NOVEL NEXT Chapter 7: Chapter 7: The Bond of Fire
Ethan's mind raced as he prepared for what lay ahead. The rogue ninja's words lingered, but he had no intention of letting them derail him. His mission was clear: grow stronger, build bonds, and continue his journey through the multiverse.
That morning, Hinata, Ino, and Tsunade joined Ethan for a session at the training grounds. The tension from the previous night's events was palpable, but Ethan decided to channel it into something productive.
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Training and Strategy
"Today's focus is teamwork," Ethan announced, standing in the center of the clearing. "If we're going to face larger threats, we need to learn to work together seamlessly."
Tsunade smirked. "Teamwork, huh? Let's see if you can keep up, traveler."
Hinata nodded, her soft lavender eyes full of determination. "I'll do my best."
Ino crossed her arms, a playful smirk on her face. "This should be fun."
Ethan divided the group into teams for a sparring exercise: Hinata and himself versus Tsunade and Ino. The objective was to capture a flag placed in the middle of the clearing.
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A Tactical Battle
As the exercise began, Ethan and Hinata moved in sync, their communication almost telepathic. Hinata used her Byakugan to track Tsunade and Ino's movements, while Ethan created diversions with quick dashes and feints.
"Tsunade's coming from the left!" Hinata called out.
Ethan nodded, intercepting the Hokage's charge with his energy-infused sword. The clash sent a shockwave through the clearing, but Ethan held his ground.
Meanwhile, Ino attempted to use her Mind Transfer Jutsu on Hinata, but the Hyuga clan member evaded gracefully, using her Gentle Fist technique to disrupt Ino's focus.
"You're better than I expected," Ino admitted, grinning as she retreated to regroup with Tsunade.
Ethan smirked. "We're just getting started."
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Victory and Growth
After an intense match, Ethan and Hinata managed to secure the flag, their teamwork proving unbeatable.
"Not bad," Tsunade said, wiping a bead of sweat from her brow. "You've got potential, Ethan."
"Thanks," Ethan replied, breathing heavily. "But we still have a long way to go."
The system chimed in as they wrapped up training.
> "Hinata's affection level: 55%. Ino's affection level: 35%. Tsunade's respect level: 40%."
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A New Threat Looms
That evening, as the group relaxed at Ichiraku Ramen, a sudden tremor shook the village. Everyone froze, their senses heightened.
"What was that?" Hinata asked, her Byakugan activating instinctively.
Ethan's system spoke in his mind.
> "Alert: Dimensional rift detected. A hostile entity is entering this world."
Ethan stood, his heart pounding. "It's starting."
The sky above Konoha darkened as a massive rift tore open, revealing a monstrous figure descending. It was humanoid but grotesque, with glowing red eyes and jagged claws.
Kakashi appeared in a flash, joining the group. "Everyone, get ready! This is no ordinary enemy."
Ethan gripped his sword tightly, stepping forward. "This one's mine."
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The Battle with the Rift Walker
The creature roared, its voice reverberating through the village. It lunged at Ethan, moving with terrifying speed. Ethan dodged, countering with a slash of his energy blade. The impact sent sparks flying, but the creature barely flinched.
"System, analyze!" Ethan commanded.
> "Enemy identified: Rift Walker. Strength: High. Weakness: Energy core in its chest. Strategy: Target the core directly."
Ethan relayed the information to Kakashi and the others. "Aim for its chest! That's where its weak point is!"
Hinata and Ino provided support, their techniques distracting the creature long enough for Ethan to close in. Tsunade leapt into the fray, landing a devastating punch that cracked the ground beneath the Rift Walker.
Seizing the opening, Ethan channeled his energy into his blade and struck the creature's core. The explosion of light was blinding, and when it faded, the Rift Walker was gone.
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A Moment of Relief
As the dust settled, the group stood together, bruised but victorious.
"Good work, everyone," Kakashi said, his tone serious. "But this is just the beginning. If these rifts continue to appear, we'll need to be ready."
Ethan nodded, his resolve strengthening. "We will be."
The system chimed in once more.
> "Mission complete: Defeat the Rift Walker. Reward: Power increase and enhanced multiverse navigation."
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Preparing for the Next Step
That night, as Ethan rested, he reflected on the day's events. The bonds he was forming with his companions were growing stronger, and his own abilities were evolving.
"System," he said, staring at the stars. "What's next?"
> "Prepare to leave this world. A new dimension awaits."
Ethan's heart raced. His journey was far from over, and the multiverse held countless challenges—and opportunities—waiting for him.
End of Chapter 7