NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter:5
The ordinary training ground lay still under the twilight sky, the soft rustling of leaves disrupted by the sound of two figures dashing toward one another with blinding speed. A resounding boom echoed through the clearing as the two collided, lightning crackling in their wake. Shuriken flashed in the air, slicing through the space between them with deadly precision.
One figure, tall and composed, evaded the projectiles with fluid grace. His movements exuded experience and control. The other, shorter and youthful, mirrored his attacks with equal intensity. Despite his smaller stature, the resemblance between the two was unmistakable—their sharp features, raven hair, and the glint of determination in their onyx eyes.
Hatoshi, the taller of the two, sidestepped a flurry of shuriken launched by his son and leaped into the air, forming a rapid sequence of hand seals.
Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!
Hirito responded immediately, his hands a blur as he formed his own seals. Water Style: Water Dragon Bullet Technique! A dragon of water rose from the nearby stream, surging forward with a roar. The two jutsu collided violently, the fireball hissing as steam exploded into the air. The resulting water vapor obscured the training ground in a thick mist.
"That's enough for today," Hatoshi said, his tone calm but carrying a note of finality. He stepped back, lowering his stance.
Hirito stood still, his chest heaving as he let the steam clear. He nodded, masking his thoughts behind a polite expression. "Yes, Father."
Twenty Minutes Earlier
Hirito was sitting cross-legged on the tatami floor of his room, lost in thought, when the sudden rush of wind signaled his father's arrival. Hatoshi stepped in, his imposing presence filling the room.
"Father, how did you arrive so soon?" Hirito asked, masking his initial shock with a calm tone.
"I finished my work early using a shadow clone," Hatoshi replied. His sharp gaze fell on his son. "But I heard you didn't attend the clan training today. Why is that?"
Hirito kept his expression neutral, though his mind raced. He knows something.
"Oh, it's nothing, Father," he said casually. "I wanted to train alone and think about tomorrow. I'm considering becoming a genin and forming a team with a jonin sensei."
Hatoshi studied his son in silence, his expression unreadable. "If that is your wish, I don't mind," he said finally. "But is there anything else you want to tell me?"
Hirito's heart tightened. He couldn't explain his transmigration—not without inviting suspicion he couldn't afford. I was careless, he thought. But outwardly, he gave no hint of unease, keeping his heartbeat steady and his breathing calm. "No, Father. That's all."
Hatoshi nodded. "Very well." His gaze softened slightly. "It has been too long since we sparred, hasn't it?"
"Yes, Father," Hirito replied, maintaining his composure. "We can spar now."
Hatoshi turned and gestured for him to follow. As they walked toward the training ground, Hirito's thoughts churned. He had underestimated the Uchiha clan's perceptiveness. Even a slight deviation in behavior could raise alarms. From now on, I must ensure absolute privacy when I practice.
As the mist cleared, Hatoshi stood tall, his calm demeanor unchanged. "It seems you've been developing a lightning jutsu," he said, his tone measured.
"Yes, Father," Hirito replied, keeping his voice steady. He knew he couldn't deny it without raising more questions.
"Show me," Hatoshi commanded, his gaze expectant but not harsh.
Hirito nodded and stepped forward. He took a deep breath, focusing on the remnants of the Thunder God Method he had practiced earlier. Sparks of lightning began to dance across his body, faint but growing stronger as he channeled chakra through his limbs.
Hatoshi's sharp eyes narrowed as he observed the display. "You're stimulating your body with pure thunder chakra," he noted. "It's effective, but don't overuse it."
"Yes, Father," Hirito replied.
"It bears some resemblance to the Raikage Clan's techniques," Hatoshi said, his tone thoughtful. "But it is unique. Did you develop this yourself?"
Hirito nodded, masking his surprise. "Yes, Father."
Hatoshi studied him for a long moment before stepping closer. Placing a hand on his son's shoulder, he said quietly, "You are my son, Hirito. I will protect you at any cost. Remember that."
Hirito's breath caught. His father's words, spoken with such sincerity, warmed something deep within him. For the first time since his transmigration, he felt a sense of belonging—a feeling of home.
"Thank you, Father," Hirito said, his voice soft but genuine.
Hatoshi nodded, his expression unreadable once more. "Come. Let's return home."
End of the Chapter.