Aoki has a greater goal—to become strong enough to survive in this cruel world. Aoki does not want to be trapped in sadness and weakness.
That is why Aoki chooses to keep moving forward. Even though Kuzan has asked Aoki to rest for a few days, Aoki firmly refuses. For Aoki, resting would only allow him to sink into memories of Nansa, making him even more vulnerable.
Aoki prefers to work tirelessly in Kuzan's workshop, forging various weapons as a way to forget the sadness he carries.
Meeting Shizune, Tsunade, and even Hiruzen makes Aoki increasingly aware of the reality of this world—a world where weakness only leads to death, as experienced by Dan Kato, Nawaki, and Nansa.
Aoki does not want to be the next victim, especially under the manipulation of annoying old men and corrupt figures like Hiruzen and Danzo.
Aoki's decision is firm—he will continue his routine and work harder to achieve his dream of becoming the Strongest Swordmaster. While forging weapons, Aoki's mind keeps spinning, planning his next steps.
The first step that comes to Aoki's mind is to find someone he can trust to work with him. Aoki wants to build a trading company that can sell various daily necessities and ninja supplies.
Although this is a grand ambition that requires time and a long process, Aoki has already begun to lay the foundation of this idea in his mind.
Next, Aoki decides to enhance his training. Aoki will buy weighted equipment to strengthen his body, following in the footsteps of the famous Rock Lee from the anime. With weights on his hands and feet, Aoki hopes to achieve physical strength comparable to Guy or even the Raikage.
Purchasing the heavy equipment is an easy task to accomplish, but another challenge Aoki considers is practicing Fuinjutsu using Natural Energy. Although this is a very difficult task that cannot be done immediately, Aoki believes that with determination and time, he will be able to achieve it.
Next, Aoki begins to contemplate sword techniques—something that sounds easy to say but is hard to do.
Aoki has always been inspired by the Breathing Techniques from Kimetsu no Yaiba, and he has a strong desire to adapt them by utilizing a form of Energy that he currently understands best, which is Natural Energy.
For Aoki, Natural Energy is far more beneficial than chakra. However, the main issue is the incredible difficulty in controlling Natural Energy. It can even be said that controlling Natural Energy is much harder than controlling Chakra.
Aoki reflects on this fact. In the anime, even Jiraiya, an extraordinary shinobi, is not perfect in using Sage Mode.
Orochimaru, known as a genius Ninja, finds it very unlikely to use Natural Energy, let alone master Sage Mode.
Only Naruto is able to use Sage Mode perfectly, without being affected by the corrosion of Natural Energy. Even so, Naruto almost turned into a frog several times during his training, only to return to normal thanks to a hit from Fukasaku.
Back in reality, Aoki is lost in his own thoughts, ignoring the passage of time. During work hours in the workshop, Aoki not only forges weapons but also continuously absorbs Natural Energy. Aoki is determined to fill the gaps in his training, making the most of every moment to strengthen himself.
...
...
...
(Afternoon Approaching Evening)
"Kuzan, I'm here," Sakumo's voice is heard as he enters Kuzan's shop.
"Oh, Sakumo. You finally came," Kuzan replies, clapping his hands together to dust off the particles that have settled.
"How is Aoki? Has he started to feel better?" Sakumo asks with a worried tone, recalling Aoki's previous condition, which did not seem very good.
[Note: 85+ latest chapters have been added! For Just 3$ You Get Access To Chapters Way Ahead,
Now you can access the chapters before Webnovel And Scribblehub by following,
Just become a patron on Patreon:
Patreon.com/Alex_Fabianoki]