The second week of the academy term had rolled in quickly, and the air buzzed with a quiet tension. The previous week's yearly test was behind them, but today marked the start of something equally significant: taijutsu training. Haruto walked into the training grounds early that morning, his usual routine of self-discipline already completed. He wore a neutral expression, though internally he was focused—ready to apply the lessons he'd learned from his conversation with Rika-sensei.
Taijutsu, he knew, was critical. It was the one thing that didn't require chakra as heavily as ninjutsu or genjutsu and could save a shinobi in life-or-death situations. Today was about fundamentals, and Haruto had resolved to take them seriously. He had been pushing himself too far with advanced ideas, but after the feedback from Rika-sensei, he knew it was time to focus on perfecting the basics.
The group of students gathered in a circle as Rika-sensei began the lesson.
"Taijutsu," she began, her voice clear and commanding, "is as important as any ninjutsu or genjutsu you will learn. Sometimes, in battle, chakra will run low, or you'll find yourself in situations where hand-to-hand combat is the only option. Master the basics, and you will survive. Overlook them, and it could be your undoing."
Haruto stood amongst his peers, his mind sharp and ready. Though he knew he had natural aptitude from his previous life's martial arts experience, today wasn't about showing off. It was about mastery, the basics of taijutsu that would set the foundation for his future growth. He silently activated his weighted seal, setting it to 1.6 times resistance—nothing extreme, but enough to challenge him while keeping up appearances.
"Pair up," Rika ordered, "we'll begin sparring in shifts."
Daichi Uzumaki, who had become a training partner of Haruto's after their early morning sessions, approached him with a grin. "Looks like we're up again, Haruto."
Haruto gave a slight nod, accepting Daichi's challenge. The Uzumaki boy had a good-natured competitiveness, and while he was clearly powerful, Daichi's chakra control still had a long way to go. Haruto's movements, on the other hand, were more precise and disciplined.
"Don't hold back on me," Daichi said, bouncing lightly on the balls of his feet, energy coursing through him.
"I won't," Haruto replied, slipping into a stance. He wasn't one to hold back, especially now that he was determined to refine his basics.
The sparring began, and Haruto immediately fell into a steady rhythm. Daichi lunged forward with a barrage of rapid punches, and Haruto easily evaded them, his movements smooth and calculated. His cognitive enhancement allowed him to read Daichi's attacks, but as the spar went on, Haruto felt the familiar problem: his mind was faster than his body.
He saw openings, knew exactly where to strike, but his body struggled to follow through as quickly as he anticipated. The weighted seal was part of the challenge, but it was clear that he still had work to do on synchronizing his thoughts and his actions. He focused on timing and precision, pulling back from using overly complex techniques and instead sticking to basic movements—simple but effective.
Daichi swung again, this time aiming for Haruto's midsection, but Haruto sidestepped, quickly shifting his weight and delivering a sharp blow to Daichi's side. The impact caused Daichi to stumble, but he recovered quickly, a grin plastered on his face.
"Not bad," Daichi huffed, clearly enjoying the challenge.
"You're getting better too," Haruto replied, noticing how Daichi's stamina was allowing him to keep up. But Haruto could also feel the difference in his own endurance. The tier 2 stamina he had gained from the system allowed him to remain calm, composed, and barely winded despite the intensity of the sparring.
As the match progressed, Haruto made sure to focus on fundamental taijutsu techniques. Footwork, balance, and precision were his focus. Each movement was deliberate, each strike measured. Though his weighted seal added resistance to his every step, he could feel himself getting stronger—adapting to the strain while pushing his limits.
From the sidelines, Rika Toriyama watched with interest. Her eyes flickered between the different pairs of students sparring, but her gaze lingered on Haruto and Daichi. She had noticed the shift in Haruto's approach. His movements were less flashy than she had seen before, more refined and deliberate. He was focusing on control and precision, just as she had hoped he would after their talk.
She could tell he wasn't going all out, but the fact that he was concentrating on mastering the basics was a positive sign. Haruto had the potential to be a formidable shinobi, but only if he learned to temper his intelligence with humility and foundation.
She smiled faintly to herself as the sparring session continued. Haruto was learning, and that was what mattered.
After several minutes of intense sparring, Rika called for a halt. Haruto and Daichi stepped back, both breathing heavily but with satisfied looks on their faces.
"You've gotten stronger," Daichi said, clapping Haruto on the shoulder. "But I'll beat you one of these days."
Haruto smirked. "We'll see."
That evening, after returning to his apartment, Haruto reflected on the day's events. Sparring with Daichi had been beneficial in more ways than one. Having a training partner was pushing him harder than he would have pushed himself alone, but it also highlighted his limitations. His mind still moved faster than his body, and the weighted seal, while helpful, was only a temporary solution. He needed to improve his nervous system's reaction time, to close the gap between his enhanced cognition and his physical responses.
But overall, the day had been a success. Haruto felt himself getting stronger, more refined. The basics weren't as easy as he once thought, but mastering them was key to becoming the shinobi he aspired to be.
And though no one knew he had been training under increased resistance with his weighted seal, Haruto felt confident that his efforts were paying off. Slowly but surely, he was building the foundation he needed for future greatness.