Chapter 23: Healing in the Shadows

Year of Establishment: The Fourth Year of Konoha's Founding

Month: April (The Beginning of the Fourth Week of the School Year)

Age of Kenichi Sato: 8 Years Old

With the first light of dawn, Kenichi stepped out of the house with steady steps. The sky was still drenched in the color of ash, and the ground was wet from last night's rain. His sister was still asleep, but he left a small toy and a piece of candy wrapped in a pink ribbon by her side as a small gift.

"Everything is starting to accelerate... There's no room for hesitation anymore."

He recalled the voice of the system from last night. It wasn't a dream. The words were clear, and the pulse he felt within him was undeniable. This time, there was no notebook, just a golden flash inside his consciousness.

> "Third Reward: 100 Senzo Beans — From the Dragon Ball World"

> "Function: Completely restores physical energy, heals minor to moderate injuries, and temporarily prevents muscle and mental fatigue buildup."

> "The bag is hidden, invisible to others, and cannot be lost."

He reached into his inner pocket, where he felt the presence of the lightweight bag. It was made of soft black fabric. He pulled it out quietly and opened it slowly. The beans were shiny, green, and emitted a sense of calm.

"Not for display... but for survival."

—

In the backyard, where no one ever went, Kenichi resumed his familiar training routine, but with the feeling that today held something different. Push-ups, balance, and running. Despite his increasing strength, he did not ignore his body's signals.

A slight cramp snuck into his left thigh muscle, like a silent alarm from his body. An uncomfortable pulse throbbed in the palm of his hand, and a slight pressure surrounded his left side.

"Subtle injuries... hidden... but real."

He took out a Senzo bean, stared at it for a moment, then swallowed it.

Soon after, a warm sensation swept through his body, as though something was melting the tension from deep within his muscle fibers. It felt as though the bean was mending something invisible.

His knee felt lighter, his breathing deeper, and the irregular pulse stopped.

"Even with my care, I have subtle injuries I can't see. What about Dai? How many cells in his body are screaming, and he doesn't hear them?"

He lifted his head toward the gray sky and whispered,

"My body speaks... and now I can listen."

It dawned on him that true strength wasn't measured by techniques, but by how aware he was of his body and how well he managed it.

"If I organize my training, use the beans wisely, and treat my body as a tool, not a burden... I will become a true machine."

—

At the end of the school session, he went to the academy's general training area. He saw Dai training alone, his face covered in sweat, but his steps were more determined now.

He watched him for a moment, then walked up to him and said,

"Do you feel like your body is starting to obey you?"

Dai responded with a tired smile,

"It still hurts... but now I can handle more."

Kenichi handed him a small piece of paper with a simple breathing pattern on it and said,

"Integrate this with your movements, don't let the air be your enemy."

Dai took the paper as if it were a treasure. Then he asked in a quiet voice,

"Do you use something? Some kind of technique?"

Kenichi answered without hesitation,

"I use my body. But I train it to its fullest... I just don't let it break."

—

In the evening, he returned home. His sister was playing near the window, and when she saw his face, she ran toward him.

"Onii-chan! I cleaned my toy!"

He laughed and lifted her into his arms. He sat with her for a while, telling her a story about "a little ninja who climbs mountains to see the clouds up close."

As she drifted off to sleep, he gazed at the ceiling and muttered:

> "The Senzo beans aren't what make me strong... they just give me a chance to keep going without breaking."

End of Chapter 23.