Naruto: Divine Reward System

All three of Kakashi's students turned to look at Tatsuya with a mix of confusion and surprise—especially Kakashi himself.

"If you had just guessed it, that'd be one thing. But I haven't even taught you this yet… Are you trying to take my job?"

"Tatsuya, don't tell me you already learned it?"

Tatsuya gave a small nod. "Yeah."

Kakashi exhaled sharply, he thought he was just a taijutsu genius, but seeing his chakra control surprised him a little.

Before anyone could react further, Tatsuya calmly walked toward a large tree under the stunned gazes of the team.

Clatter!

Clatter! Clatter!

Step by step, he ascended the tree's trunk without breaking stride. He wasn't running, wasn't jumping—just walking. Then, with absolute ease, he flipped himself upside down, standing against the bark with no visible support.

Naruto's jaw practically hit the ground. "Whoa! He just walked up the tree with his feet! That's insane, Tatsuya!"

Sasuke's reaction was more reserved, but his widened eyes betrayed his surprise.

Tatsuya finally spoke. "That's about it."

He turned to the others. "The trick is controlling your chakra—gathering it on the soles of your feet and adjusting the flow so you can stick to the surface. If you can manage that, you can do this too."

Kakashi stared at him, still processing the display. "No… no issues with your explanation." His tone, however, was filled with unspoken shock. After a pause, he finally voiced the question in his mind. "When did you learn this?"

"Last night," Tatsuya answered casually. "I got bored after dinner, so I gave it a try. Didn't expect it to work so well."

That was an understatement. Kakashi had planned on teaching this technique today, but Tatsuya had already mastered it on his own.

For someone like Tatsuya, who had been just average back at the academy, his sudden rise was nothing short of astonishing. Kakashi had watched him grow since the graduation exam, but this… this was something else entirely.

'What the hell was he doing during his academy days?'

Kakashi prided himself on being one of Konoha's most talented shinobi, yet he was beginning to think that Tatsuya might surpass even him. A genius of this caliber was something he had never seen before. 

After a long silence, Kakashi finally said, "Alright, Tatsuya. Come down."

As Tatsuya rejoined the group, Naruto immediately turned to Kakashi. "Sensei, will this really make us stronger?"

Kakashi responded with a question of his own. "How do you think your strength compares to Tatsuya's?"

Naruto pouted. "Obviously, he's way stronger."

Kakashi nodded. "Exactly." He crossed his arms. "Tatsuya was able to master this technique so easily because his chakra control is already exceptional—better than most chunin."

"Huh?!" Naruto and Sasuke inhaled sharply, realizing the weight of Kakashi's words.

"Chakra control is the foundation for both ninjutsu and taijutsu. If you get this down, every other skill you learn will improve. I can guarantee that."

Hearing that, Naruto's eyes sparkled with determination. "Kakashi-sensei, tell us how to train!"

"The method is simple," Kakashi explained. "Use your shuriken to mark how high you can reach. You might find it difficult at first, so starting with a sprint might help. Once you can walk up the tree steadily, you'll know you've got it down."

With that, Naruto and Sasuke eagerly started training, while Tatsuya headed to the bridge to guard Tazuna.

Five days passed in a blur.

Naruto and Sasuke trained tirelessly, making noticeable progress. Kakashi had also fully recovered from his injuries.

As for Tatsuya, the past five days had been incredibly fruitful.

First, he developed his own secret technique—[Magnet Release].

Second, thanks to his innate talent and relentless training, he achieved something that most shinobi wouldn't accomplish in a lifetime.

He unlocked a [Kekkei Genkai] ability without possessing the required bloodline for it.

By combining the wind and water chakra natures manually, he awakened the Ice Release—an ability few possessed.

However, it wasn't just talent that allowed him to accomplish this. One key factor played a crucial role—his battle with Haku.

During that fight, Tatsuya had closely observed how Haku's chakra transformed when he used Ice Release. Through countless experiments, he finally replicated it.

This was a massive breakthrough for him. He had already seen Haku use two distinct Ice Release techniques, which meant he wouldn't have to create new ones from scratch.

According to his calculations, he wouldn't be able to learn other Kekkei Genkai so quickly. There was a prerequisite—direct contact with someone who possessed the ability. If he could witness the chakra transformation firsthand, his talent would allow him to grasp it. Otherwise, it would take much longer.

Tatsuya was systematic in his approach. He wasn't about to waste time.

Two days later.

Kakashi, fully recovered, decided to visit the bridge with Tazuna. With Gato still a looming threat, they couldn't afford to be careless.

As the group gathered, Kakashi noticed an absence. "Where's Naruto?"

"He's still sleeping," Tatsuya answered. "He's been training non-stop. He probably just exhausted himself."

Kakashi sighed. "Let's leave him to rest."

With that, the team followed Tazuna toward the bridge.

Before leaving, Tatsuya handed a note to Tsunami. "Give this to Naruto when he wakes up."

Tsunami looked at him curiously but didn't question it. Instead, she gave him a warm smile—one that carried the gentle grace of a woman who had been through much yet still held kindness in her heart. It was the kind of smile that made one instinctively want to protect her.

