It was a Saturday afternoon. Daichi was currently in his backyard meditating and training his chakra control. Several leaves stuck like glue to both his hands and he even had one spinning in the center of his forehead. His goal was to complete this exercise today and move onto the next one as soon as possible.
The leaf concentration was the most basic of the chakra control exercises. On a blank white canvas where there was nothing, an ordinary person would not be able to concentrate on a single spot and his eyes would wander around the whole area. But if even a single dot is added his eyes would suddenly be drawn to that point and it would help focus the mind.
This was the theory when creating the leaf concentration technique. A simple yet effective training method. It improved the focus and concentration power of the mind and would even help with the person's chakra control.
Daichi pushed this concept beyond the ordinary and was able to improve his control far beyond those his age. He sat there for hours and immersed himself in this exercise. His efforts paid off. Daichi awoke to the sound of new notification boxes popping up.
[Skill 'Leaf concentration technique's level has risen by one.]
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[Leaf concentration technique - (Active/Passive)(LV.100(MAX)) ]
[Effects: +200% Increase in chakra control.
CP cost : 1/sec.
-50% CP cost to chakra techniques.]
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[Congratulations. You have successfully trained a skill to its highest level.]
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[+500 EXP]
[+75 EXP]
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[Skill 'Meditate's level has risen by one.]
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[Meditate - Active (LV. 54(2%))]
[Effects : +108% to base HP regeneration per minute.
+108% to base CP regeneration per minute.
+108% to base SP regeneration per minute.]
'Finally. Now that I'm done with that, I can start the tree walking technique… Hmm… So every time I get a skill maxed out I get a 500 Exp huh. Not bad.'
Daichi sat there feeling good with his progress. He thought about the last 6 months he spent in the academy. Although it wasn't boring, it wasn't as exciting as he thought it'd be.
'It's the last day of September. The first semester of the academy will end by mid week next month. Then a 2 week break and then the second semester of the year will begin in November. I'll try out the new dungeon during the break.'
Daichi received random rewards weekly from the system due to the quest 'Path to the strongest'. Sometimes it would be ordinary items like a pen, a notepad or even an umbrella. But sometimes he would get weapons like knives, shuriken, daggers and even a set of bow and arrows. But still these items were of normal quality.
But two weeks ago he received a dungeon Key to training ground 43. It completely took him by surprise. It was a yellow key, indicating that the enemies inside the dungeon would be 5 - 15 levels above Daichi. A difficult but not an impossible dungeon.
Due to memorizing the map of the village, Daichi had an understanding of where the training ground would be. He visited training ground 43 and was surprised to find that it was abandoned. He used 'Observe' and found out that it was due to the animals roaming the place and due to the destruction done by the several previous shinobi using the place.
Training ground 43 was located near ground 44 or the forest of death. The animals that could not survive the predators in training ground 44 moved to 43 to make it their home.
Since this training ground was used to test more destructive jutsus, it was wrecked beyond measure and when the animals moved in, the ninjas training there decided to abandon it. But since the animals were not special or rare like the ones in ground zero, ground 43 was still open to public training but people seldom came. It has been like this for over 20 years.
Daichi decided to complete the dungeon after the end of his first semester. He was going to make a lot of preparations before entering the dungeon. It would be his first dungeon run and he wanted to be ready for anything.
—-------------------------------------------------------
"Alright class. Pencils down. Time to hand in your answer sheets. The score will be marked on your report cards." Daikoku sensei said in a stern voice. He collected the papers and gathered the students outside for sparring.
"Now we will test your Taijutsu skills. We've carefully selected your opponents based on your performance these last few months so your sparring partner will be of roughly the same strength and skill. This way no one will have an unfair advantage."
He started explaining the rules. "If you step out of the ring or get knocked out you lose. If I see that you can't continue the fight, I'll end the match and declare the winner. If your opponent forfeit then you win. Absolutely no use of weapons and jutsus. This is purely hand to hand combat. And if I see anyone breaking the rules they will fail."
Once the explanation was finished, Daikoku sensei started calling out a pair of names at a time. Each person called would enter the ring and make the Seal of confrontation as protocol and would start fighting. And once the sparing was over they would use the Seal of Reconciliation as a sign that they were still comrades.
The class started the traditional shinobi sparring 3 months ago. Daichi won in all his spars. The only person in the class who came close to his taijutsu prowess was Sasuke. Time went by as Daichi watched the fights. He internally sighed watching the fights that would sometimes become almost childish. Except for those that came from clans, most others didn't have the drive or skill.
As he was standing there the next pair of opponents were called. "Daichi Hekima vs Sasuke Uchiha."
Daikoku sensei called his name along with Sasuke's. It was the first time Daichi would fight Sasuke.
Daikoku was looking forward to this match. He had been paying more attention to these two since the start of the year. One was from a famous clan and the little brother of a known genius and the other was a prodigy whose talent couldn't be matched by others. The top two of his class.
'Daichi and Sasuke. No one has their raw talent in this batch. Daichi's improvement is astonishing. He picks up everything at a much faster pace than others and he's consistently at the top. And this fueled a rivalry in Sasuke and made him train harder.'
'And Daichi, not wanting to lose the 1st spot, pushes himself even harder. I've never seen them even talking to each other but both of them are pushing the other to become better. They are far ahead of the others. I wonder how this fight goes.'
Both Daichi and Sasuke walked to the center of the ring. Several girls cheered for Sasuke while some cheered for Daichi. Due to his talent and taking the top spot in almost every competition, several students came to admire him.
[Quest Created - 'Defeat your Opponent.']
