Chapter 6: The Curse of Power The mystery of mysterious enemies
After the incident in the forest, the atmosphere in the Academy became tense. Rumors circulated through the corridors like snakes whispering in the dark. Someone said it was just a test. Someone said that it was a conspiracy against those who possess non—standard power. And someone even whispered about a mysterious organization operating from the shadows.
Reiji was silent. He felt like he was being targeted. Not just a student with good grades, but someone they want to test, break, or use.
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Meeting with the Hokage
The next day, Reiji was called to Sarutobi Hiruzen. The interrogation was indirect, wrapped in the form of a conversation.
"You proved yourself, Reiji,— the old Hokage said, looking out the window at the streets of Konoha. —But sometimes power is a curse. Especially if you don't know why it's given to you.
Reiji stood there, showing no emotion.
"I didn't ask for this power,— he said softly. "But now I have it." And I'm not going to waste it.
"That's why I'm looking at you,— the Hokage replied, finally turning to him. "There are too many eyes looking your way right now. And not all of them are friendly.
— Who attacked us in the forest?
Hiruzen remained silent, then said:
"It wasn't a bandit. But also not Shinobi from the village. Maybe someone from the Shadows.
Reiji clenched his fists. "Shadow" was the designation of an unknown force. Secret organizations, experiments, forbidden techniques. Everything that is hidden behind the facade of the world.
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The Curse of the Template
That night, Reiji woke up with a sharp pain in his body. His muscles felt like they were burning from the inside out. He fell off the bed and crawled to the mirror. Thin cracks of light appeared in his eyes, as if lightning were running through his pupils.
[ATTENTION: THE TEMPLATE IS UNSTABLE]
[SYNC: 34.8%]
[CHAKRA OVERLOAD: 79%]
[PHYSICAL WEAR RESISTANCE: UNDER THREAT]
He realized that the power of the Third Raikage has a price. It's not just power. This is a monstrous power that his body cannot withstand without proper training.
Somewhere in the back of his mind, a voice sounded. Deep, low, like a thunderclap:
"Not everyone is worthy of wearing my flesh." Prove that you won't crack like clay.
Reiji collapsed to the floor, gasping for breath. He was in a fever when suddenly a strange scene appeared before his eyes — a giant figure covered in lightning stood on the battlefield and fought against dozens of enemies alone. It was the Raikage. Real.
"Your soul is still too small. But you are my carrier. Grow up or die.
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Hidden Observers
Meanwhile, far from Konoha, three people gathered in an underground hall with masks.
"He's awakened the Template," said the first one, with a silver mask on his face. — And his level is growing faster than we expected.
—No wonder," the woman with the long green hair replied. "He carries a power that was once considered absolute. But he's still mortal. All you need is a little pressure.
"We're not interfering until he reaches 50% synchronization," said a third, whose voice sounded like metal grinding. — Then the first stage will begin.
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Training alone
Reiji left the Academy for a few days. Officially— for "recovery". Unofficially, to survive. He trained on the outskirts of the village, in an old hangar covered with cobwebs and dust.
He started every morning with heavy runs, push-ups, and endurance control exercises. Then — chakra control, attempts to hold the lightning armor for at least a minute longer. He fell, rose again, burned from the inside, but continued.
[SYNC: 39.1%]
Hanami sometimes came, sat silently on the sidelines, leaving him food and water. She didn't ask any questions. But he sensed that she was worried.
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Legacy of Power
One night, he dreamed again. This time it's a battle between the Raikage and an unknown opponent. He had eyes covered with a spiral pattern.
—You have to be ready, boy," the voice whispered. —Legacy requires sacrifice.
Reiji woke up sweating. He could feel something changing inside him. Not just physically. His consciousness was becoming different. More focused. More predatory. More... ruthless.
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There was more than just a power struggle ahead. There was a battle for himself ahead.