Chapter 135: Integrating into the World
"I'm not joking. After all, the Chakra Scalpel is an A-rank ninjutsu—it requires extremely advanced medical ninjutsu to use," Xia Li explained. "So in the early stages, learning medical ninjutsu is indeed difficult. Combat ability is also important."
"But normally, no one lets a medical ninja fight upfront, right?" Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"Exactly. Not everyone is Lady Tsunade," Xia Li nodded knowingly.
"A-rank… really that difficult?" Naruto scratched his head. He remembered that his Multi Shadow Clone Technique was also an A-rank ninjutsu, but he thought it shouldn't be so hard.
"Ow…"
In the next moment, Xia Li lightly struck Naruto on the head.
"Don't speak so quickly. The reason you could learn Multi Shadow Clone Technique so easily is that it suits you perfectly. Think about when you learned the C-rank Gale Palm—a basic ninjutsu—how long did that take?" Xia Li scolded him with a smile.
"Yeah… I guess that makes sense," Naruto scratched his head, thinking for a moment before finally realizing the truth.
"Hmm, Xia Li… can I learn it too? The Scalpel?" Sakura suddenly spoke up.
"Of course, but—"
"You mean I need to master medical ninjutsu first, right?" Sakura finished Xia Li's sentence with a smile before Xia Li could respond.
"Alright, then you've made your choice," Xia Li said. She hadn't expected Hinata to be unaware of the situation, but Sakura seemed to have made her decision.
"Yeah, I just decided. If I pursue medical ninjutsu now, I can help the team. Otherwise, I'd be useless in this course…" Sakura said, a little disappointed.
"Sakura…" Naruto and Sasuke looked at her, unsure of what to say. Should they wait for her? The answer was no.
"So, after listening to Xia Li, I've decided to start with basic medical ninjutsu. That way, I can help the team and also increase my own strength. What's wrong with that?" Sakura smiled brightly.
Seeing her smile, Naruto and Sasuke fell silent. Kakashi also exhaled in relief—he didn't have to worry about Hinata like Akane did.
In his view, Sakura's chakra was small, but her control was excellent. He had originally considered letting her focus on genjutsu, but now she could excel at medical ninjutsu as well. Kakashi's advantage lay in having a medical ninja on the team—that was obvious.
He would never underestimate medical ninjas; after all, they had been his comrades…
"Hmm, do you know Tsunade? She's one of the legendary Sannin," Xia Li asked, giving Sakura a glimmer of hope.
"I think I've heard of her," Sakura frowned slightly, trying to recall where.
"She's the strongest female ninja in Konoha and the most skilled medical ninja. Her strength rivals the current Third Hokage," Xia Li briefly explained.
Sakura's eyes lit up. "Really? Medical ninjutsu?"
"Hey, Xia Li, that goal is huge…" Kakashi said helplessly.
"Then tell me if it's true," Xia Li shot him a glance.
Sakura turned to Kakashi. Finally, Kakashi could only nod reluctantly. Well, since it's been said… he had always thought it was a lofty goal.
Sakura immediately clasped her hands tightly. A spark of infinite hope ignited in her heart. Maybe, just maybe, she could really do it…
Meanwhile, Neji also glanced over and heard some of Xia Li's words. He agreed with Xia Li's suggestion that Hinata give up being a combat ninja, but he didn't fully agree with all of it—and didn't dare speak up. He wasn't strong enough, nor did he have the authority.
Then Neji's gaze returned to the arena, watching Lee lift a heavy weight. His eyes slowly filled with shock.
"Lee… when did you get so strong?"
This match had arguably been the most thrilling and heart-pounding of the Chunin Exams…
Xia Li looked on in the field, amazed by the eight gates that had opened around him. He sighed—this still wasn't enough.
Even opening five gates would make it hard to defeat Gaara, though it was far stronger than the original scenario. At least continuing the fight this way should push Gaara into the next stage…
But everything ended there. Xia Li looked at Meitake, who had noticed the eight gates were about to collapse, yet Gaara showed no sign of weakening.
Recalling Xia Li's words, Meitake chose to withdraw. As the sand approached Xia Li, he conceded in her place.
Though this angered the Sand ninjas and drew criticism from the Third Hokage, at least Lee's legs were spared.
In the next two matches, Shikamaru still won with his clever tactics, while Choji unfortunately lost.
"Choji actually lost… if it were a real fight, he wouldn't have," Ino said, watching the arena.
"Yes, Choji is very strong," Xia Li nodded, having heard of the Akimichi family's triple-color pills. If Choji really used them, the effect would be tremendous, greatly increasing his chance of victory.
"All right, it's time to step down. The rules for round three should be announced soon," Xia Li said, looking down at Gakkoho, who had moved to the center.
"All right, wait for me," Ino nodded, walking toward the stands with the winners.
