It has been a few days since my birthday, and now I am in my room going through the various basic clan exercises. I have memorised almost all the basic clan techniques that are given to me at this stage. It is nothing battle-oriented, as it would require me to first open my Byakugan, and then I would be eligible to learn Battle techniques of the Hyuga Clan.
I am mainly comprehending the auxiliary exercises. It seems wasteful by nature, but this exercise consists of many auxiliary techniques that are useful for survivability in the outside world. It contains information on first aid, medical situations, techniques to poison and detoxify yourself, navigation, and much more. I think to assimilate this knowledge, it will take me at least a few months. But after then, I will be able to survive in the wild.
I also want to learn about subjects such as illusion and seals, but it seems that I will have to at least open my Byakugan to get those techniques. Well, fair enough, as I am quite full with my own training and different knowledge to assimilate, and I do not have enough energy to learn them. But in the future, I will make sure to learn all this knowledge.
Adi, Come and take your brother to the walk," My mother said.
Coming, Maa," I replied. During these few days, my favourite task is going out with my brother. My time with my brother is very enjoyable for me.
Here, take care of Aashi and go out with him, and remember to make some friends." My mother asked. "I hope he can make some friends with the affluent of his brother, as he seems to be much more serious in his training and not spending much time with the people of his own age groups, "my mother thought.
Yes, ma'am," I replied, clearly enjoying the touch of my brother.
After taking my brother out of the baby's cradle and putting him behind my back, I got out of the house and started walking on the road, seeing the sun, which was casting a warm glow on everything and everyone, providing us with light and heat, casting a warm glow on everything around us.
Aashi, my little brother, was full of energy and excitement, his eyes moving around here and there, trying to make out things around him. He is very curious and often moves his head to observe more and make heads and tails out of it. It's been a year and a few months since my brother was born, and he has not shown any reincarnate characteristics, so I am assured that I do not have to fight my brother, and hence I don't have any enmity towards him. I pointed out the things and named them, making him giggle and smile.
As we strolled through the clan compound, I couldn't help but notice the other children playing and training together. They laughed and ran, their camaraderie evident in their interactions. It made me realise that while my training was important, so was forging connections with my peers.
I made a silent promise to myself to make an effort to interact with others and make friends. It was essential for my growth, both as a member of the Hyuga clan and as an individual. I knew I couldn't isolate myself entirely, no matter how focused I am, and it is very important for an elder's son to have a positive image in the eyes of other clanmates.
We walked along the peaceful paths, exploring the lush surroundings of our clan's estate. Aashi's laughter filled the air, and I couldn't help but smile. Spending time with him reminded me of the simple joys of life, the importance of family, and the bonds that held us together. I was always so engrossed in the training or assimilating knowledge that it was difficult for me to spend time like this.
While I was thinking about this topic, a girl passed by and called my name.
"Hey Adi, how are you?" She asked by waving her hands from afar.
Her name was Sachiko Hyuga, my cousin and daughter of my maternal uncle. She is a year younger than me. We had a few interactions during my birthday parties.
I smiled and waved back at Sachiko as she approached me. "Hey Sachiko, I'm doing well. How about you?" I replied, genuinely happy to see her.
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Sachiko nodded, her eyes filled with curiosity. "I've seen you at the training grounds. You're really dedicated, Adi. But don't you think it's important to take breaks and have some fun too?"
Her words struck a chord with me. She reminded me once again of my demerits. As all clanmates know by now, I had been so occupied by the training that I had neglected them. I realised that making friends is really important for me to achieve stability of mind and body.
We chatted for a bit, and Sachiko even invited me to play with her friends and have dinner after that, but I declined and continued on my own. We went through all the clan compound and also the branch family compound, chatted with some people, and returned with my brother.
"So how was the day, Adi?" My mother asked.
Fine, Maa," I replied.
"So, anything new?" Maa asked.
"Yeah, Sachiko invited me to play and have dinner," I replied absentmindedly.
"You should go, Adi," my mother said.
"But I don't want to," I replied.
"You have to," Maa said with a Stern voice.
"Okay Maa," I replied, sighing.
Reluctantly, I went looking for Sachiko. I found her and her friends sparring on the clan grounds. They were clearly enjoying themselves, having fun with no tension in the world. As all the problems in the world are nothing to them. Free of expectation, free of responsibilities, and with no one to blame. It is the life I wanted in my previous life, but when it was presented to me, I took it for granted and ignored it.
It's ironic that the thing I always wanted was in front of me, opening its arm for me, but I refused and returned to the life where others dictated my terms. Yes, I want to grow strong, but not at the cost of being a zombie, doing things in a regular manner without any zeal or motivation. I don't know whether I will die in this competition, but continuing like this is no different from dying. Think about all this, I called out Sachiko.
"Hey Sachiko!" I called out, approaching the group. She turned around, her face lighting up when she saw me.
"Adi! You came!" she exclaimed, running over to me. Her friends paused their sparring and turned to look at us. I felt a bit awkward, but I reminded myself of my mother's words and the promise I had made to myself.
"I thought about what you said, and you're right. I should take some time to relax and have fun too," I said, giving her a small smile. "So, is the invitation to play still open?"
Sachiko grinned and nodded enthusiastically. "Of course! Come on, let's introduce you to everyone."
That day, I sparred with Sachiko and her friends, laughed, and had fun. It was a refreshing change from my usual routine, and I found myself genuinely enjoying it. I realised that while training and learning were important, so were having fun and making friends. It was a balance I needed to maintain.
Afterwards, we all went to Sachiko's house for dinner. Her family welcomed me warmly, and we spent the evening chatting and laughing. It was a pleasant experience, and I found myself looking forward to spending more time with them.
As I walked back home later that night, I felt a sense of contentment. I had taken the first step towards forging connections with my peers, and it felt good. I knew that this was just the beginning, and I was excited about the journey ahead.
When I reached home, my mother was waiting for me. "How was it?" she asked, a knowing smile on her face.
"It was good, Maa," I replied, returning her smile. "I think I made the right decision."
She nodded, looking pleased. "I'm glad to hear that, Adi. Remember, life is about balance. Training and learning are important, but so are relationships and having fun. Don't forget that."
And at this moment I understand that sometimes we should go according to the will of nature, don't disrupt nor force it just let it flow and it will give you the result better than you expected and maybe you can do things that are not implicably possible.