Naruto: The Clanless Prince

Sora, now a disciple of Orochimaru, limped home under the moonlight.

Although her legs ached, Sora's expression was brimming with excitement.

Having no powerful background, Sora could only rely on the full range of Thunder Breath techniques for now.

However, Thunder Breath alone wouldn't make her famous worldwide, so she needed other means to enhance her abilities.

Without Orochimaru's mentorship, Sora's only option to grow stronger would be to accumulate witness points in exchange for the abilities she required.

But when she looked at the cost of abilities in the system's exchange store, her heart sank.

With just 40 witness points, she couldn't afford what she needed.

Earning a substantial number of witness points required participating in the Third Ninja War, but by then, it would be too late.

Even if she managed to exchange for new abilities, mastering them wouldn't happen overnight.

The system only facilitated learning the skills; it was up to Sora to practice and refine them.

That limitation, however, had an upside—Sora could integrate her unique understanding of Thunder Breathing into her style rather than relying on rigid methods.

For instance, her development of Thunder Breath: First Form: Thunderbolt Flash: Sixth Strike was inspired by Zenitsu Agatsuma's techniques, but she innovated ways to minimize the strain on her legs during directional changes herself.

Taking a deep breath, Sora resolved to absorb everything Orochimaru taught her like a sponge soaking up water.

With Orochimaru's guidance, she felt confident that she would be prepared to stand on her own when war arrived.

Four days later, at the Ninja Academy.

In her seat, Uzumaki Kushina was complaining to Sora.

"Sora, you don't know how difficult the sealing technique is. I have to memorize so many things. Do you know the Introduction to the Basics of the Sealing Technique? It's as thick as my palm! And Grandma Mito actually wants me to memorize the whole thing!"

Kushina's face was scrunched up in frustration as she vented her woes to Sora.

Sora chuckled and ruffled her hair. "If you work hard now, you'll be able to relax later. Kushina, I'm sure you'll become the strongest kunoichi in the future."

Normally, Kushina would have laughed at Sora's encouragement, but she pouted instead. "It's not that I mind working hard. But Grandma Mito said that after graduation, I'd have to stay with her to keep learning the sealing technique.

She won't let me take on missions until I master it.

I was really looking forward to forming a team with you and going on missions together. I've been dreaming about it for so long..."

Kushina slumped her shoulders, looking dejected.

Sora laughed lightly. "Kushina, actually, there's something I need to tell you. After graduation, I won't be teaming up with anyone for missions.

Four days ago, I became a disciple of Orochimaru-sensei. From now on, I'll be training under him."

Kushina tilted her head curiously. "Orochimaru-sensei? I've never heard of him."

It wasn't surprising. Orochimaru was currently reclusive, rarely appearing in public. Apart from the academy, Mito's mansion, or Sora's home, Kushina had no exposure to the broader ninja world and thus no knowledge of Orochimaru.

"You know about Tsunade and Jiraiya, right? They're two of the Sannin."

"Yeah, I know them."

"Orochimaru-sensei is the third member of the Sannin."

Uzumaki Kushina covered her mouth in shock and lowered her voice to confirm, "Has one of the Sannins accepted you as a disciple, Sora?" 

Sora smiled and nodded. "Yes, that's right. I passed Orochimaru-sensei's test four nights ago, and now I'm officially his disciple. He said he would come to me today." 

Uzumaki Kushina exclaimed in surprise, "That's amazing! One of the Sannin, Orochimaru-sensei, accepting you as his disciple—Sora, you're so lucky!" 

Sora felt a pang of guilt and said, "But Kushina, from now on, I'll be training under Orochimaru-sensei. It means we won't have as much time together, and we might not see each other every day anymore." 

Uzumaki Kushina forced a smile and gave Sora a light punch on the shoulder. "It's fine. Once you've finished your training, we'll have all the time in the world to hang out again." 

In truth, Uzumaki Kushina felt deeply disappointed. 

Ever since meeting Sora and becoming friends, she had spent every day with him without fail. She had grown accustomed to his constant presence in her life. 

Now, knowing they would be apart after graduation, she couldn't help but feel reluctant and sad. 

But not wanting Sora to worry, she put on a brave face and acted like everything was fine. 

Having been friends with Uzumaki Kushina for so many years, Sora could easily see through her feelings. 

He understood what she was truly thinking, but now wasn't the time to address it. A looming crisis was on the horizon, and Sora needed to focus on becoming stronger—both for his sake and for Kushina's safety in the uncertain future. 

Reaching into his pocket, Sora pulled out a small bell. 

This was one of a pair of bells he had spent a significant amount of money and 30 witness points to acquire from the system's exchange shop. 

These bells had no special abilities, but when one bell rang, the other would ring in response, and they could guide each other to their counterpart's location. 

Sora had specifically redeemed these bells to prepare for a possible future scenario—the potential kidnapping of Uzumaki Kushina by Kumogakure ninja. 

Handing the bell to Uzumaki Kushina, Sora said, "This is for you, Kushina." 

Kushina accepted the bell eagerly, her eyes sparkling with anticipation. "Is this a gift for me?" 

Seeing her excitement, Sora smiled. "Yes." 

Kushina's face lit up with a radiant smile. "I love it! Thank you, Sora." 

Sora rubbed his nose, slightly embarrassed that a simple bell could bring her so much joy. 

Turning serious, he looked at Kushina and said, "Kushina, this bell isn't just a gift. It has a special function. I have an identical one, and as long as you ring your bell, mine will ring, too. No matter where you are, the bell will guide me to you. 

Promise me you'll always carry it with you. If something happens, ring it immediately, and I'll come to you as fast as I can. Do you understand?" 

Noticing Sora's earnest expression, Kushina nodded solemnly. "I'll carry it with me at all times, I promise!" 

Then, unable to resist, Kushina rang the bell and eagerly listened for the sound from Sora's side. 

Hearing the soft chime from Sora's pocket, Kushina beamed with delight, her smile as sweet as ever. 

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