Naruto: The Sarutobi Who Can't Spark

[Zoaqx]

Chapter 24 – 1–A

Raijin, Satoru, and Kaide watched as the final participants completed their laps, each finishing with varying degrees of exhaustion. Just as the last student stumbled through, one of the instructors – not the scarred one, stepped forward with a clipboard.

"Your next examination begins immediately," he announced, his voice carrying across all the children. "A written assessment. You have two hours to complete it."

The ten successful candidates were led through the Academy's polished hallways into a large classroom.

Sunlight streamed through tall windows, illuminating rows of empty desks.

Each student was directed to a seat, carefully spaced apart to prevent any communication or cheating.

"Before we start the written test. We want to inform you that, those who would be selected for the academy will be provided a message containing their class and entrance ceremony's date."

He paused and continued, "And those who don't receive any message… try next year. That's all."

"You may all now, begin!"

The test papers were distributed as quickly as he completed his words. The questions, however, were more intriguing than Raijin had expected. Rather than technical questions about ninja arts or village history, they faced philosophical ones:

How would you contribute to the peace and prosperity of Konoha?

How would you handle a situation where the task ahead seems impossible?

What motivates you to keep going when things get tough?

How do you handle disagreements within a group or team?

How do you approach self-improvement?

Raijin suppressed a smile as he began writing. The questions were designed not to test knowledge but to evaluate the character and mindset of the children. He carefully crafted responses that would align with the Academy's values while maintaining enough authenticity for them to be believable.

…

When academy prospects were finally dismissed, Satoru waited by the Academy's front gates, scanning the crowd for his newly made friends.

Among the dispersing crowd, Kaide spotted Satoru's distinctive silhouette within the crowd. His heart clenched with anxiety, and before their eyes could meet, he slipped away into a narrow side street like a shadow, hurrying toward his waiting parents.

It wasn't that Kaide didn't want friends, but he never had an easy flow of natural conversation with anyone, unlike his parents. The mere thought of prolonged social interaction spun his mind with possibilities, each more devastating than the last. What if they found his stuttering annoying? What if his interests were too strange, his mannerisms too awkward? What if their initial friendliness turned to mockery once they truly knew him?

These fears manifested as a physical weight in his chest, tightening in his throat that made even simple greetings feel like climbing a mountain. The bursts of anxiety, the racing heartbeat, the sweating palms – it was all too overwhelming and too exhausting to endure.

Over the years, Kaide had discovered that fleeing (while not a solution) offered immediate relief from this anxiety. It became his reflexive response.

…

"Raijin!" Satoru's voice carried across the yard as he spotted his newfound friend. "How was the test?"

Raijin approached with a casual stride. "Pretty good. You?"

"Well..." Satoru's expression cycled through several emotions in rapid succession. "I got stuck on one question, but I think I managed okay in the end."

Satoru's shoulders slumped slightly. "Guess, Kaide went home already."

Seeing his new friend, Raijin made an impulsive decision. "Want to grab some ramen? My treat – consider it a prize for that impressive sprint at the end."

"Ah..." Satoru's face contorted in mock seriousness. "Sorry, I'm..."

Raijin raised an eyebrow, interrupting him. "Oh? Well, I'll have to enjoy celebrating your performance without you..."

"Wait!" Satoru said. "I suppose... one bowl wouldn't hurt." His cheeks flushed slightly as he muttered the words.

…

As they parted ways, Raijin bought some high-power batteries on the way to replenish his dwindling stock. Even though there were many batteries at home already, the weight of the new batteries was reassuring.

Despite witnessing his near-death experience from previous electrical exposure, Raijin promised never to exceed his limits again without using a Shadow Clone.

Speaking of which, he had yet to learn the Shadow Clone technique from the elders. The promise Elders made to him never left his mind.

***

Inside the Sarutobi Clan Library, Raijin was running his finger in each line from the scroll of rank-D jutsus, after skimming repeatedly for approximately 20 minutes. He gave a long sigh. 'So, the only suitable non-elemental jutsu from the library is this one?'

Body Flicker: a movement technique where a user can move short to long distances at an almost untraceable speed.

Raijin said wryly, "The only downside is that I can't use it during combat. I might need more practice in this jutsu to perform it in combats instantly like Shisui Uchiha."

"However, traveling short and long distances would be faster – A great fleeing jutsu."

Two days after the Entrance examination, Raijin stood in long rows of students who had passed. Though the number of students was similar to the applicants, he suspected very few failed.

Parents stood proudly behind rows of children, many wiping away tears as they watched their little ones take their first steps toward becoming shinobi.

"I am in 1-A. What class are you in?" Satoru asked Raijin with a hopeful expression.

Raijin also received information about passing the exam and his assigned class at the Academy. When he saw the letter in this world, it struck him as amusing.

It wasn't just a note but a whole letter with a proper salutation and subject. The format was the same as the formal writing he had learned in his past life.

"I'm the same as you," Raijin replied and smirked. "Didn't I tell you we would be in the same class?"

"Yeah, how'd you know?" Satoru asked, impressed by Raijin's deduction.

"Just a hunch," Raijin said diagonally at the rows of students. Glancing at a nervous kid, he said, "Well, I guess Kaide is in another class."

"You might be wrong. I'll ask him after this standing-in-the-heat." Satoru said with determination.

"Attention!" The instructor with the scar on his cheek roared at the students.

