In the pitch-dark room, Drake began "breaking in" a wild horse.
To Drake, Tsunade was a fiery, untamed steed—proud, fierce, and refusing to yield. The only way to tame such a horse was with forceful reins and unrelenting pressure.
The wild horse charged straight at him.
"Interesting," Drake murmured, sidestepping and seizing the "mane," mounting in a single smooth motion.
The horse bucked wildly, trying to throw him off. But Drake's grip was like iron, his body unmoving.
Smack! A sharp slap landed—fueling the horse's defiance even more. She thrashed and kicked, but Drake never budged.
Gradually, the wildness faded.
Then came the next stage—unity.
The room was filled with sounds of exertion until deep into the night.
Finally, silence.
Morning
Drake stretched and sat up. He glanced at the sleeping Tsunade, checked the "damage," and left the room.
Outside the Happy Bathhouse, he pulled up his attribute panel.
Strength: 58,642 (×) — Six Paths Level
"So today's boost is Strength."
He clenched his fists. The raw power was immense.
"First… breakfast."
He was about to head out for ramen when—
Swish!
A figure appeared.
"Teacher?" Drake blinked.
Minato Namikaze nodded. "Come to my place."
Minato's Report
At Minato's house, the two sat at a small table.
"Drake… I failed," Minato said regretfully.
"Oh? You couldn't defeat Hanzō?"
"No. I couldn't even find him."
Minato explained that he had scoured Amegakure, interrogated Hanzō's guards, and found nothing.
"He likely used his salamander to burrow underground," Minato speculated.
"That tracks," Drake said. "A cautious old fox."
For now, they would wait.
On the Chūnin Exams
"Other villages should arrive today," Minato said. "Will you take part too?"
"I'm still a Genin," Drake said flatly.
Minato gave him a strange look.
"I don't believe you're doing this for fun."
Drake smiled slightly. "You know me well."
He had plans. Minato was one of the few who could see that.
"Morning's free, so I'll handle some matters," Drake added before heading out.
Helping the Might Family
Drake's first stop: the Might Duy and Might Guy household.
They were training upside down in the yard.
"Is that… Drake?!" Guy exclaimed mid-handstand.
"Not 'is'—it is the Fourth!" Duy said, hurrying over with a stool.
"I'm here to offer… a jutsu loan," Drake said.
"Huh?" Duy blinked.
Guy's eyes sparkled. "Flying ability?!"
"Exactly. But it isn't free. From now on, I'll take 20% of your mission earnings as repayment."
The father and son exchanged glances, then nodded in unison.
"We agree!"
Drake placed his hands on their shoulders. His spiritual will surged into them.
[Strength Enhancement]
[Flight]
Moments later, Duy felt the change.
"My power… increased!"
"Same here!"
Duy dashed to a training post and kicked.
Konoha — Strong Whirlwind!
BOOM!
The wooden post exploded into splinters.
Guy, meanwhile, was already gleefully flying around the yard.
When Duy turned to thank Drake, he had already gone.
At the Bathhouse
"Lady Tsunade, time to eat!" Konan called through the door.
Moments later, Tsunade emerged, clinging to the doorframe.
Her steps were unsteady, her face pale.
"Lady Tsunade… are you alright?" Kushina Uzumaki asked, concerned.
Tsunade waved it off.
"I'm fine… I just strained myself training last night."
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