Sasuke's mind churned as he began to grasp a crucial distinction.
"Chakra control is simply the ability to precisely control the amount of chakra a ninja uses for a technique. Shape manipulation, however, is different. It refers to the control of chakra's form, allowing, for example, Ninjutsu to become more potent despite using the same amount of chakra."
New ideas constantly forming, and he prepared to leave the library. With Kurenai's training happening just once a week, he had a break from the training ground for the rest of the week. Yet, he was given the task of mastering the D-Rank Genjutsu, 'Veiled Whispers,' meaning he couldn't neglect daily Genjutsu practice.
Walking down the path, Sasuke contemplated the reduction in surveillance on him. "As expected, Kurenai reported our training session to Hiruzen. He should have a decent grasp of my abilities and might try recruiting me into Anbu, just like my brother. If this continues, I'll be free from Anbu surveillance soon. Danzo's interest in me will also dwindle; Hiruzen must be cautious after his actions with Itachi."
Entering several stores, Sasuke returned with everyday groceries, water balloons, and other supplies. Back home, he sorted his purchases and took out the Fuinjutsu items, placing special ink and scrolls beside him.
Searching his memory for a suitable seal to practice as a beginner, Sasuke found his target: 'Basic Storage Jutsu.' This would enable him to create basic storage scrolls. Focused, he activated his Mangekyou and began drawing the symbols for the seal.
_________
| |
| O---宙 |
| | |
| 倉 |
_________
He first drew a containment space in the shape of a large square and drew a small circle in it, symbolising the stored object. He then drew chakra channel lines (| and ---) from the circle to symbols '倉' that represented storage and '宙' that represented space.
Having completed the seal, Sasuke firmly grasped it with one hand while his other hand held a kunai. Focusing on his chakra, he aimed to store the kunai in the scroll. To his dismay, there was no response from the seal. Upon closer inspection using his Sharingan, Sasuke discovered that his symbol for storage was slightly misshapen, and the symbol for space wasn't perfectly aligned with his chakra channel line.
Undeterred, Sasuke repeated the process four times, leveraging his Mangekyou to swiftly identify and correct any mistakes. Eventually, he succeeded in crafting a functional storage scroll.
"Yes!" Sasuke exclaimed in joy as he witnessed the kunai vanish from his hand, only to reappear shortly after. Satisfied with his accomplishment, he decided to push further, determined to enhance his proficiency in the Basic Storage Jutsu. As for the storage space of the scrolls he can make now, only managed to reach 2m^3 in volume which is far from the standard 5m^3.
As the sun set and night approached, Sasuke diligently produced 13 storage scrolls before his chakra was depleted. Fatigued, he readied himself for sleep, pleased with the progress made in his Fuinjutsu practice.
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The next morning, Sasuke awoke, swiftly leaving his home clad in training weights after a satisfying breakfast, geared up for his customary morning exercise routine.
While jogging, he crossed paths with Rock Lee and observed the pronounced absence of their mentor, Guy.
"Where's Guy-sensei?" Sasuke inquired.
"He mentioned being summoned for a mission and had to leave yesterday evening. Didn't specify when he'll return though," Rock Lee explained.
"Don't worry, Lee. You know Guy-sensei's strength. If I were you, I'd keep training and surprise him with your progress when he returns," Sasuke reassured, sensing Lee's lack of focus this morning.
"Yes! Sasuke, you're right. I'll make Guy-sensei feel the blazing determination of my youth!" Rock Lee responded, his eyes brimming with enthusiasm.
'Guy's influence is rubbing off on Rock Lee faster than I expected.' Observing Lee's fervent expression, Sasuke's eyelids twitched.
After their morning exercise, Sasuke swiftly returned home, refreshed himself, and then walked with Lee to the academy.
Upon entering his classroom, Sasuke promptly settled at his desk, swiftly organising his plans for the day.
'First and foremost, I should focus on mastering the Rasengan to enhance my shape transformation. Yet, there's the persistent need for Ninjutsu, Taijutsu, Genjutsu, and Fuinjutsu training.' A hint of concern lingered in Sasuke's thoughts as the weight of his hectic schedule pressed on him.
'Thankfully, I've got Kurenai to teach me the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Though it's a tad unconventional for a 7-year-old, considering Itachi as a precedent, it shouldn't stand out too much. I'll have to calculate how many Shadow clones I can summon, ensuring each possesses an ample amount of chakra.' Sasuke's contemplation was abruptly interrupted by the arrival of Shikamaru and Choji.
As the trio engaged in animated conversation about their plans for the day, Iruka stepped into the classroom.
The soft creak of the door drew their attention, and Iruka's presence immediately gathered the eyes of everyone in the room.
"Good morning, children," he warmly greeted the lively students, his voice carrying a blend of authority and friendliness.
"Good morning, sensei!" echoed the enthusiastic response from the eager bunch of students.
"Today, our lesson revolves around Chakra and how to control it," announced Iruka, prompting cheers from the students. The prospect of delving into chakra dynamics elicited excitement, a welcome departure from potentially dull subjects like history.
"As second-year academy students, you'll be introduced to the three fundamental Ninjutsu techniques: Transformation, Clone, and Substitution. The Body Flicker Jutsu will come later, in your fourth year. But before we delve into that, I'll guide you through an exercise that will pave the way for mastering these techniques," Iruka continued.
While Iruka elaborated on the Leaf Concentration Exercise, Sasuke's mind drifted.
'How could I forget about that?' he internally chided himself. Immersed in mastering powerful Ninjutsu like the 'Great Dragon Fire Technique,' Sasuke had overlooked the importance of learning versatile skills like the Body Flicker Jutsu—despite its modest D-Rank status, it held immense utility for a ninja.
Fortunately, Sasuke had diligently perfected the three basic jutsu during his month of training, a task that didn't consume much of his time as he had possessed the original Sasuke's memories for them.
'I should allocate some of my Ninjutsu training to the Body Flicker Jutsu as well as the Rasengan,' Sasuke resolved, a renewed determination settling within him.