Path Of War

Arthur rose from his sleep, deciding against breakfast for now.

He padded across the small, rented apartment. It wasn't much—a single bedroom, a tiny kitchen, and a camped bathroom—but it was his.

Last night, after the meeting, the others assumed he would automatically bunk with Alex and Jasper in their apartment next door. Arthur, however, had politely declined, citing a preference for solitude.

He wasn't about to share his space with potential collaborators, especially those with secrets like Alex. Since William, living with Naruto, hadn't raised anyone's eyebrows, they permitted Arthur to live alone.

In regards to training, it was done in their free time. They could either train alone to hone their skills individually, or they could partner up with another player.

Engaging with NPCs was also permitted, as long as it wasn't something considered "game-breaking." Whatever constituted that, Arthur was content with solo training.

It was still early, and the sun was barely over the horizon. He put his garments on and headed out the door.

His apartment was located deep within the village, away from the hustle and bustle of the central market district. It wasn't as glamorous as the others' accommodations, with a terrible view, but it offered much-needed quietude for his thoughts.

He needed to be prepared. Tomorrow was the team placement announcement, and the choices made would drastically affect his ability to make a difference.

Arthur descended the creaky stairs of his apartment building. Just as he was about to head towards the training grounds, a soft voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Um, Arthur, wait!"

He turned to see Jada standing a few steps behind him, her village headband worn loosely around her neck, unlike last night. She awkwardly held out a small, folded piece of paper.

"We… we almost forgot to give you this last night," she stammered, extending the paper towards him. "It's your chakra induction paper."

Arthur recognized it. The chakra induction paper was a basic test used to determine an individual's elemental affinity—the specific chakra nature they were most inclined towards.

Known as nature transformation, it involves moulding one's chakra to take on specific elements.

There are five basic elements: fire, wind, lightning, earth, and water. These elements have a natural relationship where one is strong against another in a kind of circle (fire beats wind, wind beats lightning, and so on).

When techniques of the same element clash, the stronger technique will win, or if they are equal, they will cancel each other out.

Everyone has a natural affinity for one of these elements, although it's possible to learn others. People with an affinity for an element will find it much easier to learn and use jutsu of that type.

While perfecting all five elements is theoretically possible, it's incredibly rare. Most Jōnin can only use two natures effectively. There are a few exceptions who can use all five natures, like the third Hokage, but they are extraordinary individuals.

Light and dark are two other chakra natures that are not elemental. These form the basis for non-elemental techniques like genjutsu (illusions) and medical ninjutsu. They are linked to a person's spiritual and physical energy.

Finally, combining two or three basic natures can create entirely new elemental natures with unique properties. However, this typically requires a Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Tōta—the combination of three elements.

Arthur took the paper from Jada.

If the paper ignites and turns to ash, his affinity is toward fire. If it splits in two, then it's water. If it wrinkles, then it's lightning. If it turns to dirt and crumbles away, it's earth. And if it becomes damp, it's water.

As he unfolded the paper, Jada anxiously bit her lip. He focused his chakra into his hand, channeling it through the paper. Almost instantly, the corners curled inwardly before dampening completely.

"Water affinity," Jada said with a smile. "That's what I got, too!"

"Interesting," he said. "What were everyone else's results?"

Jada chirped, answering, "Williams' wind, Margaret's earth and water, just like she said last night, Alice' fire, Jaspers' lightning, and Alex got wind too."

It was a strategic mixture. Potentially powerful teams could be formed depending on a variety of factors.

Arthur noticed Jada eying him expectantly, as if wishing to ask him something. So he asked what was wrong.

"Nothing," she claimed, "but since we have the same affinities, mind helping me train?"

He had planned to train alone this morning to gather his thoughts and solidify his strategy. However, training with Jada could offer valuable insights, allowing him to gauge the actual strength of the other players.

A sparring session would be less suspicious than directly prying into their business.

"Sure, I don't mind," he said, seeing her joyous smile.

As the two quietly walked towards the nearest training grounds, Jada seemed eager to fill the silence. She began spilling details about the others' training.

"So, everyone's been busy," she started. "William practically lives glued to Naruto's side, trying to teach him taijutsu. When he's not hanging with the main character, he's trying to recreate the Rasengan with balloons."

