CHAPTER 13

The academy courtyard was alive with anticipation as the students gathered around their instructor. Today's lesson was one of the most significant of their young shinobi careers—discovering their chakra nature. Aiko stood near the edge of the crowd, her grey eyes flicking between her classmates and the thin pieces of chakra paper in the instructor's hands.

"Chakra nature," the instructor began, her voice steady, "is the essence of your abilities as a shinobi. Each of you has an affinity that defines the techniques you'll master most naturally. This affinity can be discovered by channeling chakra into a special paper designed to react to your nature. Observe carefully."

She held up a piece of chakra paper and began channeling her chakra into it. The paper reacted immediately, crumbling into dust.

"Earth," the instructor explained. "Earth nature represents stability and defense. If your chakra reacts this way, you possess an affinity for Earth-based techniques."

As the instructor continued explaining the reactions for the other chakra natures, Aiko felt her anticipation build. Would her nature align with the qualities she valued most, or would it reveal something unexpected?

When it was her turn, Aiko stepped forward, her hands trembling slightly as she accepted the paper. She glanced at her teammates—Minato, Kushina, and Mikoto—who watched her with quiet interest.

"Channel your chakra into the paper," the instructor instructed gently.

Taking a deep breath, Aiko focused her energy, allowing her chakra to flow steadily. The paper reacted instantly, crumbling into dust before faint traces of cutting marks appeared along the edges.

The instructor's eyebrows raised slightly. "An unusual reaction," she said thoughtfully. "Your primary affinity is Earth, but traces of secondary affinities suggest broader potential. Wind is particularly evident, though the connections to other elements may emerge with training."

Aiko stared at the crumbled paper, her mind racing. Her system flickered quietly, offering a notification:

Chakra Nature Analysis Complete. Primary Affinity: Earth. Secondary Affinities: Wind, Water, Fire, Lightning. Basic Techniques Unlocked.

She felt a rush of energy as new options appeared before her:

Earth Wall Jutsu: Level 1 (Unlock for 2 Skill Points)Wind Cutter Jutsu: Level 1 (Unlock for 2 Skill Points)Water Ripple Jutsu: Level 1 (Unlock for 2 Skill Points)Fire Spark Jutsu: Level 1 (Unlock for 2 Skill Points)Lightning Bolt Jutsu: Level 1 (Unlock for 2 Skill Points)

Aiko hesitated only briefly before confirming the unlock for Earth Wall Jutsu and Wind Cutter Jutsu. The other elements would come later, but for now, she wanted to focus on her primary affinity and one secondary option.

The rest of the session was dedicated to practicing elemental techniques. Aiko stood quietly as the instructor demonstrated Earth Wall Jutsu, raising a sturdy barrier from the ground with practiced ease.

"Earth nature is about control and stability," the instructor explained. "It requires patience and precision, but its potential for defense and manipulation is unmatched."

Aiko formed the necessary seals, her chakra pressing into the ground as she followed the system's guidance. The earth shifted beneath her, rising into a rough but functional barrier. It wasn't perfect, but it held firm enough to withstand the instructor's test attacks.

"Good," the instructor said approvingly. "Refine your technique, and you'll be able to create larger and stronger defenses."

Next was Wind Cutter Jutsu, which required a completely different approach. The instructor explained the principles of chakra shaping for Wind techniques, emphasizing speed and sharpness.

"Wind nature is about precision and range," she said. "It cuts through obstacles and enemies alike. Focus your chakra into a blade-like form."

Aiko nodded, her hands forming the seals. Her chakra flared briefly, shaping into a sharp gust that sliced through the training dummy ahead of her. The system adjusted her technique mid-flow, helping her refine the angle and force of her attack.

"Well done," the instructor remarked. "You're advancing quickly."

As the day ended, Aiko sat alone in the courtyard, her thoughts heavy with the weight of her discoveries. Earth—her primary affinity—felt like an anchor, grounding her and shaping her strength. The secondary affinities, particularly Wind, hinted at untapped potential waiting to be explored.

Her system flickered one last time, offering a new notification:

Elemental Synergy Progress: 10%. Advanced Techniques Available for Unlock.

Aiko stared at the glowing text, her resolve hardening. The road ahead was clearer than ever, and she was ready to face it with everything she had.