Kayomi stared at the glowing text.
[1 Match Found: Enkōken – Flame Claw Fist]
[Status: Compatible with User Physiology and Chakra Type]
Below that, more lines began to appear.
[You have unlocked the foundation of a lost martial art: Enkōken – Flame Claw Fist]
[This is not a plug-and-play technique.]
[Manual Instruction will begin in stages.]
Kayomi blinked. "You mean you're not just giving it to me?"
The next message pulsed softly, like a nudge.
[True strength isn't downloaded. It's earned.]
He exhaled through his nose, a grin tugging at the corner of his lips. "Alright then. Let's earn it."
Another screen faded in this one simpler, like a scroll. It listed a single phrase at the top:
[Enkōken: Form Zero – Flame-Breathing Stance]
A rough silhouette stood mid-motion, limbs lowered, back curved, knees bent like an animal ready to pounce. Text scrolled beneath the image in glowing red ink:
"Anchor your feet like a beast stalking prey. Relax your shoulders. Spine low. Let your chakra pool in your core not your limbs. This style flows from the center outward."
Kayomi set the scroll to the side of his vision and moved into position. He shifted his weight, adjusted his feet, bent lower. It felt awkward at first more primal than any Uchiha or Inuzuka technique he knew. But the longer he held the stance, the more natural it became. Something about it fit.
The system continued.
[Good. Now breathe. Let the fire in your lungs speak through your body.]
He inhaled through his nose, deep and slow. The warmth of his fire chakra stirred. It didn't rage it pulsed, steady and waiting.
Then another motion appeared.
[Flame Claw – Opening Slash]
"Step forward. Lead with your rear claw. Twist your wrist at the last second. Slice the air, don't punch it."
Kayomi followed it, mimicking the form. A wide step. A sweeping motion. His fingers curled slightly, fire chakra coating his nails in a thin red outline. Not a jutsu just chakra and movement. The trail of heat followed his hand like an echo.
He repeated it. Again. Again.
[Muscle memory forming. Repeat 50 times.]
By the 30th repetition, his arm ached. By 45, he was sweating again. When he hit 50, he collapsed to his knees, panting.
But the system wasn't finished.
[Next: Enkōken – Form One: Tiger]
"Broad strikes. Heavy weight. Think claws on stone loud, brutal, final."
A new stance unfolded on the scroll. This one was heavier, wider. Like preparing to wrestle a bear. Kayomi followed again, movements slower now, but sharper with every repetition. It was all fire and instinct rooted in control, but fueled by emotion.
The teaching method wasn't just practical. It was… personal. As it was perfectly Tailored.
And it made sense. He didn't need to inherit someone else's style.
He was building his own.
Hours passed. The forest dimmed to twilight, long shadows creeping across the leaves. His shirt clung to his body, soaked. His hands were raw from channeling too much chakra. But he was smiling.
The system pulsed once more.
[Progress: Enkōken – 12% Mastered]
[You have learned: Form Zero – Flame-Breathing Stance]
[You have learned: Form One – Tiger]
[Daily Checklist – Enkōken Training Routine Unlocked]
100 Push-ups
100 Pull-ups
1 km Run
100 Flame Claw Slashes
30 Minutes Stance Training
1 Hour Sparring (Optional)
[Progress Today: 4/6 Tasks Completed]
Kayomi flopped onto the ground, exhausted, his back pressed against the earth as he gazed up at the sky.
"This… this is gonna hurt tomorrow."
Still, he laughed quietly.
Because for once, he wasn't patching himself together with borrowed skills.
He was forging his own.