Word spread faster than flames. Every village whether ally or enemy took notice.
In Iwagakure, elders burned incense to honor Ishikawa's sacrifice. While high ranking shinobi drafted contingency plans. Some feared Raizen's power could rival the likes of Hashirama himself.
In Kumogakure, the Raikage demanded intelligence reports calling Raizen's abilities a potential threat to the balance of power.
Even Kirigakure and Sunagakure began sending out scouts to confirm the rumors of a boy wielding both Wood Release and an unclassified monstrous Beast Bloodline.
All of them were worried if this bloodline was inherited by his descendant Konoha will always stand at the top.
Konoha
Back in the Konoha village whispers of admiration and awe followed Raizen and Might Fist with every step.
"Did you see him block a Tailed Beast Ball with a mace?"
"That was no Jutsu that was pure Taijutsu."
"Don't underestimate Taijutsu....."
"He could be the next Shodai…"
Senju clan
An elderly man stepped forward stroking his long white beard as he eyed Raizen up and down.
Elder Senju: "You carry the Wood Release of our First Hokage and a new bloodline limit one the world has never seen. The Beast Bloodline."
Another woman stepped forward, her tone more direct.
Elder Woman: "You must marry as soon as possible. You are the sole inheritor of both lines. If we do not ensure the continuation of this bloodline the Senju will lose their legacy."
Raizen: "I'm sixteen."
Elder Woman: "Sixteen is a good age, you should marry two girls to ensure the continuation of this bloodline."
Elder Senju: "Yes!, we have many powerful girls in senju clan"
Raizen: "I won't be forced. I will marry when I am ready"
The silence that followed was heavy and none of the elders dared challenge him further. The Dragon of the Leaf had spoken.
Night
That night under the stars Raizen and Might Fist found a quiet place near the river and setup a BBQ to celebrate their safe return. Might Fist had something wrapped in old cloth.
Might Fist: "Hey. I was going through my father's old things. Found this scroll"
He unrolled the aged scroll carefully. The title was bold and intimidating:
"Eight Inner Gates."
Raizen's brows lifted slightly.
Raizen: "That forbidden technique…?"
Might Fist: "It's powerful. My father never mastered it completely. Said it required a body of steel and a spirit of iron. Sound familiar?"
Raizen smirked, taking the scroll and scanning its contents.
Raizen: "Opening gates to unlock power... but each gate sacrifices part of the body's life force. This… isn't just a technique. It's a path of self destruction."
Might Fist: "Yeah. But it's also a way to fight monsters like that Four Tails without chakra. You have your bloodline. I've got this. We'll train together."
Raizen didn't reply immediately. He stared at the fire remembering the weight of Ishikawa's body when he held him by the throat. The desperation in the Tsuchikage's final attacks. The raw fear in the eyes of Rokuro as he hid inside Son Goku's body
Raizen: "Alright. We'll master it. No shortcuts."
The two boys bumped their fist in silence. Two warriors on different paths one shaped by a mysterious system, the other driven by raw effort and an unbreakable spirit.
[Almighty System – Online]
Daily Task Progress: Next task unlock after 1000 days
Push ups: 700/700 Squats: 700/700 Run: 10/10km
Time Remaining: 2 hours
Progress: Day 766/1000
Kaido Template Progress: 84%
Beast Body (Enhanced) Armament Haki (Adv) Observation Haki (Adv) Conqueror's Haki (Mid)
Fish-Fish Fruit (Mid)
Wood Release – 46% (Inherited)
Hidden Task Completed: Defeat One Kage Level Opponent
Reward: Yet to claim