After testing the effects of Spirit Devour, Riku was eager to fully exploit the skill. The Forest of Death offered the perfect environment for experimentation.
Within this dense, treacherous forest, countless large beasts roamed, each carrying a moderate amount of Chakra. Some even possessed energy comparable to a Chunin! Yet, in actual combat, they were far weaker than the ninjas of Konoha. These beasts lacked any mastery of Ninjutsu or Taijutsu, relying solely on instinct. Against Riku, who possessed a luxurious skill panel, they were no challenge at all.
In fact, these formidable animals were ideal resources for Riku's training. On this day, the creatures of the Forest of Death would pay the price.
Towering lions, tigers capable of leaping over ten feet, and thick-skinned rhinos—none could withstand Riku's attacks. To save time and gain maximum experience for his Ninjutsu, he often dispatched these beasts with his techniques directly, making them even more defenseless. After each kill, Riku would stop briefly to absorb and refine the Chakra within their bodies. Although the process consumed a notable amount of energy, his efficiency had improved considerably compared to his earlier attempts.
Most of these animals carried Genin-level Chakra. Not much individually, but enough for Riku to restore himself while nourishing his physical strength. Feeling his body strengthen gradually, he grew more eager to hunt suitable targets.
Soon, Riku encountered a giant python. This beast's Chakra level actually reached that of a Chunin! Measuring seven to eight meters long and as thick as a barrel, it was an intimidating presence. By comparison, Riku seemed minuscule. Yet the python clearly understood the threat he posed. Its vertical pupils glared at him, and its mouth opened slightly, as though it could swallow him whole in an instant.
But Riku gave the python no chance. Skillfully channeling his Chakra, he unleashed a massive fireball.
Panel Prompt:
[Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (C) Experience +32]
[Free Experience +21]
The giant python cried out in pain as flames engulfed it. Against fire, even creatures with thick hides could not withstand the heat. Within moments, the once-mighty python was charred, its skin torn and smoked. Riku even caught the faint aroma of roasted meat. Fire Release techniques proved devastatingly effective against such thick-skinned animals.
Yet the giant python was no ordinary creature. As the ruler of its territory, it had defeated countless powerful foes to reach this size. Its injuries, severe as they were, did not compel it to surrender. The python lashed back, striking with a constricting coil. Despite its size, it moved with startling speed. Without Riku's mastery of the Body Flicker Technique, he might have been caught. Instead, the attack missed, slicing through empty air.
Riku used the opportunity to strike again, this time employing another technique he had recently mastered: Wind Release: Great Breakthrough. Azure wind blades, sharp as scythes, sliced into the python's flesh. Each strike left deep gashes, sending torrents of blood across the forest floor. The creature's anguished roars echoed through the trees.
Riku had initially aimed to sever the python entirely with a single strike, but its defensive strength had been underestimated. Still, he was undeterred—if one strike wasn't enough, he would simply continue. Dozens of attacks later, the python finally collapsed, unable to resist further. Its final roar disturbed a nearby flock of birds.
Riku frowned at the scene but remained silent, moving to absorb the Chakra within the giant python. After a short while, his own reserves were fully replenished, and excess energy was redirected to bolster his physique. The massive influx of Chakra pushed Riku beyond his previous limits. His body surged with vitality, strength, and speed increasing dramatically.
A new panel appeared:
[Ninjutsu: Clone Technique (E) lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)]
[Ninjutsu: Transformation Technique (E) lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)]
[Ninjutsu: Substitution Technique (E) lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)]
[Spirit Devour (B) lv10 (MAX) (Breakthrough possible)]
[Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique (C) lv1 (362/400)]
[Wind Release: Great Breakthrough (C) lv1 (276/400)]
[Taijutsu: Hyuga Gentle Fist (C) lv9 (1586/3600)]
[Sealing Technique: Sealing Pulse Seal - Evil Break (B) MAX (Breakthrough possible)]
[Ninjutsu: Body Flicker Technique (C) lv8 (2691/3200)]
[Dōjutsu: Byakugan (A) lv4 (6047/12800)]
[Free Experience: 95680]
[Evaluation: Chunin? No, your limit is unexpected! Age is no longer a hindrance to your strength!]
The evaluation confirmed that Riku had reached Chunin status. Both his physique and Chakra reserves now matched Chunin levels, making him two to three times stronger than before. Even relying purely on Taijutsu, Riku was now among the elite Chunin.
For most ninjas, Chunin represented the pinnacle of skill and responsibility—the backbone of every village. In wartime, Chunin could even lead squads of Genin. The difference between Genin and Chunin was vast, and Riku had just crossed that chasm. Beyond Chunin, the gap widened even further. Achieving Jonin status would not be easy, but for now, Riku felt accomplished.
He had heard that Kakashi graduated from the Ninja Academy at five and became a Jonin by eleven. Riku felt confident he could surpass that milestone in far less time. Shaking his head, he dismissed the thought for now. Looking at the giant python's remains, he smiled slightly. Such perfect ingredients were not to be wasted.
Taking a kunai as a dining knife, Riku began to eat. Perhaps due to the exhilaration of his breakthrough, the python's meat tasted exceptionally delicious. Even unseasoned, it satisfied his hunger entirely. The beast was too large to consume in one sitting, and a significant portion remained, leaving him with a hint of regret.
Leaning against a tree and patting his full belly, Riku gazed at the starry sky, feeling an indescribable sense of contentment. For a moment, he allowed himself to relax.
But danger was never far away. A green snake, about two meters long, slithered silently toward him and bit his forearm before he could react. The sting made him jerk back instinctively. Two fang marks appeared, and black spots began spreading rapidly across his skin.
Riku's face grew grim—he had underestimated the snake's poison. Before he could react further, dizziness overcame him. He swayed, then collapsed to the ground, helpless.
In his daze, he glimpsed a pair of snake eyes, gleaming with playful mockery. Strangely, the eyes seemed familiar, hauntingly so.
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