The ground hummed with whispered conversations and nervous giggles.

"QUIET!" The scarred instructor said transmitting a loud voice to everyone on the ground. The children fell into immediate silence, except for a few stifled snickers from the back row.

"That's better," he said, clearing his throat.

Buzzing noise halted instantly, while the scarred instructor continued, "Congratulations on passing the entrance exams. From today onwards you all are academy students. Academy will help you hone your abilities to be a full-fledged ninja. Now, stand straight and show proper respect. Lord Third Hokage will be here any moment."

The children shuffled into neater lines, though some still couldn't help bouncing on their toes. A few tried to crane their necks to peek at the entrance where the Hokage would appear.

"Stop fidgeting," whispered a female instructor, adjusting her glasses as she helped straighten another crooked line of students. "Remember, you are representing not just yourselves, but your families and the future of our village."

"Attention!" One of the instructors said with a robust voice, carrying across the kids. The students snapped to attention with varying degrees of success – some looking more like startled deer than future shinobi.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with a weathered face, his robes fluttering gently in the breeze. As he walked toward the podium, even the most restless children fell silent, awed by the presence of their village's leader.

He took his place at the podium, surveying the gathered students. His weathered face broke into a gentle smile as he cleared his throat and began to speak.

"Welcome, young ones, to the Konoha Ninja Academy." his voice carried across the ground with surprising strength.

"Today marks the beginning of your journey as shinobi of the Hidden Leaf Village. Each of you carries the Will of Fire – the unwavering spirit to protect our village and all those we love. The path ahead will not be easy. You will face challenges that will test your mind, body, and spirit. There will be days when you question whether you can continue. But remember, every great shinobi standing behind me today once stood where you are now, filled with the same dreams and uncertainties."

He pointed towards the instructors behind him. "In this academy, you will learn more than just jutsu and combat skills. You will learn the true meaning of teamwork, dedication, and sacrifice. These lessons will serve you not just as a ninja, but throughout your entire lives."

Hiruzen's voice softened. "Look around you. These classmates will become your comrades, your teammates, and in many cases, your lifelong friends. The bonds you forge here will become the foundation of our village's future."

As he spoke these words, several children exchanged glances, some shy, others curious.

"I stand before you not just as your Hokage, but as someone who once walked these very halls. I learned from the Second Hokage themselves, and now it brings me great joy to welcome a new generation into our ranks."

Drawing himself up to his full height, Hiruzen concluded with words that he thought would echo in many young minds for years to come, "May you grow strong, learn well, and always remember that the greatest strength of a Hidden Leaf shinobi lies not in the Jutsu they master, but in their heart and their unwavering dedication to protecting what they hold dear."

The ceremony concluded with thunderous applause and a mixture of excited chatter and nervous whispers from the new students.

…

"Kaide!?" Satoru called him from across the dispersion of students.

As Kaide traced back to the voice, he saw a fair white-skinned kid with messy white hair and bright blue eyes that had an ethereal glow. The white-haired boy was waving to him with two hands in the air.

He snapped back and tried to run amok with the crowd, but alas, the boy with blue eyes and another boy with brown eyes caught up to him.

"Uh…He-Hello." Kaide's voice wavered, his fingers fidgeting.

Satoru practically rushed forward, his words tumbling out in speed. "What class are you in, Kaide?"

"Um... 1-B."

The transformation on Satoru's face was instant – his excited smile shattered.

From where he stood, Raijin observed the exchange with quiet amusement. 'Definitely attachment issues,' he thought, watching Satoru's dramatically crestfallen expression.

An awkward silence stretched between them, broken only by the distant sounds of other students leaving the academy grounds.

Finally, Kaide shifted his weight, clearly eager to escape.

Raijin stepped in smoothly, offering a friendly wave and smile, "See you next time in the academy."

He waved his hand, "Bye."

Kaide managed a quick nod before fleeing the ground, leaving Satoru still staring into the air, his blue eyes wide with disbelief. Raijin broke his friend's trance with a firm slap on the back – perhaps a bit harder than necessary – causing Hol to stumble forward.

"Let's go," Raijin said, not bothering to hide his exasperation.

"I thought we would be studying in the same class side by side." Satoru finally muttered in the air. While Raijin heard his muttering, he thought it'd be better to ignore it.

Raijin, while annoyed, tried his best to cheer up his friend. "Satoru, what's your plan for today?"

"Uh…I will train on the ground near the orphanage…" Satoru's voice carried a new weight of melancholy.

"Huh, what's the matter?"

"I moved out into a new room leaving the orphanage now that I'm an academy student. Academy had allotted me my new room." The words came out hesitantly, revealing the real source of his anxiety.

Raijin shifted his words, "I'm free. Let's do something fun."

Like a switch had been flipped, Satoru's eyes lit up. "Oh yes, why don't we both train." Satoru regained his usual enthusiasm.

'I swear, he is bipolar.' Raijin thought to himself before speaking aloud. "Train?... What do you have in mind?"

"Let's climb the mountain near the forest," Satoru said, his voice filled with excitement.

Both walked to the forest's edge, where the mountain loomed. Satoru turned to Raijin with a challenging grin. "I bet you can only run!"

…

Later, as they caught their breath after climbing, Satoru studied his friend with newfound respect. "Raijin, you're strong. Do you train daily?"

