Orion's chakra was already infused with senjutsu properties, so even though his chakra reserves were only at the level of an elite jōnin, its quality had already surpassed that level.
Standing on the balcony the night before, Kakashi Hatake had noticed something unusual.
"This chakra… it feels similar to Jiraiya's… no—more like when he enters Sage Mode."
Kakashi had witnessed that state before.
The feeling coming from Orion was eerily similar.
"This kid… he's hiding a lot of secrets."
For a moment, Kakashi hesitated.
Logically, he should report this to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
But after years in Anbu, he understood something very clearly—
Once reported, Orion's life would never be normal again.
Even if he posed no threat, he could easily become a subject of investigation… or worse.
Kakashi exhaled slowly.
"…Just don't become a threat to Konoha."
In the end, he chose to keep it secret.
In the entire village, aside from the Hyuga Clan with their Byakugan, only Kakashi's Sharingan could clearly see Orion's abnormal chakra.
If he stayed silent, no one would uncover the truth.
With that decision made, Kakashi vanished.
Orion remained unaware that he had almost been reported.
Even if he knew, he wouldn't care.
He had already lived one life before. Whether his future held freedom or danger didn't matter much to him.
If he could resist, he would.
If not—then so be it.
His mindset was calm.
Not ambitious. Not indifferent.
Just… living.
The next morning, Orion arrived early at the training ground.
He immediately noticed something different.
Motoya Tako seemed… distant.
Not as close as yesterday.
Yamata Jumoku, however, was the same as always.
He leaned in and whispered, "Orion… did anything happen when you walked Tako home yesterday?"
Orion glanced at him. "What exactly are you hoping to hear?"
Jumoku grinned mischievously. "You know what I mean."
"Nothing happened," Orion said flatly.
Jumoku sighed dramatically. "You seriously didn't notice she likes you?"
"That was such a good opportunity! I'm disappointed in you."
"Don't tell me you don't think she's pretty?"
Orion's expression turned dark.
"What are you even talking about? You're really twelve years old?"
Even considering how early people matured in this world, Jumoku's thoughts were… excessive.
Jumoku crossed his arms. "I'm disappointed. Truly disappointed."
Orion rubbed his forehead.
"Maybe if you put this much effort into training, you wouldn't still be this weak."
Jumoku's strength was average among the graduates.
But Orion… had already far surpassed him.
Nearby, Tako stood silently, her face flushed red.
She had heard everything.
And the truth was—
Last night, she had almost confessed.
But now, remembering her mother's words, she forced herself to keep some distance… even though her feelings hadn't disappeared.
Just as the three were talking—
Orion suddenly sensed something.
Whoosh—clang—clang!
In an instant, he stepped forward.
A kunai appeared in his hand.
Several others struck the ground around him—deflected.
Orion stood in front of Jumoku and Tako, blocking the attack.
His eyes narrowed as he looked ahead.
"Sensei… that's going too far. We just graduated."
From behind a tree, Kimoto Doichi walked out slowly, clapping.
"Not bad. Just as I expected—this level of attack isn't a threat to you."
Jumoku and Tako finally reacted.
They looked down at the kunai and shuriken embedded in the ground around them.
Cold sweat ran down their backs.
If Orion hadn't acted—
They would've been hit before even understanding what happened.
Perhaps even killed.
Both of them instinctively looked at Orion.
At that moment, his back seemed like a wall—solid and unshakable.
A shield standing in front of them.
But Orion wasn't pleased.
To him, this wasn't a test—it was reckless.
Doichi stepped closer.
"Relax. I was just testing your reaction speed. I wouldn't put my students in real danger."
Orion didn't respond.
He didn't accept that explanation.
But since no one was hurt, he didn't press further.
What Orion didn't know—
Was just how shocked Doichi truly was.
The speed.
The precision.
The timing.
Blocking multiple projectiles in an instant—
Even many experienced genin couldn't do that.
And yet Orion had done it effortlessly.
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