Chapter 9: Chapter8: Progress
Two Years of Progress: Akira's Journey
Two years had passed since Akira began training under Lady Mochizuki, and the transformation he had undergone was nothing short of extraordinary. Through relentless effort and perseverance, he had evolved from a novice with little understanding of his chakra to a budding warrior on the path to greatness.
Physical and Combat Training
Akira's body had started to take on the form of a true shinobi. His muscles were lean but powerful, a testament to the grueling physical exercises he endured daily. Lady Mochizuki, never one to hold back, introduced him to gravity bracelets last year. At just 5% of their capacity, the bracelets made even the simplest movement a Herculean task.
Flashback: The Day Akira First Wore the Gravity Bracelets
The moment Lady Mochizuki strapped the bracelets onto his wrists and ankles, Akira's knees buckled. The weight bore down on him, making him feel as if the earth itself was trying to drag him down.
Mochizuki (sternly):
"Get up, Akira. A shinobi never surrenders to adversity. You'll adapt to this soon enough."
At first, standing was a challenge, let alone moving or performing exercises. Days turned into weeks, and with unyielding determination, Akira adjusted. He began running laps around the training field, performing push-ups, and even practicing basic taijutsu under the crushing weight. His endurance grew exponentially, and soon, the gravity-enhanced training became a cornerstone of his routine.
Chakra Mastery
His chakra control, already impressive, reached new heights. Akira could now balance a leaf on his forehead for hours without a single wobble, demonstrating his unparalleled focus. Under Mochizuki's guidance, he began learning elemental manipulation, starting with his primary affinity: wind chakra.
Using his wind chakra, Akira practiced the leaf cutting exercise. With his chakra, he split a leaf cleanly in half, a feat that required precision and control. Once he mastered this, Mochizuki introduced him to basic wind jutsu, such as the Great Breakthrough Technique, which Akira quickly learned and refined to perfection.
Water Manipulation Training:
Mochizuki also guided Akira in training his secondary affinity: water. His first exercise involved creating ripples in a still body of water using only his chakra. It was painstaking work at first—his control would falter, causing uneven ripples or none at all. But as days passed, he mastered the art of subtlety, creating perfectly symmetrical ripples and eventually manipulating water to his will. By the end of the year, Akira could move water with fluid precision, forming shapes and even launching small streams as attacks.
Strength and Sparring with Tsunade
Akira's friendship with Tsunade deepened during this time. Despite her intense strength, she sparred with him often, both to test his progress and to help him grow strong .
On one memorable day, Akira managed to land his first punch on her, a small but significant victory.
Tsunade (teasing):
"Well, look at you! Finally managing to hit me, huh? Don't get cocky though—your punch still feels like a mosquito bite!"
Akira (panting but smiling):
"Give me another year, and I'll have you on the ground."
They both laughed, the sound echoing across the training field. Though Tsunade's strength still far outmatched his, Akira could feel himself getting closer to her level. Her encouragement and rivalry pushed him harder every day.
Beyond sparring, Akira spent much of his time at the Senju compound, often in Tsunade's company. Together, they explored the compound, shared meals, and even occasionally sneaked out to visit different parts of the village.
• Visiting the Senju Gardens:
On one warm afternoon, Tsunade took Akira to the Senju gardens, where she showed him the medicinal plants her clan had cultivated for generations.
Tsunade (proudly):
"These plants were grown by my grandfather, Hashirama. They've been used in countless medicines that saved lives during the First Ninja War."
Akira listened intently, impressed by the legacy she carried.
• Visiting the Academy:
Tsunade also brought him to the academy one day to show him where she trained.
Tsunade:
"The academy is tough, but it's nothing compared to what Lady Mochizuki puts you through. You'd probably ace it already."
Akira:
"Maybe. But I'd rather train with you and Mochizuki than sit in a classroom."
Tsunade laughed, agreeing that real training was far more valuable.
Slice-of-Life Moments
Despite their rigorous schedules, Akira and Tsunade found time to relax and enjoy each other's company. They often shared stories of their goals—Tsunade dreamed of becoming the greatest medical ninja, while Akira spoke of his desire to bring honor to his family and protect the village.
One evening, as they sat by the small pond in the Senju compound, Tsunade opened up about her grandfather.
Tsunade (softly):
"People always talk about Grandpa Hashirama as this legendary hero. But to me, he's just… Grandpa. He used to bring me sweets and tell me the silliest stories. I miss him sometimes."
Akira (gently):
"You'll carry his legacy in your own way, Tsunade. I'm sure of it."
Their bond deepened through such moments, and Akira found himself feeling truly at home in the village, surrounded by history, friendship, and purpose.
Conclusion
Through relentless training and support from Lady Mochizuki and Tsunade, Akira's skills had grown immensely over the past two years. His body had become a weapon, his chakra control razor-sharp, and his bonds with those around him stronger than ever. The quiet moments with Tsunade and the grueling training sessions with Mochizuki shaped him into a shinobi destined for greatness. Yet, Akira knew this was only the beginning—his true journey was still ahead.