Chapter 56: Knowledge Changes Fate

After finishing their lunch and tidying up, Mizuki turned to Sakura and asked, "Have you finished reading the materials I gave you?"

"Yes, Mizuki-sensei." Finally, the formal lessons were about to begin, and Sakura was filled with anticipation.

"Um…" Ino hesitated before speaking, "Should I step out for this?" After all, secretly listening in on another ninja's training wasn't exactly ethical.

Mizuki glanced at her and said casually, "No need. You wouldn't understand it anyway."

That single remark left Ino speechless. She had sneaked a look at the materials Sakura was studying earlier, but all she saw was an incomprehensible mess of strange symbols—like reading a completely foreign language.

"I've read everything, but I don't understand most of it," Sakura admitted.

"That's fine. Understanding will come in time." Mizuki nodded. "But first, let me ask you—what do you think chakra is?"

"Chakra?" Sakura was a little puzzled. This was something covered in the Ninja Academy's basic curriculum. Why ask such a fundamental question? Still, she answered properly, "Chakra is the energy produced when the body refines its physical and spiritual energy, perfectly merging them. It's the foundation of ninjutsu, genjutsu, and taijutsu."

Mizuki nodded. "You're not wrong. That's the textbook definition. But it doesn't explain the true nature of chakra."

"Huh? But isn't that correct?"

"You only explained where chakra comes from and how it's used. But the most important aspects are left out. It's like talking about sunlight—you can say it comes from the sun and helps plants grow, but without understanding what light really is or how it works, you're missing the bigger picture."

Sakura frowned, trying to make sense of it, but she eventually admitted, "I've never thought about it that way, Mizuki-sensei."

"If you want to go further as a ninja, you need to start thinking about these things."

"Yes, please guide me."

"What is chakra, really? Many have tried to answer this, with different theories, but in my view—chakra is the bridge that connects a ninja's soul to the physical world."

"The soul… connecting to reality?" Sakura asked, confused. This was unlike anything she had ever been taught.

"Yes. Chakra is a fusion of physical cells and mental energy, making it an excellent medium for carrying a ninja's will. It allows thoughts to shape reality." Mizuki then asked, "Have you ever wondered why ninjas can do things that ordinary people can't even imagine?"

"Because ninjas have chakra?" Sakura answered instinctively.

"Exactly," Mizuki confirmed. "But most ninjas never stop to think about the implications."

"Because it's so common, no one questions it," Sakura realized.

"Precisely. Most ninjas don't have the luxury to ponder such things—they're too busy trying to survive. Others don't need to think about it at all." Mizuki gave a knowing look. "Take people like Sasuke Uchiha, Naruto Uzumaki, and Gaara. They don't need to understand chakra's nature. Their innate talents alone are enough to carry them to greatness. They're born with powerful gifts—whether it's the Sharingan, immense chakra reserves, or a Jinchuriki's abilities. For them, rising to the rank of Chunin, Jonin, or even Kage is just a matter of time."

"Sasuke, I can understand… but Naruto is really that strong?" Sakura still had her doubts.

"You'll see for yourself soon enough," Mizuki said cryptically. "The point is, those with overwhelming talent don't need to learn what I'm about to teach you. Even if they tried, they wouldn't grasp it. Their path is different. They rely on raw power and instinct. You, however, must take a different approach."

Sakura thought for a moment. "You're saying… if I want to keep up with them, I need to understand the deeper foundations of chakra?"

"Correct. You lack their natural advantages, but your intelligence far surpasses theirs. There may be others who can teach you powerful jutsu tailored to your strengths, but I don't have those techniques. Instead, I can teach you knowledge that only the smartest ninjas can comprehend. However, before that, let's start with something simple."

Mizuki raised his left hand. A faint blue glow surrounded it. Then, with a swift motion, he slashed forward. A sharp blade of energy cut through the air, carrying an aura of precision and lethality.

Sakura gasped.

Mizuki nodded in satisfaction. Ever since returning from the Land of Waves, his medical ninjutsu had improved significantly. His Chakra Scalpel, once barely usable, was now honed to a high level. Even his once-clumsy Healing Palm Technique was now functional.

"Did you see that clearly?" Mizuki asked. "Ninjas commonly use weapons in close combat, but for those with precise chakra control, there's a better option—this is the Chakra Scalpel."

"The Chakra Scalpel?" Sakura repeated. "That's medical ninjutsu, right?"

"Yes. Once you master this, I'll teach you Healing Palm as well. Medical ninjutsu isn't just for saving lives—it's also one of the deadliest arts in the hands of an expert."

With that, Mizuki handed her a scroll detailing the Chakra Scalpel and Healing Palm techniques.

"Take this. You can start practicing at home."

Sakura accepted it carefully.

"By the way, what are your chakra affinities?"

"Water and Earth."

'Water's fluidity and Earth's stability… No wonder Tsunade would later train her into a super-strong combat medic.'

"Good. That combination is quite useful. For now, focus on mastering the basics. Any questions?"

Sakura hesitated before asking, "The materials you gave me over the past few days… I understand that they're about sealing techniques and talismans, but they're way more complicated than anything I've learned before. It's even harder than cryptography. What exactly are they?"

Mizuki thought for a moment before explaining, "Think of them as a written form of hand seals. Just as hand seals allow chakra to be molded into different jutsu, these symbols create a structured system for sealing techniques. The scroll I gave you contains symbols that I've studied and verified myself. They may not be perfect, but they provide a foundation for understanding. These symbols can be combined to form countless sealing arrays, barriers, and talismans. Mastering them will be your gateway to learning more advanced ninjutsu."

Sakura listened intently, determination in her eyes.

Mizuki smirked. 'Good. Now let's see how far your intelligence can take you.'

---

Read up to 20 chapter ahead of time on patreon.com/Legendryweeb

{please give this novel 5 Star review and power stone}

*Thank you*

Last Chapter Next Chapter