After the brief relief brought by Kaiden's laughter, the atmosphere returned to its normal pace. The tension between Zack and Hiroshi still lingered, but the students, including Zack, tried to move forward, focusing on their training. The instructions on throwing kunai continued, and the students were now more interested in adjusting their techniques, experimenting with different angles and ways to improve their accuracy. The training field filled again with the sounds of blades slicing through the air and impacting the targets.
Shortly after, the teacher signaled for everyone to gather. With a brief sigh, she instructed everyone to return to the classroom to continue their training, now with a greater focus on combat strategies and technique combinations. The group headed toward the academy building, their footsteps echoing across the empty field.
As they walked, Zack kept his mind occupied, but his attention turned to Hiroshi. The young man seemed much calmer than he should have been, given the earlier situation. Zack observed, analyzing the subtle signs in Hiroshi's posture, the way he walked, the lack of visible anger. Hiroshi had stormed away from their exchange, but now he was calmly chatting with other students, as if nothing had happened.
— It's not normal for someone to be so calm after losing their composure... — Zack thought, frowning. Something wasn't right. Hiroshi wouldn't just accept a defeat, even if it was a verbal one. But Zack knew he couldn't focus on that now. It was more important to keep his attention on his own training and not let Hiroshi distract him.
In the classroom, the activities continued at their usual pace. The teacher split the students into groups to study some more advanced combat techniques, such as the use of chakra in different forms and preparing for real fights. Zack tried to absorb every word, but his mind was still restless, unable to shake the feeling that Hiroshi was plotting something.
When the class ended and the students began to disperse, Zack separated from Kaiden, who was still laughing at the jokes about Hiroshi. Kaiden seemed to be having a great time, but Zack knew that the other student's behavior still needed to be taken seriously. Hiroshi wasn't an ordinary enemy.
Exiting the school building brought Zack some relief, and he decided to take a moment to think about the day's tensions. He walked through the streets, listening to the sound of his footsteps echoing on the stone pavement, and remembered something important: he needed a kunai.
Zack put his hand in his pockets and, counting the money he had, smiled slightly. He had 1000 ryo, enough to buy a training kunai, which cost 300 ryo. He headed toward a ninja equipment shop, passing through the bustling streets filled with merchants and citizens going about their day. The weapon shop was just ahead, with its windows displaying various training items, including kunai, shuriken, and other essential gear for a training ninja.
As he entered the store, Zack was immediately enveloped by the smell of freshly forged metal and the leather of ninja backpacks. The shopkeeper, a tall man with broad shoulders who seemed to be in a good mood, looked at Zack and smiled warmly.
— Hey there! What can I do for you today? — he asked, with an open smile and a friendly tone.
Zack looked at the items displayed on the shelves and felt a slight excitement of someone about to acquire something important for the first time.
— Hello! I... would like a training kunai. I've never had one before, and, well, it's about time I start preparing for real.
The shopkeeper looked Zack up and down for a moment and then burst out laughing.
— Never had one, huh? Well, today's going to be a great day, then! — He went to a shelf and picked up a new kunai, with a sharp blade and a well-balanced handle. — This one will help you improve your accuracy, strength, and confidence. Perfect for someone just starting out, no doubt.
Zack looked at the kunai with shining eyes, feeling the lightness of the metal in his hands as the shopkeeper handed it to him.
— Wow... it's lighter than I imagined. — Zack laughed, feeling a bit embarrassed for accidentally revealing that he was a beginner.
The shopkeeper smiled and gave Zack a pat on the shoulder.
— We all start somewhere, my friend. You're going to be great with this one, believe me. Now, if you hand me 300 ryo, the kunai is all yours.
Zack took the money from his pocket, counting it carefully. He didn't have much, but he knew this was an important investment. With a satisfied smile, he paid the shopkeeper.
— Thank you! I won't let this kunai gather dust, you can be sure of that. — Zack said, now filled with renewed confidence.
The shopkeeper winked at him.
— Good luck, kid! Just remember: a kunai is only as good as your skill in using it, so practice a lot! And if you ever use it to cut food, I hope it's a champion meal! — The shopkeeper laughed, and Zack responded with a genuine chuckle.
With the kunai in hand, Zack left the shop feeling a new sense of readiness and determination.
Arriving home, he sat down at the table, pulled out his notebook, and started jotting down everything he had learned during training. Every movement of his body, every technique the teacher had explained, was recorded there so that nothing would be forgotten. But even while writing, his mind wandered, lost in thought.
"Now I'll add the kunai training as well, but... it's a complicated thing. I hadn't considered this before." Zack paused for a moment, looking at the kunai on his table. "From now on, I'll have more training sessions, and most likely, I'll have to leave something behind and specialize in other things. I can't do it all, but what should I focus on? What will give me the advantage?"
He rested his head in his hands, his fingers pressing against his forehead. "And besides that, I have to think of a solution to increase my strength. My peers will probably experience a greater increase than mine soon, and I... I need something that will make me stand out, something that will give me an advantage over others."
Zack stood up from the chair and paced around his room. He knew he couldn't let the uncertainties take over his mind. If he wanted to grow, he would have to learn to deal with them. But how? What should he prioritize? His skill with the kunai? Increasing his strength? Or perhaps pursuing a combination of all this?
