Training month
It's hard to believe we're here—just weeks after that chaotic prelims, and yet, it feels like an eternity has passed. Even though Team 7 didn't make it to the final rounds of the Chunin Exams, we're training as if our lives depend on it. Which, given Orochimaru's creepy obsession with Sasuke, they probably do.
Naruto and Sasuke were whisked away by Kakashi-sensei and Shisui-sensei almost immediately after the prelims. I've seen them training at the edge of the village, and let me tell you, they're working like madmen. Kakashi-sensei is pushing Sasuke with his Chidori training, and Shisui-sensei, well, he's all about speed and reflexes. It's almost comical watching Naruto trying to keep up with Sasuke, especially when Shisui-sensei gets involved. I can't count how many times Naruto's ended up flat on his back, yelling something about being "super close" to mastering a move before tripping over his own feet. But that's Naruto for you—unrelenting, no matter how many times he falls.
Meanwhile, Sasuke's training with his usual intensity, though there's something different about him now. It's like he's carrying this quiet storm inside, and I can't help but worry. But I trust Kakashi-sensei and Shisui-sensei. They won't let him go down a dark path.
As for me, I've been training under Itachi-sensei's watchful eye. And by "watchful," I mean the kind of eye that sees through you and knows what you're thinking even before you do. It's equal parts comforting and terrifying. Itachi-sensei doesn't smile much, but when he does, it's like a rare flower blooming—a quick flash of warmth before the world goes back to its serious self.
We've been focusing on my Genjutsu and medical ninjutsu, both of which I'm determined to improve. I visited Lee in the hospital the other day. Seeing him there, beaten but unbroken, made me realize how far I still have to go. I promised him I'd get better, that I'd find a way to heal him. I can't let him down.
So, I decided to double my efforts. I'm working with four Shadow Clones now, each focusing on different aspects of my training. One's all about chakra control, another's perfecting Genjutsu, the third's on medical ninjutsu, and the last one is practicing Taijutsu and endurance. It's exhausting, but I can already feel the difference.
**Butterfly Dream Genjutsu**
It was during one of these intense training sessions that I came up with a new technique: **Butterfly Dream**. It's a Genjutsu that surrounds the target in a world filled with thousands of delicate butterflies. Their wings create this soft, almost hypnotic fluttering sound, making it hard for the target to concentrate or escape the illusion. The butterflies are beautiful, but they also create a disorienting sensation that lulls the target into a deep trance, leaving them defenseless. It's not just about trapping them—it's about overwhelming their senses to the point where they can't tell what's real and what's not.
I have to admit, I'm pretty proud of it. It's like combining everything I've learned into one graceful, yet deadly, technique. Itachi-sensei seemed impressed too, though in his usual understated way. He just gave a small nod and said, "Well done, Sakura."
My yin affinity has also improved significantly—almost like I'm becoming more in tune with the mental and spiritual aspects of chakra. It's helping a lot with my Genjutsu, making everything sharper and more controlled. And my medical ninjutsu? It's better than ever. I've reached a level where I can start experimenting with more complex techniques, like nerve regeneration, which I know will be crucial for Lee's recovery.
But it's not just about the training. Itachi-sensei and I have been spending more time together outside of training too. There's this quiet connection between us, something that wasn't there before. Maybe it's because he's starting to see me as more than just a student, and I'm beginning to understand the burden he carries as a prodigy and an older brother.
One evening, after an especially grueling session, we were sitting by the river. My clothes were torn, dirty from the day's training, and I knew I needed to change. Itachi-sensei, ever the gentleman, turned his back to give me privacy, but there was something different in the way he hesitated before doing so.
"It's fine," I murmured, trying to sound casual even though my heart was pounding in my chest. I quickly changed into a clean dress, my movements hurried yet deliberate. When I was done, I called out softly, "You can turn around now, Sensei."
When he turned back to face me, there was a moment—a fleeting second—where his eyes met mine, and I saw something there. Was it concern? Affection? I'm not sure, but it made my stomach flutter. He stepped closer, gently wiping away a streak of blood from my arm that I had missed. His touch was so careful, so tender, that I almost didn't want it to end.
"You've grown stronger, Sakura," he said, his voice quiet and warm. "But remember, strength isn't just about power. It's about knowing when to fight and when to heal. You're doing well."
"Thank you, Sensei," I whispered back, trying to keep my voice steady even though my emotions were all over the place.
As we headed back to the village, I insisted that I could walk, but Itachi-sensei wouldn't hear of it. He lifted me effortlessly, carrying me back despite my protests. And every accidental touch, every slight brush of his arm against mine, sent a wave of warmth through me that I couldn't quite explain.
*
**Status Update**
- **LVL:** 27
- **CC:** 50
- **INT:** 52
- **WIS:** 42
- **STR:** 60
- **DEX:** 35
- **SPD:** 46
- **NIN:** 46 (+20)
- **TAI:** 60
- **GEN:** 100 (+30)
- **FUIN:** 0
- **YIN:** 87 (+30)
- **YANG:** 40
- **VIT:** 2500 (50/hr)
- **Points:** 54
- **Total Chakra:** 106,690
**
- [**Sharingan Vision** (LVL 20/50)]
- [**Byakugan Vision** (LVL 15/50)]
- [**Shurikenjutsu** (LVL 25/50)]
- [**Meditation** LVL MAX]: +1 INT to each LVL
- [**Cooking** LVL MAX]
- [**Yin Affinity** 40/100 (+30)]
- [**Yang Affinity** 10/100]
- [**Yin-Yang Affinity** 4/100]
- [**Lightning Affinity** 25/100]
- [**Water Affinity** 0/100]
- [**Earth Affinity** 0/100]
- [**Chakra Sensing** 10/100]
- [**Kenjutsu** 15/100]
- [**Medical Ninjutsu** 50/100 (+20)]
**
- **Body Flicker**
- **Body Replacement**
- **Transformation**
- **Tree Climbing**
- **Cliff Climbing**
- **Cloak of Invisibility**
- **Clone**
- **Chakra Strings**
- **Shadow Clone Jutsu**
- **Lightning Clone**
- **Lightning Shot**
- **Lightning Release: Lightning Net Technique**
- **Lightning Release: Lightning Petal Storm**
**
- **Butterfly Dream** - [Rank: A]
-Hell viewing
**Perks**
- Gamer's mind
- Gamer's body
- Friend of Uchiha
- Youthful body
- Mental shield
- Will of fire
- Aura of Death
- Canine Friend