CHAPTER 35

At this moment, the system notification echoed in Kazuki's mind.

[Congratulations! The host's forging skill has successfully advanced to the Intermediate Forging Level!]

[Level Up Reward: One Virtual Forging Space Granted]

Kazuki examined the changes in his system interface, curiosity surging within him. After a moment, he inquired,

"System, what exactly is the Virtual Forging Space?"

[The Virtual Forging Space is an independent dimension detached from the host's original world. Within this space, the host can craft ninja tools at an accelerated rate. When the host enters, external time flow is significantly slowed.]

Kazuki shut his eyes and instantly sensed the presence of a newly acquired mental space. When he reopened them, he found himself standing in an unfamiliar place.

Before him stood three distinct objects.

The first two were instantly recognizable: a traditional forging table and a well-balanced forging hammer.

Both, resting on a polished white jade floor, exuded craftsmanship of the highest caliber—far superior to the rudimentary tools he previously wielded.

However, the third object was something entirely new to him.

It was an immense, enigmatic machine.

"What is this, System?" Kazuki questioned.

[This is an Automated Workbench. If the host possesses a ninja tool with 100% forging proficiency, the workbench can replicate it autonomously. Simply deposit the raw materials inside, and the internal mechanisms will forge the item based on the host's accumulated forging experience.]

An advanced piece of technology—utterly remarkable!

Kazuki marveled at the sheer convenience.

With this Automated Workbench, he could drastically cut down forging time.

No longer would he be restricted to the cramped blacksmith shed behind his home.

From now on, he could enter his private forging space anytime, anywhere.

The perks of reaching the Intermediate Forging Level were truly astounding!

At eight years old, Kazuki's weighted training regimen had escalated to a staggering 200 pounds.

Over the following six months, he focused on unlocking the Eight Gates, a formidable taijutsu technique that enabled extreme bursts of power by forcibly removing the body's natural chakra limiters.

After countless trials, he finally adapted to the overwhelming physical strain of the technique, ensuring he could withstand its immense backlash without severe bodily damage.

During this period, Might Guy remained deeply occupied—not only mentoring Kazuki in the rigorous art of the Eight Gates Formation, but also fulfilling an overwhelming number of missions for the village.

The aftermath of the Uchiha Clan Massacre had left Konoha short-handed, making it one of the most vulnerable times in the village's history. Even elite jōnin like Guy-sensei found themselves burdened with numerous high-risk assignments.

As another half-year elapsed, Konoha's situation gradually stabilized, restoring order within the village.

Now, at nine years old, Kazuki had further intensified his training. The weighted loads on his body had increased from 200 pounds to 300 pounds.

Following his plan, he began mastering the Konoha Whirlwind, a swift and powerful spinning kick technique taught by Might Guy to his disciples.

At Training Ground 3, Kazuki prepared himself.

"Leaf Whirlwind!"

His legs surged with chakra, enveloping his calves in a vibrant green aura. With explosive force, he unleashed a devastating roundhouse kick against the tree trunk before him.

Boom!

A resounding impact echoed through the air as a tree, thick enough to require two arms to encircle, split apart from the sheer force of his kick.

Sawdust rained down like scattered snowflakes.

Might Guy's eyes widened in sheer astonishment. His mouth hung open in disbelief.

"Kazuki, you're learning at an unbelievable speed! You mastered this technique this quickly?!"

Kazuki calmly responded,

"It's probably due to my rigorous physical conditioning from before. Also, I had already refined my Leaf Whirlwind fundamentals, so my chakra control and taijutsu power were already well-grounded. Now that I've advanced, learning the full technique feels like a natural progression"

Not much effort was wasted.

Might Guy nodded, completely agreeing with what Kazuki had just said.

In the pursuit of Taijutsu mastery, learning techniques is secondary; the true foundation lies in relentless physical conditioning and refining one's base skills through discipline, much like how Rock Lee trained tirelessly to perfect his Front Lotus and Morning Peacock techniques.

