The fallen leaves on the ground suddenly spiraled upward, lifted gently into the air.
At that moment, a surge of energy coursed through Raizen's right arm, heightening the activity of every cell within it.
He swiftly drew his katana and slashed at the drifting leaves.
A thin crack appeared on one leaf suspended mid-air. A breath later, it split cleanly in two and fluttered down.
Raizen eased from the motion of drawing to sheathing his blade, the katana's surface catching a faint, icy gleam.
"As expected....this technique depends entirely on speed,"
Raizen thought quietly.
His eyes were fast enough to track the leaf's movement with precision.
His body, however, couldn't fully keep up.
His physical reaction speed was still lacking, making his strikes imperfect.
He hadn't practiced swordsmanship long enough to hit a leaf in an instant.
But raw speed made up for the lack of precision.
If one strike wasn't enough, he used two.
If two weren't enough, he used three.
Raizen's first slash missed, but he adjusted immediately, unleashing a second strike that sliced the leaf cleanly.
To a ninja with dull perception, the entire sequence would seem like nothing more than Raizen drawing his sword....one blurred motion....and then the leaf splitting apart.
A semi-transparent panel materialized before his eyes:
[You have learned a new skill: Apprentice Swordsman Ninja (White)]
[Skill: Apprentice Swordsman Ninja (White)]
[Requirement: Execute one sword technique]
[Progress: Completed]
[Effect: Swordsmanship training speed increases by 10%]
[Note: Further advancement possible]
Before he bought a second-hand kodachi, Raizen had used a kitchen knife to carve a wooden branch into a rough sword shape, practicing the Kumogakure sword style.
After five days of constant training, today he finally managed to execute Kumogakure Style: Asuka, earning his new skill.
From now on, Raizen's training speed in swordsmanship would be 10% faster than the average person.
"This is about the standard level of a genin."
Raizen set down his katana and went inside for a glass of water.
The difference in ability among genin was greater than the gap between a human and a dog.
Elite genin.....like Maruboshi Kosuke, who chose to remain a genin to atone for a mission that cost two teammates their lives.....possessed strength rivaling even jonin.
Weaker genin were often common-born children, their strongest jutsu being the Three Body Technique.
For them, mastering substitution and transformation was enough to barely qualify as a genin.
"I need to graduate as soon as possible."
Raizen set down his cup.
He expected to unlock the "Strong Physique" attribute within the week and then combine it directly with his Lightning Release genin attribute.
Staying at the academy any longer was a waste of precious time. Graduating early was the best option.
For most ninjas, early graduation meant being thrown onto dangerous missions far too soon.
But Raizen was different.
He had far more opportunities—more methods to trigger the abbreviation panel and fulfill its conditions.
That meant rapid growth.
Ninja Academy
Besides physical conditioning, students also trained extensively in shuriken throwing.
A good ninja always carried shuriken. Many jutsu even revolved around them, such as the Shuriken Shadow Clone Technique and Fire Release: Phoenix Flower Claw Red.
"Listen carefully," Chunin instructor Fujimoto Kyohei lectured, holding up several shuriken types.
"Shuriken are a ninja's final lifeline. When you don't have enough chakra to cast ninjutsu, precise shuriken throwing may be what saves your life…"
He displayed larger Fuma shuriken and various angled styles.....right-angled, curved-angled, and more....while the students observed quietly.
Raizen silently studied the weapons.
When it came to shuriken arts, few clans surpassed the Uchiha.
"Raizen, how are your shuriken throwing skills?"
Yuhi Kurenai asked softly.
Raizen had transferred in late. He'd learned shuriken techniques last semester, so his current classes were scheduled much later.
And since he came from both the Land of Lightning and carried Uchiha blood, Kurenai couldn't help being curious.
"I'm not sure. I haven't practiced much,"
Raizen answered honestly.
Human energy was limited. He had to prioritize.
First strengthen the body, gain more chakra, then study more ninjutsu.
While they spoke, Sarutobi Asuma watched them from behind.
Wait.....who was her childhood friend again?
Asuma clenched his fists.
He wanted to apologize to Kurenai for their previous misunderstanding but couldn't find a good opportunity.
"Asuma, you look upset,"
Inuzuka Shi approached him.
"No."
There was no way he'd admit he was jealous seeing his childhood friend chatting happily with another boy.
As the Hokage's son, he had grown up under constant scrutiny. Showing weakness was unacceptable.
"Alright, everyone practice on your own,"
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