Arriving at school, Zack still felt the tense muscles and lingering aches from the training with Lee the day before. Nonetheless, there was something refreshing in the morning air. As soon as he entered the courtyard, he heard Kaiden's familiar voice calling out to him with excitement.
Kaiden was leaning against a tree, a broad smile on his face. Zack walked over to him, trying not to show his fatigue, and opened a smile.
— How's your mind, huh? Are you feeling calmer now after a few days? — Zack asked casually.
Kaiden scratched his head, a bit embarrassed.
— Hahaha, to be honest, I've been pretty thoughtful these days. But now I'm feeling better. — He shrugged, a lighter smile on his face. — My dad's been helping me, and playing with my little brother also made me realize I was overreacting. I made too big a deal out of things.
Zack let out a laugh and moved closer, putting his arm around Kaiden's neck.
— Hahaha, that's right, my friend! I thought you were going to grow up to be a sourpuss! Thank goodness you're returning to normal.
Kaiden, in a quick move, shrugged Zack's arm off his neck. He made a serious face, staring at him.
— Cut that out.
Zack blinked, surprised by the reaction, but before he could say anything, Kaiden started laughing, shaking his head.
— I like girls, dude, not guys! — Kaiden said, making an exaggerated grimace before running towards the classroom.
Zack stood still for a second, still processing the sudden change in tone, and then shouted after him:
— Ahhh, you jerk! And who said you would be my choice? Even a frog is more attractive than you!
Kaiden just raised his hand behind him, waving in response while laughing. Zack chuckled too, shaking his head and heading to class with a lighter spirit.
Reaching Kaiden in the hallway, Zack approached with light steps and an excited look, striking up a conversation:
— Hey, how about we train together tonight? By the way, I saw at a weapons shop that they're selling chakra blades at an affordable price. I think that would be interesting. I can already control a bit of my chakra, and I want to find out my affinity.
Kaiden frowned, thoughtfully. After a few seconds, he shook his head.
— I don't know, Zack. My dad isn't too keen on the idea of me going out at night. After an incident where my little brother followed me when I went out to play after hours, they established strict rules.
Zack sighed, a bit disappointed. He really wanted to share that moment with Kaiden.
— Besides that — Kaiden continued —, my parents are still worried about everything that happened in the village over the past few years. The Uchiha clan massacre and that "monster" that appeared... They get anxious about letting me go out alone.
Zack furrowed his brow, reflecting on his friend's words.
— I've heard some things about those events. I think I saw the last survivor of the Uchihas once... And the "monster" you're talking about is, if I'm not mistaken, that thing with Naruto, right?
Before Zack could say more, Kaiden raised his hand in a hasty gesture, asking for silence.
— Shhh! Speak a little quieter! The Third Hokage made it clear that we shouldn't talk about that. He said in the academy that it would be disrespectful to the sacrifice of the Fourth Hokage. Plus, messing with that only brings more problems.
Kaiden scratched his head, a bit embarrassed, but continued in a lower tone:
— To be honest, I also feel a bit uncomfortable. I know it's wrong, but my mom talks about that day with a look of pure horror. I've never seen that look on her face at any other time. It's complicated at home. At that time, my dad was on a mission and... Not that my mom blames him, but she always thinks about what could have happened. I was just a baby, but I almost died that day. — He laughed nervously, trying to lighten the weight of the conversation.
Zack remained silent for a moment, absorbing everything. Behind Kaiden's smile, there were marks of fear and uncertainty.
— That explains a lot — Zack said, crossing his arms. — It must be hard carrying all that. But you know, Kaiden, I think training and getting stronger is the best way to protect the ones we love.
Kaiden smiled, now more relaxed.
— Maybe you're right. I just need to convince my parents of that.
Zack smiled and gave Kaiden a light punch on the shoulder, trying to lighten the mood.
— That's it, try to convince the "master" at home, and then leave it to me. I'm going to teach you how to fight for real!
Kaiden narrowed his eyes, pretending disbelief while crossing his arms.
— Oh, sure. As if you'd teach me anything, Zack. Just trying to convince my dad to let me train at night is already a huge favor you're doing me. In the end, who's going to teach you to fight is me.
Zack laughed, shaking his head.
— Alright then, Master Kaiden. Let's do this: if you manage to train at night with me, it will be every man for himself. No one helps each other. And if you can't train, the rule is the same. Let's see who comes out on top in the Top 5 of the class when graduation time comes.
