Just before dawn, Akimichi Hikaru rose from bed.
By the time he reached the spacious backyard training ground, Akimichi Choza was already there, soon joined by Choji. It was common for the children of the Great Ninja Clan to train early in the day, with their routines differing based on their unique skills—giving them a natural advantage over many civilian ninjas.
This was also the first time the two brothers had formally trained together. Previously, Akimichi Hikaru's condition had been unstable, and to avoid undermining Choji's confidence, they had trained separately. But now that both brothers were enrolled in school, there was no longer a need to keep them apart.
Choji had since mastered the secret technique of quick swallowing and energy storage, so the two brothers were now training at the same level.
"Based on your current condition, you'll probably need more time to hone your secret skills. For now, just follow me to work on your physique and practice your physical techniques."
Akimichi Choza skillfully assessed his sons' bodies and offered them straightforward but essential guidance.
Given their current physical development, they could start increasing the intensity of their training. Akimichi's physical strength, even without formal training, was already greater than that of Shikamaru, who had been training for over a year.
"Good," the two brothers replied in unison.
After their family's early education, they knew that, aside from storing energy daily, a strong body was essential to use their secret skills effectively. Without it, even amplified secret skills would be useless—just a fluff of cotton.
On the backyard training ground, heavy panting gradually grew louder.
Despite initial discomfort, Akimichi Hikaru quickly adapted to the training rhythm under Akimichi Choza's guidance. He felt surprisingly at ease with it.
In the same time frame, Hikaru completed twice as much training as Choji, and his breathing was less labored, with a recovery time so short that even Akimichi Choza was astonished.
The Uzumaki bloodline, which had troubled Akimichi Hikaru for six years, was now showing its true potential—especially with a point of comparison.
After a while, the father and his two sons paused and walked toward the nearby rest area.
Shikamaru struggled to keep his eyes open, clearly exhausted but elated. Training alongside Hikaru had been a long-cherished wish for him. Despite being outmatched by his younger brother, he felt no envy.
Akimichi Choza, also sweating heavily, glanced between Choji and Hikaru with a satisfied smile. He was relieved to see that the two brothers didn't let their differences in talent create any tension.
He noticed that Akimichi Hikaru had slowed his pace, adjusting to match Shikamaru, who was trying hard to keep up without frustration.
The brothers' friendly and respectful bond made Akimichi Choza proud.
In comparison, Akimichi Hikaru, who was experiencing formal training for the first time, was in excellent condition—with just a bit of sweat.
His body's remarkable recovery ability made him feel he could repeat the previous training at least three more times before feeling any strain.
He handed towels and water to his father and brother. As he wiped the sweat from his face, Akimichi Hikaru looked at Akimichi Choza.
"Wait a few days, and I'll have someone make you a suitable weight," Akimichi Choza said, understanding his son's strength. Not only had Choji been outpaced, but even he, as a senior ninja, couldn't match Hikaru's speed of recovery.
"I'll also help you gather D-level ninjutsu, especially fire and earth elements," Akimichi Choza continued. "For a teacher… I'll be your guide for now, but we'll find someone more experienced later."
Hikaru had previously mentioned wanting this training, but they had delayed it due to concerns over his health.
The Akimichi clan primarily practiced secret techniques and only touched lightly on ninjutsu. Basic earth and fire ninjutsu wouldn't be an issue since many clan members had these affinities. However, advanced training might be beyond their usual expertise.
"There's no rush. This will be enough for a while. Besides, my talent for ninjutsu may not be that high," Akimichi Hikaru replied, his spirits high.
With enough chakra, sheer strength could accomplish much. He thought of the legendary Uchiha Madara's devastating fire techniques, which had taken several squads to counter.
Akimichi Choza glanced at his son, privately confident that Hikaru's talent for ninjutsu was considerable. His son might not be a top prodigy, but he was unquestionably gifted.
After all, Akimichi Hikaru had mastered the clan's foundational secret technique within a day—something harder than most D-level ninjutsu, save for sealing techniques.
Hikaru had even spent half that day sleeping and had learned only the theory before attempting the technique.
Hikaru's talent was clearly superior, even to his own father's and comparable to Shikamaru's.
Smiling, Akimichi Choza mused over his son's promise.
"For now, focus on improving your physique and mastering the family's secret techniques," Akimichi Choza advised after some thought. "There's no conflict between them."
The Akimichi physique was naturally powerful, and it was better to master one thing at a time. Since the first semester at ninja school had no combat classes, Hikaru had time.
He didn't rule out Hikaru practicing standard ninjutsu once he'd progressed. Each ninja's abilities were unique, and he'd recognized this in his son after just a morning.
This could even offset any potential weaknesses; most clan members faced challenges mastering their family techniques, himself included.
Talent was a key component of strength, and Hikaru's circumstances called for flexibility. As his father, Akimichi Choza would ensure he had the resources to succeed.
"Yes, I understand," Akimichi Hikaru nodded. He had no intention of neglecting his physical training or family secrets.
The support of his Uzumaki bloodline allowed him to advance in both areas. Since his condition had stabilized, physical training was ideal. He liked to be prepared for the unexpected.
Moreover, he saw immense potential in the Akimichi clan's secret arts, especially when combined with his Uzumaki bloodline. There was much to unlock.
"'Butterfly Mode,' the energy-intensive transformation technique, might even be possible for me," he mused.
And why not? After all, the multiplication technique was a simplified version of the laws of nature.
If he couldn't pilot a Gundam, he'd become one!
What boy could resist that dream?