsuhoshi followed close behind, both sustaining the Peacock Method without difficulty. They wore gas masks to cross a dangerous stretch known as Hell Valley, filled with toxic mists.
Their glowing purple wings trailed behind them, fluttering beautifully against the early sky.
Feeling a little bored by the silence, Ryan called out, "Grandpa Hoshikage, how much longer?"
The Hoshikage turned his head with a chuckle. "We've been flying for over two hours already. We're almost there!"
His gaze lingered on Ryan for a moment. Talent, temperament, work ethic—Ryan lacked nothing. The Hoshikage had already decided to nurture him as the future Fourth Hoshikage.
And Ryan's mastery over the Peacock Method already rivaled Natsuhoshi's. Though not quite equal in power—mainly due to his age and physique—he could maintain it for a long time without fatigue. That alone made the Hoshikage even more impressed.
"I had no idea you knew Bear Country's forests this well, Lord Hoshikage," Natsuhoshi said with some surprise. "The place is massive—I've never even been this deep before!"
The Hoshikage chuckled. "Years ago, during a mission as a jonin, I explored the forest's deepest regions. That's where I discovered a secluded valley, complete with a wide waterfall. The place is so peaceful, I once thought of retiring there if not for my duties."
"Rumble… rumble…"
As they flew, Ryan and Natsuhoshi suddenly began to hear the rush of water crashing onto stone. Their spirits lifted instantly—they were close.
"I hear the waterfall—it's just ahead!" the Hoshikage called out. In the distance, a serene green valley came into view.
Boom—
The massive valley stretched hundreds of meters across, dotted with boulders and lush trees. At its heart, a wide plunge pool sat beneath a dozens-of-meters-high waterfall. Water roared down in white torrents, surrounded by fluttering birds and whispering leaves.
Ryan's eyes lit up at the sight.
The valley was the perfect training ground—especially that massive waterfall and deep pool. It was ideal for future elemental chakra training, especially for Wind and Lightning Release.
"This place is beautiful!" Natsuhoshi marveled, surveying the tranquil valley.
The Third Hoshikage produced two scrolls and handed them to Ryan. From the seals on them, it was clear they were storage scrolls.
"Ryan, your strength is more than enough to survive in this forest. One scroll contains the First Hoshikage's ninjutsu scrolls and training notes—you'll need to study and learn from them. Both Natsuhoshi and I gained our strength through the star's power, so what we can teach you is limited. The rest is up to your talent and insight."
"The other scroll has essential supplies—tools, clothing, food, daily necessities. Of course, Natsuhoshi and I will visit regularly. If you need anything else, just let us know."
"Got it, Grandpa Hoshikage!" Ryan nodded solemnly and accepted the scrolls.
The Hoshikage nodded. He couldn't stay too long. "Natsuhoshi, I'll return to the village. Help Ryan get settled and come back when everything's ready."
"Understood, Lord Hoshikage. I've got things handled here," Natsuhoshi said with a smile.
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T/N:
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