I cracked my joints as I stood up. Fatigue weighed on my shoulders, but it was nothing compared to what I had endured.
In this world, power was everything. But for me, power alone was not enough. I wanted to master the very essence of creation and destruction, if I was to avenge Shibai Otsutsuki.
"The path is still long," I murmured, disappearing into the darkness of the alleys.
Appearing in my old room in the Nara mansion. Apart from Hiruzen and Mikoto, no one knew I was back. And I was too tired to alert them. I looked at my room, which had not changed since.
I took off all my Anbu clothes and equipment, putting them in a scroll, then jumped onto my bed for a restorative sleep.
...
*Year 55*
The sunlight barely penetrated the slightly open curtains, bathing the room in a golden hue. Shikai was seated cross-legged, focused on a complex scroll spread out before him. His face, marked by years of intense training, wore an expression of calm and determination despite the fatigue. The silence was broken by the familiar sound of Jiraiya, his master, pushing open the wooden door with a sharp knock.
"Still buried in your scrolls, Shikai?" Jiraiya asked, scratching the back of his head.
"What I'm doing is more important than wasting time spying on public baths, Sensei," Shikai replied without looking up.
Jiraiya burst into laughter, taking no offense at the remark. He approached and placed his hand on Shikai's shoulder.
"Listen, I know you find it pointless, but it's actually for the art of writing."
"That must be it, yeah."
"Anyway, today we're going to perfect your Rasengan."
Shikai finally raised his head, his dark eyes betraying his exasperation.
"I've already told you that I see no value in that technique, Sensei. It's crude, lacking subtlety, and not at all suited to my fighting style. I'd rather spend my time on my own research."
"Tsk, tsk, tsk..." Jiraiya shook his head, feigning disapproval. "You may be brilliant, but you still have much to learn about the balance between power and mastery. And trust me, one day, you'll understand why this technique is essential."
The following days were challenging. Jiraiya, relentless in his teaching, forced Shikai to perfect the Rasengan, which strangely required the Sexy Jutsu as a catalyst. Despite his innate talent and impressive chakra control, Shikai was reluctant to use a technique he deemed useless for himself.
"Focus!" Jiraiya shouted as he watched Shikai attempt it yet again.
"I am focusing! But why this transformation into a bikini girl? This method seems stupid."
Jiraiya sighed deeply, but a smile formed on his lips.
"What do you know? It's for more effective chakra control, kid."
"Is that true? I'll tell Aunt Tsunade."
"No, no. Hehe. Forget it. It's just a supplement." Jiraiya saw something unique in Shikai, a potential that even surpassed Minato's, so he wanted to ensure he learned powerful techniques properly.
During breaks, Shikai took advantage of his master's moments of inattention to discreetly teleport himself to his laboratory. Located in Uzushiogakure, which was like a sealed dimension thanks to his own fūinjutsu techniques, the laboratory was a blend of modernity and mysticism.
Shikai worked on projects that eluded the understanding of most shinobi. He fused science and chakra, creating devices capable of manipulating energy flows at a microscopic level.
Soon after, Jiraiya decided to push Shikai to explore other chakra natures. Although his specialty remained suiton and Rain, he proved surprisingly gifted with katon and Fūton.
"You see, this is what I call balance," Jiraiya stated as he watched Shikai execute a new Fūton technique. "While your enemy thinks they can counter you with Fūton, you have your secret katon techniques. And you take them by surprise."
Shikai smiled slightly, but deep down, he knew his mastery went far beyond what Jiraiya could imagine. After all, it was just chakra natures, not a Shinjutsu.
The months passed, and Shikai continued to train alongside Jiraiya while perfecting his own techniques in secret.
...
Under a twilight sky, the air was filled with a palpable tension. Shikai Nara stood atop a cliff, observing the landscape below with a pensive expression. His master, Jiraiya, stood a little behind, silent for once. This moment was crucial, an important step in Shikai's training as the supposed child of prophecy. Yet, as always, Shikai seemed determined to do things his way.
"Shikai, it's time to sign the pact with the toads," Jiraiya said gravely.
Shikai raised an eyebrow, without turning around.
"No."
Jiraiya blinked, surprised by the simplicity and firmness of the response.
"What do you mean, *no*?" he asked, moving closer.
Shikai turned his head slightly to fix his master with a sidelong glance.
"I don't want summonings. They're useless."
Jiraiya crossed his arms, frowning.
"Useless?! You know what the toads have done for me, for Minato? They're essential to mastering the art of the sage!"
Shikai's face closed off, his tone becoming colder.
"Minato-sensei also relied on them... Yet, they couldn't prevent his death."
A tense silence settled between them. Jiraiya, for once, was taken aback. Shikai eventually turned his gaze fully towards him, his dark eyes shining with cold determination.
"Why should I bind myself to something that isn't even capable of protecting the one it's linked to? Minato sensei is dead, and his summoning, Gamabunta, doesn't even have a scratch. I highly doubt their loyalty, Sensei."
Jiraiya sighed deeply. He knew that Minato had been more than just a sensei to Shikai. He had been a father figure, a role model. The loss of Minato had left a deep scar in the young man's heart.
"I understand your resentment, Shikai," he said softly. "But it's not fair. The toads didn't fail... The attack was simply too great for them. Everyone was caught off guard..."
Jiraiya remained silent, knowing that if he continued, Shikai would ask him where he was when Minato was protecting the village. And unfortunately, he had spent a week in the hot springs.