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Kensei's Home

In a flash Daichi returned to his bedroom. He had spent nearly a month in the dungeon training and battling various enemies. He looked at the clock on the wall. 'Only seven seconds had passed.' Daichi walked and stood in front of the full length mirror in the corner of the room and looked at himself.

'Yup. My hair has gotten longer and I've grown over 2 inches. There is a small but significant difference in my muscle mass and anyone would be able to tell that I've changed. This is one of the reasons I didn't want to spend so much time in the dungeon. If anyone who knows me takes a good look then they'll know something's up… It's a good thing I have a month before I need to show my face to anyone. No. A month isn't needed. Just a couple weeks is enough.'

The Genin let out a deep breath of air and stretched himself. 'Time to see my progress. Status.'

The next second the status window appeared in his view.

[Name : Daichi Hekima] (The Gamer)

[Class : Genin - ID 012559.]

[Age : 12]

[Title : Capable Child, Explorer, Prodigy, Species King, Dungeon Warrior, Executioner, Assassin, Mighty Healer, Slug Sannin's Apprentice, Master of the Elements, A Genius of the Continent.]

[Level : 59 (50186.2/89650)

.

HP : 34428

CP : 90480

SP : 44795

MP: 13825

.

[Primary Stats]

Strength - 309

Vitality - 451

Dexterity - 251

Agility - 314

Intelligence - 233

Chakra - 525

Wisdom - 226

.

[Special Stats]

Sense - 151

Stamina - 395

Indomitable - 50

Charisma - 69

Persistence - 47

Dignity - 18

Luck - 20

.

[Stat Points - 488]

[Ryo - 30997588]

'Neat! My Vitality and Stamina really got a boost just from that one trip alone. But that whole thing was tedious.'

Daichi thought about why his two stats had such an immense boost. Every two hours, the second Daichi's Life Return skill cooldown had ended, he would use it on the strongest enemy that was near him. Everyday the skill would be used over 10 times for almost 20 days. And the results showed. With the two stats getting a near 300 points boost, Daichi was satisfied with the whole endeavor.

The Genin had his eyes on the SP(stamina points) and the Stamina Special Stat. He remembered the skill upgrade and notifications he got when Stamina reached 300.

[Stamina Stat has reached 300]

[Revising SP formula and recalculating Stamina Points]

[Skill 'Enhanced Stamina' has evolved to 'Supernatural Stamina']

[Supernatural Stamina - Passive (LV. MAX): A passive skill given to the Player when the Stamina stat has reached 300. This skill increases the user's SP and speeds up the user's stamina recovery by 5 times(Removed all previous limitations). This skill gives the user the ability to suppress or block pain and battle with full function. This skill also allows the user to suppress hunger for long periods of time and allows them to think clearly and move without any hindrance (There are certain limitations). Enhanced Stamina is a skill that's obtained and maxed.]

Letting out a deep breath of air, Daichi went to pack his bag and quietly left his home. His destination. Training ground 3.

'There is still one more Rasengan variation that I need to complete and there are several other things I need to learn as well. This one month I got from the Hokage is the perfect opportunity. I'll also need to complete the academy dungeon as well. I've been neglecting a serious ability of mine and it's time I put that to use.'

Before long Daichi reached his training ground and began the next stage of his training.

—-

One Week Later - Academy Dungeon.

"Klang Klang!"

Sparks were flying in the air as weapons from multiple enemies were sent flying at Daichi but all of them were deflected by the boy's own numerous shuriken. The Gamer Genin had spent 6 days improving the strength of his water ninjutsu and on the 7th day he decided to use the Academy dungeon ground to improve his skills and even create some new ones.

The Genin had been battling for over 20 hours non stop in the dungeon. Daichi had sweat dripping down his face and was breathing harder but he had a wide grin as looked at the multiple enemies surrounding him. 8 Chunin dungeon ninjas surrounded the boy but Daichi wasn't worried.

He grinned and spoke. "Now you see me… now you don't!"

