"How did you do it, Kajirama?" Ever since yesterday when I unlocked my chakra coils, my little uncle - Asuma, kept on grilling me inquiries on how to unlock it.
Obā-chan was in the kitchen preparing breakfast for us, Ojī-san had already gotten to his office before we even woke up. When the old man heard of how I had unlock my chakra by now, he complimented me with praise that made me very elated, as he also kept his promise to teach me a D-rank technique but would only do so whenever he was free, he also suggested that Obā-chan could be the one imparting it to me, which I readily agreed, I don't have enough patience in me to wait for Ojī-san regardless, owing to the fact that I can't cease my agitation on the anticipation I felt of learning my first jutsu, even if it was a D-rank jutsu.
"Like I said numerous time, I did it exactly how Ojī-san taught us, Asuma-kun. By fully immersing myself in my meditation, I somehow unlock my chakra in a unconventional way." I exasperatedly repeated this response for the twentieth time while gently settling down the book I'm initially reading, nevertheless, I wasn't disgruntled by Asuma's restless eagerness, as a child myself with the same age as Asuma, I would have felt the same way if I was on his shoes.
{Third person P.O.V}
"Unconventional? What's that?"
The four year old let out a sigh when he heard a dense response, but like the good child his Obā-chan and Ojī-san saw him as, he thought of an explanation that his uncle would understand with his finite little knowledge. He thought for a moment before coming up with an idea. "Remember yesterday's rain?"
"Yeah? What about it?" Asuma responded befuddled, not really understanding where the rain from yesterday would help.
"While you were out playing, getting yourself wet with the other kids around, I was meditating." Kajirama pointed out in a snidely remark, which got a pout from the other four-years old.
"Oy! Before that, I was trying my hardest in unlocking my chakra! I-I..." Asuma defended himself as his eyes darted around the room, a clear indication of finding himself some sort of excuse to uphold himself. "I... Just got a bit bored! That's right! I felt bored doing nothing but sitting down on the futon, so I thought I should have some fun in the rain a little bit, is'all."
Not buying it, Kajirama scrutinize teasingly with his pure brown eyes along with a sneer. "Ohhhhh, really Asuma-kun?"
"Yeah, really! You can decide for yourself either you believe me or not." Asuma got agitated as he stomped his foot indignantly on the wooden floor, and then huffed as he looked away in annoyance while crossing his arms over his front. Although, he still persisted as he glance over at Kajirama once again on the corner of his eyes. "What does this have to do with you unlocking chakra anyway, Kajirama?"
He narrowed his eyes. "Are you making fun of me!? I'm your Ojiī-san, y'know!"
"No, of course I wasn't, little Ojiī-san." Kajirama mirthfully shook his head, nonetheless, he didn't tease Asuma any further, otherwise his little Ojiī-san may really get enraged, and he didn't want that, he was just having some fun, that's all. Some fun for himself in exchange for his information, fair trade if Kajirama has to say so himself. Having enough, Kajirama put on a thoughtful expression before genuinely advising. "Anyway, listen Asuma-kun, the raindrops from the roof kind of became the huge reason why I was able to."
"Hmm? Why?" Asuma impatiently queried, calming down now that he saw Kajirama's sincere look.
"Well, at first, the pitter-patter noise it gave off interfered with my meditation, disorganizing my concentration. It kinda irked me at first, however, I'm not someone who could stop the rainy weather from doing so, so I was helpless at the time, hence I thought of something out of the ordinary which I spontaneously gave a shot." Kajirama paused, he studied Asuma's face, seeing that he seemed to be listening and thinking it through, he continued. "Instead of focusing on something like emptying my mind and letting go of my thoughts, I concentrated on the roof where the raindrop noises were coming from, then that's when this soothing feeling suddenly came rushing over inside me when I lost myself in their sound."
"That's it?" Asuma doubtfully questioned.
"Yup." Kajirama nodded. "Why? Is it way too convenient? Anyways, that's honestly how I unlocked my chakra, it will depend entirely on what you learned. Now stop bothering me, little Ojiī-san."
"Tch, whatever little gō-san." Even though he was annoyed by his nephew's attitude, Asuma didn't pestered Kajirama any longer. He sat down at the futon and began meditating whilst he tried to comprehend Kajirama's words, since it might help, after all it was the reason he managed to unlock his chakra. Therefore, he thought of ways he could somehow imitate Kajirama's spontaneous odds.
