NOVEL ONLINE FREE Chapter 34: Chapter 35
At this moment, the system's familiar prompt resounded once again.
[Congratulations, host! Your forging level has advanced to Intermediate!]
[Level-Up Reward: One instance of Virtual Forging Space unlocked!]
Tian Yu looked at the new changes displayed in his system interface, curiosity stirring in his heart. He asked the system directly,
"System, what exactly is the Virtual Forging Space?"
[The Virtual Forging Space is an independent dimensional space, disconnected from the host's original world.]
[The host may enter this space freely to forge ninja tools. Time within the Virtual Forging Space flows differently—outside time will slow to a near standstill while inside.]
Tian Yu closed his eyes. Immediately, he sensed a brand-new dimension imprint itself into his consciousness.
When he opened his eyes again, his surroundings had completely changed.
Before him were three distinct objects.
The first two were familiar: a forging table and a forging hammer.
However, these tools were far more refined. The forging table was made of what seemed like white jade, with intricate chakra-sealing patterns inscribed along the surface. The forging hammer had a faint glow, and both radiated a high-grade aura that far surpassed the basic equipment he had been using in the backyard forge of his family's shop.
But it was the third object that truly puzzled Tian Yu.
It resembled a large, cylindrical apparatus, embedded with various chakra-conducting nodes and metallic compartments. It clearly wasn't traditional ninja forging equipment.
"What's this?" Tian Yu asked, eyes narrowing.
[This is the Fully Automatic Forging Workbench. Once the host's forging proficiency reaches 100% on a specific ninja tool, the design and forging technique are recorded. You may then simply input the materials, and this workbench will forge the item automatically based on your prior craftsmanship.]
Incredible!
It was practically bordering on science-ninjutsu level technology!
Tian Yu's heart surged with excitement. With this auto-forging function, his production efficiency would skyrocket.
Combined with the superior forge table and hammer, he no longer needed to hunch over in the cramped backyard workshop of his family shop. From now on, he could forge anywhere, anytime, within his personal forging realm.
This—this was the true reward of reaching Intermediate level.
Absolutely amazing!
---
Chapter 38: Spring Festival
Eight-year-old Tian Yu now bore the burden of 200 pounds of weighted training gear.
Over the next half year, Tian Yu began attempting to open the Eight Gates of Dunjia.
After repeated experimentation, he discovered that his physical resilience had reached the threshold where he could withstand the intense strain of opening the gates—at least the initial ones—without incurring bodily harm.
During this half-year, Might Guy was far from idle.
Not only did he guide Tian Yu in training the Eight Gates technique, but due to the recent extermination of the Uchiha Clan, the village found itself shorthanded in elite forces.
Even a jōnin like Guy was inundated with missions, leaving him away from the village frequently.
Another six months passed.
The village of Konoha gradually returned to a stable rhythm.
Tian Yu had now turned nine years old.
His weighted gear had increased once again, now reaching 300 pounds.
As per his original plan, Tian Yu began learning Konoha Dai Senpū—the Leaf Great Whirlwind—under Might Guy's direct supervision.
In one of Konoha's training fields—
"Konoha Dai Senpū!"
Tian Yu channeled green chakra through his legs, the glow intensifying around his calves and feet. With explosive momentum, he launched a high-speed spinning kick toward a thick training log.
Boom!
A thunderous crack echoed across the field.
Sawdust burst into the air. A log thick enough to require two people to wrap their arms around was snapped clean through, falling to the ground with a loud crash.
Might Guy's eyes widened in astonishment, jaw dropping in disbelief.
"Tian Yu, your progress is unbelievable! You've mastered this technique so quickly!" Guy exclaimed.
Tian Yu wiped his forehead and chuckled.
"Probably because of all the foundational taijutsu and weight training I've done. Plus, I've already trained in the basic Konoha Senpū thoroughly."
"Now that I'm practicing the advanced form, it feels almost natural. The chakra control and explosive power have already been built up."
Guy nodded with deep approval.
In taijutsu, technique alone wasn't enough. Without daily discipline and a strong physical base, mastery was impossible.
Even so, Guy added with conviction,
"Tian Yu, you're being too modest. I've never seen a child your age reach such a level. You're not just talented—you're a once-in-a-generation genius."
Genius?
Tian Yu merely smiled at the compliment. This time, he didn't deny it.
Suddenly, Guy received a message from ANBU, summoning him to a shinobi strategy meeting at the Hokage's office.
Tian Yu remained alone on the field and continued training without pause.
Even without his teacher's presence, he showed no signs of slacking.
At that moment, a petite figure in a red cheongsam trotted toward the field.
"Brother!" came a loud shout. Tian Tian cupped her hands to her mouth like a megaphone, waving.
Tian Yu looked over. "Tian Tian? Why are you here?"
Tian Tian puffed her cheeks and put on an exaggeratedly aggrieved face. "Brother! Don't tell me you forgot what today is?!"
Uh-oh.
A fatal question for all men like Tian Yu.
He scratched his head, mind racing blankly.
"Is it your birthday? My birthday? Mom and Dad's?"
Tian Tian shook her head furiously like a rattle drum. "Wrong, wrong, wrong! Our birthdays were last month! And Mom and Dad's birthdays aren't until winter! You're hopeless!"
Tian Yu gave an awkward laugh. "Then… what day is it?"
Tian Tian put her hands on her hips, the two little buns on her head swaying. "It's the Spring Festival, dummy! You promised we'd go out and enjoy it together!"
"Ah…"
Tian Yu finally remembered.
The Spring Festival was one of the more festive times in Konoha.
The streets would be bustling with activity—villagers in colorful kimonos, festive performances, flower-viewing strolls, street food, and games.
He and Tian Tian had attended a few in the past.
Though they got repetitive over time, the current season—with cherry blossoms in full bloom—suddenly gave him an idea.
"How about we gather some friends and go for a picnic? Barbecue by the river?"
Tian Tian's eyes instantly lit up. "Barbecue?! Yes! I've been craving grilled meat for days!"
"Alright," Tian Yu smiled. "You buy the ingredients, I'll get the grilling gear and charcoal. Then we'll gather whoever we run into and meet by the river."
"Got it!" Tian Tian gave a cheerful salute before running off like a little gust of wind.
Tian Yu chuckled. For someone who trained daily like a monk, a day off sounded good for once.
A small break with friends—he could use it.
He changed out of his training gear into his casual 'Tian Yu-style' outfit, then headed for the market.
Just as he finished buying the charcoal, he ran into a familiar figure.
Hinata Hyuga, dressed in a white yukata with soft magnolia patterns, stood nearby examining hairpins.
Her quiet elegance radiated naturally.
"T-Tian Yu-kun? What a coincidence," Hinata greeted, blushing.
"Hinata! What a nice surprise." Tian Yu smiled. "You look beautiful today."
"Th-thank you…" Hinata's face turned even redder as she lowered her head.
Tian Yu noticed the colorful hairpins in her hand. "Shopping for accessories?"
Hinata nodded.
Then, mustering courage, she looked up and asked, "Tian Yu-kun… could you help me choose one?"
"Sure." Tian Yu glanced at the options, then picked a pink cherry blossom hairpin. "This one looks nice."
Hinata gasped softly.
It was the exact one she liked the most.
Could this be fate?
Her heart fluttered.
"I'll take this one," she said shyly.
"I'll pay," Tian Yu offered, stepping in front.
He handed the ryo to the vendor and turned back with a warm smile.
"It's the Spring Festival, so consider this a gift from me. Here, let me put it on for you."