Chapter 30: The First Step Toward Mastery
Nicolas stood in the middle of the fortified training ground, his body still tingling from the strange sensation he had experienced. His vision had sharpened, his movements had become more fluid, and his awareness of the world around him had heightened in a way he couldn't yet explain.
Tsunade watched him closely, her arms crossed. "That moment just now… you tapped into something new."
Nicolas nodded, still gripping his sword. "It felt like time slowed down for a second. Like I could see everything more clearly."
Tsunade smirked. "That wasn't just a fluke. Whatever power is inside you, it's awakening. Now, the real question is—can you control it?"
She cracked her knuckles. "Let's find out."
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Testing the Limits
Without warning, Tsunade charged again. This time, Nicolas was ready.
As she moved, he focused, trying to trigger that heightened state again. The artifact against his chest pulsed, and the world slowed slightly. He could see her movements before she fully committed to them, almost as if he could predict her next step.
He sidestepped her fist just in time, the ground where he had stood moments before cracking from the force of her punch.
But she wasn't done.
Tsunade spun, aiming a kick at his midsection. Nicolas barely managed to block with his blade, but the impact still sent him skidding backward.
"Better," Tsunade admitted, watching him recover. "But you're still relying too much on instinct. That's dangerous. You need control."
Nicolas took a deep breath. Control… That was the key.
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Unlocking Precision
Tsunade stepped back. "Let's try something different. No fighting. Just focus."
She pointed at a large boulder nearby. "I want you to use that power again—but this time, don't move. Just sense everything around you."
Nicolas frowned but did as she asked. Closing his eyes, he steadied his breathing.
At first, nothing happened. Then, slowly, he felt it.
The energy in the air. The way the wind shifted. The faint vibrations in the ground from Tsunade's stance. Even the distant heartbeat of a bird perched in a tree.
He opened his eyes, shocked. "I can feel everything…"
Tsunade smirked. "Good. That's your first step toward mastery."
Nicolas clenched his fists, determination burning in his gaze. He had barely scratched the surface of his abilities, but he was making progress.
The masked shinobi were still out there, plotting in the shadows. And when the time came, he would be ready.
End of Chapter 30