[Chapter Size: 1500 Words.]
Third Person POV
Training Camp, Konoha, Year 32.
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Minato finally arrived at the location he had chosen for his training in recent days, an isolated and quiet area, perfect for concentration and the development of his skills without anyone interfering, at least he didn't even notice an Anbu in the area. With a wooden kunai in hand, he headed to the nearby river. This kunai, despite not being made of metal, was an instrument he had been practicing throws and maneuvers with, and its tip was still sharp enough to be effective in fishing.
Arriving at the river, Minato assumed a focused and balanced posture. He patiently observed the water, looking for signs of movement. After several frustrated attempts, adjusting his technique with each mistake, he finally managed to catch a fish manually. It was a moment of modest triumph, but significant, demonstrating his growing skill and patience with the blade.
With the fish in hand, Minato quickly prepared a small fire on the bank. He cleaned and roasted the fish with his experience from a past life, creating a simple but nutritious lunch. While eating, his thoughts were focused on the training ahead. 'I have the rest of the afternoon to train. I'll try to develop my Haki and my ability with the fruit,' he thought, referring to his ambitious goal of mastering skills that would make him formidable for the future.
Finishing his lunch, Minato prepared for the next phase of his training. He placed a leaf on his forehead, a traditional chakra control training method that required him to keep the leaf attached to his forehead using only his chakra. To increase the difficulty and effectiveness of the training, he blindfolded himself. This would not only force him to rely on his other senses but was also preparation for his Observation Haki training.
With his eyes blindfolded, Minato began to move through the forest, trying to dodge trees and natural obstacles as on the previous day. He knew this would be a challenging task, requiring full focus and deep attunement with his environment. At the same time, he tried to manifest his body of light, an ability of his fruit that, if mastered, would allow him to avoid damage and move at incredible speeds. It was a challenging and exhausting 3-in-1 training, but Minato was determined.
With every step Minato took, every collision with the trees and natural obstacles of the forest, he absorbed a lesson. The sounds of the forest became a sonic map, each bird singing, each branch cracking under his feet, provided information about his surroundings. The smell of damp earth, the aroma of leaves and wood, all filled his senses, keeping him grounded in the present moment. The wind caressed his skin, a gentle caress that brought with it the direction and speed of potential obstacles. He used these natural clues to orient himself in his blind run.
"OUCH!" He couldn't help but groan as he hit his forehead on a tree, but he quickly got up and continued his training.
Once again he hit another tree, his leaf was placed back on his forehead, even without hitting, he could still feel the leaf struggling to remain on the skin. Each time the leaf threatened to fall, he adjusted his focus, channeling a precise amount of chakra to keep it attached. It was a delicate balance between keeping divided attention and yet being fully focused on each aspect of his training.
Above all, Minato sought that deep and intuitive feeling, the premonition that preceded danger, the key to his Observation Haki. He knew that this ability was more than just a heightened sense; it was an almost supernatural perception of the world around him. Each time he hit a tree or stumbled, he came a little closer to activating this latent ability, learning to feel the world in a way his blindfolded eyes could not see, even if it was a skill that would take up to a year to awaken, he would still continue.
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This intensive training was not just physical; it was a test of his will, patience, and perseverance. Each bruise, each scratch, were marks of his progress, symbols of his unwavering determination. He knew that the path to becoming the ninja he aspired to be was fraught with challenges, but each step, each fall, each success, brought him closer to his goal.
After three hours immersed in this rigorous regime, his body was covered in bruises and scratches. Recognizing the need to shift focus, Minato decided to continue his training with kunais. Despite the fatigue, he knew he needed to hone his throwing skills and precision. Picking up his wooden kunais, he began to practice his throws, aiming at specific targets he had marked on the trees. With each throw, he adjusted his aim, his strength, and his chakra control, refining his technique with each kunai he threw.
As the sun began to set, casting long shadows through the forest, Minato continued, tireless in his quest to achieve the extraordinary and refine his skills.
Minato returned to the orphanage in the late afternoon, walking through the village streets in a visibly worn state, similar to the last time he had undergone similar training. His clothes were dirty and crumpled, and small cuts and bruises adorned his skin like the last time. Despite this, there was a glow of determination in his eyes, a clear sign that he did not regret the effort expended, as he walked through the streets of Konoha and people wondered if the boy had been attacked again.
Madame Gorete, the person in charge of the orphanage, was waiting for him as expected, as if she already knew about Minato's training escapades. With her arms crossed and a reproachful but concerned look, she watched him approach. "So you were training again? I hope you've eaten," she said, her tone was stern, but there was a hint of affection in her words.
"I was training, yes, I need to get stronger," Minato replied, his voice carrying a tone of apology. He knew that Madame Gorete was concerned about his health and well-being, but he also understood that his training was essential for his future goals.
"As long as you are well-fed, it's fine. It looks like tomorrow you will start full-time classes, so I doubt you can do these trainings again," she commented, a gentle reminder that Minato's life would soon become more complicated with the increase in school responsibilities.
Minato nodded. He knew that his days of free training were about to become rarer, and he would need to adjust his routine to balance school and personal development.
Ignoring the other boys who were excitedly talking about their own training and the first day of school, Minato headed directly to his space. He was physically and mentally exhausted, and he knew that the only thing that could really help him now was a good rest.
Lying in his modest bed, Minato closed his eyes. The next day, with the sun still shy in the sky, Minato walked towards the academy for another day of classes. Upon arriving at the entrance, he met Tsuna, waiting for him with her arms crossed and an expression that left no doubt she had something to say.
"Hello, Tsuna..." Minato greeted, trying to keep the tone light.
"Did you run away from me yesterday?" She interrogated him, an eyebrow arched in suspicion.
"I don't know what you're talking about, I just went to train," he replied, maintaining a small smile, trying to steer away from the subject.
"Minato, if I find out you're running away from me, I'll catch you! I won't allow that girl to mock me if boys are running away from me..." Tsuna said, frustration coloring her words, and the pout on her face revealed more than she would have liked.
"What did you say?" Minato raised an eyebrow, surprised by her admission without understanding what she meant by that.
"It's nothing! Now let's go to class, we can't be late, can we?" She quickly changed the subject, grabbing him by the arm resolutely.
"Wait, I know how to go to class by myself..." He protested, but received only an intense look from the girl, who clearly was not willing to let him escape again. With little room to argue, he let himself be led by her to the classroom.
As they walked, Minato couldn't help but think about the dynamic unfolding. 'This year is going to be quite intense...' he murmured to himself, half resigned, half amused by the situation. The blonde Senju by his side was a force to be reckoned with, and he knew that his interactions with her and the other students would bring challenges and, possibly, unexpected opportunities. The path ahead was uncertain, but Minato was ready to face whatever came, inside and outside the classroom.
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