The Uchiha training grounds, a space steeped in the echoes of a clan long gone, bore witness to the relentless rhythm of Sasuke's movements. Sweat glistened on his skin, each drop a testament to the grueling hours he had dedicated to his physical training. The weighted training vest, a burden designed to push his limits, clung to his form, amplifying the strain of each repetition. He moved with a practiced precision, each strike, each kick, a testament to his dedication.
The sun, a blazing orb in the midday sky, beat down upon him, yet Sasuke remained unfazed. He had long since learned to ignore the discomfort, to push past the boundaries of his physical endurance. The Eight Inner Gates, a distant, tantalizing promise, demanded nothing less.
"The body is getting stronger,"Sasuke mused, his breath coming in measured gasps. "but it still must be more honed, refined, and pushed to its absolute limits. Only then can it truly unleash its potential , Eight Gates potential."
He completed his final set of weighted push-ups, the ground trembling slightly beneath the force of his descent. The heavy weights were removed, and he stood, his chest heaving, his muscles screaming in protest. A faint tremor ran through his limbs, a reminder of the strain he had endured.
"Now, the next phase," he thought, his gaze shifting to the open space before him. "Chidori. I must evolve it."
He summoned ten shadow clones, each a perfect replica of himself. The clones dispersed, forming a circle around him. "The goal is simple: refine, condense, and control. Raikiri is the target."
The air crackled with the raw energy of lightning chakra as the clones began their synchronized training, each focusing on the minute adjustments required to elevate Chidori to its next stage. The sound of a thousand birds echoed through the compound, a testament to the concentrated power being unleashed.
His mind wandered, drifting towards the upcoming mission to the Land of Tea. "A simple escort mission," he thought, recalling the details of the filler arc. "Yet, in this altered timeline, who knows what might transpire?"
The absence of his original self, the subtle shifts in the relationships between his peers, all contributed to a sense of uncertainty. "Even the smallest change can have unforeseen consequences," he concluded, his gaze hardening.
As the sun began its descent, casting long shadows across the training grounds, Sasuke dismissed his clones. The remnants of the lightning chakra dissipated, leaving behind a faint ozone scent. He gathered his belongings and made his way towards Ichiraku Ramen, the promise of a warm meal a welcome respite.
The familiar aroma of savory broth and noodles filled the air as he entered the bustling ramen shop. Teuchi greeted him with a warm smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners.
"Sasuke-kun! Always a pleasure," Teuchi said, his voice cheerful.
"Teuchi-san," Sasuke replied, a polite nod accompanying his greeting. "One miso ramen, please."
He settled onto a stool, and his gaze drifting towards the steaming pot of broth. As he ate, he allowed his thoughts to wander, reflecting on a conversation he had with Tsunade.
'Senjutsu,' he recalled, the word echoing in his mind. 'She mentioned my aptitude is good, offered the guidance of Katsuyu or Jiraiya. A tempting proposition.'
The power of Senjutsu, the ability to draw upon the natural energy of the world, was undeniable. Yet, it was a path fraught with its own challenges.
'Is now the time?' he pondered, his gaze fixed on the swirling broth. 'Or should I focus on mastering the techniques I already possess? Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Kenjutsu… there is still much to improve.'
After finishing his meal, he returned to his home, the quiet solitude of his residence a welcome contrast to the bustling ramen shop. He activated his system, the familiar interface appearing before his eyes.
- SYSTEM STATS -
(Name : Sasuke Uchiha)
(Age : 13)
(Chakra Reserves : 27,245/32,350 [Low-level Jonin])
(Chakra Control : 51%)
(Ninjutsu : Advanced)
(Genjutsu : Advanced)
(Taijutsu : Advanced)
(Shurikenjutsu : Proficient)
(Kenjutsu : Adept)
(Sharingan : 28/100 [3-Tomoe])
"Shurikenjutsu is just flashy and didn't work on high level opponents, i should pause it for now or maybe forever..."
"Chakra control and Kenjutsu," he mused, his gaze fixed on the stats. "These are the areas that require more attention and training."
He deactivated the system, his mind already formulating a plan for the following day's training. The weight of his potential, the endless possibilities that lay before him, pressed down upon him, a constant reminder of the path he had chosen.