Early the next morning, Chen Tian temporarily set aside his writing pursuits and headed to the fourth training field after breakfast.
He had arranged an early-morning training session with Might Guy, his enthusiastic and energetic sparring partner. Chen Tian knew that while earning money was important, strengthening himself took precedence.
"Morning, Guy," Chen Tian greeted, spotting Guy already deep into his exercises.
Without hesitation, Chen Tian casually picked up three white cards lying on the ground nearby, pocketing them with a faint smile. He then joined Guy on the ground, performing push-ups side by side.
Guy barely batted an eye at Chen Tian's odd habits. After a brief greeting, he continued training in silence.
"System, show me the panel," Chen Tian murmured internally, his focus divided between push-ups and analyzing his data.
A familiar display popped up in his mind:
[System Panel]
Host: Chen Tian
Strength: 25
Speed: 25
Physique: 22
Spirit: 25
Chakra: 1010
Talent: Space Manipulation (LV3)
Skills: Basic Shuriken Mastery (LV2) Basic Taijutsu (LV3) Chakra Enhancement Technique (LV1) Great Fireball Technique (LV5) Konoha Whirlwind (LV4)
"Not bad," Chen Tian thought. His strength and physique had improved, and his chakra reserves had grown steadily. However, he sighed. He still lacked versatility in combat techniques.
By noon, after 500 push-ups, a 5-kilometer run, and 1,000 squats, Chen Tian decided to call it a day. He bid farewell to Guy.
"See you tomorrow, Guy."
"See you, Chen Tian!" Guy replied cheerfully, standing on his hands as he walked away.
Watching his eccentric friend leave, Chen Tian couldn't help but admire him. "No wonder he became so strong later—his dedication is insane."
As the sky dimmed, Chen Tian jogged through the forest towards home. The route was familiar, and he dismissed any sense of danger. But fate had other plans.
A sudden glint in the shadows caught his eye.
"Whoosh!"
A sharp shuriken streaked through the air, aimed directly at Chen Tian's throat.
At the last moment, he twisted his body, avoiding a fatal blow. The blade embedded itself in his shoulder instead.
"Argh!" Gritting his teeth against the pain, Chen Tian lashed out instinctively, delivering a powerful kick to his attacker's abdomen. The figure staggered backward, giving Chen Tian a chance to move to an open area.
Emerging from the shadows, the assailant revealed himself: a wiry man with a hooked nose and cold, calculating eyes. Dressed in black, he sneered at Chen Tian.
"The brat from Konoha dodged my strike. Impressive. But it ends here."
Chen Tian's mind raced. The man wasn't careless—his stance blocked any escape routes. The wound on his shoulder bled profusely. He didn't have much time.
"You won't say who you are, huh? Typical," Chen Tian taunted, stalling for time while scanning for a way out.
The man chuckled darkly. "Delaying tactics won't work, boy. You'll bleed out in minutes."
The situation was grim, but Chen Tian wasn't ready to give up. Clenching his fists, he steeled his resolve.
If he couldn't flee, he'd have to fight.
"Damn it... Let's do this!" Chen Tian growled, forming hand seals despite the searing pain in his shoulder.
The man in black smirked. "A little genin like you using ninjutsu? Pathetic."
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A blazing orb erupted from Chen Tian's mouth, hurtling toward the attacker.
Unfazed, the man sidestepped, preparing a counterattack. But Chen Tian wasn't done.
"Hoo—! Hoo—! Hoo—!"
One fireball after another lit up the forest, forcing the man to retreat.
"Tch, causing this much noise..." The man gritted his teeth. He had avoided using large-scale techniques to stay under Konoha's radar, but the situation had changed.
"Earth Style: Earth Wall!"
A towering barrier rose between them, blocking the incoming fireballs.
"Earth Style: Earth Dragon Bullet!"
From behind the wall, a serpentine dragon of rock and mud surged toward Chen Tian.
But Chen Tian was ready.
He unleashed another fireball, timing it perfectly. As the man peeked from behind the wall, the fiery attack struck him head-on. The man staggered, his movements slowing.
Yet, his jutsu was already in motion. The earth dragon roared forward, closing in on Chen Tian.
A Close Call
"Damn it!" Chen Tian cursed. The earth dragon was less than a meter away. He braced himself, preparing to counter with everything he had left.
But before the dragon could strike, a green blur shot into the fray.
"Dynamic Entry!"
Might Guy's voice rang out as he landed a devastating kick, shattering the earth dragon into rubble. The ambusher was sent flying, unconscious before hitting the ground.
"Chen Tian! Are you okay?" Guy asked, crouching beside him.
Chen Tian slumped to the ground, clutching his bleeding shoulder. "Yeah... thanks to you."
Guy smiled, his teeth glinting in the fading light. "You fought bravely! Let's get you patched up."
As Guy carried him back to the village, Chen Tian sighed with relief. His resolve to grow stronger had never burned brighter.
This world was dangerous, and he needed to be ready for anything.