However, Might Guy added,

"Kazuki, you don't have to be so modest. I've never seen anyone your age achieve such a level of Taijutsu! There's no doubt—you're a genius!"

Genius?

Kazuki smirked slightly but did not refute the claim.

Just then, an Anbu messenger arrived, summoning Might Guy to the Hokage's office for a high-priority Jōnin meeting.

With Guy gone, Kazuki remained at the training ground, continuing his drills. Even without his mentor's presence, he showed no signs of slacking—dedication akin to Lee's training under Guy, where even exhaustion was no excuse to stop.

At that moment, a small figure in a red cheongsam approached the training ground.

"Brother!" A cheerful voice called out as Tenten cupped her hands around her mouth.

Kazuki turned to see his younger sister, Tenten, running toward him.

"Tenten? What brings you here?"

Tenten pouted, clearly displeased. "Brother, don't tell me you forgot what day it is today!"

What day was it?

A fatal question for any oblivious guy like Kazuki.

Scratching his head, Kazuki tried to guess. "Your birthday? My birthday? Our parents' birthdays?"

Tenten shook her head furiously. "Our birthdays were last month, and Mom and Dad's birthdays aren't until winter! That's just ridiculous!"

Kazuki chuckled awkwardly. "Then what day is it? Just tell me."

Hands on her hips, the twin buns on her head bouncing, Tenten huffed, "It's the Spring Festival! We planned to go out together, remember?"

"Ohhh…"

Kazuki's face lit up in realization.

He had never paid much attention to festivals like the Haruhi Matsuri.

In Konoha, the Spring Festival was a grand event. The village streets bustled with performances, lively parades, and vendors selling colorful kimonos and festival treats. Lanterns adorned the pathways, and the air smelled of grilled dango and sweet taiyaki.

Tenten and Kazuki had attended the festival a few times in the past. But when the celebrations became routine, they lost their charm.

However, outside the village, the cherry blossoms were in full bloom.

An idea sparked in Kazuki's mind.

"How about we gather some friends and have a barbecue picnic instead?"

Tenten's eyes widened with excitement. "A barbecue? That's perfect! I've been craving one for ages!"

"Great. You grab the ingredients, I'll get the cooking gear and charcoal. We'll meet at the river and invite whoever we run into along the way."

"Got it!" Tenten saluted playfully before dashing off like a gust of wind.

Kazuki exhaled, realizing that breaking his strict training routine once in a while wasn't such a bad idea. Even the greatest warriors, like Might Guy himself, understood the importance of balance—pushing the body to its limits but also knowing when to rest.

Packing up his training gear, Kazuki swapped his workout clothes for something more casual and headed to the market.

As he finished purchasing charcoal, he unexpectedly bumped into a familiar face.

Hinata Hyūga stood before him, dressed in a white yukata adorned with delicate magnolia patterns, embodying the grace of her noble lineage.

"K-Kazuki-kun, what a coincidence…" Hinata greeted him shyly.

"Hinata, what a coincidence indeed." Kazuki smiled. "You look beautiful today."

"Th-Thank you…"

A blush spread across Hinata's cheeks as she averted her gaze, her fingers nervously clutching a few ornate hairpins of different colors.

Curious, Kazuki glanced at them. "Buying hair accessories?"

Hinata nodded hesitantly before gathering her courage. "K-Kazuki-kun, which one do you think looks best?"

Kazuki examined the selection, picking up a cherry blossom-shaped pin. "This one. It suits you."

Hinata gasped softly.

He had chosen the very pin she had admired earlier.

Could this be fate?

Her blush deepened at the thought.

"I-I'll take this one," she stammered.

"I got it."

Before Hinata could react, Kazuki handed the vendor the payment.

"K-Kazuki-kun…?"

"Consider it a Spring Festival gift from me." He smiled warmly. "Here, let me put it on for you."

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