No Choice

As I take in all the highs and the jealousy from Tenten that comes from 1st place in shuriken throwing and the fancy trick I pulled with it, I'm also forced to take the snickers from the boys who laugh quietly in the background.

.

Remember when I barely passed the graduation test with great theoretical scores, chakra control and shuriken training?

That's because that grade barely focuses on taijutsu for testing. Now instead of competing for the top spot like I claimed with Neji, I remain at the bottom just like in my previous class but legitimately dead-last this time. ROCK LEE HITS HARD.

So with declaring him as my other future "rival" after the first beatdown.

I unfortunately spend most of my time doing physical conditioning. It's grude work for sure, but necessary for Jonin-Level physiques to start off with solid foundations. AND THERE'S NO WAY MIGHT GUY'S GOING TO TAKE ON SOMEONE WEAK.

I plan on crawling my way, if I have to, to get on his team, for only then do I feel like my shot at greatness is going to be Real.

I have no System, past combat life Experience other than standard military training from the temporary draft from where I'm from, and just a dream, but it's enough for a man to move forward seemingly without thirst in this seemingly vast desert.

I move, not because I Want to, but because I have No Choice.

I have to get there by hook or by crook, not intellectualize it and regret what could have been.

For that would be too much for me to Bear. It is this I have come to Understand as I make my way through another set of katas with Rock Lee on my side who's become my training partner.

I make sure he holds me accountable while I technically do for him, but he doesn't even sweat under pressure.

I guess looking for Survival is a different Hunger than searching for Perfection, but I have nothing else I wish from this world other than my craft, which hasn't been my calling, but the only game in town...

For I have No Choice.