Kaiden opened a challenging smile, his eyes shining with competitiveness.
— Deal. And let's add a wager: the winner gets a free snack from the loser. Write down that I like fried buns.
Zack burst out laughing, pointing at his friend.
— Noted. But get ready to open your wallet, because those buns are coming out of your pocket, champ.
As the two walked towards the classroom, Zack suddenly brought his hand to his forehead, as if he had remembered something important.
— Almost forgot to mention! Have you heard about a guy named Rock Lee? I met him the other night when I went to train. That's why I wanted you to come train with me and him. I've never seen anyone so motivated and fun to train with.
Kaiden stopped for a moment, furrowing his brow with a suspicious look.
— And how many people have you seen training to have that comparison?
Zack rolled his eyes, pretending impatience.
— You know what I meant! He trains with a conviction and resilience I've never seen in any kid here at the academy.
Kaiden looked up at the ceiling as if trying to remember something.
— Hmm... — he murmured, thoughtful. — That name doesn't sound unfamiliar.
— He told me he can't use ninjutsu or genjutsu — Zack added.
Suddenly, Kaiden's eyes widened, and he snapped his fingers as if he finally remembered something.
— Oh, now I know who it is! Some kids at the academy made fun of him a while ago for not being able to handle chakra at all. I felt a bit sorry for him.
Before he could say more, Zack gave Kaiden a light punch on the head, enough to make him say "ouch" while Kaiden rubbed the spot that was hit.
— What do you mean "feel sorry for him!" — Zack exclaimed, laughing. — You would get your butt kicked by him fighting with just one arm. Imagine if he used both!
Kaiden crossed his arms, looking at Zack in disbelief.
— Get my butt kicked? You're exaggerating. I don't believe that.
Zack started laughing, giving a friendly pat on his friend's back.
— Hahaha! I'm being generous with you. He would leave you on the floor in less than a minute.
Kaiden rolled his eyes, but couldn't help a small smile.
— Well, I want to see that then.
Zack smiled, the spark of competitiveness in his eyes.
— Who knows, one day, Master Kaiden. But for now, let's go to class before the sensei puts us in detention.
When everyone arrived in the classroom, Zack and Kaiden hurried to take their seats. Zack took a quick look around and noticed that, although most things seemed the same, something caught his attention: Yuki and Ayame were talking and, surprisingly, laughing together. More Yuki than Ayame, of course, but it was already an improvement.
Soon after, Akemi-sensei entered the room with her firm yet friendly demeanor and wrote on the board in large letters: Weapon Throwing.
— I'll warn you right now — she began, her voice firm and authoritative. — Today we're going to learn the basics of weapon throwing. It's a fundamental skill for any ninja.
She paused briefly, looking at the students as if weighing the importance of her words.
— It doesn't matter how strong you are; you can still be fatally hit by a weapon at close range. There are some exceptions — people with special bodies, unique abilities — but, generally speaking, no one is invulnerable.
The students listened in silence, absorbing the explanation.
— Furthermore, weapon throwing isn't just for direct attacks. It can be used to distract enemies, push them away, create openings... the possibilities are almost endless.
Akemi-sensei took a strategic pause, looking around with satisfaction at seeing that everyone was paying attention. Her proud look softened for a brief moment, and she allowed herself a small smile.
— But better than talking about this is showing it in practice. Let's go to the training field and begin your initiation into this essential art for any ninja!
The students began to whisper excitedly, laughing and exchanging comments as they followed Akemi-sensei to the training field.
When they arrived at the site, Zack was impressed. It was a spacious area, surrounded by trees marked with deep scratches, probably from weapons thrown during previous training. The ground was sandy, ideal for cushioning falls or impacts, and several targets were scattered about, some fixed, others moving, sliding from side to side.
Beside it, an open cabinet displayed a variety of weapons: kunais, shurikens, senbons, and even some other less common objects. Akemi-sensei positioned herself near the cabinet and began to explain.
— These are some of the weapons you will be using today. Each has its characteristics, but the goal is the same: precision and control.
She picked up a kunai and held it firmly yet relaxed, demonstrating the correct position for throwing.
— Today we'll start with kunais. It's the most basic and versatile weapon for a ninja. Pay attention to how I hold and throw it.
Akemi-sensei spun the kunai in her hand and, with a quick and fluid movement, threw it towards one of the moving targets. The weapon embedded itself perfectly in the center, drawing murmurs of admiration from the students.