The next second he vanished from their sight like a disappearing mirage. The dungeon ninjas looked around but couldn't find their enemy. But one dungeon ninja made a seal, closed his eyes and looked as if he was concentrating. The next second he opened his eyes and threw several shurikens in a certain direction. The shuriken struck the wall of a building but the particular dungeon ninja rushed towards an empty area and soon began engaging in combat with an invisible enemy.

Daichi, who was invisible to the naked eye, was slightly impressed that he was found out. He saw the other enemies rushing over and quickly finished off the enemy in front of him and jumped to a safe distance.

'Hmm… This is why field testing new skills is always an excellent idea.'

Daichi entered the academy dungeon mainly to sharpen his current skills and to create new defensive and evasive abilities. During the last 20 hours he was able to successfully create several new skills based on his Mana energy. A power that he had not been fully utilizing till now.

'I didn't have the necessary Mana pool needed to create the skills I've wanted until now.'

Daichi opened the skill list and his eyes were on the first new skill created since entering the Academy dungeon.

[Mana Cloak - Active(LV. 01): The skill allows the user to cover their body partially/completely in a layer of Mana energy and use it to manipulate the light spectrum. The user can render themselves unseen by most eyes and become invisible in the visible spectrum. The scent of the user is also masked. Since Mana is the energy being used for this skill the Byakugan nor the Sharingan can detect the user. But the Rinnesharingan can detect the flow of unnatural energy and thus will be able to see through the ability.]

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[MP Cost: 100MP/10 minutes. 20 MP for each additional minute.]

'Mana is best suited for using stealth skills since there aren't many people that know or can even use Mana abilities. If I use chakra and create a jutsu to make myself invisible then I'll be sensed by the Sharingan and others much more easily… Hmm… The Mana cloak blocks my scent and renders me invisible from other sights but it seems a sensor ninja can still find me. So that's a downside. Sensor ninjas are rare but those that have that ability are among the most troublesome ones… To maximize the effects of this skill I need to use it in tandem with the Stealth skill.'

Daichi moved through the remaining 7 enemies that were near him and he began his counter attack. The dungeon ninjas sensed their comrades being attacked but couldn't find the enemy. They launched several Ninjutsu to their surroundings to flush out the enemy. One ninja used a wind style jutsu to kick up the dust and the enemies were able to see an invisible silhouette moving through the dust filled area.

'These guys are a lot smarter than the enemies I've gone up against in the other dungeon. But I suppose that's natural. Those guys were just mindless beasts compared to these guys who can use multiple strategies.'

But before the academy dungeon enemies could capitalize on their chance several Wind Style Breakthroughs were launched by Daichi at his foes. He took a dagger and quickly finished off his opponents in less than a minute.

[+6000 Exp.]

[+900 Exp.]

Enemies killed: [700/1125]

[Skill Death blow has leveled up.]

[Skill Danger Sense has leveled up.]

[Skill Mana Manipulation has leveled up.]

[You have leveled up]

'Finally! Level 60… I have 4 more hours before I need to exit the dungeon. My Mana is running low...'

Daichi opened the skill list and checked out the other Mana skills he created during his time here.

[Mana Shield(Semi) - Active(LV. 01): An active skill primarily used as defense in battle. This skill creates a semi-spherical shield in front of the user that can block physical attacks. Only those with high sensitivity to Mana can see the Mana shield so the shield produced is also an invisibility shield. Can only create one shield at the current level.]

[Effects: ]

[Creates one shield in front of the user that can take up to 1000 Damage points.]

[MP cost: 100 MP to activate shield and maintain for 2 minutes. 50 MP will be used to maintain the shield for each additional minute.]

'Based on my analysis and the battle data collected, this shield can tank up to 5 or 6 C Rank level ninjutsu and 2 or maybe 3 B Rank Ninjutsu and just a single A Rank level jutsu. And it's still only Level 1. And this is a semi protective shield. I need to create a full body shield next time.'