"Yes, I do…" Raijin smiled and continued, "…from early morning up to late night."

"Wow, I could never train continuously for such a long time"

"Me neither, I take breaks in between and some meals in breaks," Raijin explained what he meant.

"Why don't we train together tomorrow after classes? Just once." Satoru asked hoping for a positive answer.

Raijin went silent and made a serious expression thinking.

"If you don't want to–" Satoru began, but Raijin cut him off.

"You sure you can handle the intensive training?" Raijin asked. "My training involves studying as well."

Satoru's eyes widened as he pondered the connection between studying and training.

Before he could respond, Raijin continued, "Let's go to the library tomorrow after class. Now that we're academy students, we should have access to it."

 

[Zoaqx]

Chapter 25 – First Day

The Ninja Academy is a military school–an institution dedicated to preparing students for the life of Shinobi.

To Raijin, it resembles a factory relentlessly producing young minds and bodies into efficient ninjas from an early age.

While the Academy stated its purpose was to protect young shinobi by providing necessary skills and proper training before they face any deadly combat, that might cost their own life.

But the reality was often harsher.

In times of war, even the safeguards promised by the Academy crumbled, and children found themselves thrust onto the battlefields long before they were prepared.

'Class 1-A'

Raijin paused at the doorway, examining the simple, traditional lecture hall. This was his classroom—where he would learn from the teacher and, hopefully, grow stronger.

'Feels like I've stepped into a university lecture hall, only to teach small children,' he mused.

Wooden desks were lined up in orderly rows, their surfaces etched with marks and scratches left behind by former students –years of restless energy and maybe boredom.

Rows of desks faced the podium in front of the blackboard, far from the student's desk where the teacher stood. The classroom wasn't specifically designed for large lectures; it was designed to keep students nearby for easier interaction and to allow the teacher to keep an eye on them.

His eyes crossed his new classmates, noting the clear division between clan children and civilians. The clan kids were easy to spot, the Uchiha's crest on the back of their dress and Hyūga's white pale eyes. The civilians fewer in number, clustered together.

From the second-last row, Satoru's enthusiastic waving caught his attention.

Next to him sat a boy Raijin didn't recognize. His presence was marked by distinctive black glasses and a high jacket covering his face as if he wanted to hide himself.

Raijin made his way up the stairs he noticed how the wooden steps creaked under his feet. 'Probably a precaution for prohibiting students from sneaking from the classroom or to the classroom.'

"You're on time by barely a minute," Satoru grinned as Raijin reached their row.

The kid, seated on the corner of the bench with tied black hair and black glasses covering his eyes, stood up. "Hey, I'm Yuuto Aburame. I assume you are Raijin Sarutobi." His voice carried a calm tone and genuine interest.

'Aburame huh… that explains about the black glasses.' Raijin thought, noticing Yuuto's one hand tucked into his sleeve. He replied, "Ah…yes, I'm Raijin–"

"Everyone, settle into your seats, quickly!" A sharp command cut through the students' murmurs in the classroom. Their instructor had arrived precisely at 8:00.

The students scrambled to find their seats, though light whispered conversations continued.

"Is he our class teacher?"

"Thank goodness it's not that scarred instructor from the entrance exam..."

"I hope the class will be fun."

The morning sunlight caught the edge of the instructor's headband as he strode to the podium, his presence commanding attention even before he spoke.

"I assumed our teacher would be the one with the deadly scar," Satoru whispered, leaning slightly toward Raijin and Yuuto.

Raijin nodded in agreement, while Yuuto Aburame adjusted his dark glasses, "Only Chūnin serve as academy instructors. The one with the scar was a Jōnin."

Raijin and Satoru both turned to stare at their bench mate, surprise evident on their faces.

"How'd you know he was Jōnin?" Raijin asked, his voice hushed.

"That instructor was Jōnin?" Satoru's voice rose slightly, earning a sharp look from the instructor in front of them.

Yuuto quietly chuckled at Satoru, "My parents answered when I asked them if he teaches at the academy."

Their whispered conversation ceased as their instructor cleared his throat.

"Welcome to Academy, I am Kaiyo Junpei, and I'll be your class teacher throughout your time here."

There was silence when the instructor completed his second sentence, his tone carrying the practiced authority of someone used to command attention. The class attentively listened to the new instructors who would guide them in the coming years.

"We'll start class with attendance first."

As the attendance was completed, marking all 35 students present, Kaiyo put down the record and spoke, "Out of the 180 students who took the entrance exam, you 35 achieved the highest marks."

Pride tingled his voice. "Each of you is expected to bring honor to Konoha, and as Class 1-A students, you've been granted access to the library's rank-E jutsu scrolls."

He paused, observing the students' varied expressions. Some were visibly excited, others indifferent, some composed, and a few practically bouncing in their seats with enthusiasm.

"I'll begin today's class with introductions," Kaiyo continued, his voice steady. "As mentioned, I'm Kaiyo Junpei, a Chūnin who served in the Third Shinobi World War alongside the Fourth Hokage." A collective gasp followed through this revelation. "I enjoy reading and playing shōgi during my breaks."

With that, the students began to introduce themselves one by one. The class was primarily composed of clan members, but there were a few civilians among them as well, each sharing their name, background, and a brief personal detail.

