Chapter 10: The calm before the storm
Kai moved through the dense forest, his senses heightened and his mind focused.
The Bloodrager's power still lingered in his veins, a faint hum of energy that reminded him of the beast he had become. He couldn't afford to lose control again—not out here, where every shadow could hide an enemy.
The forest was alive with the sounds of nature: the rustling of leaves, the chirping of birds, the distant howl of a wolf. But Kai's thoughts were far from peaceful.
The memory of the village, of Rumiko, and of the ninja he had slaughtered played on repeat in his mind. He clenched his fists, forcing himself to push the images aside. He needed to survive. He needed to get stronger.
After hours of walking, Kai stumbled upon a small stream. The clear water glistened in the sunlight, and the sight of it brought a wave of relief. He knelt by the bank, cupping the water in his hands and drinking deeply.
The cool liquid soothed his parched throat, and for a moment, he allowed himself to relax.
But the peace didn't last long.
A faint rustling sound caught his attention, and Kai's body tensed. He turned his head slowly, his eyes scanning the trees.
There, just beyond the stream, was a deer—a young buck with wide, curious eyes. It stood frozen, its ears twitching as it watched him.
Kai's stomach growled, reminding him of how long it had been since he'd eaten. He needed food, and this was an opportunity he couldn't pass up. Slowly, he reached for the kunai strapped to his belt, his movements careful and deliberate.
The deer's eyes widened, and it bolted.
Kai was faster.
In a flash, he was on his feet, his body moving with a speed that surprised even him. He darted after the deer, his kunai in hand.
The chase was short-lived. With a swift, precise throw, the kunai found its mark, striking the deer in the neck. The animal stumbled and fell, its body collapsing to the forest floor.
As he worked, Kai's mind wandered. He thought about the Bloodrager ability, about the power it had given him and the danger it posed. He needed to learn how to control it, to harness its strength without losing himself to the rage. But how?
He had no teacher, no guide. He was alone in a world that seemed determined to break him.
Once the meat was prepared, Kai started a small fire using dry leaves and twigs.
He skewered the meat on a sharp stick and held it over the flames, the scent of cooking food making his mouth water. As he waited, he opened his system interface, reviewing his stats once more.
[Name: Kai
Age: 11
Rank: chunin
Strength: 33
Speed: 32
Stamina: 25
Constitution: 8
Intelligence: 8
Chakra: 39
Affinity: Earth
Abilities: None
Bloodline: Bloodrager (transform into a Powerful raging beast)
System Function: Stat Absorption (Steal stats and abilities from defeated enemies.)]
The numbers were impressive, but Kai knew they weren't enough. He needed more—more strength, more speed, more control. He needed to become a force that no one could ignore.
As he ate, Kai began to formulate a plan. He would train relentlessly, pushing his body and mind to their limits.
He would hunt for stronger opponents, absorbing their stats and abilities to grow even more powerful. And he would learn to master the Bloodrager, to wield its power without succumbing to its darkness.
But first, he needed to find a place to call home—a base of operations where he could rest and recover without fear of being discovered.
---
The sun was beginning to set when Kai finally extinguished the fire and set out again. He moved with purpose, his eyes scanning the terrain for a suitable location.
After another hour of walking, he found it: a secluded valley surrounded by steep cliffs. The area was hidden from view, accessible only through a narrow pass. It was perfect.
Kai made his way into the valley, his footsteps echoing softly against the rocky ground. The air was cool and crisp, and the sound of a nearby waterfall filled the silence.
He approached the waterfall, his eyes widening as he noticed a small cave hidden behind the cascading water.
He stepped through the waterfall, the cold water soaking his clothes, and entered the cave. The interior was dry and spacious, with enough room for him to sleep and store supplies.
A faint glow emanated from the walls, revealing veins of luminescent crystal embedded in the rock.
Kai smiled for the first time in days. This was it—his new home.
He spent the next few hours gathering supplies: dry wood for a fire, fresh water from the stream, and more meat from the forest. By the time he was done, the cave was beginning to feel like a sanctuary.
As night fell, Kai sat by the fire, his body weary but his mind alert. He stared into the flames, his thoughts drifting to the future. He didn't know what lay ahead, but he was ready to face it.
The boy who had once sought warmth and kindness was gone. In his place was a warrior, a survivor, a Bloodrager. And the world would soon learn to fear him.
---
Far away, in the hidden mist village, Juzo stood before a shadowy figure. The room was dimly lit, the air thick with tension.
"Report," the figure commanded, their voice cold and authoritative.
Juzo bowed his head. "The mission was a success. The bandits have been eliminated, and the village is no more. However…" He hesitated, his expression darkening. "Something unexpected happened. My team was attacked by an unknown force. They were torn apart—brutally."
The figure leaned forward, their eyes glinting with interest. "An unknown force? Explain."
Juzo's voice was low, almost a whisper. "I don't know what it was, but it was powerful. Too powerful to ignore. I believe it's connected to the boy—the one who escaped."
The figure leaned back, a faint smile playing on their lips. "Interesting. Find him. Bring him to me. Alive."
Juzo nodded, his expression grim. "It will be done."
As he turned to leave, the figure's voice stopped him. "And Juzo… don't underestimate him. This boy may be more dangerous than we realize."
Juzo's eyes narrowed, and he vanished into the shadows, his mind already plotting his next move.
The hunt had begun.