The sun had just risen over the village, casting a warm glow on the bustling streets, as Ishi made his way to the Ninja Academy. Perseus, perched happily on his shoulder, enjoying the morning breeze. Today was a new day at the academy, and Ishi was eager to start his first self-study session. ‘I think I need to start getting everything prepared for my journey in a few years,’ the thought of his very own journey with his pokemon brought along a multitude of emotions, especially worry for his parents for when he’s gone, but his aura quickly reacted to this negative emotion and quelled it almost as soon as it flared.
"Are you ready for today, Perseus?" He asked, glancing at his partner. ‘God I wish I could talk to pokemon the way N could, hopefully when I finish mastering the “Otherworldly Aura Cultivation Technique” and get the Sub-Class Aura Ninja I’ll be able to.’ With that thought in mind, he pulled up his current progress on the technique.
Progress:
Otherworldly Aura Cultivation Technique - 48.26%
‘Hmm, it seems that the progress has risen significantly since I got my “Kid Genin” class. That 5% boost to all progression quests has really brought me one step closer to a new point in my aura stat!’ Having confirmed his progress and closed the notification and turned back to Percy who was bobbing his head happily.
"Froakie!" Perseus croaked enthusiastically, puffing out his chest. His bold personality was beginning to shine through it seemed, he chuckled while shaking his head at the little pokemons antics.
Arriving at the academy, Ishi quickly found Senpei. "Hey, Senpei," he greeted, waving as he approached.
"Morning, Ishi!" Senpei replied with his usual enthusiasm, his own Froakie sitting on his head. "Ready for the first real day of learning?"
"Absolutely," Ishi said with a grin. "I was thinking, we should book the water battlefield for this weekend. It'll be a great chance for our Froakies to train." ‘Besides It’ll be best to have them train in a favourable environment first to get them strong enough to handle the harsher environments.’ He thought to himself.
Perseus croaked in agreement, hopping from Ishi's shoulder to his head. "Froakie, fro!" ‘Awww, you adorable little frog,’ he thought, using all his mental power not to squeal at the happy pokemon on his shoulder.
Senpei's eyes lit up. "Great idea! Let's do it." ‘Oh yeah, those are the eyes of a great future rival!’ he acknowledged with a nod towards Senpei.
Together, they headed to the booking station and reserved the water battlefield for Saturday morning. ‘Seems we are one of the first here, welp ya snooze ya lose I spose,’ he mused with a small shrug. With that taken care of, they chatted for a bit about their training plans and their excitement for the weekend.
"Alright, I need to head to the library," Ishi said after a while. "I want to look up some techniques for expanding storage space in bags and satchels." ‘I'll have to expand it to hold all the raw materials I’m going to use while on my journey, plus this satchel has been with me for years and deserves some love.’
Senpei nodded. "Sounds cool. I'll catch you later, then."
With a wave goodbye he turned and made his way through the hallways from the office to the library. Perseus leaped from his shoulder onto his head, settling comfortably as they walked. “Copycat,” he muttered, earning himself a dismissive pat on the head from Percy.
Eventually they made it to the library, the quiet, serene atmosphere of the library was a stark contrast to the bustling academy halls. He breathed in the scent of old books and scrolls, feeling a sense of calm wash over him.
"Look at all these books, Perseus. I bet there's a lot we can learn here," Ishi whispered.
"Fro.." Perseus replied softly, his eyes wide with curiosity as he looked around.
Ishi found a section dedicated to ninja tools and techniques and began browsing through the scrolls. After a few minutes, he found a small dusty collection of scrolls on expanding storage space. ‘Looks like there aren’t that many students interested in this stuff, huh their loss.’ And with a shrug he sat down at a nearby table and started reading, Percy did his best to peer over his shoulder but Ishi was unsure if the little guy could understand a thing he was looking at. ‘I’ll have to try teaching him to read a little when we get home.’ He figured with a small glance at Percy.
"Let's see," he muttered to himself, unrolling another scroll and reading the first sentence written on it. "Techniques for increasing the internal dimensions of a bag without altering its external size... this is basically exactly what I need, perfect." ‘Author didn’t sign their name though which is kind of a shame, though I can hazard a guess as to who wrote it.’ The image of an old craftsman of very few words popped into his head.
