C12

At six years old, Russell had already made significant strides in developing his portable space without neglecting the cognitive aspects of his physical training. His speed and strength had improved dramatically.

Profile:

Host: Russell

Strength: 108

Speed: 123

Physique: 119

Spirit: 106

Chakra: 2,248

Talent: Space Talent Level 3

Taijutsu: Basic Shuriken Level 10 (Max), Basic Taijutsu Level 10 (Max), Severe Leaf Hurricane Level 4, Dimensional Pocket Level 1.

Ninjutsu: Great Fireball Technique Level 6, Earth-Style Wall Level 5, Earth Dragon Bullet Level 5, Body Replacement Technique Level 10 (Max)

Russell's smile twisted with satisfaction as he reviewed his impressive stats. Even without tapping into his Chakra, he was a match for the weaker Chunin—on par with Rock Lee during his academy days.

Daily practice at the Ninja School had perfected his Shuriken and Basic Taijutsu techniques to the highest level. His other ninjutsu had also seen a boost over the year, resulting in faster hand seals, increased power, and reduced energy expenditure.

"Time to test my limits. Against a slightly weaker Jonin, victory is within reach!" Russell's fist tightened with a surge of power. Resolute, he headed out to Konoha's largest ninja tools shop, which was also Tenten's family's business, though she was just a toddler at the time.

"I'll take 10,000 Explosive Talismans and 1,000 Shurikens, please."

"Coming right up!" The shopkeeper's grin split wide, eyes twinkling with the prospect of a lucrative sale. An Explosive Talisman went for 500 taels, so 10,000 would rake in a cool 5 million taels. With the Shurikens, the total came to a staggering 7 million taels—a rare transaction even for Konoha's premier ninja shop.

"Uh, we only have 8,000 Explosive Talismans in stock at the moment. Is that alright?"

Russell was browsing the shop when the owner approached him, hands wringing awkwardly.

"It's fine," Russell said, catching the owner's uneasy glance. "Just bring them all to me."

"Right away, just a moment please!"

The owner quickly responded and within a couple of minutes, he handed over two storage scrolls to Russell.

Having acquired enough ninja tools, Russell headed to the Qiu Daoyi barbecue joint and packed a whopping million taels worth of roasted meat into the scrolls.

Russell had already cleared the space within, creating a vacuum to ensure the meat stayed fresh.

The day before, leveraging his status as the Fire Shadow's younger brother, Russell had secured leave from Konoha. Now, he needed to figure out how to slip away.

He had gathered intelligence over the last few days. Kakashi and Nohara Rin were soon to depart for a mission in the Land of Water, and Minato's security measures were certainly reliable.

It was this very mission that led to Nohara Rin's demise and Obito Uchiha's turn to darkness, events Russell was determined to prevent.

Even if not for Obito's sake, the Three-Tails card alone was reason enough for Russell to venture there.

With his preparations in place, he awaited the right moment.

Soon after, exploiting a gap he'd learned about from Minato, Russell left Konoha and set off joyfully towards the Land of Water.

Back in Konoha, Kushina, who had often invited Russell for meals, entered his room and immediately spotted the letter on the table.

"Kushina, I've left Konoha to handle some matters. If I run into trouble, I'll channel Chakra into the Flying Thunder God kunai for Brother Minato's backup. Don't worry about me. I'll return in no more than ten days. There's no need to come looking," the letter read.

Kushina's fiery red hair seemed to stir on its own as she read, her teeth clenched in frustration. "That little rascal, daring to run off like this. Does he have a death wish?"

Clutching the letter, she slumped onto the couch in a huff, slamming the letter onto the table as she waited for Minato's return.

Despite her anger, Kushina wasn't truly concerned; she was well aware of Russell's capabilities.

Yet, her fury needed an outlet, and Minato was the one who had to endure it.

Shortly after Russell departed, Kakashi and Nohara Rin arrived at Konoha's gates, setting out for a mission in the Water Country.

"Where could Zetsu be now?" Russell mused, growing weary of the Land of Fire's familiar landscapes.

Then, with a sly twinkle in his eye and a barely-there grin, he whispered, "How intriguing! Let's see what you've got."

Casually, Russell strolled to the base of a towering, robust tree and sauntered past, head bowed as if in deep thought.

"Whoosh—Boom!"

From the dense foliage above, a shuriken wrapped in an Explosive Talisman hurtled toward Russell.

"Can't wait, can you?" he chuckled.

With a burst of speed, he leaped, seamlessly opening a rift in space and hurling back a similarly talisman-wrapped shuriken.

"How could this be?"

Russell's shuriken, thrown with masterful precision, not only countered the incoming attack but sent the assailant's weapon back to its owner.

The twin Explosive Talisman-laden shurikens soared through the air, and the enemy had just a moment to gasp in shock before being engulfed in the blast.

"Exquisite!" Russell admired the inferno consuming the tree, a hint of bewilderment in his gaze.

Without a backward glance, he walked away from the scene.

With two Explosive Talismans, a mere Genin stood no chance—death was the only outcome.

Russell had seen his fair share of such ninja missions back in the Hikage's office; they were all too common.

These so-called ninjas, barely skilled, roamed the Land of Fire, causing chaos.

Their numbers were overwhelming, an endless tide to contend with.

"Ah, the simple joys of being a commoner," Russell thought, reveling in the might of his perfected shuriken technique, a spring in his step and a tune on his lips that no one else could decipher.

If the Basic Shuriken alone held such power, how magnificent would it be to master the full array of advanced ninjutsu?

"Let's just call it a day and find a hot spring inn to relax. Since Kakashi and the rest set off after me, there's no rush."

Russell's eyes sparkled the moment he spotted the town ahead.

Having been in the Naruto Universe for over a year, he had yet to savor the experience of a hot spring inn.