(recap)
But because you're already aware of your yang chakra, you'll have to actively mix it with your yin chakra to produce normal chakra."
"...Say what?"
"Exactly. Thanks to your awareness and brilliance, you've managed to make a process that's passive for others into something you'll need to manage actively! ."
"...NOOO?!!! "
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"Wait, wait, wait. Then how come chakra sensors can sense the chakra of others?"
Jiji chuckled. "When someone starts creating chakra, the yang chakra from all over the body and the yin chakra from the mind—specifically the brain—mix and get deposited into your chakra network. This network runs throughout your body, and your chakra reserve is centered around the abdomen. When a chakra sensor detects chakra, that's what they're sensing.
"Ninjas spread this chakra throughout their body, into their chakra network, blood vessels, and vital organs to make their bodies stronger, faster, and more responsive. The limit to this augmentation increases as your body develops. Ninjas also gather chakra when casting jutsu. These are the actions sensors pick up on."
He paused for a moment, letting that sink in before continuing. "That's why people with low chakra reserves are rarely seen in high-level fights. After supplying their chakra network to keep up with an intense battle, they barely have enough left for more than minor jutsu.
"The more chakra you have, the more you can afford to spend on jutsu after supplying your network. Though, external augmentation is another matter entirely. You don't need to worry about that yet. Any questions so far?"
"...No," I replied after processing all of it.
"Kids from clans that use yin and yang as the foundation for their hidden techniques don't immediately sense the chakra needed for those abilities either. They only begin to sense it once they start producing normal chakra. Once they know what that feels like, they find it easier to recognize the yin or yang chakra.
"People can't sense it right away because both yang and yin chakra start developing as babies gain any semblance of consciousness. It's like how a baby can't feel its heartbeat or digestion—it's a passive process. You instinctively know how to use them, but you've been doing it your whole life without realizing."
After hearing all of this, I sat down, stunned, processing what Jiji just told me. He, bless his heart, didn't interrupt my thoughts. After about five minutes of silence, I spoke up.
"So, what can I do to fix myself?"
He smiled and said, "First, you have to ask someone who is knowledgeable about your situation, willing to help, and experienced enough to teach you."
He sat down, looking at me expectantly but with a serious expression, still smiling. I stared at him for two seconds before realizing what he wanted me to do. Okay, Jiji, message received. I bowed deeply and asked, "Can you please help me, hi-ojiisan?"
He was outright grinning now. "All you had to do was ask."
I let out a breath I didn't even know I was holding. "Thanks," I replied, feeling truly grateful.
"Good. You truly are my grandson, recovering so quickly after learning how different your situation is. I'm proud of you," he said, chuckling. Then he asked, "Do you know why I made you ask?"
I sighed and replied, "So I don't get arrogant, so I stay humble, and so I know when I'm out of my depth."
He looked a little surprised and smiled. "All good answers. Let's say that's why I had you do it."
His grin widened as he added, "I also would've accepted 'to teach you how to ask for help and to trust your family.'"
I rubbed the back of my neck, muttering, "Ahh... I see."
Jiji laughed at my expression for a while before saying, "Alright, boy. Now, on the matter of how you can unlock chakra—"
Before he could finish, we both heard the sound of the door opening.
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Power stones please!!!