Daichi let go of the Mana cloak skill and used another one he created. This one was much more versatile but the Mana cost was equally higher than the other skill.

[Mana Body Armor - Active(LV. 01): This is an active skill best used in defensive style in battle. This skill creates a layer of Mana energy atop the skin and clothes of the user and hardens it forming an invisible armor. This armor can also be used to hide the scent and chakra of the user.

MP Cost: 160 MP to activate and maintain for 2 minutes. Additional 80 MP will be used each minute.]

[Effects:]

[Can negate a certain portion of the incoming damage of the Physical attacks.]

[Can block all scents of the user from being sensed by others. (Does not adversely affect the user)]

[Can block the chakra of the user from being sensed by others. (Does not adversely affect the user)]

[Negate the effects of Chakra drain techniques of enemy ninjas.]

[The properties of this armor can be changed while in use. Can Mimic the Mana cloak ability and turn the user invisible. To activate this ability an additional 50 MP will be required.]

Daichi stealthily moved through the dungeon with the Mana Armor skill activated. His stealth skill was also active and thus no dungeon ninja could sense the gamer ninja's presence.

'With this my combat abilities will have a boost and I won't take much damage. If any enemy tries to take my chakra I can activate this skill and block the drain effect. I'll need to extensively test this skill as well but I don't have much Mana left.'

Daichi cut down each enemy he came across and various skills that haven't leveled up in a while got a boost. Due to being in stealth mode the Title 'Assassin' was activated and the deadly skill 'Fated to Perish' activated multiple times allowing Daichi to kill his enemies in one strike each.

[Skill Stealth has leveled up.]

[Skill Vital Strike has leveled up.]

[Skill Killing Intent has leveled up.]

[+875 Exp.]

[+131.2 Exp.]

Enemies killed: [709/1125]

The gamer ninja let go of the body Armor skill and looked at the final skill he created in the dungeon.

[Mind Drain - Active(LV. 01): This is an active skill that can only be used on other intelligent creatures on the same level as humans. This skill allows the user to absorb the Mana energy from other intelligent creatures and increase one's own Mana reserve. This skill can be used to permanently increase the Wisdom and Intelligent stats.]

[The user must have physical contact with the target's head for 5 seconds for the skill to activate. Certain knowledge possessed by the target can be gained during the use of this skill.

MP cost: 25MP/Activation.]

'Time to replenish my reserves. I need to see if I can activate this skill in tandem with Life Return.'

Daichi had observed various people from ordinary civilians to various ranked ninjas before entering the dungeon. 'Civilians have at most 40 or 50 MP reserves. The Mana an average Chunin level ninja would have is around 250 and for Jonin that number increased to 500 or 600. But the Yamanaka clan ninjas have higher than usual MP reserves. But it seems none of them can use or are even aware of this energy. A good thing for me I guess.'

The boy moved around the dungeon and targeted an enemy that was alone. Daichi attacked and quickly disabled and immobilized him. He placed his hands on the enemy's head and 5 seconds later the Mind Drain skill was activated.

[Skill Mind Drain is activated]

5 more seconds later another notification popped up.

[Skill Life Return is activated]

'Yes! I can use the two skills at the same time and there isn't any conflict. Damn! I should have created the Mind Drain before going into the other dungeon… Oh well. Hindsight is 20/20 I guess.'

[+1 Vitality]

[+250 HP]

[+1 Intelligence]

[+270 MP]

[+1 Stamina]

[+300 SP]

.

[+720 Exp.]

[+108 Exp.]

Enemies killed: [710/1125]

[Skill Mind Drain has leveled up.]

'Ok. That's enough for today. It seems my mental fatigue accumulates faster when I use Mana skills. Hmm… This problem should be solved with higher stats in INT and WIS.'

Daichi activated the Mana Armor one more time and quickly exited the dungeon.

'I finally have a way to move around the village and avoid detection. I don't need Atamagai's cloak anymore for this.'

