章 6: Chapter V
Without any guidance, I aimlessly wander alongside the riverbank, feeling unmotivated to continue my studies at the moment.
I wish I had enough chakra to perform Kage Bunshin in order to multi-task. It seems so simple to figure out to split and distribute your chakra evenly, but every time I've attempted it, I've ended up exhausted and fainting.
It's frustrating to think that hard work alone cannot overcome my limitations. Increasing my chakra reserves takes time and practice, and I find myself growing impatient with the process. Furthermore, I know that eventually, my body will reach its peak, and then there will be only one way to go – downhill.
But my thoughts are interrupted by a familiar sound – the sizzling of flames and the unmistakable smell of burning. It must be one of the many ninja training grounds nearby. I wonder who's practicing there now.
Wanting to remain unnoticed, I silently snuck around the perimeter of the training ground, using the surrounding shrubs as cover.
From a distance, I saw someone performing hand seals near the river's edge. Judging from the symbol on the back of his shirt, I could tell he was an Uchiha. However, I couldn't identify him as Itachi, since his hair was styled differently than Itachi's long ponytail.
Even if I wasn't interested in the Uchiha's identity, I couldn't help but be captivated by the repeated hand seals he was performing, which resulted in columns of fire erupting from his mouth.
Although the Uchiha clan had their own compound and exclusive training ground, I wasn't going to waste the opportunity by asking questions. Instead, I intended to make the most of it and learn as much as possible. I swiftly grabbed my notebook and started jotting down every movement he made during his practice.
Unfortunately, I was unable to determine the chakra movement or ratios he was using which is a pity, I eagerly recorded every other detail in my notebook, from the twitching of his throat muscles to the positioning of his hands.
I acknowledged that such a rare opportunity to learn from an Uchiha wouldn't come by often, and I was determined to take full advantage of it.
After I had seen enough, I quietly slipped away, trying not to attract any attention. I don't want to entangle myself much with the Uchiha not because of their tragic fate but their holier-than-thou attitude which sounds like a pain to deal with.
Maybe I'm just prejudiced. I wonder.
As I made my way towards the bridge that led back to the village, I ran into Itachi. We exchanged a brief nod and went our separate ways, but I couldn't find the right words to say to him, and I didn't think changing some stranger's fate is worth the effort. Not with my current situation but that sounded like an excuse which is half true.
I wasn't afraid of death, but that didn't mean I would just accept it and bleed out. Let the prophesied child handle the heavy lifting. Just because I was reincarnated didn't mean I was obligated to fix everything.
I'm not a chosen one.
Is what I'm trying to think.
.
I scratched my head to the man in front of me. I don't think my brain has the proper capacity to process this.
At the very least, I can formulate some words and let them articulate slowly out of my mouth.
"A playmate?" I repeated, still unable to believe what I was hearing. I fully swear on Gautama Buddha that sentence is should be at least 20 words long.
The man nodded, tapping me on the shoulder. "That's right. My daughter needs a playmate, and you seem to be the only one in our class who's not particularly social. Social skills are important for a ninja, after all."
I nervously countered his argument. "What about Itachi?" I pointed to the brooding genius who always sits in the corner.
The man shook his head. "Itachi is a special case, Nobuyuki-kun. You know that. Besides, you could use some practice in socializing."
I sighed inwardly, knowing that he had a point. Itachi was clearly a prodigy, and it was unlikely that he would have much time for playmates anyway. They have probably prepared him for the accelerated class program, but while I'm confident to do so too I'm not really enthused about losing my second childhood period.
As for me, I had always struggled with making friends, and Kato-sensei seemed to have picked up on that. It's a first time I have a teacher like Kato-sensei, I've come to understand he genuinely cares about his student and his passion in teaching.
I looked over at the little girl who was to be my playmate. She was younger than me, but her eyes were shining with excitement. I couldn't help feeling a little nervous at the prospect of spending time with her, but I didn't want to disappoint Kato-sensei.
Not when he was this earnest. The virtues must be inherited to his daughter. Maybe I was just exaggerating.
"Don't complain to me if I steal your daughter," I muttered half-jokingly.
Kato-sensei just laughed. "In your dreams, kid. My daughter has already promised to marry her lovely papa in the future!"