Raijin concluded there were three each from the Hyūga and Uchiha clans, two each from the Aburame, Fūma, Kohaku, and Kurama clans, and one each from the Inuzuka, Nara, Yamanaka, Akimichi, Onikuma, Shimura, Hoki, and Izuno clans. As for himself, he was the sole representative of the Sarutobi Clan.

The most surprising presence was that of a Senju student – a clan many believed had faded. 'The Senju aren't extinct after all,' Raijin mused, studying the quiet, unassuming girl, who carries a weighty legacy.

There were also 11 civilians, including Satoru Takahashi and his boundless enthusiasm.

Kaiyo outlined the curriculum with purpose, and his tone was clear and confident. "You'll be studying various subjects: mathematics, science, geography, history, the art of war and strategy, and finance. These will all be essential to your development as shinobi." He paused, allowing the weight of his words to settle. "And, of course, you'll also be learning some cool jutsus."

Many students' eyes brightened at the mention of jutsu, their initial nervousness replaced by excitement.

Civilian students practically bounced in their seats, barely suppressing their excitement. The clan children, on the other hand, remained composed and maintained their 'dignity'. However, Raijin couldn't help but notice a few of them subtly leaning forward, their interest betraying their otherwise stoic expressions.

Even the typically reserved Uchihas in the front row leaned in slightly, their eyes sharpening at the mention of Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu.

Simply mentioning Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu was enough to make the children brim with excitement, and energy rising in each word.

Everyone keenly listened to Kaiyo's words; even the students from prominent clans, usually more composed, were now fully engaged.

Raijin observed the shift in the atmosphere, a slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. 'Not just anyone can become a teacher after all…' he mused, continuing to listen closely.

After introducing the curriculum and noticing the charged atmosphere, Kaiyo took the students on a tour of the Academy. This was a clever move, helping to ease the initial awkwardness among the children and himself as a new teacher.

The 35 children were led to visit every part of the Academy, from the expansive training ground to the rooftop, where they could see the faces of the four Hokages etched into the mountain stone.

At the training ground, Kaiyo allowed the children to observe the upper-class students practicing their taijutsu katas (forms and stances).

After the tour, Kaiyo dismissed the class for the day, but not before handing out an early assignment: visiting the library.

…

Students streamed out of the academy building, excited chatter filling the air. Yuuto Aburame also bid farewell to Raijin and Satoru before melting into the crowd.

Satoru's attention quickly shifted to the crowd emerging from Class 1-B. His eyes searched the crowd until he spotted Kaide's familiar hunched figure, walking through the pile of students.

"Kaide!", Satoru's voice boomed across the ground as he jumped and waved enthusiastically, his energy drawing several amused glances and raised eyebrows from passing students.

Trapped by the pressing crowd and social obligation, Kaide reluctantly walked towards them.

Raijin noticed his shoulders slightly curved more inward.

"Um... Hello." Kaide said.

"How was today's class?" Satoru asked oblivious to Kaide's posture said with enthusiasm.

"Um…" Kaide fidgeted while his eyes darted between Satoru and Raijin. "It was okay, I guess." His gaze found sudden fascination with a nearby pebble.

Sensing the mounting discomfort, Raijin stepped in smoothly. "We're heading to the library," he offered casually, deliberately keeping his body language relaxed. "Want to join us?"

"I ha-have some works…" Kaide's hand flew to the back of his head, scratching nervously at the phantom itches.

"Ok –" Before Raijin could respond, Satoru burst in with his characteristic optimism. "Then, we'll go to the library next time, then." He declared, his smile unwavering.

The afternoon breeze filled the moment of silence that followed, rustling through nearby trees as Kaide processed Satoru's words.

Finally, a small nod emerged, accompanied by the subtle loosening of his shoulders.

…

Inside the library, piles of books stacked on the towering shelves stretched towards the ceiling.

The numerous books had certainly made Satoru feel dizzy.

Raijin fought back a knowing smile looking at Satoru's expression, whereas his inner voice tinged with amusement. 'I'm one hundred and ten percent certain none of these contain lightning-style jutsu.'

The librarian, an elderly kunoichi with sharp eyes, provided them with access tokens bearing the academy's seal. "You have access to the general section," she explained, her voice soft and elderly. "That includes everything from basic shinobi guides to Konoha's history, plus the E-rank jutsu scrolls."

Her eyes narrowed slightly, making it clear that any attempt to access restricted sections would be... unwise.

"Let's look at rank-E jutsus." Satoru's enthusiasm bubbled over, his eyes lighting up like stars.

They made their way through the stacks, Satoru's fingers trailing across scroll after scroll, each title he read aloud more exciting than the last.

---
Rope Escapement Jutsu
Body Replacement Jutsu
Transformation Jutsu
Disguise Jutsu
Clone Jutsu
---

"I'd say Clone Jutsu is most fundamental for any shinobi," Raijin said watching Satoru struggle with the technical description before him.

It was clear from his friend's furrowed brow that the scroll's contents might as well have been written in another language—terms like chakra, chakra pathways, hand seals and their sequences, and the intricate interplay between physical and spiritual energy danced mockingly across each jutsu scroll, as foreign to Satoru as the distant stars.

The soft thud of Satoru's forehead meeting the wooden table echoed in their corner of the library. "What's the point of studying if I can't understand a single thing?" His voice carried the weight of early defeat, muffled against the desk.

Raijin reached past his dejected friend, his movements deliberate as he selected a different scroll from a pile of shelves. "Start with this one first. It covers the basics." His voice carried the quiet confidence.

