Chapter 6

"No, no, it's too expensive."

"Aren't we friends? You lent us a training ground, so I'll give you a small gift in return." Tian Yu said with a hearty smile. "My family runs a weapons shop, so this ninja tool is no big deal for us."

Tenten nodded in agreement. "That's right! Just accept it. We should be thanking you for today."

"Thank you! Thank you so much!"

Lee, who accepted the ninja kit, had tears welling up in his eyes. He was deeply moved.

So this is what having friends feels like?

This is amazing!

I finally have friends!

---

A month passed quietly. Every day after school, Tian Yu and Tenten would head to Konoha's training ground to train with Lee in taijutsu and shuriken throwing.

Over the month, Tian Yu's strength had increased rapidly. His accuracy with kunai had improved significantly, and he was satisfied with his progress.

At this rate, he estimated that in just one more week, he would be able to achieve a hundred percent accuracy in his throwing!

Just then, a familiar mechanical voice echoed in his mind:

[Ding! Mission Released: Sell any kunai (Clone Kunai, Substitution Kunai, Transformed Kunai) for at least 1,000 ryo.]

[System Reward: Primary Grass Cutter Sword Blueprint!]

Another mission?

But I haven't even completed the last one yet!

Tian Yu's heart tensed. Would the previous task disappear now that a new one had been issued?

He quickly opened his system panel and was relieved to find that his previous mission was still listed as "To Be Completed."

Good. That means unfinished tasks won't vanish when new ones appear.

He let out a sigh of relief and then carefully examined his latest mission.

Selling ninja tools?

Tian Yu had never considered selling his creations before. His family didn't lack money, and exposing his custom kunai too early might attract unnecessary trouble.

Aside from Tenten, even Lee—his close friend—had never seen the special ninja tools he had crafted.

But… that Grass Cutter Sword blueprint was too tempting.

That weapon was considered a second-tier artifact in this world!

Still, there was no rush. He decided to hold off on this task and wait for the right opportunity.

For now, his priority remained his shuriken training.

---

Finally, a week later, at Konoha's training ground, Tian Yu threw out six kunai simultaneously, aiming at targets in six different directions.

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

Thwack! Thwack! Thwack!

"All hits!" Tenten cheered. "Big Brother, you're amazing!"

A satisfied smile appeared on Tian Yu's lips.

After a month of dedicated practice, he had finally achieved his goal!

[Ding! Mission Completed!

System Reward: Primary Storage Ring Blueprint has been distributed!]

"Tian Yu's progress is unbelievable!"

Lee watched him with admiration, a hint of envy in his eyes. At the same time, he felt a burning determination ignite within him.

Clenching his fists, he jumped up and shouted:

"YOSH! If Tian Yu is this talented and still works so hard, then I must train even harder!"

"I'm doubling my training today! One thousand jump ropes! If I can't finish, I'll do two thousand push-ups!"

Suddenly, the sound of clapping echoed around them.

A deep, energetic voice rang out:

"YOOOSH!"

"Not bad, kid!"

"Hard work and perseverance—THAT is youth!"

Lee was stunned. "Who's there?"

A strong gust of wind swept past him. An adult man, clad in a green jumpsuit, with a bowl-cut hairstyle and thick eyebrows, appeared beside him.

Tian Yu and Tenten stopped their practice and turned to look at the newcomer.

Tian Yu instantly recognized him—

Might Guy, Konoha's Blue Beast!

"Hahaha! Such youthful energy!" Guy laughed heartily, placing a firm hand on Lee's shoulder, his eyes gleaming with admiration. "With such spirit, you will become a splendid ninja one day!"

Lee's eyes widened in disbelief. "R-really?"

Guy nodded. "Of course! If you continue to train diligently, nothing will stand in your way!"

Lee was beyond thrilled. "Then, let's train together, Sensei—"

"Hold it."

A calm voice interrupted him.

Tian Yu crossed his arms, looking at Guy with an amused smirk.

"If you wanted to use our training ground, you could've just asked. Isn't tricking a junior like this a bit underhanded?"

Lee blinked in confusion. "Tian Yu, what are you talking about?"

Guy, caught red-handed, scratched his head sheepishly. A hint of embarrassment crept onto his usually enthusiastic face.

"Well… haha… You see, the other training grounds were full today, and yours looked quite spacious…"

"Oh." Lee shrugged. "If Senior Guy needs a training ground, we can just—"

"Wait."

Tian Yu cut him off, glancing at his overly trusting friend before turning back to Guy with a smile.

"We'll share our training ground—but in exchange, you have to train us too. Deal?"

Tian Yu knew just how powerful Might Guy was.

If they could learn from him, this would be a golden opportunity.