Kajirama opted to just smile at this, he shook his head and began continuing reading on his book. Kajirama was a resourceful child, he made use of the books found in the clan's library to overcome his curiousity towards shinobis, this trait of his was also in display a couple of times.
The book was titled 'The Basics Of Chakra Control', it was another subject shinobi-context related he picked upon in the clan's library. Considering that Kajirama already had unlocked his chakra coils, he began seeking through books in the library that would contain a content of methods on how to use it efficiently and effectively, he had read a couple of books so far pertaining chakra in general, so he already had sufficient knowledge about it.
He flipped a page after reading the book's introduction, then he saw an illustration of a demonstration of the first chakra control exercise he found. He read it in a low voice.
"Let's see... Leaf Concentration Method?" Kajirama blinked at the odd name of the practice, then continued on his reading.
"This training method is done by placing a leaf over an individual's forehead and having them direct all their chakra onto the leaf, using it as a focal point."
"This exercise can be used by Academy Teachers as a way to teach students how to control their chakra more effectively. However, the true purpose of the exercise was to hone the individual's concentration and to keep their mind from becoming distracted. As explained on the details, only those who have the will to work hard on their ability to concentrate can become excellent shinobi. For generations, Konohagakure [Hidden Leaf Village]'s shinobis have practised using this method in order to better their mental focus. The leaf emblem on the Konoha forehead protector was rumored to originate from this training that the Shodai Hokage[First Hokage] himself had invented."
"The Shodai Hokage?" Kajirama was awestruck, he was a fanatic when it comes to Shinobi related contents, not to mention that he especially idolized the Hokages, including his Ojī-san to a huge degree, since he knew from the history books he had read that they had formed Konoha to what they are now at the present.
The Shodai, Hashirama Senju - Established the first ever Shinobi Village known to the Elemental Nation. Under Hashirama's leadership, the new system of ninja villages achieved peace for a time.
The Nidaime, Tobirama Senju - His role as Hokage included helping Konoha's shinobi transition from valuing their clan above all else to valuing the village and everyone in it. To this end he created such institutions as the Academy, the Anbu, and the Chūnin Exams. It was largely successful, enough that other villages adopted the same organisations.
Lastly, and certainly not the least, the Sandaime, Hiruzen Sarutobi, his grandfather - A firm believer in the Will of Fire, which holds that all the people of Konoha are a family and that the Hokage is chiefly responsible for that family's well-being. Mentoring a few of the strongest shinobis on the next generation, the consisting of - Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade. Feared as the 'God of Shinobi' as he defended the village on the front lines of war.
'If what's written in this book is legit, that the Shodai invented this method himself, then it isn't appropriate to question it's efficiency.' Kajirama childishly though to himself. 'Yushh!!! It's decided then. I'll be training the instructions according to this method. This would be beneficial to one aspect of grasping jutsus much faster, not to mention in the long run.'
Having come to a decision, he put the book aside, not interested in further reading the next pages. He got up from his futon and ran towards a plant from the backyard, intending on practicing the chakra control exercise he just learned, though he paused on his footsteps when Biwako called out from the dining room:
"Asuma-chan! Kaji-chan! Come here and have your breakfast."
"Hai! Okaa-chan/Obā-chan!"
Left with no other choice, he spun in place and instead ran towards the dining room's direction.
'Maybe later, I'm quite hungry anyway. I don't want to train with a hungry stomach. I hope there'll be some grilled fish this time too, eheh~.'
...
{Kajirama's P.O.V}
After breakfast, it was my turn to pester, as I half-heartedly dragged Obā-chan to the lawn backyard. Not being able to restrain the already unrestrainable excitement and desire within me. She relented eventually after some time, although it was strange that she also let my little Ojiī-san participate, I wasn't against it, but still.
"Obā-chan, why is little Ojiī-san joining us? He haven't even unlocked his chakra yet, he won't be able to perform a jutsu." I asked genuinely curious and perplexed. I glanced towards Asuma and wondered if he already had unlocked chakra by the short time I left him to peacefully meditate by himself.
