Chapter 57: Talks

"I still have three minutes," Link thought, sensing the abundant chakra coursing through him. He felt a tempting urge to unleash more jutsu on the field below.

Techniques like the Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, which could create a fluid-like earthen barrier, or Earth Flow Divide, which caused the ground to move with razor-sharp characteristics, were perfect options for large-scale attacks.

The mutated versions were even more potent, with the Earth Flow Divide having significantly enhanced destructive power.

While their chakra cost was immense in his normal state, in his current powered-up form, he could cast three or four without exhausting himself. If he poured all his chakra into Earth Flow Divide, he estimated he could shred the entire 20-kilometer radius of the Forest of Death in an instant.

"This is power," he thought, restraining his excitement.

Link looked down at the now-quiet Training Ground Seven, where the only new addition was an irregular boulder. There was no sign of movement, but he remained vigilant, wary of the fox-masked assailant's potential return.

Even though his size and strength had increased significantly, engaging in close combat against the Chakra Scalpel was too risky. It was safer to stay airborne on the Mountain Drake, maintaining his advantage.

As for the dragon's sudden appearance causing trouble… summoning techniques were unpredictable. Even Jiraiya summoned a horde of giant toads unexpectedly. The village wouldn't hold him accountable for such occurrences.

Shortly after, Konoha's ninja arrived. The village's response was lightning-fast. The moment the Mountain Drake had taken flight, the Barrier Team had issued a warning. Konoha's barrier system, encompassing both ground and sky, had instantly detected the disturbance.

Green-vested ninja swarmed the area, leaping in like fleas. Most of them appeared to be jonin.

Konoha hadn't seen an incident of this scale in a long time. The last time… well, the last time was also his doing.

Link reluctantly patted the Mountain Drake before dismissing his transformed state. The transition from overwhelming strength to extreme exhaustion was instantaneous.

Amid the gathered ninjas' watchful eyes, he descended lightly to the ground and dispelled the dragon, panting heavily.

"Chūnin Link," a voice called out.

Link turned to see a familiar figure approaching. With two scars across his right cheek, a goatee, and a pineapple-shaped hairstyle, the man's outfit was a quintessential Nara ensemble.

"I'm Jonin Nara Shikaku," he said sternly. "Come with me to see the Third Hokage."

It wasn't a request—it was an order.

Using large-scale jutsu and summoning a massive creature within the village was a serious breach of protocol. Being escorted to the Hokage was a form of protection. Normally, he'd be taken to the Anbu or Torture and Interrogation Division for processing. But as a prodigy, Link was granted special privileges.

Nara Ensui, arriving late, sighed at the sight of his subordinate surrounded by special jonin and jonin. Scratching his cheek in exasperation, he shrugged helplessly.

"Ensui, you're coming too," Shikaku said, his tone softening slightly as he glanced at his younger clanmate.

"Understood," Ensui replied with a sigh.

The other ninjas present remained silent, watching as the trio walked away.

Once outside Training Ground Seven, Link's stamina recovered slightly, though the exhaustion from using his transformed chakra lingered. The abundant energy and chakra from his transformation couldn't carry over after it ended.

With Shikaku walking ahead and Ensui trailing behind, the group moved swiftly. After a brief silence, Shikaku spoke, "The Anbu assigned to protect you were found dead."

"I was attacked during training," Link replied concisely. After a pause, he added, "Using a secret technique, I identified the assailant as Kabuto Yakushi, who employed medical ninjutsu and the Chakra Scalpel."

It didn't matter if it was true—pinning the blame on Kabuto was the safest move. A spy couldn't withstand deep scrutiny.

"Understood," Shikaku acknowledged. It wasn't far-fetched for Konoha's most promising chūnin to make such an accusation. Even if it were false, they would investigate thoroughly.

…

At the Hokage's Office, Link entered to find Kakashi Hatake, Kurenai Yūhi, and other familiar jonin.

Shikaku delivered his report to the Third Hokage with a nod before departing.

"Yo," Kakashi greeted lazily, raising a hand in a nonchalant manner.

Kurenai smiled and nodded. The atmosphere in the office was relaxed, despite the earlier incident.

The Third Hokage, a smile on his face, addressed Link warmly, "Young Link, would you mind explaining what happened?"

Repeating his earlier account, Link laid the blame squarely on Kabuto. Even if they couldn't apprehend or kill him, it was worth forcing the spy into hiding.

The Hokage pondered briefly before speaking lightly, "If that's the case, the planned punishment of having you repair Training Ground Seven…"

"…will be waived." His tone was almost playful.

"Rest assured, the village will not tolerate such actions," he continued kindly. "Kakashi, I'll leave this matter to you."

"Understood," Kakashi replied, his demeanor turning more serious.

Turning back to Link, the Hokage asked, "How has your training been going recently?"

"Fairly smooth," Link admitted. "Though my chakra reserves remain an issue…"

Judging by the fox-masked man's earlier remarks, the village was likely already aware of his mutated jutsu and the associated chakra problems.

Hearing this, Ensui displayed a resigned expression, Kakashi sighed silently, and Kurenai nodded in agreement.

This room was filled with the "low-chakra clan"—even the aging Hokage wasn't exempt.

If solving chakra limitations were easy, everyone would have done it by now.

Link's complaint hung heavy in the air, leaving the room in awkward silence. The Hokage, initially intending to offer advice, instead coughed lightly and said, "Recently, Anbu will be assigned to protect you openly."

"And if you encounter any challenges in your training, feel free to consult me," he added warmly.

Link bowed his head gratefully. "Thank you, Lord Third. I'll take my leave now."

He left the office, leaving the Hokage and jonin to discuss the incident further.