Perseus, still peering over his shoulder with his little hands resting on his back, sent him a questioning glance. "Kie?"
"Yeah, buddy. We could carry so much more if we can figure this out," Ishi said, smiling at Perseus's curiosity. "Imagine not having to leave anything behind because our bag can hold everything."
He read through a few more of the scrolls, and he tried to learn about the various techniques involving spatial manipulation and the use of special seals. The idea of having a bag that could hold more items without becoming bulky intrigued him, especially when he came across a weight reduction seal. ‘Huh.. weight reduction? I wonder if I can reverse it and increase the weight of an object.. Food for future thought.’ He glanced down at the satchel at his side and thought, "It's about time I try and give this bad boy an upgrade!"
Perseus croaked softly in agreement, hopping onto the table to look at the scrolls with Ishi. Ishi chuckled and scratched the Froakie's head. "We'll make this satchel even better, Perseus."
He spent the rest of the morning engrossed in his reading, absorbing as much information as he could and making several rolls of parchment covered in notes. The techniques were complex, but Ishi felt confident that he could master them with enough practice. The idea of creating a satchel with nearly limitless storage space excited him. Plus the other potential uses of these techniques could be interesting when it came to training and he couldn't wait to test their applications and limits.
Finally, the school's chime rang, signalling the end of the self-study session. Ishi carefully packed up the scrolls he had been reading and returned them to their shelves. And he made his way out of the library, heading in the direction of his new classroom.
"Ready for the next part of the day, Percy?" Ishi asked, feeling a surge of determination.
"Froakie, fro!" Perseus responded, his eyes sparkling with excitement as he hopped back on top of his head.
As they walked through the academy halls, Ishi felt a sense of accomplishment. He had a plan for the weekend and new knowledge to apply to his satchel. The day was off to a great start, and he couldn't wait to see what else was in store. With Perseus on his head he felt lighter than ever at the potential this academy offered.
***
Once all his classmates had arrived they were told to follow Sensei Monji towards their first destination of the day, the training hall. And after a brief walk through the halls, Ishi and his classmates gathered in the training hall, the expansive room filled with various training apparatuses designed to test and improve their physical capabilities. The walls were, as advertised, lined with wooden training dummies, punching bags, climbing ropes, balance beams, and obstacle courses. The atmosphere was charged with anticipation as Sensei Monji stepped forward to address the class once again.
"Today, we will familiarise ourselves with the equipment and facilities available to you," Sensei Monji began, his voice firm and commanding. "These tools are here to help you develop your strength, agility, and combat skills. Pay close attention."
He led the students through the training hall, demonstrating how to use each piece of equipment. "The punching bags are for honing your striking techniques. Focus on precision and power," he explained, giving a swift, controlled punch to a nearby bag. It swayed slightly from the impact, showcasing the strength behind his blow.
"The climbing ropes and balance beams are for improving your agility and coordination," he continued, demonstrating a quick ascent up a rope and then balancing effortlessly on a beam. "These skills are crucial for any ninja."
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Sensei Monji moved to the obstacle course next. "This course is designed to test your endurance and ability to navigate difficult terrain. You will need to be quick and efficient to complete it."
After the tour, Sensei Monji gathered the students and announced, "Now, it's time for a your new training regimen, this will be done to assess each of your current level of fitness. We'll start with Ishi."
Ishi felt a mix of excitement and nervousness as he stepped forward. ‘Of course I’m picked first, no pressure or anything.’ He thought mulling over his lack of luck. Perseus croaked encouragingly from the sidelines, giving him a little boost in confidence. Sensei Monji instructed him to start with the obstacle course.
He took a deep breath and began, moving swiftly through the various challenges. He climbed, jumped, and dodged with determination, pushing himself to his limits. By the end, he was panting but felt a sense of accomplishment. ‘Jeez if I’m doing this shit daily.. Haa at least it’ll probably help boost a couple stats.’
"Well done, Ishi," Sensei Monji said, nodding in approval. "Next, Shigeru."
Shigeru stepped up confidently, his Espurr watching with keen eyes. He moved through the course with precision, his movements smooth and calculated. He finished slightly faster than Ishi, earning a nod from Sensei Monji. ‘Hmm little bit of competition I have here, good I needed something to motivate me.’ he thought with a determined nod towards Shigeru.
