Beyond Lives and Horizons

Zack picked up the book that was on the table and opened it with his mind still filled with Haruto's words. He felt a slight pressure on his shoulders, but at the same time, something inside him began to ignite. The determination he felt was different now, more focused, more real. He needed to learn quickly, and with that, a plan began to form in his mind.

As he read, Zack mentally charted what would be necessary to achieve his goal. He could not rely on natural talent or a powerful lineage. That was clear. But what he could do was work tirelessly and, above all, be unpredictable. He needed to become more than just a simple follower of the rules. He had to be someone who could use his own strengths creatively and adaptably.

"I need to push myself to reach a basic level that allows me to be among the top 5," Zack thought, adjusting his posture as he continued to read. He knew that, in the ninja world, combat talent and jutsu skills were essential, but that wasn't the only thing that defined him. He needed to be efficient and, more importantly, unpredictable.

"The quality of my combat will depend a lot on how I use what I learn," he reflected. It wasn't just about physical power or pure technique. If he knew how to manipulate what he had already mastered and combine it with what he would still learn, he could turn every fight into a psychological game. It wouldn't just be a battle of strength but of mind and strategies, understanding his own body and, more crucially, the opponent.

Zack continued to read, absorbing the words and seeking ways to apply everything he was learning to his own fighting style. His focus was now clearer. He wouldn't just be another ninja among others. He needed to make a difference, with unpredictability, efficiency, and a deep understanding of both himself and his opponents.

"Each step will be adapted as I progress," he thought, already envisioning the future challenges that would come. "But in the end, what will really set me apart is how I use everything I've learned, and how much I can learn from every fight, every opponent."

He closed the book, but his gaze was fixed on a longer, more distant goal. The path would be arduous, but Zack knew that his strength wouldn't come from lineage or talent. It came from his ability to adapt, to be unpredictable, and, above all, to never give up.

Instead of sleeping, Zack positioned himself in a lotus pose, legs crossed and hands gently resting on his knees. He closed his eyes and sank into a state of concentration, trying to connect with his chakra in a more natural way. The environment around him was quiet, the soft afternoon light streaming through the window and illuminating the pages of the book he had set aside. Occasionally, he would pick up his notebook and jot something down, recording his impressions, as a reflection of a mind trying to organize itself.

"Focus, Zack," he murmured to himself, feeling the subtle warmth in the center of his chest. "This isn't going to be quick, but I need to understand how my body and mind connect to this power."

With each deep breath, he tried to concentrate more on the flow of energy within him. The words from the book returned to his mind: "How the user thinks about their chakra can make a substantial difference in how they move it." It was something simple yet profound. How should he think about his chakra? How could he connect with it in a unique and efficient way?

Zack found himself thinking for a moment. "I can't just follow the instructions in the book to the letter... I need something based on my experience and my affinity. I'm not like the others. I don't have the lineage or natural gifts of a clan, so my way of controlling chakra will be different."

He took a deep breath, trying to visualize the chakra not as something distant but as an extension of himself. He imagined it as a flow, not rigid or controlled by rules, but something flexible that he could guide and shape. He knew that perceiving his chakra would be the first step towards something more complex, but he didn't want to be confined to a single way of doing it. Every ninja had a different way of feeling and using their chakra, and Zack wanted to discover his own.

"I need to understand how it flows, where it is strongest and where it is weakest. Chakra isn't just energy; it's how I connect with it. I will create my own system—a system that only I can use based on who I am and what I can learn."

He picked up his notebook again and made a quick note: "Systematize chakra: explore through experience, not just by what is taught. Feel the flexibility, the warmth, the intensity."

Zack focused more with each breath, trying to feel the energy within his body in a personal way, trying to understand the subtleties of his own thoughts while experimenting with chakra. He didn't know exactly where this practice would lead him, but he felt he was beginning to find a key to something that wasn't just about technique or power. It was about a unique way of being, of fighting, of understanding the ninja world in his own way.

After a week of classes, Zack was starting to understand the environment of the ninja academy better. He spent his days observing his classmates, analyzing their attitudes, skills, and even their flaws. The classroom dynamics were interesting, but Zack quickly realized that, despite the good content available in the library and Akemi-sensei's basic instructions, not all students were progressing in the same way.

