Chapter 3 – The First Big Step

The sky was already dark when the squad moved out. The night air was cold, and the only sound echoing through the forest was the rustling of leaves in the wind.

As Sal advanced, he noticed something strange: he was faster.

Even without using Shunpō, his steps were more agile, his movements more fluid. The system must have strengthened my legs to use it safely. It made sense.

After all, Shunpō was an absurdly advanced speed ninjutsu, likely equivalent to an A-Rank or even S-Rank technique. Its difficulty level could rival Minato's Hiraishin. Worse yet, any mistake during training could result in the complete destruction of the leg's chakra pathways. In other words, a direct path to becoming crippled.

But thanks to the system, Sal didn't have to worry about that.

The squad was closing in on the target. The enemy camp was just ahead, and Konoha's ninjas began to take their positions.

Sal stayed close to Nawaki.

If I want to save him, I have to be nearby at the right moment.

That's when Orochimaru suddenly stopped.

— "Wait. Something is—"

— "Too late!"

Nawaki, impulsive as ever, stepped forward.

The sound of an explosive tag activating echoed through the forest.

— "Damn it!" Orochimaru tried to move, but he already knew he wasn't fast enough to save him.

Sal didn't think twice.

— "Shunpō!"

His body vanished in a blur.

In an instant, he was beside Nawaki.

The next second, he pulled him back with all his strength.

The explosion swallowed the spot where Nawaki had stood just moments before. But now, both of them were safe.

That's when the system flashed in Sal's vision.

[Congratulations! You altered a key event in the story and saved Nawaki Senju!]

[Change Points earned: 5,000!]

But Sal ignored the message. The battle had begun.

Kunai and shuriken flew toward him.

He drew his own and deflected the projectiles mid-air.

Beside him, Orochimaru bit his thumb and performed quick hand signs.

— "Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"

The ground trembled as a massive purple serpent emerged before him.

— "Tsk… Orochimaru!" the snake hissed. "I hope you have sacrifices for me."

— "Not now, Manda," Orochimaru said coldly. "We'll discuss this later."

The serpent snorted but accepted the excuse.

It then grabbed Nawaki from Sal's arms.

— "Good reflexes, Sal," Orochimaru said curtly before charging into the battle.

Sal took a deep breath. It was time to fight.

He gripped his kunai and launched himself at the enemies.