chapter11

1 year later

With Rock Lee stepping forward, the bond between the two grew stronger.

"Naruto, in my eyes, you're not the Nine-Tails demon fox. You're my friend—a friend who understands me!" Lee declared solemnly.

"Thank you," Naruto replied, touched.

Rock Lee was the first person to stand up and speak for Naruto. It was impossible not to feel moved.

But as Aizen had once said: Sympathy and emotion are weaknesses to be discarded.

So Naruto quickly pushed the emotion aside, choosing to view Lee with rationality instead.

Hot-blooded, simple-minded individuals like Lee often made excellent "comrades-in-arms."

"See you at the training ground at the usual time tomorrow," Naruto said after dinner, setting a meeting time for the next day.

In the days that followed, Naruto gained a training partner.

Rock Lee purchased weights alongside Naruto. While Lee focused on physical training and boxing, Naruto began practicing swordsmanship.

Holding the dark green Kyōka Suigetsu, Naruto swung the blade repeatedly under Aizen's guidance.

"Zanjutsu is divided into two styles: Kendo and Battōjutsu. Kendo emphasizes the spirit and discipline of the sword, refining one's willpower and spiritual energy. Battōjutsu, on the other hand, is about efficiency—striking to kill in a single, decisive blow. It exists solely for combat and victory."

Aizen's voice echoed in Naruto's mind.

In the Soul Society, Captain Yamamoto had once tried to teach Kenpachi Zaraki Kendo, hoping to replace his brutal fighting style with a more disciplined approach. But Kenpachi had no interest in such teachings.

The history of the Gotei 13 was filled with such contradictions. Once, the organization had been known as "the ghosts of the sword," its members favoring raw power over technique. It wasn't until Yamamoto and the first Kenpachi embraced Kendo that the Gotei 13's philosophy shifted.

Aizen sneered at the idea of Kendo. To him, a Zanpakutō was a tool for killing, and the so-called "spirit of the sword" was nothing but a hindrance.

"You must choose for yourself: Kendo or Battōjutsu."

Aizen left the decision to Naruto.

"I choose Battōjutsu," Naruto replied without hesitation.

Battōjutsu? I look forward to your first kill. The first time is always filled with fear and hesitation. Like a flower blooming on a cliff, most stop at the edge, too afraid to take the final step. But once you do, you'll no longer be the same Naruto Uzumaki.

Aizen's lips curled into a smirk, his eyes gleaming with anticipation.

One year later.

Konoha was now 53 years old.

Today marked Rock Lee's first day at the ninja academy. The day before, Lee had spent the entire afternoon chatting with Naruto.

He was nervous, hoping his ninja talent would prove sufficient. He dreamed of becoming a ninja skilled in taijutsu but also capable in ninjutsu.

Naruto didn't accompany Lee to the academy. He didn't want Lee to face cold stares because of their association.

After wishing Lee the best, Naruto quickly made his way through the trees.

By focusing his Reiatsu on the soles of his feet, he could increase his speed—a basic technique required before mastering Shunpo.

Over the past year, Naruto had gained a general understanding of Aizen's world.

In the Shinigami's worldview, there were two key concepts: Reiatsu (spiritual pressure) and Reiryoku (spiritual power).

Those with high Reiatsu could wield greater spiritual energy. Reiryoku, on the other hand, was the substance that made up the soul.

A skilled Shinigami could use their Reiryoku to generate Reiatsu, which could intimidate enemies or solidify into weapons and barriers.

Naruto's talent was remarkable. Within a year, he had mastered the basics of Reiatsu control, surprising even Aizen.

For a novice Shinigami, controlling Reiatsu was the most challenging aspect. Yet Naruto excelled effortlessly.

Naruto felt a surge of pride, imagining a future where he excelled as both a ninja and a Shinigami.

"My Shinigami talent is strong. I'm sure my ninja talent will be just as good. I'll become a ninja skilled in ninjutsu and a Shinigami proficient in Kidō."

Naruto returned home, his heart racing with anticipation. Today, he would begin a crucial step in his life: chakra extraction.

At five years old, Naruto was finally ready to learn chakra. The Third Hokage had promised to send him the necessary books on his first day of training.

According to Konoha's ninja academy regulations, children aged six with ninja potential could enroll. Naruto was still a year away, but he was determined to get a head start.

Many children from Konoha's prominent clans began chakra training early, thanks to their families' resources and expectations.

The issue of Naruto's chakra training had sparked heated debates among Konoha's leaders.

The main contenders were the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Danzo Shimura, his longtime rival.

Danzo argued, "Hand Naruto over to Root. I'll mold him into Konoha's most powerful weapon, a force that will strike fear into other villages."

Hiruzen, however, believed Naruto could embody the Will of Fire. He insisted that Naruto attend the academy, forming bonds with his peers.

After all, there was a precedent: Uzumaki Kushina. She had found love during her studies, become one of Konoha's strongest kunoichi, and even given birth to Naruto.

In the end, Hiruzen invoked his authority as Hokage, silencing Danzo and leaving him fuming.

"Since you've already made up your mind, why ask for my opinion?" Danzo muttered, his resentment toward Hiruzen deepening.

But regardless of the politics, Naruto emerged as the winner. He would have the chance to learn chakra early.

Naruto sat on his bed, Kyōka Suigetsu resting across his lap. He felt like a child about to unwrap a long-awaited gift.

Learning chakra meant mastering ninjutsu.

How does chakra work? How is it different from Reiatsu?

His mind buzzed with curiosity and excitement.

Knock, knock.

A sudden rap at the door snapped Naruto out of his thoughts. He rushed to open it, but no one was there. Instead, two books lay on the stone steps.

"Thank you," Naruto said, nodding toward the tree where he knew an Anbu operative was hiding.

He picked up the books and returned inside, closing the door behind him.

Outside, the leaves rustled softly.