"Huh... I just told you I don't understand—" Satoru lifted his head to protest.

"Academy students can take scrolls home to study," Raijin interrupted, his tone brooking no argument. "Fill out the form, and then we'll train until evening."

At the library, in the quiet expanse of the Query Section, Raijin patiently waited as Satoru completed the paperwork, his brow furrowed in confusion. "Still don't understand why I'm taking this scroll..." Satoru muttered, his pencil scratching erratically against the form.

Raijin let the silence linger for a moment before responding, "Trust me" he said. "By the time you're done in the academy, you'll understand exactly why you started with this scroll." The words hung in the air, heavy but with promise.

As they neared Raijin's home, the afternoon sun stretched long, casting shadows across Konoha's familiar streets. It was Satoru's first time visiting someone's home, and the streets seemed to hold a new and lively as he walked beside his friend.

 

[Zoaqx]

Chapter 26 – Satoru Trains

Satoru stood before Raijin's house, taking in every detail with reverence. Though Raijin's house was not extravagant, it carried quite a dignity.

A wooden fence embraced the property, weathered but well-maintained. Beyond it lay a carefully tended beautiful garden that spread before the main entrance. Herbs, flowers, and different ornamental plants swayed gently in the breeze.

The main door opened to a passage that flowed naturally into a spacious hall.

As they entered, Satoru's blue, emerald eyes danced across every surface.

Noticing his friend's wandering gaze, Raijin's voice cut through the silence, "Let's have some food first, shall we?"

"Umm… Okay," Satoru managed to reply, unable to tear his attention away from the extravagant, spacious hall. Something about the house felt welcoming, exciting, luxurious, lovely, and yet lonely. "Where are your parents?" he ventured.

Raijin's voice took on a solemn tone. "They completed their service to Konoha."

As usual, Satoru missed the essence of Raijin's words and continued his exploration. He roamed around the hall, wandering into every nearby room, drawn by curiosity. His attention was drawn to a door leading to what appeared to be a backyard. "May I open this door, Raijin?"

"Yes, yes…" Raijin's voice drifted from the kitchen. "I'm nearly ready to serve the food..."

Sliding the door open, Satoru discovered a training ground. He noticed some worn-out dummies, wooden boards scarred with sharp objects, worn-out ground, and some scorch marks here and there. Lamps were placed in four corners and hung from the pole like watchful guardians.

"Satoru, let's have some food first." Raijin's call pulled him back to the present.

As they settled at the dining table, Satoru couldn't contain his curiosity, "You live alone in this big house?"

Raijin's laugh carried a hint of both pride and melancholy. "Yes"

"Then, that yard must be your training ground."

"Yes, that is where I train," Raijin confirmed, placing a steaming plate before his friend, who was in the care of a host who rarely received visitors.

The afternoon sun stood at three when they finished eating. They both stood in the training ground. "Let's start with push-ups first," Raijin said, his tone to that of the scarred instructor of the entrance examination.

***

The days following his visit to Raijin's house were grueling for young Satoru.

His arms and legs were dotted with purple bruises around him, and his muscles ached with every small to large movement. Yet beneath the physical discomfort burned a determination that grew stronger.

After witnessing Raijin's training ground and harsh training, Satoru crafted his own harsh regimen, pushing himself beyond what he thought possible.

Raijin also proved to be an exacting mentor. He helped Satoru prepare for his physical conditioning training and Shurikenjutsu. He corrected Satoru's stance and grip until his arm felt like it would fall out from countless repetitions. Each stance and grip brought Satoru closer to perfection.

As the second week progressed, Satoru's body began to adapt to his harsh and grueling training. The purple bruises faded to yellowish marks, while his body adapted to the training with fluidity and confidence.

Or so Satoru thought.

During holidays, he would seek Raijin's guidance in Shurikenjutsu, and Academy classes became opportunities to pepper Raijin with questions about chakra theory.

The fourth week marked a significant milestone in Satoru's training. Raijin introduced him to the fundamental concepts of Chakra and made him read and learn about the basics of Chakra.

By the fifth week, Satoru had gained almost all the knowledge related to chakra, that an academy student must know. But he hadn't had a chance to practice jutsus or even feel chakra.

…

Today, he would practice sensing and controlling the chakra within his body. He woke early in the morning, brimming with anticipation for the discoveries ahead. After freshening up, he returned to his bed.

As Satoru settled into his room's bed, he reached for the library book that Raijin had insisted, rather forcefully, that he borrow. He rummaged through the book.

The pages rustled as he flipped through them, finally stopping at the chapter on Leaf Concentration, a fundamental chakra control exercise.

Thanks to Raijin's relentless drilling on chakra fundamentals—and even some advanced concepts—the theoretical content was no longer as daunting as it once had been. Where he had once struggled to grasp even the most basic principles, the words now flowed naturally into his understanding.

After completing the theoretical reading, Satoru ventured into the forest near his home.

The morning air was crisp, and dew was still visible on the plants. He carefully selected leaves of varying sizes and textures.

Back in his room, he arranged them meticulously on his wooden table, creating a small green arsenal for his training.

Settling into a cross-legged position on his bed, Satoru picked a particularly vibrant leaf, its surface still wet with morning dew. He placed it against his forehead with careful precision only to watch it flutter helplessly down to his lap.