"Senpei, you're next," Sensei Monji called. Senpei grinned and tackled the course with his usual enthusiasm, his Froakie cheering him on. He completed it with a respectable time, though slightly behind Ishi and Shigeru.
Ivy was up next, her Snivy observing calmly. She navigated the course with agility, her movements graceful and efficient. She finished just behind Senpei, her expression determined.
The rest of the class took their turns, each student showcasing their strengths and weaknesses. By the end, everyone was panting and catching their breath. Sensei Monji allowed them a moment to recover before moving on.
"Now that you've experienced the physical demands, we'll move on to the basic forms of our village's close combat techniques," he announced. "Watch closely."
Sensei Monji demonstrated a series of fluid, precise movements, each strike and block flowing seamlessly into the next. "These forms are the foundation of our combat style. Mastering them is crucial."
The students watched intently, their eyes fixed on Sensei Monji's every move. Once he finished, he instructed them to practise the forms on their own. Ishi felt a surge of determination as he mimicked the movements to the best he could with the memory he had of the demonstration, his body moving with relative ease. Perseus watched from the sidelines, croaking encouragement.
As they practised, a few students raised their hands to ask questions. Ryota was the first. "Sensei Monji, when is it best to use these techniques in battle?"
Sensei Monji nodded thoughtfully. "These techniques are versatile and can be used in various situations. The key is to understand your opponent and adapt your strategy accordingly. Use these forms to build a strong foundation, and from there, you can develop your own style."
Ayame asked next, "What should we focus on the most while practising these forms?"
"Focus on precision and fluidity," Sensei Monji advised. "Each movement should be deliberate and controlled. Speed will come with practice, but it's more important to execute the forms correctly."
After sufficient practice, Sensei Monji gathered the students again. "In a week, we will have a sparring session to test your understanding and application of these forms. Prepare well."
Next, Sensei Monji led them to the shuriken throwing targets. "Shuriken throwing is an essential skill for any ninja. Accuracy and technique are paramount." He demonstrated a series of throws, each shuriken hitting its mark with pinpoint accuracy.
"Now, it's your turn," he said, stepping back to allow the students to take a go and correct their posters before trying again. Ishi felt a thrill of excitement as he picked up a shuriken. He focused on the target, recalling Sensei Monji's demonstration, and threw the shuriken. It hit the outer ring of the target, and Ishi felt a surge of determination to improve. Though he did get a few pointers from Sensei he felt it was less than the others so it meant he was doing something right.
As they were all practising their throwing technique, Haruka asked, "Sensei, what are the best ways to improve our accuracy?"
"Practice is crucial," Sensei Monji replied. "But also, learn to read the wind and adjust your aim accordingly. Focus on your breathing and maintain a steady hand. Later on in the year we’ll set up a few moving targets to really test you all."
Midori then chimed in, "Sensei, is there a specific technique to hold the shuriken? I’ve noticed basically all of us differ in how we hold it. Isn't there a standardised method?"
Sensei Monji demonstrated, holding the shuriken between his fingers. "Hold it firmly but not too tight. The grip should allow for a smooth release. Experiment with different grips to find what works best for you. Everyone's hands are slightly different and the way you throw should come naturally to you, there are a few things to be tweaked but everyone usually has a different style than another."
The students continued practising, each one determined to improve. Ishi felt a growing sense of confidence with each successful throw, and Perseus croaked approvingly from his perch. ‘I’m gonna have to come back here with Percy and have him aim at a couple targets, can’t hurt to have him start on a bit of exercise now that he’s a bit older.’ He thought as he noticed the gleam in his Froakies eyes at not being allowed to join in on the training.
As the session drew to a close, Sensei Monji addressed the class. "You all have potential. Continue to practise and hone your skills. Remember, mastery comes with dedication and perseverance, this won’t happen overnight."
Ishi felt a deep sense of satisfaction as he gathered his things. The training had been challenging, but he knew that he was growing stronger with each session or at least hoped he would. And he felt that he could get a little rivalry going with Shigeru, and maybe that could get the guy to open up a little.
***
After their rigorous training session, Sensei Monji allowed the students a short break to recover. Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy found a quiet spot in the courtyard to sit and catch their breath, recover their aching muscles, and have some lunch. The cool breeze was certainly a welcome relief after the intense physical exertion. Each of their partner pokemon also roamed around them, enjoying a bit of harmless playtime.