Under her watchful gaze, Tatsuya and the others walked away, gradually disappearing into the distance.

...

At noon, the sun hung high in the sky.

When Tatsuya and his team arrived at the bridge, they were met with a grim sight—workers lay scattered across the ground, badly injured. Groans of pain filled the air, mixing with the scent of blood and dust.

Beyond the fallen workers stood a group of menacing figures, their eyes gleaming with hostility. At the center of them, sticking out like a sore thumb, was a short, rotund man in an expensive suit and tie. He had an arrogant smirk plastered on his face, completely unfazed by the scene before him.

There was no mistaking him—this was Gato, the tyrannical magnate pulling the strings behind this entire conflict.

Tazuna's fists clenched in rage as his eyes darted from the wounded workers to Gato. His voice trembled with fury. "Gato! What the hell do you think you're doing?!"

Gato sneered, his tone dripping with mockery. "Do I really need to spell it out for you?" He let out a dry chuckle before continuing. "I told you—this bridge isn't going to be built. But you just wouldn't listen. You kept pushing back, ignoring my warnings."

His expression darkened. "So today, I'm putting an end to this nonsense."

His voice turned cold and ruthless. "Tazuna, once you're dead, I'd like to see who else in this miserable village will be brave enough to defy me."

Tazuna's body trembled with rage. The memories of his late son-in-law, who had been beaten to death by Gato's men, flashed in his mind. His breathing turned heavy.

Gato smirked, clearly enjoying Tazuna's reaction. "Oh, and before I forget—while you're standing here, I've already sent some of my men to your house." His grin widened cruelly. "By now, they've probably taken that pretty daughter of yours."

Tazuna's eyes widened in horror.

Gato chuckled, his voice laced with sick amusement. "I do have a certain taste for women like her. A mother with just the right amount of charm… I'm sure she'll be delightful company."

Tazuna's face contorted with sheer fury. His calloused hands tightened into fists, his knuckles turning white as he glared at Gato with pure hatred.

Before he could act recklessly, Tatsuya placed a firm hand on his shoulder. "Old man Tazuna, don't worry."

His words, spoken with calm confidence, made Tazuna hesitate.

"I left a note before we left," Tatsuya continued. "Naruto will be there to protect your daughter and grandson when he wakes up. No matter how many of them come, they don't stand a chance against him."

Tazuna exhaled sharply, relief washing over him. If not for Tatsuya's foresight, he would have rushed in blindly, determined to fight Gato to the death.

A few steps away, Kakashi and Sasuke exchanged glances, both taken aback by Tatsuya's words. It was as if he had predicted Gato's move before it even happened.

Kakashi narrowed his visible eye. "Tatsuya… did you know Gato would try something like this?"

Tatsuya shook his head slightly. "Not exactly, but I figured it was a possibility."

He turned to face Kakashi fully. "A man like Gato wouldn't fight fair. He'd use whatever advantage he could, including threatening old man Tazuna's family. If we didn't prepare for that, even if we won here, he might still have a way out."

Kakashi stared at Tatsuya for a long moment before sighing. "You're way more thoughtful than I was at your age. I should've anticipated this too."

Sasuke, who had been quietly observing, found himself both impressed and irritated. Tatsuya's sharp instincts were something he begrudgingly admired. His own insecurity, which had been nagging him for a while now was starting to affect him.

"Enough talking!" Gato snapped, clearly tired of being ignored. "Tazuna, you're not getting out of here alive!"

Kakashi calmly stepped forward, his expression unreadable. He was the leader of this mission, and he wasn't about to let it fail.

"Tazuna-san," Kakashi said evenly, "you don't have to worry. No one's laying a finger on you today."

Gato's sneer faltered as his gaze finally landed on Kakashi. He had heard rumors about this man.

"… You must be the ninja who took down Zabuza."

Kakashi gave him an indifferent glance. "That's right."

Gato frowned. He had waited for word from Zabuza, expecting him to take care of this mess, but days passed with no updates. Suspicious, he had sent scouts to investigate.

The result? Not only had Zabuza failed, but he and Haku were buried beneath the soil—laid to rest as if they were honored dead.

Gato scoffed. "That failure deserved to die. I was never going to pay him anyway. He was just a tool, and he served his purpose."

Kakashi's eye twitched slightly at the sheer arrogance in his voice. Gato truly had no loyalty to anyone. He viewed even powerful shinobi as disposable.

Gato smirked. "Honestly, you did me a favor. I didn't even have to lift a finger."

Kakashi, unfazed, simply closed his book with a snap. "You're talking an awful lot for someone who's about to lose."

Gato scowled. "Tch. Enough of this!" He lifted a hand and waved it forward. "Kill them all! Leave no one alive!"

His hired thugs immediately sprang into action, brandishing an assortment of weapons—knives, clubs, and makeshift spears. They surged forward with bloodthirsty grins, confident in their numbers.

Kakashi sighed and rolled his shoulders. "Looks like we're doing this the hard way."

Tatsuya cracked his neck, his usual calm expression sharpening into something more focused.

Sasuke smirked, his Sharingan flaring to life. "Hmph. About time."