Frustration bubbled up inside him as attempt after attempt yielded the same result. Fifteen minutes passed, marked only by the steady rhythm of falling leaves.

He closed his eyes in concentration, trying to sense the chakra within him. Satoru sought what his class teacher; Kaiyo-sensei, had described as the mysterious energy that flows through all living beings.

As he concentrated his awareness inward, he discovered it–a subtle warmth coursing through his body like an intricate network of gentle streams.

The sensation was paradoxical: simultaneously foreign and intimately familiar, as if he'd discovered a part of himself he'd always known existed but never truly noticed.

The book's instructions seemed simple enough—direct chakra to the forehead. Raijin's instruction had prepared him for the concept of chakra as a warm, living energy, but directing it to a specific point seemed more difficult than it sounds. He muttered, "What appeared straightforward in theory is maddeningly complex in practice."

Each attempt brought his increased focus, his brow still furrowed with concentration even after ten more attempts.

The chakra was there, he could feel it, but directing chakra felt like trying to grasp water with chopsticks. Sweat began to bead on his temple, both from the physical strain of maintaining a still position and the mental exertion of trying to control this elusive energy.

After what felt like the hundredth attempt, he paused to wipe the sweat from his brow.

With each try, he had become more aware of how chakra moves within him, but still trying to catch mist with his bare hands, it slipped away as soon as he tried to grasp it.

Then, in a moment of frustrated clarity, Satoru's mind clicked on a different approach.

Instead of forcing the chakra, to bend it to his will, he tried to feel its natural flow. There was an inherent rhythm to it. He realized the rhythm was like the beating of a heart or the flow of rivers.

He placed another leaf against his forehead, but this time, rather than pushing his chakra, he tried to guide it. He imagined it like a small stream being gently directed rather than a forced burst of energy.

The change was subtle but immediate. A warmth bloomed at his forehead, and for the first time, the leaf held.

The feeling was incredible – a warm, tingling sensation at his forehead where the chakra connects with the leaf. It was like having a small, warm fingertip pressing gently against his skin, but from the inside out.

Maintaining the connection required constant concentration. Too much chakra and he felt it might blow the leaf away, too little and it would fall.

He kept the leaf in place, marveling at this significant achievement. This discovery opened his understanding. Each successful attempt taught him something new about the nature of chakra—how it responded to intention, how it flowed more naturally when guided rather than forced.

Now, even his failures have become valuable lessons, showing him the fine line between control and excess.

After holding it for several seconds the strain began to build. His forehead muscles felt tight, and he could feel his chakra diminishing, getting weaker, like something was lost.

However, with each subsequent attempt, he found his 'sweet spot' faster. Maintaining it still required intense concentration.

As the morning wore on, Satoru began to experiment. He tested different amounts of chakra, observed how the leaf responded to subtle changes in his focus, and learned to recognize the warning signs of over- and under-exertion. Sometimes the leaf would shoot off his forehead like it had been launched from a tiny catapult; other times, it would slowly peel away as his concentration wavered.

"This must be what Raijin meant by chakra control being the foundation of all jutsu."

Finally, exhausted from the constant chakra manipulation, Satoru ended his practice. His body was drenched in sweat, and his chakra reserves felt depleted.

As he cleaned up the scattered leaves and prepared for a well-earned meal and bath, he reflected on his progress with quiet satisfaction.

The following weeks saw Satoru dedicating countless hours to perfecting the leaf concentration exercise. During one of his conversations with Raijin, his friend emphasized the critical importance of this seemingly simple practice, explaining that proper chakra control is the foundation of all advanced ninja techniques.

Despite the demanding schedule of Academy studies and his personal training regimen, supplemented by Raijin's guidance during holidays, Satoru's growth was steady and remarkable. Over two months, he developed physically and mentally, showing impressive progress for a six-year-old.

While certain Academy subjects still posed challenges, he had managed to grasp the essential first-year concepts with remarkable thoroughness.

Satoru's gift wasn't in quick learning but in his unwavering persistence.

Three months into his training, while deeply immersed in his studies of jutsus and chakra manipulation, Satoru's curiosity got the better of him. "Can you perform jutsus, Raijin?" he asked, his eyes bright with interest.

"Yes," Raijin replied with a slight smile, "I can perform some E-rank jutsus and one D-rank."

The response sent Satoru into an excited frenzy. He bounced on his feet, barely able to contain his enthusiasm. "When did you learn? What do you know? Please, show me one!"

Raijin's eyes twinkled with amusement. "I will, but you must promise not to tell anyone about this."

"I promise! I promise!" Satoru could barely stand still, his whole body thrumming with anticipation.

Raijin chuckled at his friend's enthusiasm before forming the necessary hand signs and performing a clone jutsu. In an instant, an identical copy materialized beside him, perfect in every detail. Satoru approached the clone with wide-eyed wonder, his hand reaching out slowly.

As his fingers brushed against it, the illusion dispersed.

"When will I be able to do that?" Satoru asked, his voice filled with equal parts awe and determination.

"When you can sustain the leaf concentration practice for 3 hours," Raijin replied matter-of-factly.

Satoru's face contorted into a frustrated scowl. "Three whole hours?... I'm able to sustain for merely 5 minutes."

Raijin didn't respond to Satoru's request for comment, rather he smiled.

***

 

[Zoaqx]

Chapter 27 – Bunk!?