The Rasengan is a powerful jutsu invented by Minato Namikaze. It concentrates chakra into a spinning ball in the user's hand. This requires great chakra control and is learned in three steps: rotation (spinning the chakra), power (increasing the chakra's intensity), and containment (shaping the chakra into a sphere).

It's difficult to learn, but it has many advantages. It can grind through almost anything, for example, and is considered the pinnacle of shape transformation. Additionally, there are many variations of the Rasengan, such as larger versions or ones infused with different natures.

Undoubtedly, Naruto's go-to move, which he should learn a few months from now, when he's not abusing enemies with his shadow clones.

Arthur chuckled softly, claiming that William is the biggest fan out of all of them.

"Margaret," Jada continued, rolling her eyes playfully, "stopped training altogether. She claims she's already perfected her skills and can beat anyone. Apparently, the only thing missing from her arsenal is wood style, which none of us thinks she got. All she does lately is lounge around in the hot springs like a queen and threaten anyone who comments negatively on her hair."

Jada clearly held a fondness for Margaret, despite her eccentric behaviour.

"Then there's Alice," Jada added. "She spends most of her time with Jasper, who seems to be schooling her on the later parts of the story. When they're not studying, Jasper disappears somewhere and keeps things a secret. Makes me wonder what he's up to."

Arthur didn't like hearing the last statement. Jasper's secretive nature raised an eyebrow.

"Do you think they're… dating?" Jada probed, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

Arthur shrugged noncommittally. It was a possibility, but their motives remained unclear.

"Lastly, there's Alex," Jada said in a hushed tone. "He gets most of his training directly from Hiashi. Apparently, they've already dubbed him the pride of the clan. We're all excited for him, but that was too quick, don't you agree?"

Arthur agreed. Alex was already a Hyūga prodigy, and he had only been in this world for a few weeks.

"So," Jada concluded, feeling a tad vulnerable, "since none of them share our element, and with me struggling on the Sharingan front, I had hoped that maybe you would help me train my water style."

Arthur finally looked at her. He saw a genuine desire to improve, a dedication to their shared goal of influencing the story. He would surely exploit it.

"Of course," he said in a neutral tone. "Helping is always my priority."

They arrived at a secluded training ground, a large clearing surrounded by a plethora of trees.

Jada, assuming Arthur's capabilities stemmed solely from his lack of clan affiliation, took the lead. She announced with a confident smile, "Let's start with some basic chakra control exercises. First up, try walking up that tree."

Arthur raised an eyebrow. Walking up a tree without falling was a beginner exercise, but he played along. He channeled his chakra to the soles of his feet, his steps light as a feather, and ran all the way to the top of the highest branch.

Jada's eyes widened in surprise. Her confidence was momentarily shaken as she breathed, "You did that on your first try?! Not bad!"

Arthur feigned a sheepish grin, hiding his amusement. He knew his true potential—the harsh training outside the village's safety net.

Next, Jada cleared her throat, attempting to regain her composure, saying, "Right, well, maybe jutsu practice then. Do you know any yet?"

"Not really," he ignorantly said. This was partially true. She hadn't specified what type of jutsu, of which he hadn't covered any elemental ones yet.

Jada beamed as she said, "Perfect! Then let's learn something together. Today's lesson: the water prison jutsu!"

That jutsu is a c-rank technique that traps a person in a sphere of heavy water that restricts movement and breathing. The user can create water from their mouth or surroundings, but they must maintain contact to keep it active.

With a flourish, Jada began demonstrating the hand signs. Arthur watched the movements, committing them to memory. Finally, she extended her hand, forming a sphere of water roughly five feet in diameter.

"Now you try," she said, pushing a playful shove in his direction.

Arthur closed his eyes, performing the hand signs while focusing his chakra. Water formed, but it fizzled in a pathetic display. He could have easily completed the jutsu flawlessly, but instead, he channeled his chakra erratically and purposefully faltered.

"Huh, that's strange," she said, scratching her head. "Maybe it's trickier for a clan-less ninja? You might be better suited for support techniques like chakra transfer or..."

Arthur allowed her assumptions to hang around. He knew she wouldn't suspect anything from a supposed "weak" clan-less ninja. After all, concealing his true abilities was a necessity. The information he had gathered today on the others was already more than enough.

As they continued their training session, Arthur deliberately kept his performance mediocre, letting Jada guide him through rudimentary water jutsu exercises.

It was worth it since he now knew the hand signs for water prison and water style: surface slice. The latter summoned a linear wave of water that shot outward from the ground, powerful enough to cleanly slice through rock formations.

