Meian stepped back from the wall he'd conjured, breathing hard. It towered before him—far more impressive than the simple barriers Kakashi had shown him. He exhaled slowly, allowing himself a moment of satisfaction.
"Finally getting somewhere," he muttered, wiping sweat from his brow.
Kakashi emerged from the tree line, one eye narrowed in genuine surprise. "Still standing. I wasn't certain you'd manage that without collapsing."
Meian turned, offering a tired smile. "It worked. That's what matters."
"More than worked." Kakashi approached, his tone brooking no argument. "That was an Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet Technique—a B-rank jutsu. The chakra cost alone would exhaust most genin. Your reserves are... exceptional."
Meian said nothing, and Kakashi continued, his voice taking on the weight of instruction.
"Listen carefully. A jutsu that powerful will drain you fast. Use it only when you're certain you can afford the cost. Chakra conservation isn't philosophy—it's survival." He paused, letting that sink in. "When two-thirds of your reserve is gone, you stop. You abandon the mission. You live to fight another day. A ninja without chakra is just a civilian with a sword."
"I understand," Meian said, though his chest still heaved with exertion.
Kakashi studied him a moment longer, noting the pallor around his eyes. "We're done for today. Rest."
"One more session—"
"Tomorrow," Kakashi cut him off, firm but not unkind. "Your body's already pushed to the limit. Push harder, and you'll break something."
Meian wanted to argue. In truth, his chakra was already beginning to replenish—faster than it should. Far faster. But revealing that would invite questions he wasn't ready to answer. Instead, he nodded, accepting the reprieve.
As dusk painted the training ground gold, Meian grinned. "Come on. Let's catch some fish. I'll cook."
Kakashi blinked, caught entirely off guard. "You cook?"
"Since I was four," Meian said, already heading toward the river. "Didn't have much choice."
Kakashi followed, watching as Meian waded into the shallow water with practiced ease. The boy drew a short blade and speared a fat fish in one smooth motion—nearly three pounds of silver flesh thrashing on the end of his weapon.
"I can cook," Kakashi offered, a hint of amusement coloring his voice. "Though the results are... debatable."
Meian caught another fish and turned, grinning. "Then you can watch while I enjoy mine. You're eating with me anyway."
Kakashi opened his mouth to respond, but something in Meian's tone—casual certainty, untainted by flattery—made him pause. When had someone last invited him to simply be with them? Not as a mentor or an asset to Konoha's strength, but just... present.
"I thought you'd offer to teach me," he finally said.
Meian shrugged, wading back to shore. "Maybe next time."
They descended the mountain as evening deepened into night.
Meian's house was modest but well-maintained—a legacy from parents who'd left him more than memories. Two million ryō in savings, a pension from the village, and a roof over his head were more than many orphans received. He'd learned early not to take such things for granted.
The fried fish was flawless. Crispy skin, tender flesh, seasoned perfectly. Kakashi ate in silence, then set down his plate.
"Better than mine," he admitted.
Meian smiled. It was a small thing, but Kakashi didn't offer compliments lightly.
After dinner, they sat in the yard under stars just beginning to pierce the darkening sky. Kakashi broke the comfortable silence.
"Which path are you considering after graduation? ANBU? Field operations? Intelligence?"
Meian was quiet for a moment. "I'll become a ninja. As for the rest... I haven't decided."
"ANBU would suit you." Kakashi's tone was measured, professional. "The elite division would accelerate your growth. Hone you into the best you can be."
"Did it do that for you?" Meian asked quietly.
Kakashi didn't answer immediately. Of course it had made him stronger. But strength was a hollow thing when purchased with your soul.
"I won't join ANBU," Meian said, his voice carrying unexpected firmness. "I know what it requires. I know what it costs. That's not the path I want."
Kakashi looked at him—really looked at him—and saw not defiance, but clarity. The boy had chosen his own direction, unbending.
"Then I'll find you a suitable instructor," Kakashi said. "Someone who can guide you toward whatever path you do choose."
It wasn't a casual offer. Kakashi didn't make promises. Not after Obito. Not after learning how easily the future could shatter, leaving you with nothing but the weight of unfulfilled words.
But looking at Meian now—this orphan who cooked his own meals and grappled with B-rank jutsu and refused to compromise his soul for strength—Kakashi found himself making one anyway.
A promise. Deliberately. Knowing what it meant.
Meian stared at him, clearly surprised by the weight behind those words.
"I mean it," Kakashi said simply.
And he did.
---
---
To celebrate the launch, I will be releasing 5 chapters daily—but that's just the beginning.
Want more? Don't fall behind while others binge ahead.
For every 100 Powerstones, I'll unlock 5 bonus chapters. A quality review will instantly unlock a massive 10 bonus chapters.
Readers who act early will always stay ahead—while others wait.
This may be a translation, but it's a proven CN classic.
Don't miss your chance to experience it first.