Breath Of water

A month had passed since Noel embarked on his journey to master the ways of the sword, and during that time, a profound transformation had taken root within him. A shift that not only altered his physical capabilities but also his very mindset. It was official; he had become a training addict.

In those initial days, the physical demands of training had felt overwhelming. The grueling routines left him fatigued and strained, but as the weeks rolled by, the rigors of his practice had become part of his daily existence. It was no longer a burden but a cherished routine, a symbol of his dedication to self-improvement.

He had poured himself into the art of the sword, perfecting the basic moves from every conceivable angle and stance. To his amazement, the system had declared that he had mastered these fundamental techniques, and he had no reason to doubt it. He often pondered why protagonists in cultivation novels took years or even decades to grasp such elementary skills, while he, in just a matter of weeks, felt like a prodigy. Perhaps his unique circumstances played a role in his rapid progress.

Determined to unlock his potential, Noel prepared himself for the rewards he had earned through his relentless training. The anticipation was palpable as he beckoned the system to issue the rewards.

"System, give me the rewards," he requested, eager to unveil the fruits of his labor.

The system complied, notifying him that his missions were complete, and the rewards had been deposited in his inventory. His excitement surged as he couldn't wait to lay his hands on these long-anticipated treasures. However, before delving into the rewards, he decided to check his stats, something he hadn't done for the entire month.

"System, bring up my stats," Noel requested, seeking to gain insights into his progress and the changes that had occurred within him.

[Name: ______

Age: 4

Rank: Adult civilian (Low genin, physically)

Chakra:. Not yet determined

Strength: -D

Speed: -D

Endurance: D

Skill: Appraisal

Weapon: Wooden sword ]

( Grading works as follows:

F and E - Civilian

D rank - Genin

C Rank - Chunin

B Rank - Special jonin

A Rank - Jonin

S Rank - Kage

PS : I know that special jonin is not that different from chunin but i just wanted to include the rank to differentiate better.)

The grading system he encountered intrigued him. The distinct ranks assigned to ninja—from civilians to the esteemed Kage—outlined a clear path of progression. It was fascinating to see how even small differences in rankings represented significant distinctions in the ninja world. Despite the minimal difference between a special jonin and a chunin, the hierarchy offered a refined understanding of ninja achievements.

Now, it was finally time to unveil his well-deserved rewards. He accessed his inventory and retrieved a skill stone and a sword. However, a peculiar absence caught his attention—the third reward that had been promised. Curiosity piqued, he reached out to the system for clarification.

"Where's my third reward?" he inquired, eager to complete the trio.

The system's response was swift and to the point, momentarily silencing his impatience with its succinctness.

"Whenever you are ready to awaken your chakra, just say so, and I will facilitate the process," the system instructed, redirecting his focus towards the imminent unlocking of his inner power.

Resigned to the system's wisdom, Noel agreed to follow its guidance. His readiness to embark on this new chapter was palpable as he assumed a lotus position, awaiting the commencement of the chakra awakening process. Noel couldn't help but wonder how it would occur. Would it be similar to the method used by martial arts masters in cultivation novels, who transferred their qi or energy to their students? Would the system take on a human-like form to bestow chakra upon him? A flurry of questions buzzed through his mind, but he dismissed them, realizing that, in the grand scheme of things, the form or gender of the system was inconsequential. He just wanted to get on with it.

With bated breath and palpable anticipation, he signaled the system. The moment he spoke those words, a subtle yet significant change occurred within him. It was as if a dormant part of his being had awakened. He recognized it as chakra, and its infusion into his being was a surreal experience. It surged through him, a source of newfound power, energy, and vitality, evoking a sense of hyperactivity and invigoration. For a fleeting moment, he felt an incredible surge of strength, an indescribable feeling of potential coursing through his veins. It was a remarkable moment, though it was over almost as soon as it began.

"What, is that it?" Noel asked, somewhat bewildered. The chakra had been unlocked, but there was no dramatic physical transformation or any visual cues to mark the event. The system's response, although not verbose, cleared up his misconceptions.

"What did you expect? Body reformation or black stuff coming out of your body? You just unlocked your chakra, which was already present," the system explained matter-of-factly.

Embarrassed by his over-expectations, Noel moved on to his next reward—the skill stone. He withdrew it from his inventory, noting its elegant sky-blue hue and intricate design. Before diving into the skill stone's contents, he decided to appraise it.

"System, appraise the skill stone," he requested, eager to gain insight into the treasure he held in his hands.

[Item name : Skill stone

Creator. : Unknown

Rank. : S

Description : A skill stone containing the famous Breath of Water. Which is an S ranked technique ]

System, appraise Breath of water.

[ Technique name : Breath of Water

Creator. : Unknown

Rank. : S

Description : Water Breathing is a Breathing Style that mimics water, specifically the flow, flexibility and adaptability of the liquid and replicates it with the user's movements, techniques and abilities. Most, if not all, known techniques involve the user bending their body, arm and weapon in a fluid motion to match the movements of rushing or flowing water. Users also visualise themselves seemingly creating and manipulating water when unleashing its techniques.

Water breathing has 11 techniques with each form being graded in power :

First Form (C Rank): Water surface slash - The user generates enough momentum to create a powerful single concentrated slash.

Second Form ( C rank): Water Wheel - The user leaps and vertically spins forward in the air while releasing a flowing attack in a circular motion.

Third Form (B Rank): Flowing Dance - The user swings and bends their blade in a winding motion along with their body and dances in a flowing pattern, slicing everything in its path.

Fourth Form ( A rank): Striking Tide - The user makes multiple consecutive slashes while twisting their body and sword in a flowing fashion to deliver multiple blows simultaneously.

Fifth Form(A rank): Blessed Rain After Drought - The user changes the grip on their sword and decapitates the opponent in a single flowing strike that causes little to no pain. It is a "sword strike of kindness" used when the enemy willingly surrenders.

Sixth Form (A rank): Whirlpool - The user fiercely twists their upper and lower body, creating a whirlpool of air that cuts anything caught in it. Its effect and efficiently is enhanced underwater, where the user can draw water around their weapon to enhance their slashes.

Seventh Form (A rank): Drop Ripple Thrust - The user performs a fast and accurate stab, capable of reducing the impact of a moving target.

Eighth Form (A rank): Waterfall Basin - The user cuts the target vertically in a flowing motion which is most effective when they are falling downward.

Ninth Form (S rank): Splashing Water Flow, Turbulent - The user changes their footwork in a way that minimises the landing time and surface needed when landing, allowing the user to move without limits. Ideal when fighting in a place with no solid foothold.

Tenth Form ( S rank): Constant Flux - The user performs a continuous flowing attack which seemingly takes the form of a water dragon that increases in strength and power with each rotation due to momentum.

Eleventh Form ( S rank ): Dead Calm - The user ceases all body movements and enters a state of complete tranquility, deflecting, blocking and cutting any incoming attacks with imperceptible speed with their blade. However, its effectiveness is limited as fast and numerous attacks can break through.

Even though there only 11 forms in the technique, the host can derive or create new forms based on them.]

Satisfied with his newfound knowledge, Noel couldn't help but chuckle at his own enthusiasm.