If anyone had been nearby, they would have been terrified by the sight before them.
A dazzling spiral lance—a whirling, lightning-infused cone of chakra—burst out from the violently churning pool. It tore through the waterfall like a beam of silver light and slammed into the mountain wall behind it. With a thunderous roar that shook the valley, the spiral lance drilled straight through the several-hundred-meter-thick rock, piercing it completely and bursting out from the other side. A stream of blue-white lightning shot toward the horizon, leaving behind only the echoing sound of destruction.
The Spiral Lance (Rasen Sō), as Chen Xing named it, was his original technique—an ultimate offensive jutsu that fused the principles of the Rasengan and Chidori. It combined the Rasengan's chakra shape transformation with the Chidori's lightning-nature transformation, achieving both rotational force and piercing power. Its destructive capability was such that it could bore through a mountain, and when launched at range, its accuracy was far greater than a standard Rasengan. Although it lacked the fine control of the Chidori or Chidori Eisō (Chidori Sharp Spear), the Spiral Lance reached an even greater impact velocity, compensating with sheer force and reach.
If the Rasengan represents the pinnacle of chakra shape transformation, and the Chidori embodies the pinnacle of nature transformation, then Chen Xing's Spiral Lance was the union of both—the perfected thunder-element evolution of the Rasengan, refined to the level of a Kage-class technique.
---
"Haah!"
Chen Xing bent his knees and leapt out of the pool, landing lightly on the rocky shore. Water dripped from his arms as he glanced at the steaming, lightning-lit surface behind him.
"Can't even tell what's water and what's chakra anymore," he muttered with a faint smile.
"Chen Xing, are you done?"
A deep voice called from the trees.
A tall man in an animal mask stepped forward silently, the standard garb of Hoshigakure's Anbu glinting faintly under the light.
"The Third Star Shadow wishes to see you," the masked man said flatly.
"Understood."
Chen Xing nodded, wiping the moisture from his arms. With a calm expression, he walked toward his simple wooden hut nearby.
The masked man watched him go, sighing beneath his breath.
"This kid… what a terrifying talent."
He had been stationed here for over three months. During that time, apart from a few assassination missions, he had mainly observed Chen Xing's progress. Despite Chen Xing's young age, his growth had been unbelievable, far beyond what any shinobi from a minor village should have achieved.
---
When Chen Xing emerged from his hut moments later, he was dressed in a fitted purple combat outfit. His damp black hair had dried completely under his controlled chakra heat, and his calm, confident bearing gave him an almost regal air. If he appeared in a market, he would surely turn heads—especially among the young women of the village.
"Let's go," Chen Xing said simply.
In the next instant, his figure vanished with a sharp flicker, leaving only a few disturbed leaves in his wake.
"What speed…" the masked man murmured, his eyes widening behind the mask.
"Has he already reached… that level?"
He immediately leapt off the branch and followed in Chen Xing's direction toward Hoshigakure's central tower.
---
Inside the Star Shadow's Office, the Third Star Shadow sat behind his desk, his expression complicated as Chen Xing entered.
"Grandfather, you were looking for me?" Chen Xing asked, slightly tilting his head.
"Take a look at this."
The Third Star Shadow handed over a crimson envelope sealed with the emblem of Konohagakure.
Chen Xing glanced down and read the inscription aloud:
"A Chūnin Exam Invitation?"
The older man nodded. "That's right."
The Chūnin Exams—the grand tournaments held jointly by the Great Nations every three years—were more than a simple test. They were a diplomatic stage to showcase each village's strength and unity. This year, it was supposed to be Kirigakure's turn to host, but due to the chaos following the Fourth Mizukage's downfall, Konoha had volunteered to hold it instead.
"Our Star Village has recently drawn attention," the Third Star Shadow said with a sigh. "The Leaf wishes to 'extend friendship,' but we both know they simply want to gauge our strength."
Chen Xing nodded in understanding. Despite Hoshigakure's remote location in the Land of Bears, recent developments—particularly Chen Xing's power—had stirred the curiosity of the Five Great Nations.
"You're thinking of refusing," Chen Xing said calmly, "but you're afraid of offending Konoha."
The Third Star Shadow chuckled ruefully. "Exactly. Our village may be strong for its size, but we can't risk offending a Great Nation. Even if the Land of Bears doesn't border the Land of Fire, crossing them would be… unwise."
"Then accept," Chen Xing replied immediately. "Send a small team—two participants at most. I'll go myself, and Chixing-sensei can lead the squad."
"You?" The Third Star Shadow nearly stood up. "You plan to go to Konoha yourself?"
Chen Xing smiled faintly. "It's time I saw the world beyond the valley. Besides, Konoha still has many techniques worth studying. Even in its decline, it remains a cradle of shinobi arts."
The elder's eyes darkened. "I can't agree to this. If something happens to you, the village will lose everything we've built!"
"Grandfather," Chen Xing said quietly, "you know I'm not reckless. If I were ever pushed to the brink, I would detonate the Cursed Seals I've placed across the valley. No one would dare approach Hoshigakure again."
The Third Star Shadow fell silent. He knew Chen Xing was serious. Still, the thought of losing him weighed heavily on his heart.
"…Even so, if you fall, it will destroy me," the old man murmured. "You're like my own grandson. I can't bear to send you into danger."
Chen Xing smiled softly. "I know, Grandfather. But trust me. With my current strength, even the Hokage himself would have trouble stopping me if I chose to leave."
The elder's eyes widened. "You mean—you've reached the level of a Kage?"
Chen Xing nodded. "Not quite equal to them in all respects, but my speed and power are already comparable. Even most elite jonin wouldn't stand a chance."
The Third Star Shadow leaned back, stunned. A child from a forgotten minor village… now standing at the summit of power.
"Incredible," he whispered. "In just a few years…"
"Don't worry," Chen Xing said gently. "Even if Konoha is vast, it's not invincible. I'll return safely."
The old man finally sighed, resignation in his tone.
"Fine. But promise me this—if things turn dangerous, abandon everything and come home alive. That's an order."
Chen Xing nodded firmly. "Understood."
"When do you plan to depart?" the elder asked.
"The exams are in July. We'll leave around June 20th. That gives me a little more than a month to prepare," Chen Xing replied.
The elder gave a small smile. "Then may the stars guide you, my boy."
Chen Xing turned to leave, the sunlight glinting across his shoulders.
As he walked away, he muttered under his breath,
"Next stop… the Land of Wind. There's someone in Sunagakure I've wanted to meet for a long time."