The third-round rules were simple: still one-on-one, but many notable figures would watch, and there would be a month of targeted training.
Next, opponents would be determined by lottery. Xia Li quickly saw the results:
Round 1: Naruto Uzumaki vs. Hinata Neji
Round 2: Shikamaru Nara vs. Mari
Round 3: Kankuro vs. Tos
Round 4: Sasuke Uchiha vs. Gaara
Round 5: Shino Aburame vs. Ino Yamanaka
"Shino…" Xia Li smiled wryly. Ino would probably lose.
Provoking Shino's emotions wasn't as easy as with Sakura, and Shino's battle intelligence rivaled Shikamaru's—or surpassed it.
Kakashi looked at the list and sighed. These were all formidable opponents. Naruto was somewhat lucky—he faced a Neji who wouldn't kill him—but Sasuke had a problem.
Could Chidori really defeat Gaara? Kakashi pondered this, concluding it was possible, but the odds were slim. Sasuke's physical limitations meant his Chidori was still too weak.
"Xia Li… this is troublesome," Ino said bitterly. She naturally knew whom she excelled against, and Shino was clearly out of her reach.
"Work hard," Xia Li said to Ino, unimpressed, especially seeing Shino using insects. Even boys would feel numb seeing that many, let alone a girl.
"Yes…" Ino sensed Xia Li's disapproval but felt satisfied. She never imagined she would pass the first test and become a Chunin.
Reaching the finals exceeded her expectations.
So, they would give it their all. Ino's eyes burned with determination. Even Shino couldn't maintain composure forever.
She could reverse her own mindset, so victory was impossible—but perhaps she might unexpectedly defeat Xia Li.
Thinking this, Ino smiled. This month, she would have to work even harder!
"Ino, Xia Li, let's go have some barbecue to celebrate Ino and Shikamaru advancing to round three," Asuma said, approaching.
"All right," Xia Li and Ino naturally agreed.
At night, Xia Li sat at her desk, unsure what she had been drawing, eventually erasing it.
She felt her calm phase had lasted too long. It should have ended earlier, but that last trace of murderous intent felt off, wasting precious time.
"Let's go for a walk."
Xia Li finally made up his mind. Thinking here wouldn't solve anything—if a solution existed, he would have found it already.
He left without disturbing Sina, quietly walking through Konoha's streets.
Since it wasn't a festival, only one or two ninjas patrolled at night. The chill and quiet of Konoha contrasted with its bustling daytime life.
Xia Li actually liked this environment. In his previous life, he had feared danger and avoided such freedom, despite living in a very safe country. The saying goes: fear not the hardship, fear the worst.
Now, having mastered his power, even nighttime in Konoha posed no problem.
Xia Li may have understood the Third Hokage's words about relying on oneself. Unlike other ninjas, he had no reason to kill.
He also recognized his own pride. He had never truly integrated into this world, often isolating himself.
He wasn't detached or unfeeling—just a sense of estrangement made everything seem unreal. No matter how he tried, it felt futile.
Having died once, he no longer feared death. He simply worried about the collapse of Mount Sinai and Ino's sadness—otherwise, he could die without concern.
Xia Li passed Ino's house, lingering and recalling the first time they met as children, and how they gradually grew close.
He visited the training grounds where he had practiced with Lee, touching the old equipment. Lee had trained tirelessly, excelling in taijutsu even against unskilled opponents. He had only physical talent, yet became so strong…
Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Xia Li visited Naruto's home, watching him sleep undisturbed, though the Nine-Tails seemed aware.
He used the technique to visit Sasuke briefly before leaving again.
Finally, Xia Li returned home, lying on the roof, gazing at the moon with a determined look.
Stagnation was unacceptable. If it hindered growth, it was time to fully integrate into this world.
Could it be done? Of course—it was a genius, after all!
Under the moonlight, Xia Li closed his eyes and slowly fell asleep on the rooftop.
Chapter 136: Change and Jiraiya's Return (Happy New Year~)
"Mom, I'm heading out," Xia Li called from the house.
"Be careful," Sina replied, puzzled, watching him leave.
Recently, Xia Li had changed his name. It wasn't important; what mattered was that he seemed livelier and more cheerful.
As a child, he had been mature and steady, like a little adult.
Now, he felt unstable—more active, a bit lazy at home, yet calmer. Why?
Sina smiled—it was good. At least she felt Xia Li had been happy lately.
After many years, Sina again felt the joy of being a mother.
Xia Li's sudden change wasn't surprising. He was simply releasing instincts he had long suppressed.
Previously, lacking strength, he restrained his desires and impulses, achieving goals step by step.
Once stronger, he adapted to that life, feeling it suited him better. But now…
Xia Li understood that restraining oneself at the right moment was wise, but always suppressing one's instincts and desires was wrong.
So what kind of person had he been in his previous life?
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