NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter:5
"So… why don't we actually break out of prison? Then we won't have to deal with the Riddler anymore," Black Mask asked tentatively.
Hiriito ignored him, focusing instead on his panel.
The abilities of the avatar differed from those of his original body. While the avatar shared some traits, it was essentially a blank slate with an incomplete attribute panel. For instance, the Eight Ninja Attributes were absent.
However, knowledge and skills from the original body could still transfer over since they were part of his memory. Chakra, on the other hand, was tied to the original body's physical and spiritual energy, making it unique to each form.
In theory, Hiriito could spend luck to grant his avatar access to new chakra attributes, enhance its physical abilities, or even share unique traits like self-healing if the avatar underwent a transformation akin to Deathstroke in the DC universe.
He called these inherent traits "talents," which couldn't be shared. Skills, however, were a different matter—they were learned knowledge and could be freely transferred.
Luck was the key to growth and progress, whether for unlocking new abilities or opening a new world. Unfortunately, being a minor villain in Gotham limited his options for accumulating luck. Joining the Justice League or Teen Titans would be ideal for gaining luck, but as an inmate in Arkham, that wasn't exactly an option.
"The first step is to escape Arkham," Hiriito thought.
He turned his focus to extracting chakra for the first time in this body. In the Naruto world, it was established that the soul carried chakra. The small amount of chakra transferred with his consciousness acted as a seed, enabling him to refine and strengthen it in this new form.
Although the DC universe had an exceptionally high power level, Hiriito refused to languish in Arkham forever. This world demanded strength and intelligence, and he intended to cultivate both.
Fortunately, the avatar's body was relatively strong for a human, with ample physical and spiritual energy to draw upon.
The following morning, as the first rays of sunlight illuminated Sunagakure, Hiriito slung Fatty on his back, fastened his ninja tool pouch to his waist, and made his way to Sand Village's Training Ground #1.
The so-called training ground was a rare desert oasis, nicknamed Jade of the Wind.
A clear stream flowed from the oasis, snaking through the Gobi Desert like a silver ribbon. The surrounding bushes teemed with life, and the oasis attracted only the strongest beasts in the food chain. Some even said it was home to contracted summoning animals.
"Is this where the training will take place?" Hiriito murmured, scanning the area.
Dozens of puppeteers were already gathered, most carrying puppets on their backs, though a few wealthier individuals carried scrolls containing stored puppets. At just under 1.5 meters tall, Hiriito was among the youngest and shortest participants. Only one was younger—a red-haired boy, likely two or three years his junior, carrying two bundles of sealing scrolls.
Ten minutes later, six ninja appeared in a blur, their shadows flickering as they landed in front of the group. Each wore brown or black flak jackets and carried sealing scrolls.
The leader, a bald Jonin with a fierce scar running across his forehead, stepped forward, exuding an intimidating aura.
"All puppeteers, line up by height. You have 30 seconds. Anyone who fails will be disqualified," he commanded.
The 79 puppeteers quickly arranged themselves. These were no ordinary Genin but elites who had passed the village's rigorous screening process. Within 20 seconds, the line was complete.
Hiriito stood second-to-last, just ahead of the red-haired boy.
"I am Sunagami Sayama, Vice Captain of the First Division of the Puppet Army. You may call me Sayama Jonin. The others here are the captains of the Puppet Army's Second through Sixth Divisions. If you complete this training and pass our assessments, you may earn the chance to join the Puppet Army," Sayama announced, his sharp gaze sweeping over the group.
The Puppet Army, founded by Monzaemon and further developed by the Second Kazekage, was one of Sunagakure's most prestigious units. Its members had access to secrets and techniques unavailable elsewhere, including the full inheritance of the great puppet masters.
"Your abilities have been pre-screened by the village, and you all have the foundation to become excellent puppeteers. I won't waste words."
Sayama gestured toward the oasis.
"For your first test, you will have one hour to enter the oasis and gather materials for puppet crafting. The weight of your materials cannot exceed 15 kilograms. Afterward, you will have two hours to create a functioning puppet. Now, go!"
The moment he finished speaking, the puppeteers dashed into the oasis.
Hiriito's keen eyes scanned the surroundings. The oasis was teeming with materials for puppets—trees with excellent chakra conductivity, claws and fur from apex predators, venomous plants and insects.
Crafting a puppet from scratch would test their ingenuity and creativity, but Hiriito felt confident.
(End of Chapter 5)