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Hidden deep within the forgotten ruins of the Land of Hot Water lies the last known survivor of the once-feared Chinoike Clan—a boy born with the cursed power of the Ketsuryugan. Pushed by the remaining elders to escape their desolate prison, he journeys to Konohagakure not to seek peace—but strength.

Adopted reluctantly under the Third Hokage’s watch, he enters the village as a mystery: masked, cold, and distant. Despite being just above Genin level, his mastery over genjutsu and blood manipulation sets him apart from the other rookies. But his power is not absolute—haunted by his past, his clan’s reputation, and his own fear of becoming a monster, he struggles to find purpose beyond vengeance.

As war clouds gather and darkness stirs in the shadows of the ninja world, he forges bonds he never expected—with comrades, mentors, and rivals. But every step forward brings him closer to a question he cannot ignore:

Is strength enough to save a forgotten clan, or will the village brand him a threat—just like before?

Naruto: Flying Chinoike

The early rays of the sun filtered through the leaves, casting mottled light on the training ground. Yurei stood alone, his breath steady, the cool morning air sharpening his focus. His training had become routine—precise shuriken throws, silent movement drills, and maintaining his Genjutsu illusions longer than the day before. But something lingered in his mind, a dull ache: strength alone wouldn't free his clan.

He needed experience. Real-world battles. Missions.

As his palm cracked against a tree bark in frustration, he remembered something old Ichiro had once told him back in the Valley of Hell:

"If you're clever, you'll realize the strongest shinobi aren't the loudest. They're the ones who learn from every step beyond the battlefield."

Yurei let out a breath and adjusted the headband he now wore over his shoulder—an unconventional place, but he didn't like hiding his clan's pride under his hair. He wasn't here to blend in.

Just as he was about to resume his chakra control exercises, a puff of smoke burst beside him. A small messenger toad croaked and dropped a scroll at his feet. Surprised, Yurei knelt and unrolled it.

"You are hereby invited to register your availability for active Genin mission assignments. Attendance is not mandatory, but highly recommended to be eligible for future ranking."

He rolled the scroll back up and tucked it into his pouch. This wasn't just about proving himself—it was a path to gain intel, earn the Hokage's trust, and one day, gain the political leverage to argue for his clan's release.

Konoha's mission assignment building was nothing like the shadowed cliffs of the Valley. It buzzed with life—teams gathering, instructors chatting, ninja filing in and out, some grumbling about D-rank chores.

Yurei walked in alone. His presence turned heads—not because of arrogance, but unfamiliarity. A Genin with striking red eyes and a calm, analytical presence wasn't something you saw every day.

An older chunin looked up, clearly startled by the name on the scroll Yurei presented.

"Chinoike… huh. Didn't know any of you were active again."

Yurei kept his tone even. "I'm here for registration and any available assignments."

The chunin nodded slowly and scribbled something. "Right… we've got a low-level C-rank escort mission forming. One Genin team short. If you're registered, head to Room 3F. Be fast."

Yurei knocked lightly and entered.

Inside, two other Genin were already waiting, along with a tall, sharp-eyed jonin with a scar across his nose. The jonin gave him a once-over. "You the last one?"

Yurei nodded. "Yurei. I'll be on this team, I assume."

The jonin snorted lightly. "You assume right. Don't slow us down. Escort mission outside the village. Small merchant caravan—bandit-prone area."

The other two Genin—one talkative, the other clearly annoyed by Yurei's presence—eyed him with mixed feelings.

Yurei simply folded his arms, mentally noting terrain, danger probability, and ideal genjutsu setups.

He was here to become someone his clan could rely on.

Path Beyond Blood