"Well Kajirama-chan, I'm afraid that I have to disappoint you. I won't be teaching you the D-rank jutsu your grandfather had promised, as of now." Biwako informed with a smile.
"Huh? Then..." I trailed off as I thought for a moment, but not really getting any idea he stopped and looked over Obā-chan, gaze asking for an answer.
"The D-rank jutsu can wait, although you have a measurement of high chakra capacity compared to others your small age, you should build your foundation first." Biwako informed with a strange smile that got me and Asuma unknowingly shiver.
And we eventually found out why our hidden 'shinobi genetical instincts' we never knew was there, were tingling.
Well, I had initially thought that Biwako-obāchan would start teaching me more about chakra and the promised jutsu once I unlocked it. Unfortunately, it was not the case. Instead, I was introduced to morning katas along with Asuma.
Days after unlocking my chakra I was ushered into the garden along with Asuma. From that day on, we both went through hell. Kata after kata, stance after stance, we were forced to perfect it. I am sure both me and Asuma felt that someone had taken over Biwako and was making us suffer. Strangely enough that feeling only persisted till we were in training. Inside the house though, Biwako was an angel as always.
Both Asuma and I went through Taijutsu practice each day in the morning until we could move no longer. There was nothing special about it. We were only learning the basics. But, Biwako expected us to perfect it to an insane degree that left us scarred for life.
Sometimes, Hiruzen-ojīsan would pop in and watch us train. Sometimes some other Sarutobi clan members would pop in. Even Orochimaru popped in to watch us train one day whilst that white sissy lookin' uncle visited us. I distinctly remember my heart beating faster feeling his eyes on me, I don't know why myself, but I never seemed to be comfortable in his presence, which confused him.
Biwako-obāchan never taught us any specialized Taijutsu. She was content with teaching us basics. When I asked about it, she gave me a very simplistic answer.
"Kajirama-chan, you are very young. As of now, all you need is to know how to throw a punch and kick. There is nothing more to Taijutsu than that. It is all about punches and kicks. All the fancy movements and jumping around doesn't matter. All that matters is your punch or kick connecting with your opponent. Don't complicate things. When you grow up, you can find the style that you are most comfortable with and then combine it to make your personal brand of Taijutsu. That is what Academy is for. Until then, you can relax."
Strangely enough, I understood her reasoning. She wanted us to be kids a little longer, which I was just as happy to accept.
Nevertheless, I took to my Taijutsu practice with fervent dedication that Asuma didn't possess. For him, at this age, it was a boringly monotonous activity, but I found it otherwise, except for the aches the brought from training.
I didn't mind the monotony though. I threw myself into Taijutsu like a child possessed. I tried to perform the katas faster. I tried to increase the power of my punches and kicks and I kept at it for a long time each day.
As expected, my dedication paid dividends. Pretty soon, which was a week after Asuma and I started, I felt far faster than before. Although I complained a lot and also joined Asuma with the whining, we persisted since it was what we want.
...
-Another week passed by-
"So, what do you want?" Hiruzen asked us letting out a thick cloud of smoke from his pipe.
I eyed the rack of various weapons that were arrayed before me. Beside me, Asuma was checking it out too.
Asuma had turned five today and will be attending the academy a few months from now, I would also attend it, which was such an exciting prospect. To celebrate the occasion, Hiruzen had taken some time off from his Hokage duties and had brought us to a weapons shop. We were each to get one item from the shop. We were allowed to choose though, and if it passes the adult's scrutiny he was willing to buy it for us.
Asuma, chose a set of brand new Kunai, I eyed it with wonder and interest. I knew he was pretty hung on becoming a shinobi like me and there was no weapon more iconic than a kunai to kids our age. So his choice didn't surprise me. Instead of buying some random thing like Asuma, I eyed the wares displayed critically so that I could buy something useful for me, his resourcefulness showing.
"Kajirama-kun, what do you want?" Hiruzen asked me after purchasing Asuma's choice.
I bit my lips before making up my mind and pointed at a particular object that had been pretty tempting.
*I may or may not be dropping another chapter of this fanfiction in the next few hours, maybe I would or maybe not, since I'm going to edit the draft I had for the next pokemon fanfiction: Pokemon: The Adventure! Still, if I have time and aren't tired, I'll try my best to drop another one.*