Jada, despite her initial assumptions about Arthur, couldn't help but notice his physique during their training exercises. His forearms were dense and lacked fat, which piqued her interest.

"Hey, Arthur," she said. "Wouldn't mind translating what you learned to an actual fight, would you?"

Arthur considered it for a moment. This spar could be another way to gauge her skills without revealing his own. He met her gaze with a neutral smile, answering, "Sure, why not? Let's see what you've got, Jada."

They stepped back, adopting fighting stances.

Jada made the first move, rushing in. Arthur, however, found her slow—almost too predictable. He dodged her jabs and roundhouse kicks with ease, as if dancing around her in circles. He would occasionally block her attacks, surprised by the force behind them, but never truly threatened.

Jada, growing increasingly frustrated, gritted her teeth. Her jabs were hitting nothing but air, and her attempts to land a blow were met with his graceful shifts or a last-minute block.

"Alright, fine," she huffed. "If taijutsu isn't working, let's see how you handle ninjutsu!" With a deep breath, she channeled her chakra, her hands flashing through the familiar sequence of signs. "Water style: water dragon jutsu!"

A torrent of water erupted from the nearby lake, and a serpent surged towards Arthur.

He watched it unfold with a calculating eye, gauging the jutsu's strength and speed. He could easily dodge it entirely, but this was an opportunity to observe the full extent of her abilities. Instead, he stood his ground, the water washing over him with a surprising force.

He didn't struggle, allowing the current to pull him, testing its power. Bursting outside, he emerged a few yards away, his hair plastered to his forehead.

Jada stared at him in disbelief.

"You... you emerged from that unscathed?" she stammered with awe.

Arthur shook himself off, giving her a small smile. He then approached her, noticing the slight slump in her shoulders. So he admitted, "You're actually quite strong, Jada… Your water style was impressive."

Jada, seemingly deflated by her loss, sank to her knees, burying her face in her hands. He hadn't expected that reaction.

"Strong? Maybe," she mumbled, a hint of sadness in her voice. "But not strong enough. I came here thinking I had an edge and still failed."

Arthur knelt beside her with amusement across his face and said, "You're not weak, that's for sure." When she hadn't responded, he started getting annoyed at her theatrics. "What's wrong, Jada?"

"Nothing… My vision just feels weird, is all."

Arthur's heart skipped a beat. He leaned closer, peering into her eyes. There, etched into her crimson irises, were two black tomoes swirling ominously.

Her Sharingan had awakened!

Jada followed his gaze, her hands flying to her face. "What is it?" she embarrassingly asked. When she looked at her hand, she gasped. The red light from the Sharingan reflected off her palms.

Arthur stared back at her, the implications of this sudden awakening settling like a lead weight. Jada, however, shrieked with joy. Her disappointment evaporated, turning into pure elation.

In the throes of her excitement, she threw her arms around Arthur, giving him an unexpected hug. Caught off guard by the sudden embrace, he remained stiff for a moment before awkwardly patting her back.

Her unbridled joy was contagious, even if he couldn't fully share in her excitement.

"You awakened it!" she exclaimed, pulling away but still beaming at him. "You helped me awaken the Sharingan!"

Arthur forced a smile and said, "Glad I could be of help."

She bounced to her feet with newfound confidence. Not getting too hectic, she reminded herself of the famed "Uchiha curse." Arthur seized the opportunity to steer the conversation in a direction more to his liking.

He placed a comforting hand on her should and began, "Curses have no power over those who accept Christ." Jada listened intently. "Even though we're in this fictional world, Jesus is still my shield. Without the Lord, I wouldn't be as strong as I am now."

Jada nodded, hope kindling her eyes. Arthur's message bore fruit.

Their training session was wrapped up by the evening sun. Jada, her stomach rumbling, suggested a celebratory feast at Ichiraku Ramen, the well-known ramen shop Naruto frequented.

"Actually," Arthur interjected, politely declining the offer, "ramen isn't really my thing. And besides, there's something I need to do with the Hokage. Maybe another time?"

Jada, understanding his reasoning, nodded readily and said, "Sure thing, Arthur. See you tonight then!"

She watched him walk away with gratitude. Arthur, however, carried the weight of a thousand unspoken secrets as he headed towards the Hokage's building. He had a lot of things to think about and plan for.