He's one of those types, huh. I don't think I could talk him out of this so I relent to my fate and decide to roll over. This is not a hill worth dying for.
The girl probably would lose interest with me in no time.
What was my salesman introduction line again?
"I- Hello," I stuttered over the first word. Nice job, Nobuyuki. "I'm Nobuyuki…"
"You're making funny face, Onii-chan," she laughed at me, "It's Izuna you know. Izuna will be the best ninja in the elemental universe. This is Izuna path to Ninja!".
I don't think it's called "elemental universe" but "elemental nations". I wish to correct her but my mind was glued to one word.
The little girl in front of me had just called me "Onii-chan", a term typically reserved for older brothers. I had no siblings, so it was definitely a first for me. And then there was her comment about my "funny face". Was I really making a face? I hadn't even noticed.
"Mhmm," she nodded, a smile still on her face. "Onii-chan is so silly."
I couldn't help but feel a bit flustered at her words. I wasn't used to being around kids, especially not ones as bright and bubbly as Izuna. I struggled to find my words, feeling a bit self-conscious about my awkwardness.
"Uh, sorry about that," I muttered, rubbing the back of my neck. "I'm not very good with kids."
Izuna's smile didn't falter. "That's okay, Derpy Onii-chan. Izuna will teach you how to be a good ninja and a good playmate."
I couldn't help but chuckle at her determination. Despite my reservations, I found myself feeling a bit charmed by her enthusiasm. Maybe this wouldn't be so bad after all.
"Alright then," I said, a small smile tugging at the corner of my lips. "I look forward to it, Izuna."
Izuna took a few steps back and began to perform some hand seals. "Derpy Onii-chan, let's play ninja! You're the lord and I'm your faithful ninja servant." She announced as she finished the seals, her eyes sparkling with excitement.
I was hesitant at first, but something about the way she looked at me made me feel like I couldn't say no. "Okay, let's do it," I said, trying to sound more confident than I felt.
Izuna jumped up and down, clapping her hands. "Yay! I'll protect you with my life, Milord!" she declared dramatically, putting her hands on her hips.
I couldn't help but chuckle at her enthusiasm. "Thank you, Izuna. I feel safe with you by my side," I replied, playing along.
We spent the next hour playing make-believe, with Izuna leading the charge and me following along as her lord. She came up with all sorts of scenarios, from protecting me from enemy ninjas to rescuing me from a burning building. It was silly and childish, but I couldn't deny that I was having fun.
As we played, I couldn't help but feel a sense of warmth and comfort in Izuna's presence. She was so full of life and energy, it was contagious. Maybe this was what it was like to have a little sister.
Eventually, the sun began to set and we decided to call it a day. "That was fun, Izuna. We should do it again sometime," I said as we walked back towards the village.
Izuna grinned from ear to ear. "Yes, let's! I'll come up with even more scenarios for us to play out," she exclaimed, her energy seemingly boundless. Then she added, "And look at you, Derpy Onii-chan! You're not stuttering anymore. That's all thanks to my ninja technique - the 'no-derpy-onii-chan secret technique'!" She cheered and pumped her fist in the air.
I couldn't help but feel a little embarrassed at being called 'derpy', but I knew Izuna meant well. Maybe there was some truth to her words - perhaps I could overcome my speech impediment after all. I need to ponder over this. I was grateful to Izuna who had pointed it out.
As we walked, I noticed Izuna looking up at me with admiration in her eyes. I didn't want to let her down, so I suggested teaching her a secret technique. For a moment, I hesitated, knowing that it could get me into trouble with her father, but her enthusiasm was contagious.
Izuna beamed at me, "Really? You'll teach me? But Papa will be angry if he finds out." She shook her head and then grinned mischievously, "But I won't tell him. From now on, I'll call you 'Milord' if you promised to teach me, Derpy Onii-chan!"
I couldn't help but feel a surge of motivation at the thought of being called 'milord' instead of 'derpy'. It was a small victory, but it meant a lot to me. As we reached the Konoha ninja district, we parted ways - Izuna's house was further into the village, while my apartment was on the outskirts.
Once I was alone in my room, I couldn't help but cringe at myself for being swayed by a little girl's enthusiasm for no less than a half day.
I have no integrity as a character.
週次パワーステータス
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