[Defeat Sasuke Uchiha and ensure first place in the taijutsu exam.]
[Rewards:]
+250 Exp
Rep increases with some classmates and Daikoku Funeno.
Rep decreases with Sasuke Uchiha.
[Failure:]
-150 Exp.
Rep decreases with everyone.
[Accept (Y/N) Success.]
Daichi accepted the quest and stepped into the ring. 'Observe'.
[LV.12] [Sasuke Uchiha]
[Age: 6]
[HP: 1506] [CP: 1300]
[Sasuke Uchiha is the son of the Uchiha clan head Fugaku and his wife Mikoto. He is the youngest of two children. He is a happy child eager to please and be worthy of his clan name. He adores his older brother Itachi. He wants to defeat Daichi and prove that he is the best and is worthy of his clan name and heritage. Sasuke Uchiha has a vast amount of hidden potential and talent.]
Daichi and Sasuke didn't say a word as they stepped into the ring.
"I'm sure I don't have to explain the rules again, do I? Now make the Seal of confrontation." Daikoku sensei exclaimed.
Hearing their sensei's words both of them raised their right hand into a half tiger seal. Neither one said a word.
"Fight."
Sasuke wasted no time and rushed towards Daichi who stood his ground and raised his guard. Within no time the Uchiha reached his target and started attacking. But every punch and kick he threw were blocked by Daichi.
Both of them fought like that for a minute. Sasuke attacking and Daichi defending. Daichi was looking at and trying to understand Sasuke's fighting style.
'It seems Sasuke is more of a speed type fighter. And what's more is his fighting style. He's attacking with seemingly powerful punches but subtly going for grabs and submission locks and trying to knock me off my feet. Sneaky guy.' Daichi internally smirked as he understood Sasuke's intentions.
Both of them fought at relatively the same speed but to Daikoku Sensei it was clear that Daichi had the advantage. 'Looks like Daichi is blocking every attack Sasuke launches with ease. And the way he does it…. It's clear he can go much faster.'
The students looked in awe as they witnessed the fight. They all knew these two were the best in class even though some of them wouldn't admit it out loud. Some like Shikamaru and Shino were paying close attention to the match.
Shikamaru had an aloof expression on his face. But he was watching every move that Daichi and Sasuke made. 'That Daichi… He's definitely stronger. The fact that he took down those senior students easily is proof of that… Looks like even Sasuke can't match his strength. Even Daichi's talent is better than anyone I've seen here.' He sighed to himself.
'I'm sure I'll have to spar with him in the future. It's going to be such a pain to fight him. What a troublesome guy.' Shikamaru and the rest watched as Sasuke tried his best to get through Daichi's defenses. Suddenly Daichi stopped defending and started attacking.
Daichi switched gears and suddenly went on the offense. The sudden shift in momentum of the fight caught Sasuke off guard and he wasn't fast enough to defend against a punch to his gut. He jumped backwards to regain his bearings.
It was now Daichi who ran to Sasuke and started their second round. Both of them fought with the intent to win. But Daichi's speed didn't allow Sasuke to land any attacks on him. Suddenly Daichi stepped forward and locked his right leg with Sasuke trapping him in place and used a submission hold to effectively immobilize him.
Sasuke grunted and tried to break free but it was for not. Daikoku sensei watched Sasuke struggle for a few more seconds and decided to call the match.
"Sasuke Uchiha is unable to continue. Winner of the match. Daichi Hekima." As soon as Daikoku announced the end of the match, Daichi let go. Sasuke had a scowl on his face as he looked at him.
"Now make the seal of reconciliation." Their sensei said in a somewhat serious tone. He knew that every first year student would be stubborn especially when they lose a sparring match.
Daichi and Sasuke made the Seal of Reconciliation and left the ring.
[Quest 'Defeat your Opponent' Completed.]
[Rewards:]
[+250 Exp]
[+37.5 Exp]
[Rep increases with some classmates and Daikoku Funeno.]
[Rep decreases with Sasuke Uchiha.]
Daichi looked over and dismissed the pop up box. He stood over with those who completed the test and watched the rest of the matches.
Sasuke was expressionless but he was sad and angry. And the pity looks some of his female classmates gave him were not helping. When Daichi bested him in class tests and shuriken jutsu he thought he would be able to prove himself in Taijutsu. But this defeat made him slightly depressed.
'Father won't be happy when he hears I lost… Big brother never lost a single fight when he was here. Am I not as good as him? How did I lose? Why am I so much weaker than Daichi?' Sasuke clenched his fists as he looked at Daichi.
The matches ended shortly after and within a few days the end of the first semester came.
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It was October 14th and every student got their report cards. Daichi looked at his card and had a slight smile.
Report card
Ninjutsu - A - 1/30
Taijutsu - A - 1/30
Genjutsu - A - 1/30
Theory - A - 1/30
Strategy - A - 1/30
Positivity - B
Classroom Attitude - B
Cooperation Skill - B
Teacher's comments.
"Daichi has maintained top grades throughout the semester. He has incredible talent and skill for Taijutsu, Ninjutsu and Genjutsu. Has an excellent range of knowledge and control of chakra. Willing to cooperate in team exercises but only with some students."
These were the contents of the card. Daichi went home and showed his report card to his grandfather. Kensei was proud and had a wide smile. They celebrated with a BBQ dinner.
As Daichi was resting in his bed he went through a mental checklist. He made sure he placed all the things he would need to clear his first dungeon in his inventory.
He put on a set of clothes he got as a random reward and got ready. When the small clock on his desk struck midnight Daichi took the dungeon Key out from his inventory and activated it. In an instant he was teleported from his bedroom.