Chapter 29: Awakening the Hidden Power
The moon hung high over Konoha, casting its silver glow upon the quiet village. Nicolas sat on the rooftop of his temporary residence, lost in thought. His training with Kakashi had exposed a clear gap between his potential and his control. The strange energy within him—something beyond chakra—was growing stronger, but without understanding it, he was merely wielding a blade with no edge.
He closed his eyes, focusing inward. The artifact in his possession pulsed faintly against his chest, as if responding to his thoughts. Ever since he arrived in this world, it had been reacting to certain people, certain moments. It was connected to him… but how?
As he meditated, a flicker of images flashed through his mind—visions of distant stars, of realms beyond this one, of figures shrouded in shadows whispering his name. Then, suddenly—
A voice.
"You are not ready… but the storm is coming."
Nicolas's eyes shot open, his breath ragged. He placed a hand over his chest where the artifact rested.
What are you? he wondered.
---
A New Path in Training
The next morning, Nicolas found himself back at the training grounds, but this time, he wasn't alone.
Tsunade stood before him, arms crossed. "Kakashi told me about your progress," she said. "And the unusual energy you've been using."
Nicolas straightened. "Yeah… I can't explain it, but it's not just chakra."
Tsunade studied him before nodding. "Then it's time we tested its limits."
She motioned for him to follow, leading him to a secluded training area within Konoha's walls. Unlike before, this space was heavily fortified—built to withstand high-level jutsu.
"I'll be pushing you past your limits," Tsunade said, cracking her knuckles. "Try not to die."
Before Nicolas could respond, she vanished.
Fast!
He barely dodged as Tsunade's fist smashed into the ground where he had been standing. The sheer force sent shockwaves rippling through the air.
Nicolas leaped back, gripping his blade. He knew better than to take her lightly. She wasn't just a medical ninja—she was one of the strongest shinobi alive.
Time to fight.
---
Unlocking a New Power
Nicolas charged, channeling his strange energy into his movements. His blade glowed faintly, and for a moment, he felt the world slow down around him. He struck, but Tsunade caught his blade with her bare hand.
"Not bad," she said, before twisting her grip and sending him flying.
He crashed into the ground, coughing. But as he struggled to his feet, he felt something shift inside him. The artifact against his chest burned hotter.
His vision blurred for a second. Then—
The world expanded.
Everything became clearer—Tsunade's movements, the energy flowing through her body, even the faint ripples of chakra in the air. It was as if he had stepped into a higher state of awareness.
Tsunade lunged at him again, but this time, he reacted instinctively. He sidestepped faster than he thought possible, his blade cutting through the air with a sharp hum.
A small cut appeared on Tsunade's sleeve.
For the first time, she raised an eyebrow. "Now that is interesting."
Nicolas stared at his own hands. What… was that?
Tsunade smirked. "I think we've found the real training you need."
Nicolas clenched his fists, feeling the power surging within him. The masked shinobi were planning something massive, and if he wanted to stop them, he had to master this newfound ability.
And he would.
No matter what it took.
End of Chapter 29