The Make-Out Paradise incident had finally come to an end.
After subtracting the purchase cost, Kai estimated he made a profit of over twenty thousand ryō—a modest gain.
Of course, he couldn't just price the books at one hundred thousand or two hundred thousand ryō. Kakashi wasn't an idiot—he would never spend that much on a single book.
Setting the price at fifty thousand per copy was actually quite reasonable—just enough for Kakashi to accept.
Having "taught" Kakashi a lesson, Kai felt much better.
…
Meanwhile—
Itachi hiding Make-Out Paradise under his pillow had also been discovered by Fugaku and Mikoto.
Although he tried his best to defend himself using Kai's explanation, his parents clearly didn't believe a word of it.
The way they looked at him carried a subtle message:
"Our son… has grown up."
…
Commercial District.
Weapons Shop.
"Good morning, Granny. I'm planning to head out soon, so I came to buy some ninja tools."
Kai smiled politely at the Cat Granny.
Her shop specialized in custom ninja tools for the Uchiha Clan.
"Oh? Heading out to train again?" the Cat Granny asked, taking a deep puff from her pipe before exhaling a thin stream of smoke.
Colorful cats lounged around her—some playing, some sleeping—adorably scattered throughout the shop.
"Yes." Kai nodded. He planned to go out and push his Asura's Chakra to Level 3.
"Bring out your best-quality tools."
To do a job well, one must first sharpen their tools.
High-quality equipment meant stronger combat capability.
After fleecing Kakashi yesterday, now was the perfect time to spend.
…
"Of course I have them…" the Cat Granny paused, then added, "But it'll cost extra!"
She liked Kai—he was polite and well-mannered.
But business was business.
No merchant ever complained about earning more.
…
"No problem!" Kai patted his bulging wallet confidently.
Then he suddenly asked, "Oh right, Granny—has the mask I ordered been finished?"
When going out, he would use Wood Release—his trump card.
A mask was necessary to conceal his identity.
His previous one had been destroyed during his last outing.
…
"We're efficient here," she replied, pulling out a mask from a nearby cabinet.
It was a black cat mask—sharp, intimidating, and striking.
"Thank you, Granny."
"Goodbye."
After filling his pouch with tools and paying, Kai left Konoha.
…
Over the past two years, Kai had relied on these excursions.
By hunting enemy ninja and rogue shinobi, absorbing their chakra, he rapidly raised all three of his bloodline abilities to Level 2.
Even his Asura's Chakra was close to reaching Level 3.
This time, his destination was the northeastern border of the Land of Fire.
That region was plagued by rogue ninja.
Eliminating them would both provide chakra for advancement—and bring stability to the area.
A win-win.
…
After leaving the village, Kai increased his speed, weaving through forests and mountains.
In less than a day, he arrived at a border village.
The air smelled faintly of blood.
…
"Who are you!? What are you doing here!?"
As soon as he entered, villagers holding sickles and hoes surrounded him.
"I'm just passing through. No ill intent," Kai said, raising his hands calmly.
Seeing that he was just a child—and didn't look dangerous—their guard lowered slightly.
…
Kai frowned and asked, "Grandpa… what happened here?"
There were bloodstains on the ground.
Villagers were burying bodies.
A heavy atmosphere of grief lingered.
Something had clearly happened.
…
"Child… best not to get involved," an old man sighed.
But after repeated questioning, they finally explained.
A group of rogue ninja—around a dozen—lived in the nearby mountains. They frequently raided surrounding villages.
Just yesterday, they attacked again.
Several villagers were killed.
Money was stolen.
…
"Didn't you seek help from Konoha?" Kai asked, expression serious.
"We can't afford it…" the old man replied bitterly.
They barely survived on farming. Hiring ninja was out of the question.
The rogues knew this.
That's why they acted without restraint.
…
After hearing everything, Kai left the village.
He put on his black cat mask and activated the Body Flicker Technique, rushing toward the mountains.
These people preyed on the weak.
It angered him.
…
Soon—
he arrived.
After scouting their numbers and escape routes, he acted immediately.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball roared out, instantly igniting the wooden structures.
…
"Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!"
Over a dozen figures burst out of the flames—some still burning.
The moment they landed, they triggered Kai's explosive tags.
"BOOM!!!"
Two were too slow—their legs blown off instantly.
Blood poured out.
…
Kai moved like a reaper.
No hesitation.
No mercy.
…
"Wood Release: Wood Binding Technique!"
Three were caught instantly, bound by rising trees.
They struggled—but couldn't break free.
…
"Absorb."
"Asura's Chakra Energy +200."
"Asura's Chakra Energy +500."
"Asura's Chakra Energy +550."
…
A typical genin had around 200 chakra.
A chūnin around 500.
Individually small—but accumulation mattered.
…
Kai charged into the group.
Each swing of his kunai claimed another life.
…
"Die!"
A pale-faced man—their leader—appeared behind him.
Chakra gathered in his hand.
Sharp. Deadly.
"Chakra Scalpel—A-rank technique!"
…
Kai showed no panic.
Instead, a faint smirk appeared.
"Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall!"
Wooden pillars erupted instantly, forming a protective barrier.
The attack was completely blocked.
…
At Level 2 Wood Release, Kai had gained two new techniques:
A powerful defensive jutsu—Wood Locking Wall.
And—
Great Forest Technique.
…
He clasped his hands.
Trees surged from the ground like writhing tentacles.
The man slashed wildly with his Chakra Scalpel, cutting them down.
But there were too many.
Endless.
…
Kai's chakra was vast.
The man was only an average jōnin.
He stood no chance.
…
"Spare me! I'll give you everything I have!" the man begged, pale with fear.
"Kill you—and it's all mine anyway," Kai replied coldly.
…
"Absorb."
"Asura's Chakra Energy +1150."
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