"Bang!"
Just as the Earth Dragon Bullet charged at Chen Tian, a foot clad in green fabric smashed into the dragon's head. The air crackled with energy.
Might Guy's voice boomed: "The secret of Konoha Taijutsu—Leaf Strong Whirlwind!"
The earth dragon crumbled under the powerful kick. A violent shockwave sent Chen Tian tumbling to the ground.
"Phew! Survived!" he muttered, heart racing.
"Chen Tian, are you okay?"
Guy rushed to his side, lifting him with a worried expression. Chen Tian winced but managed a faint smile. "I'll live. Just get me to the body…"
Guy blinked in confusion. "What? You're bleeding out, and you're worried about the body?"
Despite his misgivings, Guy helped Chen Tian limp over to the fallen assailant. Beside the man's body were a trio of glowing cards—white, blue, and purple. Chen Tian's eyes lit up with excitement.
"System, collect the cards!" he commanded silently.
[System Notifications]
White Card: +1 Strength. Absorb?
White Card: +1 Speed. Absorb?
Blue Card: Substitution Technique. Absorb?
Purple Card: Earth Dragon Bullet Technique. Absorb?
Blue Card: Earth Flow Wall Technique. Absorb?
Chen Tian felt a surge of elation. "Absorb them all!"
As the system transferred the cards' power into him, Chen Tian's body trembled. The usually invigorating process was agonizing due to his excessive blood loss. His vision blurred, and he collapsed into unconsciousness.
"Swish! Swish! Swish!"
Over a dozen masked ANBU operatives appeared in an instant, surrounding the scene. The tension thickened as they analyzed the situation.
Might Guy turned to the familiar figure among them. "Kakashi! Chen Tian's hurt and needs medical attention. I'll get him to the hospital."
Kakashi sighed at Guy's directness but gestured for the others to let him pass. "Go. We'll handle the aftermath."
With that, Guy sprinted away, Chen Tian cradled securely in his arms. Kakashi turned to his squad. "Secure the area. Retrieve the body and any intel. I'll report to the Third Hokage."
Recovery and Reflection
Chen Tian awoke hours later in the hospital, the faint warmth of healing chakra still lingering on his body. The Palm Healing Technique had closed his wounds, but weakness from blood loss left him bedridden.
Stretching cautiously, Chen Tian tested his body's responsiveness. Relief washed over him when he confirmed there were no lingering injuries. "Survived again," he murmured, exhaling deeply.
As his mind cleared, he reflected on the battle.
Weaknesses:
Physical Fragility: Despite his chakra reserves, his body couldn't withstand close combat. His taijutsu was underwhelming against a skilled opponent.
Limited Ninjutsu Arsenal: His over-reliance on the Great Fireball Technique left him vulnerable. Without varied techniques, he had been forced into a corner.
"Luck saved me," Chen Tian admitted. "If that guy had used his full power earlier, I'd be dead."
Determined, he vowed to strengthen his body and broaden his arsenal, focusing on integrating taijutsu and ninjutsu. His abundant chakra would no longer go underutilized.
Remembering the cards, Chen Tian summoned the system panel.
[System Panel]
Host: Chen Tian
Strength: 26 (+1)
Speed: 27 (+2)
Physique: 23 (+1)
Spirit: 26 (+1)
Chakra: 1010
Talent: Space Manipulation (LV3)
Taijutsu: Basic Shuriken Mastery (LV2) Basic Taijutsu (LV3) Konoha Great Whirlwind (LV4)
Ninjutsu: Fireball Technique (LV5) Earth Flow Wall Technique (LV4) Earth Dragon Bullet Technique (LV3) Substitution Technique (LV6)
The new techniques greatly expanded his options in battle. With a broad grin, Chen Tian clenched his fists. "Next time, it won't be luck that decides the fight."
His smile, however, earned him strange glances from passersby outside his hospital room.
"Bang!"
The door flew open, and Kushina stormed in. Seeing Chen Tian's goofy grin, her worried expression melted into irritation. She strode over, slapped his forehead lightly, and scolded, "What are you smiling about? You almost died!"
Her voice cracked, and tears welled in her eyes. She rubbed his forehead gently, her earlier anger replaced by tenderness. Chen Tian's heart softened at her concern.
"I'm fine, Kushina-nee," he reassured, stretching out his arms. "See? No wounds."
"Swish!"
Minato appeared, his concerned voice preceding him. "Chen Tian! Are you okay?"
After a lengthy explanation and multiple promises not to court danger, Chen Tian finally convinced them he was safe. Minato, however, left a mark of the Flying Thunder God Technique on him, just in case.
Later, Minato reported the incident to the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi listened carefully, puffing on his pipe. He was impressed by Chen Tian's resourcefulness. Few could claim to take down an elite chūnin at his age, even if luck played a role.
"A dozen fireballs at his age?" Hiruzen mused. "His chakra reserves are remarkable. With proper guidance, he may one day rival the great shinobi of the past."
Meanwhile, Danzo, from the shadows of Root, also received the report. His eyes gleamed with interest. Chen Tian's potential had not gone unnoticed.