Chapter 5

Tian Yu didn't bother arguing. He simply moved—fast and precise.

In an instant, all three of his opponents were on the floor, groaning in pain.

The classroom fell silent.

This Tian Yu… was ruthless!

"You… you sneak attacked us!" one of the Inuzuka clan boys sputtered, clutching his swollen cheek.

"That's just because your reaction speed is too slow," Tian Yu replied calmly, as if he hadn't just laid out three students with ease.

"You brat! How dare you hit us?! Brothers, let's take him down together!" The three boys scrambled to their feet, their pride stung more than their injuries. With a furious battle cry, they charged from different directions, hoping to overpower Tian Yu with sheer numbers.

But Tian Yu remained unfazed. He didn't even reach for the kunai in his ninja pouch.

After all, this was just a scuffle between academy students—not a real battle.

Strength was all that mattered here.

Even though these three had undergone basic clan training, they were no match for Tian Yu, whose daily life revolved around forging weapons, hammering metal, and refining his strength.

The first attacker swung a punch at Tian Yu's face.

Instead of dodging, Tian Yu stepped forward—right into his opponent's range. In one fluid motion, he caught the incoming fist, twisted the boy's arm, and used his own momentum against him. With a swift motion, he hurled the Inuzuka boy into the air, sending him crashing into his two allies.

Boom!

A loud thud echoed as all three of them slammed into the wall.

Rock Lee's Resolve:

The entire classroom gasped.

Tian Yu had taken down three clan-trained students in mere seconds.

Even Hyuga Neji, the widely acknowledged prodigy of their class, gave Tian Yu an appraising glance before returning to his own affairs.

Meanwhile, Tian Yu walked back to his seat without a care, as if nothing of significance had happened.

For him, this was truly a minor incident.

So what if they were from a noble ninja clan?

If they lacked strength, they would still fall to the ground like anyone else.

"Wow… Tian Yu is amazing!" Rock Lee's eyes sparkled with admiration.

Being from a civilian family himself, he understood the struggles of common-born students in the academy. But Tian Yu had just proven that bloodline didn't determine strength—hard work did.

"That's right! My brother is the best!" Tian Tian declared proudly.

"I've made up my mind!" Rock Lee clenched his fists, his expression filled with determination. "From now on, Tian Yu will be my idol! I will work hard and become as strong as him!"

For the first time, no one in the class mocked Rock Lee's enthusiasm.

Because Tian Yu had just shown everyone the difference true strength could make.

---

Just then, a familiar sound rang in Tian Yu's mind:

[Ding! New System Mission Released!]

Mission: Achieve 100 Perfect Shuriken Throws.

Reward: Basic Spatial Storage Ring Forging Blueprint!

Unlike previous missions, this one posed a greater challenge.

Shuriken throwing was a fundamental skill at the academy. By their final year, most students would be expected to achieve nearly perfect accuracy.

But Tian Yu had no intention of waiting years to master it.

This storage ring was far too valuable to delay.

Right now, he had over 60 specialized kunai from his recent forging experiments. A standard ninja pouch could only carry about a dozen weapons at best—nowhere near enough for his needs.

A storage ring, however, would completely solve this issue.

A personal, portable space where he could store all his gear without burdening himself with extra bags?

He had to complete this mission as soon as possible!

For now, his supply of specialized kunai was sufficient. He could put forging on hold and focus entirely on training his shuriken skills.

---

After School: Training Grounds

As soon as class ended, Tian Yu and Tian Tian left the academy together.

"Brother, isn't the house that way?" Tian Tian asked.

"I'm going to the training grounds for shuriken practice. Are you heading home, or do you want to come along?"

Tian Tian giggled. "There's no one at home, so of course I'm coming with you!"

Tian Yu nodded. "Good. You can train with me."

However, when they arrived at the training grounds, they encountered a problem.

Every single practice area was occupied.

Neither of them had thought to reserve a space in advance, and now they had nowhere to train.

Just as they were about to leave, a familiar voice called out to them.

"Tian Yu! Tian Tian! Are you here to train?"

It was Rock Lee, waving enthusiastically.

"Yeah, but all the grounds are taken," Tian Tian sighed.

"You can train with me! I reserved a big training ground, and there's more than enough room for the three of us!" Rock Lee offered excitedly.

"Really? That's great!" Tian Tian beamed.

"Thanks, Lee." Tian Yu nodded. He wasn't one to refuse a good opportunity.

---

Once inside the training ground, Tian Yu set up his targets and immediately began practicing his shuriken throwing.

Tian Tian followed suit, imitating her brother's movements.

Rock Lee, meanwhile, watched in admiration.

"Tian Yu already looks like a real ninja," he thought, feeling both inspired and a little envious.

Coming from a civilian background, Rock Lee had no access to expensive ninja tools or scrolls. He could only train his body through sheer physical exercise—push-ups, running, and jump rope.

Shuriken and kunai? Those were luxuries his family couldn't afford.

"Do you want to try?" Tian Tian asked, offering him a shuriken.

Rock Lee hesitated, then shook his head. "No, it's fine. I'll just keep training my fists. Besides, you were really cool today, Tian Yu! The way you handled those guys in class was amazing!"

Despite his words, his gaze lingered longingly on the shuriken.

Tian Yu, fully focused, continued his training. He had already thrown over twenty shuriken, each one aimed with precision.

"Shuriken aren't cheap," Lee thought. "That many must've cost thousands of ryo…"

His family could never afford such an expense.

---

After three hours, the sky turned crimson with the setting sun.

As the light dimmed, it became difficult to see the targets clearly.

Knowing that continuing would be pointless, Tian Yu finally stopped.

Training wasn't just about effort—it required proper methodology. If he couldn't see his targets, there was no use wasting shuriken.

Before leaving, Tian Yu did something unexpected.

He handed his ninja pouch to Rock Lee.

Lee looked confused. "Tian Yu… what are you—?"

"It's yours."

Rock Lee's eyes widened in shock. "But… this is—"

"A ninja needs tools," Tian Yu said simply. "Train well."

For a moment, Rock Lee just stared at the pouch, his throat tightening.

Then, with trembling hands, he accepted it.

"…Thank you."