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A month had passed since Rai joined the second-year students, but his daily schedule had fallen into a monotonous routine. Each day followed a predictable pattern, with Rai engaging in the same activities over and over again.
Mornings began with rigorous endurance and taijutsu training. Rai would push himself to the limits, honing his physical strength and combat skills. After the morning training session, Rai would attend the academy, where he would spend the majority of his day.
While the academic curriculum was necessary for his growth as a ninja, it had become a mundane routine that failed to captivate Rai's interest. The repetition of the same subjects and teaching methods made the days blur together, stifling his enthusiasm.
His evenings were dedicated to agility and chakra control practice. Although these practices were essential for his overall development, the lack of variety made them feel like a repetitive chore.
Amidst Rai's otherwise mundane daily schedule, there was one glimmer of excitement and progress: the discovery of a new taijutsu kata called "Sōshūden" Kata, the Hidden Leaf's Dance of Essence. This technique, the basic foundation taught at the Leaf Shinobi Academy, provided a much-needed respite from the monotonous routine.
While Rai's integration of the "Sōshūden" Kata into his usual taijutsu techniques was a work in progress, he was making remarkable strides. His fighting style underwent a remarkable transformation. The integration of this new technique into his repertoire allowed Rai to refine his movements and elevate his overall combat proficiency, however, it also presented Rai with a new challenge: he had surpassed his classmates in skill.
Despite his recent sparring sessions and practical classes, Rai found that none of his peers could match his abilities. Not even Shisui, who had recently been promoted.
In theoretical classes, Rai quickly grasped the foundational concepts and principles being taught. The basic nature of the curriculum provided little intellectual stimulation for Rai, leaving him yearning for more in-depth and advanced knowledge.
Unfortunately, this longing for intellectual stimulation and his rapid progress had unintended consequences, leading him to become somewhat of a pariah in his class.
Rai's remarkable abilities and advanced understanding of the material made his classmates feel inadequate in comparison. Some students became envious of his progress, resenting the gap between their own abilities and his. The feelings of jealousy further isolated Rai, as his peers distanced themselves and avoided interactions with him.
Additionally, the sheer magnitude of Rai's talent intimidated many of his classmates. They were apprehensive about engaging with someone whose abilities surpassed their own. Fear of appearing inferior or saying something wrong stifled their willingness to approach Rai, creating an unintended barrier between him and his peers.
Amidst this isolation, Shisui remained the sole person who maintained a genuine connection with Rai. Shisui's clan held high expectations and strict traditions, which often placed considerable pressure on him to conform and prioritize clan duties over personal relationships.
However, Shisui saw beyond these constraints and recognized the value of genuine connections and meaningful friendships. Despite the pressure from his own clan, Shisui's loyalty and friendship remained steadfast, making him the one person Rai could truly call a friend.
But, Rai's class wasn't the only place where he was receiving attention. Despite his isolation within the class, Rai's exceptional abilities and dedication to his training had caught the eye of several influential individuals within the village.
*
"My lord, the rumors are indeed true," Yuudai spoke, "The Nara boy has shown exceptional abilities when it comes to taijutsu. His skills surpass those of his peers by a significant margin."
The other individual nodded, acknowledging the information. "Not only that, but his intellectual abilities also seem to be far beyond what is expected of his age. It's truly remarkable. What's even more astonishing is that I've heard he has sparred with Shisui Uchiha, the prodigy of the Uchiha clan, on multiple occasions, and has always come out on top with ease."
The lord leaned back in his seat, "Fascinating. To possess both exceptional physical abilities and a keen intellect is a rare combination indeed. Especially for a Nara."
The lord's expression grew serious as he leaned forward. "We need to take action swiftly, Yuudai. If the Nara boy continues to grow and develop at such a remarkable pace, we may soon find ourselves unable to enact our plan as intended."
Yuudai bowed deeply. "As you command, my lord. I will ensure that all necessary preparations are made promptly.
The lord regarded Yuudai with a piercing gaze, his voice taking on a menacing undertone. "I trust in your capabilities, Yuudai. But remember this: failure is not an option. You see, I have a theory that needs confirmation, and the Nara boy is an essential piece of that puzzle."
Yuudai's eyes widened, sensing the weight of the lord's warning. "I understand, my lord. I assure you, I will do everything in my power to ensure success. The consequences of failure are not lost on me."
The lord leaned forward, his eyes narrowing with intensity. "Good. I would hate to think of the repercussions should our plans falter."
Yuudai felt a chill run down his spine, "Rest assured, my lord, I will dedicate myself fully to this task. I understand the gravity of the situation, and I will not disappoint you."
