The Beginning of Training

Morning in Hoshigakure was peaceful, as always. The sun had barely risen, and the star mist still danced gently over the mountains, casting a soft glow on the village streets. Ryuusei stumbled down the stairs, rubbing the sleep from his eyes, only to find the breakfast table set, though his father's seat was empty.

"Dad already left for a mission? This early?" he asked, sitting down and grabbing a piece of bread.

Aiko, preparing tea in the kitchen, glanced at her son with a tired smile.

"He just works hard for us," she replied, placing a steaming cup in front of Ryuusei.

But for a brief moment, her expression darkened, and Ryuusei caught the hint of something deeper behind her words. Aiko was worried, though she tried to hide it. She had received a letter from her mother in Uzushiogakure a few days prior, and its words still echoed in her mind:

"Things are tense, Aiko. Many of us are being hunted the moment we leave the village. It seems someone is after the secrets of Fūinjutsu. Be careful."

Aiko hadn't told Ryuusei about the letter. He was still young, and she didn't want to burden him with fears she barely understood herself. But deep down, she knew the world outside was growing more dangerous by the day.

"Mom," Ryuusei interrupted her thoughts, nibbling on his bread. "Now that my shinobi training is starting, can you teach me a jutsu? Like, how to mold chakra and all that?"

Aiko blinked, surprised by the question, but her expression quickly softened into a proud smile.

"Of course I can," she said, sitting across from him. "But you have to promise to take it seriously, alright?"

"I promise!" Ryuusei grinned, his eyes shining with excitement.

Aiko chuckled, feeling her worries momentarily ease.

"Alright. Finish breakfast first, then we'll start with the basics."

After breakfast, Aiko led Ryuusei to a small training field on the outskirts of the village. It was a simple space, with a few wooden targets and an open area for practicing jutsu.

"First, you need to understand how chakra works," Aiko explained as Ryuusei watched her intently. "Chakra is the energy that flows within all of us. It's created by combining physical energy from your cells and spiritual energy from your mind."

Ryuusei nodded, soaking in every word.

"To mold chakra, you need to control both of those energies," Aiko continued. "We'll start with a simple exercise. Sit down and close your eyes."

Ryuusei obeyed, crossing his legs and shutting his eyes.

"Now, focus on your breathing," Aiko instructed, her voice calm and soothing. "Feel the air entering and leaving your lungs. Imagine that with each breath, you're gathering energy from the environment."

Ryuusei took a deep breath, trying his best to follow along. Slowly, he felt a faint vibration within him, like something stirring deep inside.

"Good," Aiko said, watching her son with quiet pride. "Now, try to direct that energy to your hands."

Ryuusei furrowed his brow, concentrating as hard as he could. He imagined the energy flowing from his core, down his arms, and into his palms. For a brief moment, he felt something, a faint pulse, like the chakra was responding to his will.

"I felt it!" he exclaimed, eyes snapping open as he stared at his hands.

Aiko smiled, satisfied.

"That's just the beginning," she said. "With time, you'll learn to shape that chakra into more complex techniques."

Ryuusei looked up at his mother, determination burning in his green eyes.

"I'm going to become a strong shinobi, Mom. I'll protect you and the village."

Aiko's breath caught in her throat, but she held her smile.

"I know you will, Ryuusei. I know you will."

Ryuusei sat cross-legged on the ground, eyes closed, completely immersed in the exercise Aiko had set for him.

"Focus, Ryuusei," Aiko instructed, watching him closely. "Feel the chakra flowing within you. Imagine it like a gentle current, circulating through your entire body."

Ryuusei breathed deeply, trying to follow her guidance. He could sense the energy pulsing inside him, but every time he tried to direct it, the chakra slipped away, like water escaping through his fingers.

"Again," he muttered to himself, determination tightening his jaw.

Aiko remained silent, quietly impressed by her son's persistence. He's been at this all morning without a single complaint. That kind of focus… he barely even seems like an Uzumaki, she thought, remembering how she used to whine to her own mother every time she struggled with the same training.

Hours passed, and sweat beaded on Ryuusei's forehead, but he refused to give up. He was determined to master chakra control, no matter how long it took.

"Ryuusei, that's enough," Aiko finally said, breaking the silence. "Today's your first official day of training, you don't want to be late, do you?"

Ryuusei's eyes flew open, confusion flashing across his face.

"Huh!?" he exclaimed, blinking at his mother in disbelief. "But Mom, we just started! I was so close, and you distracted me!"

He stood up, frustration evident as he rubbed his tired eyes.

Aiko laughed, shaking her head.

"'Just started'?" she teased, her smile playful. "Ryuusei, you've been at it for two hours."

Ryuusei's eyes widened in shock.

"Two hours? Seriously?" he asked, glancing at the sky as if the sun itself could confirm her words.

"Seriously," Aiko replied, resting a hand on his shoulder. "You have impressive determination, but you also need to know when to stop. Training is important, but so is rest."

Ryuusei sighed, clearly still frustrated by his lack of progress, but he nodded reluctantly.

"Alright, Mom. Let's go," he said, grabbing the small backpack Aiko had prepared for him.

As they walked back toward the village, Aiko glanced down at her son, pride and concern mingling in her heart. She knew Ryuusei had incredible potential, but she also knew he was far too stubborn to recognize his own limits.

"Remember, Ryuusei," she said, breaking the silence. "Chakra control isn't something you master overnight. It takes time and patience."

"I know, Mom," Ryuusei replied, eyes fixed on the path ahead. "But I'll get it. I promise."

Aiko smiled, warmth spreading through her chest.

"I don't doubt it," she said, squeezing his shoulder gently. "Now come on. Your official training is about to begin."