One month later.
Yamanaka Shinsuke and Inuzuka Claw each stood atop a tall tree, conducting their daily reconnaissance.
"Hizashi hasn't been practicing taijutsu much lately, has he?" Inuzuka Claw mused as she stroked Kuromaru's fur. "He used to train in Gentle Fist every day. Now he sometimes just sits still for hours. Isn't he worried his skills will get rusty?"
In their reconnaissance team, Hizashi was known as the taijutsu specialist. Claw often sparred with him to sharpen her own skills, but since Hirito's arrival, Hizashi hadn't sparred with her at all.
"Hirito's the same," Claw continued, glancing in their direction. "He's sitting there even longer than Hizashi."
"Hizashi mentioned he's practicing a Hyuga clan secret technique," Shinsuke replied, leaning back against the tree trunk. "I suppose Hirito is, too."
"The Hyuga clan's secret techniques? They're known for things like [Revolving Heaven] and [Air Palm], right? Could they be working on something new?" Claw's gaze drifted toward the two Hyuga sitting cross-legged a short distance away, as if in meditation.
Compared to Hirito's calm and steady posture, Hizashi looked stiff and occasionally fidgeted, as if struggling to concentrate.
Shinsuke chuckled. "Claw, stay focused on our mission. The Hyuga clan is ancient; they've got their own ways and secrets. No need to pry."
In truth, every major ninja clan had its own unique techniques and methods. He knew better than to speculate too much about the inner workings of another clan.
Nearby, Hizashi was doing his best to clear his mind of distractions, letting his spiritual consciousness sink into the cells of his body. Hirito had shared his own experience with the technique, which had allowed Hizashi to finally grasp its basics about ten days ago.
After some time, Hizashi opened his eyes, took a deep breath, and assessed his body's response. He focused on the back of his right hand, where he had just infused his awareness.
"It doesn't feel like much has changed," he murmured, clenching and unclenching his fist. "But the mental exhaustion is real…"
He understood that this kind of internal training took time and patience. "At this rate, it'll take me several years to fully master this [Return of Life] technique."
Reflecting on how Hirito had not only created this technique but had trained himself to such a high level within just a year, Hizashi felt a mix of admiration and envy. Yet, the possibility of achieving the same skill filled him with determination.
"Several years isn't so long," he thought, his resolve solidifying.
Not far away, Hirito sat cross-legged under an old tree, eyes closed in focused meditation. The young shinobi's steady breath and calm expression mirrored the tranquility of his surroundings. From time to time, a low, faint rumble emanated from within him, resembling the distant roll of thunder or the quiet croak of frogs.
The sound was barely noticeable, but with each rumble, Hirito's body would quiver slightly.
After a while, Hirito opened his eyes and exhaled a thin, concentrated stream of white air, which shot out like an arrow and dissipated almost a meter away. Feeling a surge of vitality from within, he smiled in satisfaction.
"The [Return of Life] practice on my leg muscles is finally complete," he thought, rising to his feet.
Leg strength was fundamental. As Hirito knew from his previous life, the legs were often considered the "second heart" of the body, crucial for maintaining circulation. Strengthening his leg muscles enhanced his balance, agility, and the overall flow of his chakra.
He stood, feeling the power coursing through his legs, and sensed a subtle increase in his chakra levels. Testing his progress, Hirito activated Shunpo.
In an instant, Hirito vanished from sight and reappeared thirty meters away. As he landed, he quickly pivoted, reappearing on a branch to his left. With barely a sound, he skimmed over a falling leaf, his speed leaving a trail of afterimages.
Inuzuka Claw's eyes widened as she tried to keep track of him. "He's even faster than my [Beast-like Ninja Technique]! I can barely keep up with his movements…"
Shinsuke, who usually maintained a calm demeanor, had his eyes fully open, his expression serious. Hirito's speed was no longer within the range of a typical Chūnin.
After watching for a moment, Shinsuke finally spoke, his voice uncharacteristically filled with awe. "If I ever encountered Hirito alone as an enemy, I'd have no choice but to retreat."
Claw looked at Shinsuke, sensing he was trying to downplay his own strengths. "Don't underestimate yourself," she reassured him. "You're a valuable part of this team. Remember, your specialty isn't direct combat."
Before Claw could say more, a soft, deep voice spoke from behind them.
"Captain." Both Claw and Shinsuke turned around to see Aburame Ryoma, their taciturn leader, watching Hirito with keen interest.
"Captain," Claw asked, unable to hide her curiosity, "how does Hirito's speed compare to yours?"
Ryoma remained silent for a moment, his face impassive behind his sunglasses, as he continued to observe Hirito. Then he replied in his usual calm tone, "Hirito's speed is formidable. He possesses a rare natural gift."
Ryoma's words conveyed his acknowledgment without betraying any sign of envy or concern. His focus was solely on assessing Hirito's capability as a team member.
Meanwhile, Hizashi finished his meditation, glancing over at Hirito's swift movements. He was eager to test his own progress with [Return of Life] and hoped to approach Hirito's level, even if it meant focusing only on mastering the basics.
Hirito noticed Hizashi's gaze and offered him a supportive nod. His cousin's admiration was clear, but so was his determination to grow stronger.
As the team watched, Hirito returned to their side, showing no signs of fatigue from his intense display of speed.
Shinsuke greeted him with a smile. "Hirito, your technique is truly impressive. You've given us all a lot to strive for."
Hirito returned the smile, his expression relaxed. "Thank you, Shinsuke. But I'm still learning too, like everyone else."
"Learning? You make it look easy," Claw said with a grin. "Let's be honest, you've got us all beat when it comes to speed."
Hirito laughed. "I guess all that training is paying off."
Their captain, Aburame Ryoma, broke in with his usual composed tone. "Hirito, while speed is your strength, don't forget that balance is essential for a reconnaissance ninja. Speed alone can draw attention, so remember to keep your presence low."
"Yes, Captain," Hirito replied, understanding Ryoma's advice.
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