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System Path Selection: A Fork in the Power Road
After the academy tournament, Raiden sat alone on the roof of the dormitory. The moon bathed the world in silver light, but his eyes were fixed on the blue screen hovering in front of him:
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System Update:
Tier 2 Power Selection Available.
Choose one path:
1. Zoro-style Swordsmanship – Master three-sword-style, overwhelming offense, and spiritual blade control.
2. Nen (Hunter x Hunter) – Unlock aura manipulation, build unique combat abilities based on your personality.
3. Summoning: Unique Beast Contract – Form a pact with a legendary beast outside this world. Rare, evolving companion.
---
Raiden's gaze lingered.
Swordsmanship... powerful, direct. Nen... complex, flexible. Summoning... unpredictable, but could create lasting bonds. That last word made him pause.
"Bonds," he whispered.
The word felt strange in his mouth.
He had always moved alone. But now… Shiro, Hinata, Ino, even Sakura—they weren't part of the plan, yet they kept entering his life. The fight with Shiro, the quiet confidence Hinata showed when she stood beside him, the way Ino had started waving at him each morning as if they were friends… it all pulled at something in him he didn't understand.
Perhaps it was time to stop walking alone.
He chose:
> Summoning: Unique Beast Contract
Contract Initiated… Searching Compatible Summon…
Beast Selected: Akairo, the Crimson Fox – A sentient, flame-born fox with shifting forms and sarcasm issues.
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First Day Back: Popularity Problem
The next morning, school was different.
Raiden was no longer just the mysterious prodigy. He was now the tournament champion, the one who beat Sasuke and Shiro, and the quiet boy every girl was suddenly interested in.
"Raiden-kun~! Let's walk to class together!" chirped Ino, practically skipping beside him.
He blinked. "We don't share homeroom."
"That's why it's fun," she grinned, pulling on his sleeve.
"Good morning, Raiden," Sakura said as she passed. She usually ignored everyone except Sasuke, but now she gave him a small smile—then blushed and looked away.
Hinata was nearby, clutching her books. She had wanted to say something—anything—but her feet wouldn't move.
Raiden, as usual, was unreadable.
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New Threat: Mysterious Disappearances
But peace never lasted long in the ninja world.
That afternoon, Iruka-sensei gathered the students with a grave expression.
"Three genin teams went missing on their way back from D-rank missions. No contact, no chakra traces left behind. We suspect a rogue ninja."
Whispers spread like wildfire. The teachers began organizing investigation patrols—some made up of advanced students.
To Raiden's surprise, he was called into the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat with folded hands. "You've shown skill far beyond your age," the old man said. "And you don't fear combat. I'm assigning you a temporary mission… with a team."
Raiden tensed.
A team?
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Team Assignment: Chaos and Chemistry
His temporary squad:
Raiden Kageyama, the emotionless genius.
Shiro Arakawa, the cheerful rival.
Hinata Hyuga, determined to prove herself.
Ino Yamanaka, not exactly thrilled to share Raiden.
"I'm leader, obviously," Shiro declared.
"No way," Ino snapped. "Raiden's the strongest!"
Hinata looked at Raiden, then away, blushing.
Raiden sighed. "…Can we focus?"
Their mission: locate and neutralize the source of the disappearances—a rogue summoner believed to be experimenting with dark chakra fusions.
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First Battle: Raiden's Summon Awakens
In the forests outside the village, the group was ambushed by shadow beasts—twisted animals fused with cursed chakra.
"Form up!" Shiro shouted. "Hinata, detect chakra sources!"
Raiden didn't hesitate. "I'll handle the pack."
He activated the summoning seal on his arm for the first time.
A burst of red flames exploded outward, and from the fire stepped Akairo, a fox the size of a wolf, with crimson fur, black-tipped ears, and glowing gold eyes.
The fox looked at Raiden, smirked, and said, "So you're my new partner? You don't look like someone who makes friends."
Raiden raised a brow. "Fight now. Sarcasm later."
Akairo laughed—and leapt into the fray.
Together, they tore through the cursed creatures. Raiden moved with precision, while the fox roared with flames that cleansed the darkness.
But it wasn't over.
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The Rogue Ninja: First Real Enemy
From the shadows stepped the rogue summoner—a tall man with stitched arms and glowing purple eyes.
"You're not normal genin," he said. "But you're still just kids."
Raiden stepped forward, system alert pinging.
New Mission: First Real Battle (Difficulty: High)
Reward: Aura Sense Upgrade + Beast Bond Strengthening
The man summoned a monstrous beast stitched from chakra beasts—easily the size of a bijuu's limb. Hinata trembled. Ino reached for her kunai. Shiro grinned nervously.
Raiden didn't hesitate.
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To Be Continued…