Ch-12 Opening First Gate.
Santoryu spoke calmly,
"System, show me my character panel."
The moment his words echoed, a glowing interface materialized before him.
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[Character Panel]
Name: Santoryu Hatake
Age: 8 → 9
Rank: Genin → Chunin
Power Level: 204 → 1,010 (Chunin Range: 1,001–5,000)
Abilities:
One-Sword Style Sword Drawing Technique (Mastered)
Nitoryu Iai: Rashomon (Beginner)
Observation Haki (Beginner)
Evaluation: You are now strong enough to fight on equal footing with an average Chunin.
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Santoryu stared at the panel, eyes locked on his new power level. He had finally stepped into Chunin territory. A small, satisfied nod followed.
"This is just the beginning," he muttered to himself. "The first level I've conquered. I'll keep pushing forward—until I reach the top of this world."
Then, without missing a beat, he addressed the system again:
"System, now that I've reached Chunin rank, can I unlock the First Gate of the Eight Inner Gates? I can feel it—my current physical strength should be sufficient to open the First Gate."
The system responded in a calm, neutral tone:
"Yes, Host. Your physical strength has reached a level where you can now safely open the First Gate. You will be able to maintain it for up to thirty minutes without placing strain on your body."
Santoryu gave a silent nod of acknowledgment and lowered himself onto the grass, crossing his legs. He closed his eyes, centering himself. The method for unlocking the Eight Inner Gates had been imprinted in his mind from the beginning—granted by the system in perfect detail, complete with the full internal experience of how to open each gate.
He began channelling his chakra inward, directing it toward the First Gate, located in the left hemisphere of the brain. Following the mental map provided by the system, he guided the energy flow precisely. With practiced control, he released the restriction.
The process was smooth.
There was no pain. No strain. Just a sudden surge.
A moment later, Santoryu felt it. The chakra within him hadn't increased in quantity—but he can access more of his Chakra. The limiter was gone. By opening the First Gate, he had unlocked a greater portion of his own strength.
His eyes snapped open.
He clenched his fist, marvelling at the raw power pulsing through his body. There was no doubt—his strength had increased dramatically.
Eager to confirm the exact boost, he spoke:
"System, show me my character panel."
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[Character Panel]
Name: Santoryu Hatake
Age: 9
Rank: Chunin
Power Level: 1,010 → 1,310 (+300) (Chunin Range: 1,001–5,000)
Abilities:
One-Sword Style Sword Drawing Technique (Mastered)
Nitoryu Iai: Rashomon (Beginner)
Observation Haki (Beginner)
Eight Inner Gates (First Gate Active: Strength +30%)
Evaluation: You are now strong enough to fight on equal footing with an average Chunin.
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Santoryu deactivated the Eight Inner Gates. The surge of strength that had flooded his body vanished in an instant, and he returned to his normal state.
He looked ahead and addressed the system:
"System, can I begin training under increased gravity now? My current physical training, even with the weights I use, isn't enough anymore. It's taking too long to see gains. If I can train under enhanced gravity, not only will it cut down the time I need, but it'll also boost the efficiency of every session."
The system responded promptly:
"You are absolutely correct, Host. Until now, your physical strength was insufficient to withstand increased gravity. However, with your strength now at the level of a Chunin, your body is ready. Shall I activate the gravity enhancement?"
Santoryu nodded, a determined expression on his face.
"Yes. Do it."
The moment he gave the command, the system activated the gravity field.
A heavy force slammed down on his body. Santoryu's knees bent slightly under the sudden pressure. But he gritted his teeth, adjusted his stance, and slowly straightened himself. His muscles strained, but he stood tall—balanced, controlled, ready.
Santoryu muttered under his breath,
"Looks like I need to relearn how to move before I can actually begin training."
With that, he began pacing slowly around the courtyard, his steps deliberate and steady. For the first fifteen minutes, he focused only on walking—adjusting to the doubled gravity pressing down on him. Every movement demanded effort, forcing his muscles to work harder than ever.
Once his body began to adapt, he transitioned into basic warm-up exercises—stretches, lunges, shoulder rolls. These movements were usually effortless, but now they felt like dragging weights through mud.
After warming up, he launched into his usual physical training routine. The exercises were the same ones he had performed daily: push-ups, squats, core drills. Under normal conditions, it would take several minutes before his body even began to feel strained. But now, with the effect of two times gravity, the burn started almost immediately.
That was exactly what he wanted.
This intensity meant his training sessions could be shorter, but far more effective. Every rep counted. Every drop of sweat was earned.
As Santoryu continued, his parents appeared at the edge of the courtyard, standing quietly at the gate of their home. They watched him in silence, worry etched across their faces. Seeing their son struggle like this was difficult—but they knew this was his path. All they could do was support him the only way they could: by being present, and by making sure he had everything he needed—especially rest and proper nutrition.
Even if they couldn't ease the burden on his shoulders, they could make sure he had the strength to carry it.
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