It got easier, the training designed by the elder became harsher when they realized how fast I was progressing.
I became accustomed to throwing lunatic and shurikens as well as senbons under Shuri's teaching.
And with her teachings, I was taught assassin techniques which included poisoning, this technique is able to kill or damage the target especially strong one so that you are able to lower their prowess.
But that wasn't all, just because I can use poison doesn't mean others wouldn't do so as well, so under elder Shuri watch, I had to build resistance little by little.
And the crazy part was that she injected me with poison while they sent me out for land navigation as I had to find checkpoints across the village for small dosages of the cure.
" Fucking batards…" I grumbled as I channeled my anger into striking the target. A quick step back before striking once more to the ribs then towards the head.
Yeasterday was the last day on learning assassination techniques and now currently learning combat and weaponry.
Basic strikes, parry, block, feint, footwork and technique.
The weapon in my hands is a tonfa, designed with a short handle and striking bar, its design is great for close combat and if skilled enough, I could use the weapon to disarm or restrain my opponent.
But I'm currently learning how to strike and footwork before going into feints, blocking and parry's by a real opponent.
And one I thought I was ready… I had been throughly defeated by a chunin.
' What was I thinking? Of course I can't defeat a chunin, much less hit him.' I thought as I stared at the blue sky and the drifting clouds.
Maybe it was because of those stories where the protagonist is some genius or hardworking to the point they become overpowered. The cheats they had want something I had.
I wished for it yes, but this is reality… there is no shortcut and I'm smart or at least the cunning of other protagonists. Heck! I don't even have the courage to try to make a change much less the strength to do so.
" your mind is clouded." Said Shuri as she approached minding at the chunin who bowed and stood aside.
Her eyes peered down into mine.
" I know that look, your father had the same eyes, you think you're not good enough." She was right, despite how much I cursed at this old hag, she's experienced.
" If you want my opinion, I think you're more talented than your father, and he became a jonin at 20 years old." She shrugged before looking at at the trees with a complex look.
Right, 20 year jonin, most ninjas don't make jonin till they're 25 or higher. Dad would be talented but not a genius or prodigy within the standards of Kakashi or itachi.
' Maybe that's why, I should try not to compare myself to them and try go with the flow.' I thought to myself.
" To learn at such a young age, you would be regarded as a genius, grandson."
I sighed, knowing that this is one of her lectures. And you've heard right, this is dad's mother which means she's my grandmother.
After my fathers dead, she became more harsher in raising me, training me so I wouldn't end up with the same fate as my father.
If it wasn't for her and grandfather, I'm sure the other elders would've torn this clan and bled it for what it's worth.
I tuned out her rant on how I shouldn't become overconfident and arrogant as well as lectures of being a clan head.
And so, I deployed a special technique that I've developed for the past few months.
[ Sleep ]
So I closed my eyes, inhaled the clean air and exhaled as the stress left my body and any lingering thoughts were soon buried as I drifted away.
***
" … And that's why you should also be learning on managing the clan and its members. And not to mention you must also build connection with them-"
" U-uhm… Elder?" The chunin who stood aside tried to catch the elders attention who was in the middle of her lesson.
" What!?" Annoyed by being interrupted she gave the poor chunin a cold look as he pointed at the young heir with a trembling finger.
She followed his direction and saw Souta peacefully sleeping as a orange and white bird landed on his chest chirping.
With a cold stare, she extended her hand towards the chunin who flinched in response. Without looking at the trembling chunin she motioned with her hand at him as he quickly gave her his tonfa.
Grabbing the end of the striking bar and slammed it into the young heir's stomach and she made sure it connected with the handle bar.
" Gaahhh!!!"
***
Sparks flew as I quickly stepped back to dodge an attack, the day is almost over as the last training session was close combat with kunai's.
The chunin was in charge in training with me bowed before stretching his limbs.
" Thank you, Kito." I thank the chunin who smiled.
" Ahh, it's fine Lord Hakirime. Too be honest it's really helpful in improving my teaching skills." He stretched his cheek before bowing again.
" If you have any questions about today's lessons, I'm happy to help my lord."
Kito, a chunin who's about to turn 19 in a few months has decided to become a teacher at the academy.
In the clan, he's probably the most experienced chunin. So his teaching are valuable to me.
" Sigh, I guess it's time for dinner." I exhaled as I relaxed since training is finally over.
" I'm back!" I announced.
" Ahh, Souta-Chan. Come, dinner has been prepared." An elderly man with a kind smile waved me over.
I nodded and sat by the table with grandma who calmly drank the tea in front of her. Then came grandpa with his relaxed smile.
" So, how's retirement?" I asked as I took the cup of tea and turned it, observing it and testing it.
A shinobi should never let their guard down even with their trusted ones.
I could hear grandmothers lecture as I took a glance at her as she met mine. I saw a hint of approval behind those icy eyes of hers.
I sighed as I felt Shiro climbing onto my lap before taking a nap. So the natural thing to do was to pet the cat as grandpa set the table.
Usually a servant would've prepared the table, but it seems after retirement grandpa had a lot of time on his hands. Cooking just so happened to be one of his favorite hobbies.
After dinner, I had to meditate. In Elder Shari's words, " To learn discipline and control."
And the best way I was able to do so was practicing calligraphy. And after a nights rest I had breakfast then trained once more. Under Elder Shuri's guidance and harsh training, I've improved at a fast rate and the days passed like a blur.