— Now, it's your turn. Choose a kunai and form a line. Let's see what you're capable of.
Zack, with his heart racing from excitement, looked at Kaiden and smiled challengingly.
— Looks like we're finally going to find out who's better with weapons, huh?
Kaiden returned the smile, crossing his arms.
— I hope you don't get too embarrassed when I hit the target on my first try.
The students gathered around Akemi-sensei, each holding a kunai, eager to learn. Akemi-sensei held another kunai, raising it to chest height so everyone could see clearly.
— Pay close attention. First, we'll talk about how to hold the kunai.
She adjusted her posture, holding the kunai by the base of the handle.
— Ideally, you should hold the kunai firmly, but without tensing your fingers too much. This allows you to maintain control while also giving you the flexibility to adjust the movement during the throw.
Akemi-sensei positioned her thumb on the side of the handle while her other fingers wrapped around the grip.
— It's important that the thumb is slightly pressed against the handle for stability. Don't hold it by the blade; that's not only dangerous but also harms the precision of the throw.
She looked around, checking if the students were holding their kunais correctly, and corrected a few before continuing.
— Now, let's talk about body position.
Akemi-sensei took a step back, assuming a firm stance.
— Place your dominant foot slightly forward and keep your knees relaxed. Your body should be facing the target. The arm that will throw the kunai should be at shoulder height, and the other can help with balance.
She raised her right arm, holding the kunai in her hand, while the left pointed slightly towards the target.
— The force of the throw doesn't come just from the arm, but from the whole body. It's like throwing a punch: you turn your hips to generate momentum.
Akemi-sensei made a slow motion, simulating the throw so everyone could understand.
— Now, the most important: the throwing motion.
She began to demonstrate in slow motion.
— Bring your arm back, to the height of your ear, keeping the kunai aligned with the target. When you're ready to throw, bring your arm forward in a fluid movement and release the kunai at the moment your arm is pointing directly at the target. Don't throw with brute force; it's more about precision and technique.
She finished the movement with a quick and accurate throw, hitting the center of the target once again.
— One more tip: keep your focus on the point you want to hit, as if it were at the center of everything around you. That helps with precision.
The students murmured in admiration again, some adjusting their stances based on the explanation. Akemi-sensei crossed her arms, smiling.
— Now, try it yourselves. Begin with slow movements, without throwing, to get accustomed. Then, I want to see who can hit the target.
The students started to practice eagerly, mimicking the movements Akemi-sensei had demonstrated. Some showed expressions of intense focus while others laughed at their classmates' clumsy attempts. Zack, however, was completely concentrated. He carefully analyzed his posture, holding the kunai as instructed.
Kaiden, beside him, gave Zack a light shove on the shoulder.
— Hey, if you concentrate that much, you're going to end up missing. Relax a bit.
Zack responded without taking his eyes off the target.
— Relaxing is what you do when you lose. I plan to hit.
With a challenging smile, Zack went through the movements slowly, recalling Akemi-sensei's words. The twist of the hip, the alignment of the kunai, and the exact moment to release the weapon. He stepped back, took a deep breath, and threw the kunai.
It flew quickly, but grazed the target, embedding itself in the wood just a few centimeters away. Zack winced slightly, but Kaiden laughed loudly.
— Wow, so close, Zack! I think I need glasses to see that "hit" there.
Zack rolled his eyes but smiled to the side.
— I want to see you do better.
Kaiden twirled the kunai in his hand with a confident air.
— Pay attention, champ. This is how it's done.
He assumed the taught stance but threw the kunai with a more careless motion. The weapon spun in the air and hit the target... but right at the edge, nearly falling to the ground.
Zack laughed, giving Kaiden a friendly pat on the back.
— Good try, Master Kunai. I think we're even.
Meanwhile, Akemi-sensei walked among the students, correcting postures and encouraging those who seemed frustrated.
— Remember, this is practice. Making mistakes now is part of the process. The more you train, the more natural these movements will become.
A little further, Yuki and Ayame were laughing together. Ayame looked shy as she made the movements, but Yuki was encouraging her with jokes and light comments.
— Come on, Ayame! I bet you'll hit the target before me.
Ayame threw her kunai carefully, and to her surprise, she hit the target, although a bit off-center. Her eyes lit up, and Yuki cheered beside her.
— I told you! You're doing great!
Akemi-sensei observed everything with a satisfied smile.
— That's it, class. Keep practicing. The important thing is to create the habit and improve gradually.