Chapter 127: The Rhythm of Growth

The morning air was thick with humidity, and the crashing waves along Kirigakure's coastline blended with the labored breathing of three young shinobi.

Ren, Aoi, and Jun'ko.

It was the fifth consecutive day of intense training, and Ren had decided to raise the bar even higher.

He had modified their routine, pushing Aoi and Jun'ko beyond their limits. A shinobi's body only adapted under constant stress, and if they wanted to survive the Genin exam, they couldn't afford mediocre training.

That morning, before dawn, Ren had made a proposition.

"From now on, we increase the weights."

Aoi had stared at him in silence, adjusting his glasses with his usual methodical gesture, analyzing the proposal with his rational mind.

"By how much?" he finally asked.

"Five kilos for you. Three for Jun'ko."

Jun'ko had let out an exaggerated groan.

"Ren, you're not normal! This training is easy for you because you're obsessed with self-improvement!"

Ren had simply crossed his arms, his expression neutral.

"If you want, you can wear my weights."

Aoi thought for a moment, then nodded.

"Alright. That makes sense."

Jun'ko's eyes widened in disbelief.

"You guys are insane! I weigh half as much as Ren, you know that?!"

"The heavier your body now, the faster you'll be when you take them off."

She let out a dramatic sigh but eventually accepted the challenge.

And so, now, with increased weights and exhausted bodies, they ran along the coast, not stopping, not speaking.

The sound of their footsteps sank into the damp sand.

Thump. Thump. Thump.

Five kilometers of morning endurance training—with extra weight.

Ren now carried 40 kg of weights.

The salty wind cut against their faces, each breath a battle, every step a small inferno burning their muscles.

After the run, they moved straight into strength exercises:

One-handed push-ups, with chakra focused for balance.Explosive squats, strengthening their legs and improving their jumping power.Planks with extra weight on their backs, increasing core endurance.

Aoi was adjusting to the routine, though the sweat trickling down his temple betrayed the effort he was putting in.

Jun'ko, however, looked on the verge of a mental breakdown.

"I… hate… you guys." she panted, completing her final squat.

Ren knelt beside her, expression unreadable.

"Ten more."

Jun'ko shot him a glare that screamed drop dead, but she obeyed, gritting her teeth.

Her body trembled from exhaustion, but she didn't stop.

When she finally finished the last repetition, she collapsed onto her back, staring at the sky, gasping for air.

"If I survive this, I'll be the strongest ninja in the village."

Ren stood up and tossed a kunai near her foot.

"You're still alive. The next drill is jump and controlled landing with chakra."

Jun'ko let out a strangled noise of frustration but forced herself back onto her feet.

"I swear, after the exam, I'm going to disappear for a week and sleep—"

"If we survive the exam, you can sleep as much as you want."

Jun'ko froze.

She had never truly stopped to consider that "if."

She felt it. She understood it.

And her expression shifted.

She didn't complain anymore.

After the physical training, they finally took a break, sitting on the damp grass.

But rest was only a shift in focus.

Ren and Aoi began concentrating chakra into their hands, working on the precision of Medical Ninjutsu.

Jun'ko watched them, puzzled.

"I don't see why I need to learn this."

Without taking his eyes off the small self-inflicted wound on his palm, Ren replied calmly.

"It can mean the difference between life and death."

Aoi, ever analytical, added:

"Healing is one thing, but fine chakra control helps in many other techniques."

Jun'ko still looked skeptical, but after watching Ren's skin heal within seconds, she leaned forward.

"At least teach me the basics."

And so, while Aoi and Ren explained chakra control for medical techniques, Jun'ko attempted to replicate it—though with little success.

"Now it's my turn. Follow me."

Jun'ko stood up, eyes brimming with determination, and sprinted into the forest.

Let's see how well you handle my Genjutsu.

Without waiting for a response, she quickly formed three seals.

"Sly Mind Affect Technique."

Ren and Aoi continued following her, but after a few minutes, something felt off.

They were moving in circles, trapped in an endless loop.

Ren instantly recognized the technique.

Well done, Jun'ko. A Genjutsu… good. I'll let Aoi figure it out himself so I can evaluate his progress.

Aoi met his gaze, realizing they had fallen into an illusion.

After receiving a small approving nod from Ren, he released a burst of chakra to break the effect.

"Kai."

Jun'ko observed them with a smirk.

"Better than last time."

They're both improving. Compared to last year, they've come a long way. I just hope it's enough.

As they returned to the beach, Jun'ko suddenly turned to Ren.

"Ren, show us your Mirror Technique."

Ren stiffened slightly.

Not only is it incomplete, but it's better not to reveal too much. Someone might be watching.

"It's not complete yet."

"That doesn't matter. Just show us what you can do."

Just enough to keep them motivated.

He knelt by a small pond, pressing his fingers against the surface.

A pulse of chakra flowed through the water.

At first, nothing happened.

Then, the surface rippled, and Ren's reflection distorted, shifting with a slight delay, almost as if it were separated from reality itself.

Jun'ko and Aoi watched, mesmerized.

"You still can't replicate enemy jutsu, can you?" Aoi asked.

Ren shook his head.

"No. I can only alter perception."

But deep down, he knew that wasn't entirely true.

I'm actually a little further along than this. But for now, it's best to keep it to myself.

They trained until the sun dipped below the horizon, casting long shadows across the sand.

Something had changed between them.

The Genin Exam was approaching.

And with it, their first true battle for survival.