"See that you don't, Yuudai. The consequences will be severe, both for you and your wife."
Yuudai swallowed hard, "I will not waver, my lord," he said firmly. With that, he bowed deeply and turned to leave.
*
Meanwhile, our protagonist, deep in thought, sat in his father's study. Unfurled in front of him was a scroll on anesthetics. Ever since Rai had made the decision to become an iryo-nin, he had been actively seeking knowledge on various topics related to the field.
The scroll on anesthetics was just one of the many resources he had acquired to broaden his understanding. While he hadn't yet been able to study under the guidance of a mentor or instructor, his father's study provided an abundance of material for him to cover before he could embark on his actual training.
With dedication and discipline, Rai diligently worked his way through the materials available to him. He delved into scrolls on anatomy, studying the intricacies of the human body, its systems, and its vulnerabilities. He familiarized himself with the fundamentals of diagnosis, understanding how to assess injuries and ailments accurately.
The shelves in his father's study were lined with scrolls on herbal medicine, traditional remedies, and advanced medical techniques. Rai dove into these texts, immersing himself in the properties and uses of different herbs, learning how to create healing salves, poultices, and antidotes.
But, Rai soon realized that the collection lacked specific scrolls on iryo-ninjutsu and the advanced techniques associated with medical ninja. Such scrolls, it seemed, were reserved for a select few individuals with specialized training and entrusted only to those deemed worthy by the village's medical authorities.
While the absence of specific scrolls on iryo-ninjutsu posed a challenge, Rai remained undeterred. He understood that true expertise in the field required guidance and training from experienced mentors. However, he believed that the foundation he was building through his studies in herbal medicine and traditional remedies would serve as a valuable complement to his future medical training.
Beyond his father's study, Rai discovered an opportunity to expand his understanding of medical practices. Within his clan's laboratory, where medicines were created and experiments conducted, Rai was granted permission to observe the skilled individuals at work.
Although he was not yet permitted to participate in practical tasks, Rai relished the chance to witness the intricacies of the laboratory's operations. He observed the meticulous process of extracting medicinal properties from various plants, the careful measurements of ingredients, and the precise mixing and formulation of medicines.
Under the watchful eyes of the laboratory members, Rai learned about the importance of quality control, the significance of sterile environments, and the protocols for handling potent substances. The researchers patiently explained the theories and methodologies behind their work, providing him with a glimpse into the realm of advanced medical practices.
While he yearned to take a more active role, Rai recognized the value of observation. Every moment spent in the laboratory allowed him to absorb the knowledge and techniques employed by the skilled professionals. He observed their attention to detail, their collaborative approach to problem-solving, and their dedication to improving medical treatments.
Rai recognized that his privilege to observe the laboratory operations was primarily due to his position as the clan heir. That is why he approached his interactions with the skilled professionals in the laboratory with a profound sense of respect.
He understood the significance of their work and the expertise they brought to their tasks. With this in mind, Rai always ensured that he spoke to everyone with the utmost respect, patiently waiting for them to finish their work before approaching them with his questions.
In his quest for knowledge and advancement as an iryo-nin, Rai sought guidance not only from the laboratory professionals but also from his mother. During a conversation, she revealed that starting from his third year, they would be offered elective courses, allowing Rai to choose the basics of iryo-ninjutsu as a means to establish a strong foundation for his future as a medical ninja.
As he prepared for the elective courses, he remained focused on developing his chakra control—a crucial skill for any iryo-nin.
Rai had recognized early on that chakra control was paramount to his path as a medical ninja. He understood that precise control over his chakra would allow him to perform delicate medical procedures, enhance his healing abilities, and execute complex medical ninjutsu with precision.
In his pursuit of mastering chakra control, Rai had achieved a significant milestone. He had successfully held his mother under the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu for more than 30 seconds.
While his accomplishments in chakra control were commendable, Rai had inadvertently neglected his ninjutsu training due to his sole focus on becoming an iryo-nin. The rigorous dedication he had applied to his medical studies and chakra control had left little time for the development of other ninjutsu skills, including the shadow possession jutsu.
Despite his qualification to begin practicing the shadow possession jutsu, Rai had yet to fully integrate it into his repertoire. The limited attention he had given to his ninjutsu training had resulted in an inability to effectively execute the jutsu.
*
The consequences of his decisions and his cowardice would soon come to haunt him in the future. Because, in the realm of shinobi, hesitation births regret, and cowardice begets an ocean of remorse. The path untraveled, the skills unmastered, yield a harvest of regret that consumes the soul.