Four months into the academy, Raijin still hadn't learned Shadow Clone Jutsu from the promised Elders.

Haruko hadn't visited him since the month before he started at the academy. Although Elder Sohei had promised to teach him the technique, the promise remained unfulfilled. During breaks from training, Raijin tirelessly searched for Haruko or Sohei, but no matter where he looked, they were nowhere to be found.

'Are they occupied with some tasks? I don't think Elder Sohei would resort to something as underhanded as breaking a promise.'

When Raijin returned home, he practiced the Body Flicker technique until he collapsed from exhaustion. He had been working on the technique since the start of the academy, but the D-rank jutsu remained frustratingly difficult. It still required hand signs and that maddening five-second delay, which felt like an eternity.

Once he finished practicing Body Flicker, Raijin moved on to his electrical exposure training. This method of exposing his body to controlled electricity helped improve both his lightning control and his lightning release as usual. Despite his limited free time since starting at the academy, he never discontinued his electrical setup, maintaining a gradual voltage increase as part of his routine.

He hadn't increased the voltage of the electricity but rather extended the duration of his exposure.

Electrical signals can disrupt nerves, muscles, and other tissues, causing pain, unconsciousness, or even death if the body cannot handle the shock. Raijin understood this all too well; he had experienced it beforehand.

His taijutsu had leaped bounds when incorporated with lightning chakra. The combination made him faster and greatly increased his strength. His cells and tissues could now withstand small lightning discharges, making even his kicks, punches, or slight pushes extraordinarily powerful. But now that he could briefly incorporate lightning into his taijutsu, Raijin had set his sights on a different goal.

The primary purpose of his electrical exposure now was to enhance his nervous system for faster neuron activation. While the idea was far-fetched and verged on the impossible, in the world of chakra and its unique laws, it seemed theoretically achievable.

If Raijin could develop the ability to send stimuli directly from neurons to his brain with lightning-enhanced speed, he might unlock a method to defend against Genjutsus. Such an advancement would be groundbreaking. However, this training would require a Shadow Clone for safety precautions for increasing voltage in electrical exposure.

Neurons conduct electrical impulses through Action Potentials. These impulses allow neurons to send and receive signals throughout the body in both physical and electrical forms. Each neuron in the brain has a long cable-like axon that extends away from the main part of the cell. Thousands of tiny neurons run through these axons, which serve as the brain's transmission cables for electrical impulses.

A Genjutsu is created when a ninja controls the chakra flow through their target's cranial nerves, affecting and disrupting their five senses. This technique is often used to generate false images or trick the body into experiencing sensations such as pain.

Lightning Release can counter this by sending a controlled shock through the nervous system, forcing the brain to reset and break the illusion's hold on perception. The electrical impulse directly stimulates the neurons, overriding the Genjutsu's interference with their natural action potentials.

By activating the neurons in the brain and simulating normal action potentials, the false signals caused by the Genjutsu can be disrupted. This process effectively "overloads" the illusion with reality, returning the brain to its normal state. Achieving this level of precision was Raijin's long-term goal for his electrical exposure training.

However, without mastering the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Raijin had to pause this aspect of his training. The lack of a clone to ensure safety made it too risky to experiment with excessively high voltages.

…

"Let's skip class this week," Satoru said in a hushed voice, glancing around to ensure no one else could hear except Raijin and Yuuto.

Students from Class 1-A were making their way to the training ground, where today's lesson focused on shurikenjutsu. While not solely a training session, their instructor, Kaiyo, allowed them to handle kunai and practice throwing at wooden targets.

"Everyone, let's learn about Shurikenjutsu …." Kaiyo announced, his voice commanding attention.

The students watched attentively as Kaiyo demonstrated various techniques explaining the importance of stance, grip pressure, and the kunai's release. His movements were fluid and precise, and when his kunai struck the target's center with ease, a collective gasp arose from the young audience. After his lecture and demonstration, the students were visibly eager to begin their own practice.

Lining up with varying degrees of confidence, the students clutched their practice kunai as they awaited their turn. Kaiyo observed them carefully, corrected their stances, and offered tips so that they could improve.

When Satoru stepped up, his months of secret training became evident. His stance was steady, and his form precise. As he released the kunai, it flew true, landing close to the center of the target. Kaiyo's approving nod didn't go unnoticed.

Next came the children from prominent clans, their inherited skills shining through as they executed their throws with practiced ease, impressing both their peers and Kaiyo.

Kaiyo observed his students with a mixture of pride and curiosity. 'No prodigy like last year's Itachi Uchiha,' he mused, 'but this batch has promise.' His gaze lingered on Satoru, impressed by how the orphaned boy had managed to match the performance of children from established ninja clans.

For Satoru, his success in shurikenjutsu was the validation of four months of relentless training, finally placing him on par with his more privileged peers. Yet, as he watched Raijin's effortless precision, doubt crept in. 'Could any other students replicate Raijin's Clone Jutsu?' Satoru doubted it.

He knew Raijin wouldn't show his full capability until asked. Satoru thought, 'Raijin must be my goal for now.'

As the practical session concluded, Kaiyo collected the students to prepare for their afternoon classes. He announced the next subjects: Science and Geography. The shift in topics brought a noticeable change in Satoru's mood.

Geography had become one of Satoru's strong suits. His knowledge of the elemental nations and their territories improved steadily.