Daichi quietly exited the academy and made his way to the training ground where he had created a clone that was meditating. 'Since I'm only gone for less than 4 hours the chances of the clone getting into trouble and popping are slim. Still, I should be careful.'

Daichi thought about the reasons why he created the 4 Mana techniques. 'The plunderer skill activated multiple times but all I got is weak level ninjutsu and no hidden jutsu… If I'm going to raid Orochimaru's base then I'll need to increase my stealth abilities to a whole new degree. I need to prepare as much as I can before I make my move. I only got one shot and I need to make it count.'

Daichi reached the training ground and used the Mana scout skill to see if anyone was watching. Sensing nobody nearby Daichi made his way to the clone and lightly tapped him on the shoulder in a certain pattern. The clone got up as if there was nothing out of the ordinary and made his way to the river running through the training ground. Daichi followed after his shadow clone and the two disappeared into the water.

'The clone will go into the river and disperse once it reaches the bottom and I'll emerge from the water in his place. There is no such thing as being overly cautious. Especially in this world.'

The real Daichi emerged from the river and quickly got himself dried up. 'I should take a nap. Need to rest and recharge.'

—-

Hokage Tower.

"I'm sorry Kakashi. I will have to reject your nomination this time as well." Hiruzen said with a sigh.

Kakashi slightly narrowed his eyes but he didn't speak any more. There were small murmurs from the other Jonins as well but nobody questioned the kage's decision.

"All of you except Kakashi, dismissed." Hiruzen spoke and all the Jonins assembled left the room save for the Copy cat ninja.

"What's wrong Lord Hokage?" Kakashi asked.

"I have new information from Jiraiya that stops me from sending Daichi to the Mist village. There is a brutal civil war going on in that village and based on the information Jiraiya found out, their internal struggle is in a critical state. The rebellion is led by a powerful kunoichi by the name Mei Terumi. She is a powerful ninja and has several strong forces backing her."

Kakashi's eyes widened at that new information. "What about the Mizukage?"

"His bloodthirsty reign has caused some friction amongst his people and based on what Jiraiya found out his power is waning. This Chunin exam is a way for him to show the world that the Mist village is still under his control but that may not be the case for long. I don't want to send one of our most promising ninjas into the middle of such a chaotic situation. Especially since the next Chunin exam will be held here." Hiruzen replied, letting out a puff of smoke.

The Jonin nodded his head to that reasoning. "I see. So that's the case. What about Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto Uzumaki?"

Hiruzen was silent for a moment and then answered. "Young Sasuke hasn't awakened the Sharingan and Naruto is nowhere near capable in using the power of the Tailed beast inside him. So for the moment those two are no different from most other Genins. I will have Tenzo be their instructor. He is the best suited for them till you are free of your current ward. Once you nominate Daichi for the Chunin exam I'll have you take over as the Jonin for their team. I have no doubt that Daichi would only need one chance to pass the Chunin exam and you'll be free to take on Sasuke, Naruto and the third member under you."

The copy cat Jonin nodded and agreed with that plan. "Sir, there is something I wanted to ask."

"What is it?"

"Is there any team from our village participating in the Mist Exam?"

Hiruzen closed his eyes and sighed hearing that question. A few moments later he looked at the Jonin and silently nodded his head. "There are 3 Genin ranked ninjas participating in the Chunin exams in the coming week. One of the Genins is Kabuto Yakushi."

Kakashi sighed hearing that name. 'So he's going to this one as well huh. Must be to make contact with Orochimaru and gain intel on the other villages and shinobi.'

"You approved his request, Lord Hokage?" Kakashi asked his leader.

"Yes. I'm curious to see how long he thinks he can play this charade. The more information he has, the more information I'll be able to extract from him when the time comes. So for the moment he'll move as he does." The Hokage replied calmly but he had a dangerous glint in his eyes.

"Understood Lord Hokage." Kakashi bowed and disappeared while Hiruzen got up from his seat and headed home.