During breaks, Zack would visit the academy library, where he spent hours studying books about jutsu and ninja techniques, as well as about the clans and the history of the ninja arts. He studied the details about the clans that were present in his class: the Yamagata Clan, which excelled in the manipulation of natural elements; the Aoyama Clan, specialized in ninjutsu and invisibility techniques; the Himura Clan, famous for its use of taijutsu and physical combat forms; and the Tanaka Clan, known for its talent in water ninjutsu and defensive skills.

No matter how hard he tried, Zack began to notice a discrepancy: the amount of books and knowledge available in the library was impressive, but the practical application of what was taught in class seemed limited. The students, even with access to so much material, were not demonstrating substantial progress. This made Zack reflect.

"Why does most of them not seem to evolve? It's not a lack of knowledge, but something more..."

That's when he began to formulate a theory. Although knowledge was a solid foundation, he realized that what really made the difference wasn't simply access to information, but rather the type of guidance each student received. A good sensei, someone with experience and skill, seemed essential to elevate students to a higher level. Additionally, natural talent could also transcend the normal limits of most ninjas, allowing them to overcome barriers more easily.

At the end of the week, during a conversation in the courtyard with his classmates, Zack made a silent observation about each of them. He noticed that while some had unshakeable confidence, like Aoyama Hiroshi, or an imposing physique, like Tanaka Renji, they were trapped in their own methods. They were good, no doubt, but Zack felt there was something beyond the obvious.

As he observed Saito Yuki, who seemed to have an instinctive mastery of stealth techniques, and Himura Kaede, who displayed a certain hesitance, Zack wondered how far they could go if they truly began to break the barriers they imposed on themselves. It wasn't just about learning techniques; it was about changing the way of thinking.

Finally, he reflected on Akemi-sensei. She was strict and demanding, clearly highly competent, but she seemed more of an evaluator than a true mentor. For her, the top five would be those with the greatest natural ability or technique, not necessarily those willing to go beyond their limitations.

"I need to learn how to do this, how to go beyond natural limitations... perhaps a talent like that doesn't have to be hereditary. Maybe I can create my own path."

And so, Zack decided that from that moment on, he would begin to work not only on techniques but also on his mindset. He would start observing every detail, learning from others and from his own mistakes, until he could find the key to stand out in the academy without relying on something he didn't have: a great clan or natural talent.

He still had much to learn, but one thing was clear in his mind: evolution was in his hands.

Zack was still absorbed in his thoughts, fidgeting with the notes he had made about chakra when Kaiden came running down the academy hallway. He burst into the library where Zack was, a mischievous smile on his face, full of energy as always.

"Come on, man! Stop reading that boring stuff and let's go outside!" Kaiden exclaimed, pulling Zack by the sleeve. "Tanaka Renji is fighting Aoyama Hiroshi! It'll be a great opportunity to see how each one fights!"

Zack didn't need any more encouragement. He quickly closed the book, setting it aside, and followed Kaiden to the training ground. His eyes sparkled with curiosity. It wasn't every day he got the chance to observe a fight between two of the most notable students in class, and he knew that every movement they made could reveal something important about different styles of combat and talent.

When they arrived, the scene was exactly as Zack had imagined. In the center of the field stood Tanaka Renji, robust and focused, preparing to face Aoyama Hiroshi, who maintained a confident posture and intense gaze. They were surrounded by other students who had gathered to watch the fight.

Tanaka took the first step, advancing with surprising speed for someone of his build. He spun his body, launching a powerful punch at Aoyama, who dodged it with an almost ethereal grace, letting Tanaka sail past him. Then, Aoyama quickly counterattacked, creating a series of quick, fluid movements, mixing taijutsu in an unpredictable combination.

Zack watched intently. Tanaka seemed to master the use of brute force and resilience, relying on his physical build to keep the pressure on his opponent. Aoyama, on the other hand, was using a more strategic approach, moving agilely and calculating his attacks with precision.