Science, however, continued to be a stumbling block; its abstract theories clashed with his practical approach to learning.

History, though, was bearable. Tales of the First Hokage's valor and Konoha's legendary ninjas stirred his ambitions, fueling his dreams of becoming a great ninja himself.

After classes ended, Satoru caught up with his friends. "Did you both think about it?" he asked, referring to his earlier suggestion about skipping class.

"Um… What if we get caught?" Yuuto Aburame, ever cautious, voiced his concern. It was visible that he was hesitant even behind his dark glasses. Raijin, standing beside them, maintained a thoughtful silence.

"We won't get caught", Satoru assured them with confidence. "We would go towards the forest to train. No one would suspect us of skipping classes just to train more."

"Train?" Raijin raised his eyebrow in surprise, a hint of amusement in his voice.

Yuuto Aburame widens his eyes in disbelief, "So, you want to skip classes just to train?"

"Yes, we would spar with each other. I heard from a senior that sparring helps develop our abilities and increases our strength faster than regular training."

Raijin had a bitter smile as he recalled his past experiences with skipping classes. Those times had been spent either partying or watching movies. While the mass bunks would make teachers suspicious, he and his two friends had often sneaked away to visit new places and relax. This peculiar motivation to skip classes purely to train seemed almost absurd. 'Must be a consequence of living in a world dominated by ninjas,' He mused to himself.

Unbeknownst to the trio, Kaiyo had overheard their entire conversation. He wouldn't have resorted to eavesdropping had he caught Satoru's mention of skipping class. Intrigued by their boldness, Kaiyo's curiosity got the better of him. Rather than confronting them directly, he stealthily lingered nearby to learn more about their plan.

The next day, under Satoru's enthusiastic leadership, Raijin and Yuuto followed him into the forest. Raijin, having frequently visited the forest in the past, felt at ease among the towering trees. He recalled hauling logs as part of his physical training and climbing cliffs to learn to balance his body.

As they reached the forest, Satoru's attention was drawn to a river flowing south from the Konoha village. His face lit up with a mischievous grin as he turned to Yuuto. "See? This is why I brought the fishing rod and some bait," he said, holding up his supplies triumphantly.

"Cool…" Yuuto murmured, his tone laced with wonder and a little bit of excitement. He had never ventured into the forest near the village before. Constantly under the surveillance of his parents, his life had been devoid of the freedom to explore or try anything adventurous.

His parents' overprotection had ensured he avoided mistakes but left him emotionally stifled. This lack of independence was why he felt no pride in his Aburame lineage, seeing it as more of a burden than a legacy.

The trio began fishing, with Satoru catching half of their haul. However, when it came time to clean the fish, he faltered, clueless about the process. Raijin stepped in, deftly cleaning all the fish they'd caught and even teaching the others how to scale and gut them. Both Yuuto and Satoru tried their hands at cleaning one fish each but ended up making such a mess that Raijin politely asked them to leave.

After enjoying their freshly cooked fish early in the morning, they ventured deeper into the forest. By the time the sun stood high above the horizon, they found a sprawling tree whose shade stretched for several yards.

It was there that they decided to spar.

During their sparring session, Raijin's dominance became evident. His superior skills left Satoru and Yuuto completely overwhelmed. With neither of them knowing any jutsu, they relied solely on taijutsu, only to find themselves repeatedly clobbered. Yuuto, still unable to properly control his insects with chakra, struggled to keep up. Meanwhile, Satoru, with no jutsu to assist him, found himself thoroughly outclassed in every exchange with Raijin.

Yuuto, frustrated by his inability to match Raijin in taijutsu, struggled to accept his shortcomings. Meanwhile, Satoru's determination burned brighter with each defeat. His resolve to train harder and study more grew evident in his focused gaze. Even when they joined forces to take on Raijin, their combined efforts fell short.

Raijin fought the bare minimum while trying not to crush their confidence completely. He made a few mistakes here and there, hoping the duo would catch him, but they weren't that skilled to attack the weakness yet.

Raijin, however, fought with deliberate restraint. He kept his movements minimal, ensuring he didn't completely shatter their confidence. Intentionally making small, exploitable mistakes, he hoped the duo would catch on and capitalize, but they either failed to recognize or swiftly react to those openings.

From a concealed vantage point, Kaiyo's clone observed the trio with growing intrigue.

Raijin's prowess was impossible to ignore. While Satoru's progress was commendable and Yuuto performed as expected, it was Raijin's skill set that truly captured Kaiyo's attention.

The clone noticed Raijin's calculated approach, focusing his strikes on disrupting his opponents' movements rather than inflicting any real harm. His deliberate restraint and effortless composure, even after eight consecutive spars, painted a picture of an unusually capable young ninja.

"Not even breaking a sweat after the sixth sparring match. Truly remarkable," the clone mused.

The training session primarily revolved around taijutsu, supplemented occasionally by wooden kunai. Raijin utilized the kunai sparingly, relying almost entirely on hand-to-hand combat. Notably, he refrained from incorporating lightning jutsus. It was rather challenging for him to avoid exploiting their weakness unconsciously.

By three o'clock, the trio began their descent from the forest, casually making their way home maintaining an air of normalcy.

Meanwhile, Kaiyo's clone, having witnessed the entirety of their session, quietly dispelled itself. The memories of the day's events flooded back to the original.

***