He returned to the table and picked up the kunai, examining it more closely. "I'll start with what I can control. Kunai training, honing what I already know, and specializing in something that will make me a complete ninja." He decided for now, feeling a sense of lightness in his decision but knowing it could change. "And as I grow, I'll find my own way to stand out. Nothing will be easy, but I'll do my best."
With a renewed sense of purpose, Zack sat back down and dedicated himself to writing a new training list. He knew the path would be long, but now he was more determined than ever.
After organizing his thoughts and planning his training, Zack followed his usual routine. He left the house and started running through the village streets, feeling the wind on his face as his body moved. During the run, his eyes wandered over the families around him. Many were laughing, sharing moments of joy, while others displayed expressions of concern, perhaps dealing with their own personal battles.
This view stirred thoughts in Zack, forcing him to remember his own family. The void left by them still consumed him during moments like this. Unbeknownst to him, his mind also drifted to Airi. He tried to push away the guilt he felt for not being able to do more for her. At that moment, all he could do was trust that Nagato was fulfilling his promise to care for her and provide a good life. However, the uncertainty gnawed at his heart. He knew that in the future, he would need to confirm with his own eyes that she was well.
Biting his lip as if to chase those thoughts away, Zack quickened his pace. This feeling of helplessness frustrated him deeply. He wanted to be stronger, more capable, someone who could protect those he loved. But for now, all he could do was keep moving forward.
Unconsciously, his steps led him to a higher part of the village. As he gazed up, Zack found himself confronted by the imposing sight of the faces of the Hokages carved into the mountain. Each represented a story of strength, sacrifice, and determination. The view filled him with a mix of admiration and aspiration.
"Will I ever have enough strength to protect those who are important to me?" he thought, his eyes fixed on the legendary figures.
Extending his hand toward the horizon, Zack clenched his fingers tightly, almost as if trying to grasp the future he so desired.
— Will I ever be like a Hokage? — he murmured, his voice laden with hope and doubt. — Someone with that confident smile, who can solve everything and has the strength to keep those around them safe?
Heavy thoughts began to overflow, and he felt tears threatening to fall. Before they could escape, Zack turned to a nearby wall and delivered a firm punch, the muffled sound echoing around.
— Damn it, damn it, damn it! — he shouted, his voice filled with frustration. — I feel so weak right now... Trying to be strong but still not feeling strong. And all I want is to improve in peace!
Anger and sadness mingled in his tone, but he quickly raised his arm and wiped away the tears that insisted on appearing. In a determined gesture, Zack cupped his palms together and gave himself a firm slap on the face.
— I can't keep whining... — he said, taking a deep breath and trying to collect himself. After a long sigh, he continued: — This is the path I've chosen to walk. And if this is what I want, I need to be strong to keep going. No giving up.
Pulling himself together, Zack finished his run and headed straight for the training field, where he knew he would find Rock Lee. As soon as he arrived, he spotted the young ninja in his usual training, hitting the trunk of a tree with precise movements at a steady rhythm.
— Training as always, huh? — said Zack, smiling as he walked over to Lee.
Rock Lee didn't stop for a second, maintaining absolute focus. — Training is daily, without interruption — he replied confidently, his fists continuing to strike the trunk.
Zack laughed, inspired. — Hahaha, good! Let's go for it.
Lee's determination was contagious, and Zack felt increasingly inspired watching him in action. That energy, that willpower reminded him of how he also should face his own challenges. Zack stepped back a bit and began his own routine: push-ups, sit-ups, flexibility exercises, and improvised movements that, for now, were working for him. Though simple, the training was effective in keeping his body in constant evolution.
After several hours of intense effort, with his muscles already aching, Zack decided to step back a little further and take his training kunai out of his bag. Holding it firmly, he began to practice the movements he had written down. Each strike was executed with concentration, his mind replaying the techniques learned during classes. He knew he needed to be consistent, even if the progress seemed slow.
When the sun began to set on the horizon, the two sat under the shade of a tree to rest. Zack and Rock Lee shared a simple meal, but it tasted even more delicious after all their effort.
— So, what motivates you to train so hard? — Zack asked curiously while chewing.
Lee swallowed quickly and broke into a wide, enthusiastic smile, almost radiant. — Oh, Zack! I train because I believe hard work beats natural talent! I will prove that I can become a great ninja just through taijutsu! — His voice carried an unmistakable passion, as if each word were a mantra for himself. — The strength of my fists and my determination are all I need!
Zack blinked, surprised by such conviction. — Wow, Lee. I didn't know you had such a big dream.
Lee laughed heartily, full of energy. — Hahaha! It's not a dream, Zack! It's a certainty! Every day I train is one step closer to my goal. — He paused dramatically, raising his clenched fist to the sky. — I will never doubt the power of effort! My ninja way is to live without regrets!
Zack laughed, caught up in his friend's enthusiasm. — You really believe that with every fiber of your being, don't you?
Lee nodded vigorously, his eyes shining with determination. — Of course! My sensei, the glorious Maito Guy, always says: "Youth is about giving your best without hesitation!" He is my greatest inspiration. Guy-sensei challenged me to become a genin by my own determination, and I will never let him down!
— He must be incredible. — Zack smiled, imagining someone as energetic as Lee. — And you will definitely succeed.
Lee extended his fist toward Zack, his confident smile growing even broader. — And you will too, Zack! The flame of youth is burning inside you! Don't let anything stop you!
Zack laughed as he returned the gesture, bumping his fist against Lee's. — With you around, Lee, it's impossible not to feel motivated. Let's reach the top together!