Unknown to what was happening in the Hokage's office, Satoshi was diligently focusing on his training, pushing himself to improve day by day.
Weeks flew by, and I was getting better at controlling the distance. I hadn't focused on increasing my maximum distance yet, but I finally managed to perform the Body Flicker Jutsu without hand signs. However, I wasn't proficient in it yet, so my next challenge was to execute the jutsu freely. As for Fuinjutsu, I was making steady progress.
Despite my progress, I couldn't help but notice that my friends Monu and Akira seemed a bit demotivated during our training sessions. Their enthusiasm had waned, and their once-bright spirits appeared dulled.
Satoshi, always attuned to the feelings of those around him, approached them with a friendly smile. "Hey, what's going on? You both look a little down," he inquired, genuine concern etched on his face.
Monu let out a sigh, his shoulders slumping as he responded, "It was so much fun at first! We could feel ourselves improving, but now it feels like we've hit a wall. It's like we're just wasting our time, and I don't know how to get back on track." Akira nodded in agreement, his expression mirroring Monu's frustration.
Hearing their words, Satoshi felt a surge of determination. He understood the importance of motivation in training and realized why he was gradually surpassing his peers, while many who initially seemed exceptional eventually became average. The joy of visible progress motivated them, but when they hit a wall, that motivation faded. After that, only determination could keep them going—but at their age, it's hard to find determination without seeing immediate results. This always reminded him of characters like Naruto, Guy, and Lee. No wonder they were the best—especially Guy; he was a monster.
He imagined what it would be like to meet the real thing, getting lost in thoughts of his intense energy. A deep sigh brought him back to reality, and he knew he had to intervene.
"Don't worry! I have something special planned for the upcoming holiday. Trust me, it'll be fun!" he exclaimed, a twinkle of excitement in his eyes. The two friends perked up slightly, curiosity replacing some of their despondency. "What's this fun thing?" Akira asked, his interest piqued.
Satoshi grinned mischievously but remained vague. "I can't tell you just yet. It's a surprise! But I promise you'll love it. Just focus on training until then."
The holiday finally arrived, and Satoshi was bubbling with excitement. He gathered Monu and Akira and led them to a secluded training area, where he had set up a variety of exercises. "Today, we're going to measure our skills and abilities in a way that will help us see our progress clearly. I need you both to give it your all!" he instructed, his tone serious yet encouraging.
As they went through the various exercises—speed drills, endurance tests, and chakra control practices—Satoshi kept a close watch on their performance. Each task was designed not only to challenge them but also to provide valuable insight into their strengths and weaknesses.
After completing the rigorous training session, Satoshi presented them with two scrolls, each covered in neatly written text and numbers. Monu and Akira exchanged puzzled glances, unsure of what to make of the scrolls.
"What's this?" Monu asked, furrowing his brow.
"Let me explain," Satoshi began, his excitement bubbling over. "This is a status measurement system I developed. It's designed to give us a clear picture of our abilities and progress. I know it sounds complicated, but trust me—it's simple! Just believe in me, and I'll guide you through it."
As he explained how the status system worked, Satoshi kept the details engaging, avoiding any technical jargon that might bore his friends. He illustrated how the numbers represented various attributes like strength, agility, chakra control, and other elements.
Both Monu and Akira listened intently, their confusion transforming into enthusiasm as they grasped the concept. "So, we can track our growth and see where we need to improve?" Akira asked, his eyes sparkling with renewed hope.
"Exactly!" Satoshi affirmed, nodding eagerly. "And I'll update these statuses every month. If you work hard, you'll see those numbers change, reflecting your progress."
With their spirits rekindled, Monu and Akira felt a wave of motivation wash over them. The thought of being able to quantify their training gave them a newfound sense of purpose. They began to compare their status with each other, a competitive fire igniting within them.
"Let's see who can improve the most by next month!" Monu challenged, his confidence returning.
Akira grinned, accepting the challenge. "You're on! I won't let you beat me!"
As they stood there, examining the scrolls and laughing at their friendly rivalry, Satoshi couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment. He had not only reignited their passion for training but had also created a bond among them that would strengthen their resolve.
The two friends spent the rest of the day training harder than ever, each pushing the others to exceed their limits. With the status system in place, they felt empowered to tackle their weaknesses head-on, knowing that they had the support of their friends beside them.
Satoshi smiled to himself, content in the knowledge that he had helped his friends find their way again. Together, they would face the challenges ahead, armed with the knowledge of their strengths and the drive to improve, united in their pursuit of becoming elite ninjas.