"Man, that was tough," Senpei said, wiping sweat from his forehead. "But it was also kind of fun. What do you guys think?"
Ivy nodded, stretching her arms. "It was definitely challenging, but I liked the feeling of slowly getting better. It's exciting to learn all these new techniques. What about you, Ishi?"
Ishi grinned, feeling the adrenaline still coursing through his veins. "I agree. It was hard, but I can already feel myself getting stronger. Plus, it's cool to see what we're all capable of." ‘I can’t wait to experience the Ninja trick class, if it's on the same level as what we just went through then I’ll have them all mastered in no time!’ He thought, grinning from ear to ear at the prospect.
As they chatted, his attention was drawn to a few of the conversations happening around them. Shigeru was sitting with his Espurr, discussing their performance in a hushed tone. "I think we're ahead of most of them," Shigeru said, his voice filled with a quiet confidence. "Espurr, you and I have to be more than ready for anything Sensei Monji throws at us." ‘Huh, why so intense?’ he wondered after hearing that last sentence.
His attention shifted to Midori, who was speaking in a louder, more entitled voice. "My Zubat is already one of the strongest partners here," she boasted. "We're going to ace all the tests and become top of the class. Just you wait." ‘Haaa oh yeah miss stuck up brat, forgot about her.’
Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy exchanged disapproving looks. They had already noticed the difference in attitudes among their classmates. While some, like Shigeru and Midori, seemed overly confident and dismissive of others, most of the others believed in teamwork and mutual respect. But it was still somewhat disappointing to hear.
"Let's just focus on our own training and do our best," he said, trying to push aside the annoyance he felt. "At least most of us know what's important."
Senpei and Ivy nodded in agreement, and they spent the rest of their break talking about their goals and how they planned to support each other, while polishing off their lunches and feeling the fatigue leave their bodies. They also watched their pokemon run around playing a small game of tag, and they even had a few of their classmates pokemon join in. Snivy ended up being tagged last, much to her and Ivy's dismay, her little legs couldn’t keep up just yet.
The break soon ended, and the students headed back to their classroom. The transition from the physical training hall to the academic setting was stark, but Ishi welcomed the change. The classroom was spacious and filled with natural light, creating a conducive environment for learning.
Sensei Monji began the next part of the day with a lesson on the history and theology of the village. He spoke about the founding of their village by the first generation of ninjas and their Pokémon partners. The tales of valour and wisdom captivated the students, providing them with a sense of pride and purpose.
"The bond between ninjas and their Pokémon has always been the cornerstone of our village," Sensei Monji explained. "Our ancestors built this village with their strength and dedication, and it is our duty to honour their legacy by continuing to uphold these values."
The lessons then moved on to more academic subjects like maths, writing, and strategy. Ishi found the topics engaging, especially the strategic elements that would later apply to their ninja missions. He took detailed notes, his mind constantly thinking about how to apply what he was learning to his training and future missions.
As the day drew to a close, Sensei Monji wrapped up the lesson with some final thoughts. "Remember, knowledge is just as important as physical strength. Balance your training with your studies, and you will become well-rounded ninjas."
Ishi, Senpei, and Ivy gathered their things and walked to the entrance of the academy together. They chatted about their favourite parts of the day and their plans for the weekend training session at the water battlefield. Of course Ivy wouldn't be joining them as she had booked the forest field instead.
"This was just the second day, and it already feels like we've learned so much," Ivy said, her eyes shining with excitement.
Senpei nodded. "Yeah, and I can't wait to see how much stronger we'll get."
Ishi smiled, feeling a sense of camaraderie with his friends. "We're in this together. Let's keep pushing each other to be the best we can be."
At the entrance, they paused to say their goodbyes. "See you guys tomorrow," Ishi said, giving them a wave as they headed in their separate directions.
As Ishi walked home, Percy perched contentedly on his shoulder, he felt a deep sense of satisfaction. The day had been challenging, but it had also reaffirmed his commitment to becoming a great ninja. With the support of his friends and the guidance of his teachers, Ishi knew he was on the right path. The journey ahead was long, but he was ready for whatever came his way.