Chapter 6 – Training and Shadow Clones
Ryuken returned home after his first day at the Academy, walking beside his brother, Shisui. The afternoon sun filtered through the trees, painting their shadows long against the path.
He looked up at Shisui, his voice calm and even."Brother… is the Academy easy or difficult?"
Shisui blinked, a little surprised by the question.
Ryuken rarely spoke unless it was necessary. His words were measured—like shuriken thrown with purpose.
Inside, Ryuken's thoughts were already moving.If Shisui fought in the war, then he must have graduated early. The Third Shinobi War will end in about five years… meaning he finished before then. I need to confirm that timeline.
Shisui tilted his head, a faint smile softening his expression."Well, it isn't too hard," he said thoughtfully. "I might graduate by the end of this year—or next. Why do you ask? Thinking of doing the same?"
Ryuken feigned a childlike uncertainty, lowering his gaze.He noticed something… He's sharper than most.
"I'm not sure," Ryuken murmured, forcing a hesitant smile. "The classes seem a little difficult. I still have a lot to learn."
Shisui's smile faded slightly. He remembered the countless nights when Ryuken wasn't in bed—when he'd sensed his younger brother's chakra outside, training in silence beneath the moonlight.
He's been practicing on his own for months, Shisui thought. And now he's asking about my notes…? Maybe he wants shortcuts. But that's not the way of a shinobi.
His tone grew firm, eyes narrowing with brotherly resolve."To become a true shinobi, we have to earn our strength. There are no shortcuts, Ryuken. An easy path only weakens you in the long run. Work hard—learn properly."
Then, as if nothing more needed to be said, Shisui turned and went to the kitchen to prepare dinner.
Ryuken stood frozen, caught between confusion and curiosity.Did I say something wrong? Or is he just worried?He shook his head. No matter. Worry is pointless.
Two Weeks Later
Midnight.A pale moon hung over a narrow stream on the edge of Konoha.
Ryuken stood waist-deep in the cold water, clothed only in his undergarments. His breath came in shallow bursts, his body soaked, trembling from exhaustion.
A translucent blue screen floated before his eyes.
(Chakra Control: 99/100) (Stage.1)
He exhaled slowly."Just a little more," he whispered.
Balancing once more atop the rippling surface, Ryuken pressed his chakra into the soles of his feet. His concentration wavered, the water shifting beneath him—but he held on.
Five long minutes passed.
Then the screen flickered again.
(Side Quest 1 – Complete!)Improve your Chakra Control to the Maximum (Stage.1).
Reward: Skill 'Double Speed' – Duration: 1 Hour.(New Function Unlocked: Skills.)
Another line appeared, glowing faintly.
(Description: Skills are abilities earned through quests. Each can be used once per day. Multiple activations will trigger the System's Punishment Roulette.)
Ryuken's eyes narrowed.So… I can use a skill more than once, but at a cost. Dangerous. I'll avoid unnecessary risks until I have something powerful enough to justify it.
He stepped out of the stream, water dripping from his hair, and lay back on the damp grass, chest rising and falling with fatigue.
When his breathing steadied, he tapped the [Skills] icon.A new window appeared, similar to his inventory. A single glowing emblem pulsed at its center.
He selected it.
(Double Speed – Doubles the user's base movement speed for one hour. Ideal for slower shinobi seeking balance, or for fast ones pushing beyond their limits.)
Ryuken smiled faintly.Just as I thought. A pure speed amplifier. Useful for combat—but not for growth. I'll reserve it for emergencies.
His gaze hardened.Now that my chakra control is perfect, I can shift focus—mastery of jutsu. If I can reproduce techniques from the manga and maybe even create new ones… I'll need to identify my chakra nature first.
He opened his inventory, pulling out an old scroll marked Shadow Clone.
"A Clone Technique," he murmured. "One of the jutsu our parents left behind. It might only be a Shadow Clone, but it'll serve me well—especially for skipping class while I train at home."
He rolled the scroll open, the moonlight glinting on its inked seals.
"Let's see," he whispered, eyes sharp. "By tomorrow… I'll have mastered it."
As the night deepened, Ryuken stood in silence by the river, hands forming the familiar seals.The water rippled once more—and the shadow of a new power began to take shape beside him.