For civilian ninjas and those from small clans, relying on innate chakra reserves and Academy training could make them qualified Genin.
By surviving dangerous missions and life-or-death battles, they might obtain a few suitable techniques within the village. After arduous cultivation, there was a certain probability of reaching Chunin.
Then, by learning nature transformation and shape transformation, Jonin became possible.
This was the path for almost all civilian and small clan ninjas.
The progression from Chunin to Jonin was slightly easier. One only needed to save enough money and pay a Jonin—or any ninja who'd mastered nature and shape transformations—for guidance.
A clear goal existed.
But progressing from Genin to Chunin was different. No specific cultivation method could relatively safely elevate a Genin to Chunin level.
Zenji's training class perfectly filled this void. Though less than a year old, it had already earned many ninjas' gratitude.
Of course, this was enhancement of strength corresponding to rank—not the ninja rank itself.
The four ANBU ninjas quickly leaped onto nearby ruins, pressing almost against the barrier to observe the street inside.
The thirteen Root ninjas had already split into two teams: six charged at Zenji on the street, while seven leaped onto rooftops and dashed rapidly toward the hovering Gojo Satoru.
"Attacking an advisor's family members—the Root ninjas have gone mad!" The ANBU ninja who'd previously favored Zenshu's family whispered in shock and anger.
Just as he rose to act, the Jonin squad leader beside him stopped him.
"Don't be impulsive. Remember your mission."
"That kid is very strong."
Just as his voice fell, the battle below began.
Swish.
A chakra-wrapped kunai pierced through the air, aimed straight at Zenji's thigh.
Zenji dodged to the side. A Root ninja holding a short sword had already arrived before him, thrusting the blade toward his limbs.
In that critical moment, a pitch-black short sword swung up from below, slashing toward the opponent's hand.
The Root ninja's expression shifted. He immediately altered his attack.
Clang. Clang. Clang.
Crisp sounds of clashing blades rang continuously.
Only then did the Root ninja see his enemy clearly. His pupils contracted instantly.
A pitch-black Zenji holding a short sword had leaped from the shadow, swinging the blade as he pressed forward.
The real Zenji stepped back. His body was enveloped by darkness.
A robustly built Root ninja spread his large hands, attempting to grab him.
BANG.
Strong arms collided, emitting a muffled sound.
The robust ninja's eyes widened. His embrace was completely empty.
"Careful—he hid inside the shadow!" Another Root ninja shouted the warning.
Near a wall corner, Zenji emerged from a shadow and glanced at his opponents.
"Nue."
His hands formed a seal instantly. The large patch of shadow behind him—merged with the wall—suddenly began to roil.
SCREECH—!
A sharp, piercing cry resounded throughout the street, as if to split the heavens.
The expressions of the two charging Root ninjas shifted. Without hesitation, they formed hand seals.
"Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
"Fire Release: Dragon Fire Technique!"
Wind fueled flame. The two techniques immediately expanded into a fierce blaze over ten meters wide.
A strong gale mixed with scorching heat rushed forward like a heavy hammer.
The moment he felt this force, Zenji confirmed his opponents weren't ordinary ninjas. They'd clearly completed nature transformation training.
A powerful wind swept past.
Wings resembling two walls shielded him. Bright lightning erupted.
The two forces collided and instantly exploded.
BOOM.
Thick smoke rose. The walls on both sides collapsed under tremendous force.
A powerful energy suddenly erupted within the smoke, rapidly dispersing it.
Nue spread its wings and flew upward. A shadow nearly ten meters wide enveloped the two Root ninjas below. Lightning from its wings struck down instantly.
Both ninjas' expressions changed. They dodged backward hastily—but the lightning still struck them. Screams of pain erupted.
Poof. Poof.
Both turned to smoke. Shadow Clones.
Nue immediately locked onto their true bodies and charged, crackling with lightning.
The muscular ninja charged again. Zenji shifted to a somewhat unusual hand seal.
The shadow beneath his feet writhed instantly. A gray, rock-like giant snake burst from beneath the muscular ninja's feet.
It opened its bloody maw and bit toward him, jaws closing amidst his hideous expression.
"Ah!"
A painful scream rang out as the rock snake clamped down like he was food.
The serpent charged forward and rammed another Root ninja, sending him crashing into a wall where he burst into smoke.
How can this brat have such powerful summons?
A nearby Root ninja dodged while shouting internally, face full of disbelief.
These creatures were too strong. Each one gave him the feeling of being no weaker than a Jonin—perhaps even slightly stronger.
This momentary lapse in concentration cost him dearly.
The gray-black python body, resembling living rock, swept toward him.
Just as he reached to form a seal, his fingers collided with the incoming scales.
CRACK.
Two fingers snapped instantly. Then his entire hand twisted as violent force swept through his body.
In the blink of an eye, his vision went dark. Scales covered his sight. Brutal force assaulted him completely.
Cracking sounds rang continuously as most of his bones shattered.
Zenji slowly formed seals, the corners of his mouth curling slightly.
Six ninjas had all been dealt with or stalled. They'd be completely finished off in a moment.
Right then, the ground beneath his feet squirmed slightly. Two pairs of hands suddenly reached out, rapidly grabbing toward his legs.
"Idiots."
A mocking smile had already spread across Zenji's face.
The shadow beneath his feet shifted instantly. His entire body rapidly sank into darkness like falling into water. The hands grabbed empty air.
Almost simultaneously, a patch of shadow appeared on the barrier above.
Nearly twenty meters in diameter. The next moment, a pink elephant emerged very forcefully.
The instant it appeared, it plummeted rapidly—smashing toward the ground where the hands had appeared.
BOOM.
Smoke and dust rocketed skyward, then were pushed away by a powerful shockwave.
A crater several meters deep appeared in the ground. An area over ten meters in diameter was directly overturned.
A large circle of surrounding buildings shattered to pieces from the force.
TRUMPET.
The pink Max Elephant let out an excited cry.
"He didn't die from that?"
Zenji walked over and couldn't help but look at the massive crater with some amazement.
"Worthy of being the squad leader. Elite even among Jonin, it seems."
He casually changed his seal. A ripple stirred in the shadow beneath his feet.
A giant four-eyed deer slowly surfaced. Its three-meter shoulder height, coupled with its robust body, exuded oppressive presence.
But in reality, its two abilities had nothing to do with combat. The first was healing—combining Medical Ninjutsu and the Reverse Cursed Technique.
The moment Round Deer appeared, a faint layer of green chakra permeated the surroundings, directly enveloping a hundred-meter radius.
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