Naruto : Crimson wood

"Ugh… which one should I pick?" Staring at the few techniques available in the system's shop, Renji Takahashi was caught in a dilemma. Wheth

"Ugh… which one should I pick?"

Staring at the few techniques available in the system's shop, Renji Takahashi was caught in a dilemma.

Whether it was Susanoo, Flying Thunder God Technique, or the Wood Golem Jutsu, he wanted them all!

Even though he couldn't use any of them effectively right now, given his current energy limits…

But come on! It's a 10% discount!

10% OFF!

Did the system think this was some casual sale?

If he didn't grab one now, he'd regret it forever.

After struggling for several minutes, clenching his teeth, Renji finally made his choice.

"System, I want to exchange for the Flying Thunder God Technique!"

[Ding! Exchanged for 'Flying Thunder God Technique', cost: 5000 energy points!]

[Received: Flying Thunder God Base Style, Flying Thunder God: Second Stage, Flying Thunder God Slash, Flying Thunder God: Space-Time Barrier]

[Bonus: 10 Flying Thunder God Kunai included!]

As the list of techniques appeared, Renji couldn't contain his excitement.

The Flying Thunder God Technique — signature move of the Yellow Flash! An absolute cheat code for mobility and escape.

Even if you can't beat your enemy, you can always run away.

Of course… the downside was massive spiritual energy consumption.

Each teleport consumed 500 spiritual energy.

Currently, Renji was only at First-Level Intermediate, with a natural cap of 200. Combined with Sage Mode's absorption boost, he could raise it to 600 at best. That gave him… one teleport.

That's right. One.

And there was more.

Below the description was a fine print:

Each teleport under 1000 meters consumes 500 spiritual energy. Beyond 1000 meters, an extra 10 points are consumed per meter.

So if he wanted to jump 1100 meters, it'd take 600 spiritual energy — which was his absolute max.

"Tch… so scammy."

"No wonder only the Second and Fourth Hokage ever used this. Thecost is too high…"

Beyond needing incredible spatial awareness, the Flying Thunder God drained spiritual energy like crazy. Without strong reserves, it was better used for running than fighting.

He sighed.

Looking at the remaining 1300 energy points, he turned back to the store. Most of the premium techniques were out of reach now.

Remaining Store Items (Discounted):

Flying Thunder God: 5000 (Owned)

Wood Release: Wood Golem Technique – 1000 energy (Consumes 1000 spiritual energy/use)

Mangekyō Sharingan (Susanoo) – 3000 energy (500+10/sec spiritual energy)

Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu – 500 energy (10 spiritual energy/clone)

Illusion: Shackling Technique – 80 (Owned)

Spiritual Art – 80 (Owned)

Even though the Wood Golem Technique was tempting, it demanded too much energy. He couldn't even activate it right now.

And Susanoo? Definitely out of budget.

He needed something practical for his current level. Otherwise, it was like buying a sports car without a driver's license.

He glanced at Multiple Shadow Clones, but frowned.

He wasn't like Naruto. He didn't have that kind of body resilience. Shadow clones fed their feedback fatigue back into the original. If he summoned too many, it'd knock him out cold.

Instead… there was another option.

"Wait… the Wood Clone Technique!"

[Wood Clone Jutsu]

Grade: A

Cost: 1000 Energy

Spiritual Energy Cost per Clone: 50

It was stronger than Shadow Clones in durability, combat, and even intelligence. Most importantly—it didn't return fatigue!

Plus, it was way harder to distinguish from the real body.

Without hesitation:

[Ding! Exchanged for 'Wood Release: Wood Clone' – Cost: 1000 energy points]

And just like that, his balance shrank to 300.

In under ten minutes, he had burned through 6300 energy points.

"Damn… being rich is harder than I thought."

"Dad should really hoard more demon cores. Is this even worthy of the Takahashi family name?"

Meanwhile…

In the kitchen, Ryoji Takahashi sneezed.

"Ugh… who's thinking about me right now? Must be a lady charmed by my manly handsomeness."

After dinner and a good night's rest, Renji returned to school the next morning.

As he walked through the gates, he noticed the strange looks people were giving him.

There was a buzz around him, and whispers followed him everywhere.

Especially from the girls… they were definitely paying attention.

"Tch… being good-looking is such a burden."

Back in Auxiliary Class One, the moment he stepped inside—

"Renji! You're back!"

Shun Hayashi lunged toward him with a bear hug.

Renji wrinkled his nose at the wave of body odor.

"I'm not dead, okay? I was just out for two days."

He shoved him away quickly. Hugging a guy wasn't his idea of a warm welcome.

Then came a voice he did want to hear.

"Renji, you're alright?"

It was Yuna Hoshizaki standing beside Meiko Kazehara .

Renji's mood lifted immediately.

"Heh, you know me. Minor scratches."

Soon, the entire class gathered around, firing questions:

"Did you really face a beast tide, bro?!"

"I heard you and Yuna saved a ton of people!"

"Some groups were wiped out, but you made it out?"

"Bro Renji, you're insane!"

"No no… it was a team effort," Renji replied modestly.

Then a familiar sharp voice cut through the chatter.

"Enough gossip. Back to your seats!"

Professor Shizuka Sumiya entered with a stern face and glasses adjusted.

The students scattered, returning to their desks.

Renji looked around.

His heart sank slightly.

About ten people were missing…

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