NOVEL NEXT Chapter 9: The pursuit of power
After the exhilarating swimming class, Sasuke found himself at the center of attention among his classmates. Whispers followed him through the hallways, and he became the topic of hushed conversations, particularly among the girls. Their admiring glances were unmistakable, sparking envy among the boys, who had seen him effortlessly claim victory in the pool.
"I can't believe he won," Sudo muttered to Hirata as they walked away from the pool. "That guy doesn't even try, and he still takes first place!"
"Yeah," Hirata replied, scratching his head. "But he's really skilled. It's impressive how effortlessly he swims."
Nearby, Sasuke caught sight of Ayanokoji in the distance, his expression as unreadable as ever. Sasuke knew the boy was observing him, analyzing him, perhaps. He couldn't shake the feeling that Ayanokoji understood more about this school's dynamics than he let on.
"Looks like you're pretty popular now," Ayanokoji remarked casually as Sasuke approached. "Just be careful; attention can be a double-edged sword."
"Yeah, I get that," Sasuke replied, his voice devoid of interest. "But I didn't come here to make friends."
As he made his way through the bustling campus, the chatter around him intensified. Students called out his name, eager to learn more about the enigmatic figure who had made such a significant impression in a short time.
"Hey, Sasuke! Want to join us for lunch?" Maya Sato asked, her voice bright and inviting as she waved him over.
Sasuke's expression remained stoic as he replied, "Thanks, but I'm good." He continued walking, the allure of their interest doing little to sway him.
Eventually, he found a quiet spot away from the crowds, a small garden tucked behind one of the buildings. He took a seat on a stone bench, allowing the tranquility of the space to wash over him. It was here that he could finally think.
'What is blocking my chakra?' he pondered, closing his eyes. The sensation of his Rinnegan felt so close yet so far away, as if it was waiting for him to uncover the mystery behind it. Perhaps meditation would help. He recalled his training in the ninja world—how focusing and clearing one's mind could strengthen his chakra control.
Sasuke settled into a meditative posture, feeling the warmth of the sun on his skin. He began to experiment with his chakra, letting it flow through him. At first, it was erratic, but gradually he found a rhythm. The energy pulsed within him, and he focused on the sensation, imagining it breaking through the barriers that confined his power.
With effort, he activated his Sharingan, the crimson hue enveloping his vision. A sharp pain shot through his head as he strained to push further. The pressure built until he felt blood trickle from his eye, the familiar toll of using his Mangekyō Sharingan without the chakra reserves he was accustomed to.
"Damn it," he cursed under his breath, wiping away the blood. "I need to figure this out."
The toll of using his Mangekyō Sharingan was more intense in this world. He could feel the strain, the familiar burning sensation that accompanied its use, but the speed at which he healed felt diminished. His body was not responding as it should; the chakra that had once surged through him now felt constricted, like a powerful river trapped behind a dam.
He closed his eyes again, focusing on the warmth of his chakra, envisioning it as a bright flame inside him. "I can't let this world define my limits," he whispered to himself, the words fueled by his fierce determination. "I will reclaim my power, and nothing will stop me."
The meditative state he sought was elusive, but he persisted. With each breath, he visualized the barriers around his chakra weakening, like cracks forming in a wall. The connection to his Rinnegan was there; he could feel its presence lingering just out of reach, a ghost that haunted him.
He needed to experiment more. With renewed focus, he shifted to a deeper form of meditation, seeking the calm that would allow him to access the full potential of his chakra. As he settled into the silence, he directed his willpower toward the sealing techniques that had restricted him, imagining them slowly loosening their grip.
Hours passed as he engaged in this internal struggle, the outside world fading away. His body trembled with the effort, and he felt the strain begin to build again. The familiar pain surged through his head, and he pushed against it, desperate to break free.
"Come on," he murmured, sweat beading on his brow. "I won't let this world hold me back."
Gradually, the pressure intensified, and he could feel something within him shifting. It was as if a door he thought was locked was finally beginning to creak open. In that moment, he felt a surge of energy, a flicker of his Rinnegan, igniting in the depths of his mind.
The sensation was overwhelming. A rush of power surged through him, and he gasped, instinctively activating the Rinnegan. The world around him transformed; colors brightened, and shadows deepened, revealing secrets hidden in the corners of his vision. But just as quickly as it ignited, the pain flared, and he felt the seal constrict again, pushing back against his efforts.
"No!" he shouted, the frustration bubbling over. He focused his chakra, willing it to push back against the seal that had imprisoned him. He had to get stronger; he had to find a way to reclaim his abilities.
In the solitude of the garden, he continued to meditate, pushing against the limits set upon him. "This isn't over," he vowed, his voice steady. "I'll find a way."
Finally, as the sun began to dip below the horizon, Sasuke returned to his dorm room, the events of the day weighing heavily on his mind. He closed the door behind him and sat on his bed, the silence enveloping him once more.
With renewed determination, he began to meditate again, focusing on his chakra flow, envisioning it breaking through the seal restricting his powers. The process was slow and exhausting, but he was willing to endure the strain.
"I will not be weak," he declared quietly, his resolve hardening. "This world may be different, but I am still Sasuke Uchiha. I will overcome this obstacle and reclaim what is mine."
As he concentrated, he felt the pulse of his chakra strengthen slightly, a small victory that fueled his resolve. With each passing moment, he was more convinced that he could overcome the challenges of this new world and eventually unlock the full potential of his abilities.
The journey ahead would be difficult, but he was prepared to face whatever challenges came his way. He was determined to regain not just his Sharingan but also his Rinnegan. The path to his true power awaited him, and he would not falter in his quest to reclaim it.