---
Chapter 14: The Path Ahead
Exchanging jutsus for newer ones was actually a brilliant idea. By tapping into techniques that didn't exist in this world, I could develop several ninjutsu unique to my abilities and gain the reputation of a genius with a knack for creating new techniques. Given that I was born before the major plot of the original series, I had the perfect opportunity to replicate powerful jutsus like the Rasengan and Chidori.
The Rasengan, Naruto's signature ninjutsu, was surprisingly simple to develop. The anime provided a complete guide to its creation, breaking it down step-by-step. Even its advanced versions, like the Rasenshuriken, were thoroughly explained, making it easy for someone with my understanding of chakra manipulation to recreate them. Yes, creating them was definitely on my list.
"Let's go to the casino!!!" Tsunade yelled, her voice cutting through my thoughts like a kunai. She seized my arm and began to pull me along, her excitement palpable. It was becoming a routine for us to spend time together, and over the past few months, it was clear she had developed a fondness for me. Not quite a Sakura-level fangirl, but definitely a crush. At just seven years old, we were both far too young to be considering such feelings, yet here we were, navigating the complexities of childhood emotions. Kids in this world grew up too fast.
Tsunade had already developed a gambling habit, though it was nowhere near as excessive as it became in the original timeline. Nevertheless, she still had that spark in her eye whenever the topic of gambling arose.
Soon, we entered a cozily decorated building that smelled of smoke and old wood. The casino owner spotted Tsunade immediately, his face lighting up with recognition and delight. After all, she was a frequent visitor, and despite her losses, she often donated money here, ensuring the place thrived.
"Ugh!!! I lost again! They were definitely cheating," Tsunade grumbled, her frustration evident as she stared at the table where she had just lost another round. I watched in disbelief as she lost more money in a few hours than I earned in a year.
"Let's just go now. Grandma Mito's going to worry about you again, and you've already lost enough today," I said, trying to rein in her reckless spirit.
"Hey, just a moment! I'm going to win soon, and I can't end on a loss now, can I?" she replied, her eyes narrowed with determination.
"Yes, you can. You always have!" I shot back, a hint of teasing in my voice. "Now come quickly; we've done enough charity for today!"
"Arghhhh… fine, you win. Let's go. We'll eat dango before heading home; I'm starving!" she conceded, the fire in her eyes flickering but not extinguished.
We made our way to the dango shop, the vibrant colors of the sweets on display making my mouth water. The dango skewers were coated in sweet soy sauce glaze, and I could already imagine the flavor exploding in my mouth. Tsunade's mood lifted as we indulged, each bite accompanied by laughter and playful banter.
"Goodbye, Tsuna! Meet you at class tomorrow!" I called out as I ran back home, waving goodbye over my shoulder.
By the time I reached home, the sun was dipping below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and purple. It was around seven in the evening, and the air was cool against my skin, a gentle reminder that the days were slowly transitioning into autumn. I paused at the door, taking a deep breath to steady myself.
Once inside, I headed straight to my room, where the quietness enveloped me like a familiar blanket. I plopped onto my bed and retrieved my status screen, the familiar interface glowing softly in the dim light.
Status Update:
Name: Akira Watanabe
Age: 7
Strength: 18
Agility: 19
Defense: 17
Physique: Increased from 30 to 40
Mental Strength: Increased from 28 to 38
Chakra: Increased from 580 to 780
Remaining Points: 20, now reduced to 0
Remarks: Highly talented, Chunin level at the age of 7.
Skills:
Taijutsu: Level 7
Shurikenjutsu: Level 5
Hand Signs: Level 5
Water Style: Water Wave Jutsu
Fire Style: Flame Wave Jutsu
Chakra Purification: 12% purer chakra
I had been saving points for two months, and finally, the time had come to use them. It felt good to see my stats improve so drastically. My physique had jumped from 30 to 40, and my chakra level surged from 580 to 780. This boost wasn't just numbers; it represented the hours I'd poured into training, the sweat and blood shed for progress.
Tomorrow marked the end of our year-end break, and we would begin our second year at the ninja academy. Excitement bubbled within me at the thought of what was to come. We would finally be taught the three-body technique—a fundamental skill every ninja needed to master. Most clan kids had their own jutsu by this age, but for many civilians, this would be their first real exposure to the world of ninjutsu. My previous jutsu creation had given me an edge, and showcasing my skills would surely capture the attention of the Hokage. After all, creating new jutsus at seven was no small feat.
As I lay on my bed, my mind raced with thoughts about the next course of action. I felt the anticipation building in my chest, a burning desire to prove myself. No longer would I hide in the shadows, a mere spectator in this vibrant world. I would rise to greatness, and nothing would stand in my way—not even the lurking shadow of Danzo, who had always thrived on the talents of others, snuffing out potential before it could shine.
I pulled the covers over me, the warmth wrapping around my body like a cocoon. But sleep was elusive. Images of new jutsus danced in my mind—Rasengan, Chidori, Rasenshuriken—each one more intricate than the last. I could see the swirling chakra forming in my hands, feel the energy crackling around me as I perfected the techniques. It was exhilarating to think that I could make these ideas a reality, to mold the chakra within me into something magnificent.
The moon hung high in the sky, casting silvery beams through my window, illuminating the room. I closed my eyes and focused, trying to meditate, to envision the chakra flowing within me, after a while I finally relaxed my mind and went to sleep, tomorrow classes began again.
---