Chapter 28: Strength in Preparation
The weight of the masked shinobi's plan lingered in Nicolas's mind as he stood in Konoha's training grounds the next morning. The enemy was preparing something dangerous—something that spanned beyond this world. If he wanted to stand a chance, he needed to be stronger.
Kakashi arrived moments later, book in hand, as usual. "You look troubled," he noted without looking up.
Nicolas exhaled. "I need to get stronger. Faster."
Kakashi finally shut his book, his single visible eye locking onto Nicolas. "Power without control is meaningless. Strength without purpose is dangerous. What exactly are you looking for?"
Nicolas hesitated. He wasn't sure how to explain it. He could feel the power within him—his connection to the multiverse, the mysterious artifact that hummed whenever danger loomed—but it wasn't enough. He needed to shape it, to refine it.
"I need to master my abilities," he finally said. "Not just chakra, but whatever this energy inside me is."
Kakashi studied him for a moment before nodding. "Alright. But if you want real progress, we're going to need some… special training."
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A New Training Method
Kakashi led Nicolas to a secluded training area deep within the forest, far from prying eyes. The moment they arrived, Kakashi activated his Sharingan.
"You'll be fighting me," Kakashi said simply. "No holding back this time."
Nicolas tightened his grip on his blade. "I was hoping you'd say that."
Without another word, Kakashi vanished. Nicolas barely had time to react before a kunai was flying toward his throat. He dodged, but Kakashi reappeared behind him instantly, delivering a swift kick to his back.
Nicolas rolled across the ground, recovering quickly. He's faster than before… No, I'm just not keeping up.
He focused, tapping into the strange energy he had been feeling lately. As it surged through him, his movements became sharper, his instincts clearer. When Kakashi attacked again, Nicolas dodged with greater ease, countering with a powerful slash.
The blade's glow intensified as it connected with Kakashi's kunai, the impact sending a shockwave through the clearing.
Kakashi's eye widened slightly. "Interesting… That energy—"
Nicolas didn't let him finish. He pressed forward, his attacks gaining speed. He wasn't just relying on his physical abilities anymore; he was starting to synchronize his newfound power with his combat skills.
But just as he felt he was gaining the upper hand, Kakashi disappeared again.
Before Nicolas could react, he felt a kunai press against his throat.
"Dead," Kakashi said simply.
Nicolas cursed under his breath. Still not enough…
Kakashi withdrew the blade. "You're improving, but you're still relying too much on instinct. You need to learn to control that power, not just unleash it wildly."
Nicolas took a deep breath, nodding. He wasn't there yet, but he was closer than before.
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A New Discovery
As the training session ended, Nicolas sat under a tree, catching his breath. Rina arrived, arms crossed. "How'd it go?"
"I lost," Nicolas admitted, wiping sweat from his brow.
Rina smirked. "Get used to it. Kakashi's on another level."
He chuckled, but then his expression turned serious. "I need to figure out exactly what my power is. It's not just chakra. It's something else."
Rina hesitated before sitting beside him. "Then let's figure it out together."
Nicolas glanced at her, surprised.
"You're not alone in this," she said, looking up at the sky. "If these masked shinobi are after you, then we'll fight them together."
Nicolas felt a warmth in his chest—different from his power, but just as strong.
"Thanks, Rina," he said, determination returning to his voice.
One thing was clear: he wasn't going to face this threat alone.
End of Chapter 28