"See, Zack?" Kaiden commented, turning to him with a smile. "Aoyama Hiroshi is more of the strategic type, always measuring his steps and avoiding direct confrontations, while Tanaka goes all out with all his strength. The thing is, Aoyama has the advantage of being harder to hit. He's like... a shadow."

Zack nodded, absorbing every detail. He noticed that each was using their natural strengths, but they were also limiting themselves in some way. Tanaka was incredibly strong, but his combat style was direct and predictable. Aoyama, on the other hand, possessed an incredible adaptability, moving unpredictably and using his speed and agility to neutralize Tanaka's attacks.

The fight between Tanaka Renji and Aoyama Hiroshi continued in the center of the training field, and the tension only grew as both demonstrated their taijutsu skills in a confrontation without the use of chakra. Tanaka, with his brute strength and physical endurance, focused on delivering heavy and rapid strikes. He pressed forward with direct attacks, trying to make Aoyama make a mistake. But so far, it seemed that nothing he attempted actually managed to hit his opponent.

Aoyama, on the other hand, moved with impressive agility. He didn't make unnecessary movements, dodging efficiently, always keenly aware of the right moment to counterattack. His posture was calm, almost relaxed, but his eyes were constantly calculating Tanaka's every move.

Kaiden was next to Zack, watching the fight with enthusiasm, but his gaze was fixed on Tanaka. He shook his head and spoke with exaggerated confidence:

"I'm betting everything on Tanaka. He's just too strong! Aoyama doesn't stand a chance against him!"

Zack didn't respond right away, his eyes fixed on the fight. He was observing carefully, noticing something Kaiden hadn't picked up on. Finally, Zack looked at Kaiden and, with surprising calmness, said:

"Don't be hasty, Kaiden. If you look closely, Tanaka's style is starting to get a bit sloppy. He's rushing in, trying to hit Aoyama any way he can, and that's wasting more energy than he realizes."

Kaiden frowned, confused. "But Tanaka is still way stronger, Zack. He'll end up landing a hit sooner or later."

Zack was watching Tanaka's every move, who was now becoming more hurried in his attacks. He was visibly getting frustrated, his punches and kicks less precise, and he was starting to expose himself more and more. Meanwhile, Aoyama continued to evade, his posture relaxed as if he were merely dodging a rain of stones, not a deadly attack.

"It's not just about brute force," Zack continued, not taking his eyes off the fight. "Tanaka is forcing his attacks. He hasn't realized that Aoyama has much less endurance. He's wasting a lot of energy trying to hit him, but Aoyama is just waiting for the right moment to finish it. It's all about rhythm and endurance."

Kaiden looked at Zack, now paying closer attention. "So... you think Aoyama is going to win?"

Zack half-smiled, still watching the fight. "Yeah, Aoyama is going to win. Tanaka is getting too impatient. He doesn't realize that, no matter how strong he is, he needs more than brute force to win this fight."

The fight continued, and Zack was increasingly certain of his analysis. Tanaka started to miss more, his attacks weighing more in the air than actually hitting Aoyama. Finally, after a series of dodges and quick movements, Aoyama found a gap at the moment Tanaka was off-balance after a poorly executed strike. Aoyama seized the opening to deliver a quick and decisive blow, hitting Tanaka at his most vulnerable point, on the side of his stomach.

Tanaka staggered back, trying to regain his stance, but it was evident that weariness and frustration had taken over him. He tried to rise, but it was clear that exhaustion had weighed him down, with sweat rolling down his face. Aoyama, with one last elegant move, disarmed him, forcing him to fall to his knees on the ground.

The crowd around them fell silent for a moment before beginning to murmur, impressed with Aoyama's victory. Tanaka, panting and defeated, looked at Aoyama with respect and something resembling realization. He had been surpassed not by a lack of strength, but by his inability to control his own rhythm and energy.

Kaiden stood still for a moment, Aoyama's victory now obvious. He looked at Zack, a little taken aback.

"I... I really thought Tanaka was going to win," Kaiden admitted, forcing a smile. "You were right, Zack. Aoyama... he really knew how to control the rhythm."

Zack simply nodded, his words calm and thoughtful. "It's not just about strength. Sometimes, a fight is won by patience and control. Aoyama knew to wait for the right moment to act."