The day was drawing to a close as Hitoshi Akihito waved goodbye to his new friends. Ino and Sakura were still bickering playfully, while Naruto bounded off toward his apartment, his energy seemingly endless. Hitoshi smiled to himself, feeling a warmth in his chest. Despite the strangeness of his new life, moments like these reminded him why he had chosen this second chance.
When he returned home, the familiar scent of warm soup greeted him. His mother, Mayumi, was humming softly in the kitchen, her movements precise and practiced. Hitoshi went to the sink to wash his hands, preparing to join her for dinner. As the cool water ran over his skin, he noticed a small scratch on the base of his palm, likely from climbing the playground equipment.
"Mom?" he called out, drying his hands. "Can you help me with something?"
Mayumi glanced up from her cooking. "What is it, sweetheart?"
Hitoshi held out his hand, showing her the scratch. "I think I got this at the park. Can you heal it?"
Her lips curved into a gentle smile. "Of course." She wiped her hands on a towel and knelt in front of him. "Hold still."
Mayumi extended her palm over his hand, and a soft green glow appeared, radiating warmth. Hitoshi watched in awe as the scratch vanished before his eyes, leaving no trace behind. The sight of the Mystical Palm Technique, so simple yet so remarkable, ignited a spark of curiosity within him.
"Wow," he murmured, flexing his fingers. "That's amazing, Mom."
Mayumi chuckled, brushing a strand of hair from her face. "It's just basic medical ninjutsu. You'll learn all about chakra when you're older."
Hitoshi nodded, though his thoughts were elsewhere. That night, as he lay in bed, his mind returned to the green glow and the seamless healing. It was a skill that could save lives—a skill he needed to understand. Closing his eyes, he focused inward, where the faint hum of Nano's presence resided.
"Nano," he thought, addressing the AI that had awakened the previous night.
"Yes, Master Hitoshi," Nano replied, its monotonic voice clear and precise.
"Can you analyze what my mother did earlier? The healing technique?"
A brief pause followed before Nano responded. "Affirmative. Recording of observed technique: Mystical Palm Technique. Analysis and replication underway."
Hitoshi grinned to himself. He had named the AI Nano in homage to the manhwa he loved in his previous life, and it felt fitting that it would now aid him in mastering techniques in this new world.
After a few moments, Nano's voice returned. "Mystical Palm Technique successfully copied to database. Note: Current usage unavailable due to lack of chakra cultivation and control."
Hitoshi sighed but wasn't discouraged. "I guess that makes sense. When will I be able to use it?"
"Chakra cultivation method required for activation. It is customary for civilian families to acquire such methods during ninja academy enrollment. Alternate option: Request chakra cultivation training from available guardian."
Hitoshi's mind raced. He already knew his mother had been a skilled medical ninja. Perhaps she could teach him early. The next day, over breakfast, he decided to ask her.
"Mom," he began, setting his spoon down. "When can I start learning about chakra?"
Mayumi looked at him curiously, her lips twitching with amusement. "Eager, aren't you? Normally, civilian children start learning that when they enter the academy."
"What about clan kids?" he pressed.
She leaned back, considering her answer. "They usually start a bit earlier—around five or six. Their families have traditions and techniques to pass down."
Hitoshi met her gaze earnestly. "Can I start learning when I turn five? Please?"
Mayumi chuckled, shaking her head. "You're too sharp for your own good, Hitoshi. Alright, I'll teach you the basics on your fifth birthday. But remember, chakra control takes time and practice."
"Thanks, Mom!" he said, his excitement barely contained.
That evening, Hitoshi began preparing in his own way. He remembered reading about the importance of finger dexterity for medical ninjutsu and other intricate techniques. Sitting cross-legged on the floor of his room, he stretched and flexed his fingers, performing small exercises to improve their precision.
Nano's voice chimed in his mind. "Finger dexterity exercises detected. Efficiency can be enhanced through integration with Nano protocols."
"No," Hitoshi replied firmly, a small smile on his lips. "This one's for me."
The exercises were simple and slow, but they brought him a strange sense of satisfaction. It was a human effort, a grounding ritual that reminded him of who he was and what he was working toward. As the Uchiha massacre loomed on the horizon—a tragic event he knew was inevitable—these small acts gave him a sense of security and control.
End of the Chapter.
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