Chương 35: Learning the Basics of Ninja Tools
The sun cast a warm glow over the Academy training grounds as the students gathered for a lesson in basic ninja tools. Today's focus was on shuriken throwing, a skill that separated skilled shinobi from amateurs. Haruto stood with his classmates, quietly observing as their teacher, Rika-sensei, prepared the target boards. The cold steel of the shuriken felt unfamiliar in his hand, but he knew this was a vital skill for any ninja.
"Shuriken aren't about brute strength," Rika-sensei said, her voice calm but firm. "It's about precision and control."
Haruto glanced at the targets ahead, feeling the weight of the shuriken in his hand. Though he hadn't spent much time practicing with these tools, something about the process felt oddly natural. He wasn't sure if it was due to the system's cognitive enhancements or his refined control, but he sensed this wouldn't be as challenging as he'd expected.
The Best in the Class
As the students took turns throwing, it quickly became apparent who the standouts were. Kakashi, as always, stood at the top. His shuriken flew from his hands with flawless precision, each one hitting the center of the target without a hint of effort. It wasn't just skill—it was instinctual. He barely reacted to his own success, his face a mask of calm as if this level of performance was expected.
Asuma Sarutobi followed closely behind, his throws steady and controlled. While not as effortlessly perfect as Kakashi's, Asuma's technique was polished. He hit near the bullseye with every throw, his focus intense yet casual, like he was more interested in the act of refining his skill than proving himself better than anyone else.
Then there was Obito, declaring, "I'll beat you this time, Kakashi!" His determination was fierce, but his performance was less than stellar. His throws were enthusiastic but inconsistent, often missing the mark or barely sticking to the edge of the target. Still, Obito's spirit remained unshaken, his eyes occasionally flicking toward Rin, who, like many others, was captivated by Kakashi's effortless display.
Haruto couldn't help but smile as he observed the dynamic. Obito's fiery determination, Asuma's quiet confidence, and Kakashi's natural genius—each student reflected their future selves in subtle ways.
Haruto's Turn
When it was Haruto's turn, he stepped forward without much expectation. He hadn't prioritized shuriken training outside of class, focusing instead on other aspects of his growth. Still, the weight of the shuriken in his hand felt balanced, almost as if his body instinctively knew what to do.
With a smooth motion, Haruto flicked his wrist and released the first shuriken. It sailed through the air and embedded itself near the center of the target—not perfect, but close. He threw again, and the second shuriken hit just a bit off from the first, but still in a respectable spot.
He continued, each throw feeling more natural than the last. Middle of the pack, he thought. But for someone who hadn't practiced this much, that was fine. The skill came to him more easily than he'd anticipated, and he suspected it had something to do with his system's enhanced control and cognitive sharpness. His coordination was improving, not just in chakra manipulation but in physical actions as well.
Rika-sensei walked past and gave him a nod. "Good control, Haruto. You've got potential with this."
Haruto returned the nod, but his mind was already processing what he'd learned. He wasn't at Kakashi or Asuma's level—yet—but for someone with limited practice, he was doing well. The system had given him a subtle edge, one that extended beyond just jutsu. It seemed his enhanced abilities were making even tasks like shuriken throwing feel natural.
Observing the Competition
As Haruto stepped back to watch the rest of the class, he continued to take mental notes. Kakashi remained untouchable, his throws swift and precise, while Asuma calmly hit near the bullseye with each attempt. Neither of them seemed particularly invested in outperforming the other; it was clear both were comfortable in their own abilities.
Obito, on the other hand, was visibly frustrated. His throws, while full of effort, lacked the refinement that Kakashi and Asuma displayed. Every near miss only spurred him on, his frustration growing as Rin's attention remained locked on Kakashi's flawless technique. Haruto could almost feel the tension radiating from Obito, who was determined to prove himself yet again.
Despite the challenges, Obito's spirit never wavered. He continued to declare each throw as part of his progress, convinced that his perseverance would eventually pay off. And perhaps, in time, it would. But for now, Haruto couldn't help but admire the sheer determination of his classmate, even as he struggled.
A Natural Instinct
As the practice session drew to a close, Haruto reflected on his own performance. He wasn't at the top, but that didn't bother him. The day's lesson had revealed something important: the system's enhancements weren't limited to his cognitive abilities or chakra control. His coordination with physical tools—things he hadn't even focused on—was naturally improving as well.
While Kakashi and Asuma were ahead, Haruto's progress was solid, especially given the little effort he had put into shuriken training before today. With a bit more practice, he could easily improve his accuracy and control.
But Haruto wasn't one to rush. He preferred to progress steadily, keeping his true potential in check until it was needed. The system was giving him tools to grow at his own pace, and he knew that mastering both the basics and the subtleties of being a shinobi would pay off in the long run.
As Rika-sensei dismissed the class, Haruto glanced down at the shuriken in his hand one last time. For now, he'd keep refining this skill, just like every other. But he knew that in time, even something as simple as shuriken throwing would become second nature, just as everything else had.
With a quiet nod to himself, Haruto packed up his tools and headed off the training grounds, already thinking about how he would incorporate today's lesson into his growing arsenal of abilities.
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