CHAPTER 15

The academy training grounds were buzzing with activity as the students gathered for a new lesson. Wooden targets lined the field, each marked with concentric circles and a faint silhouette of a ninja. Aiko adjusted the strap on her kunai holster, her grey eyes scanning the setup. The lesson for the day was clear—shurikenjutsu.

"Shurikenjutsu is more than just throwing weapons," the instructor explained, addressing the class. "It's about precision, timing, and the ability to think strategically under pressure. A well-thrown shuriken can be the difference between success and failure in a mission."

The instructor demonstrated by throwing a series of shuriken in quick succession, each one hitting the bullseye of a distant target with impeccable accuracy. The students murmured in awe, their excitement palpable as they prepared for their turn.

When it was her turn, Aiko stepped forward, her kunai and shuriken feeling heavier than usual in her hands. She formed her stance, her mind racing with calculations. Her system flickered to life, offering suggestions:

Trajectory Analysis Active. Adjust Angle by 5 Degrees. Apply Force at 70% Output.

She followed the system's guidance, her movements smooth and deliberate. Her first shuriken sailed through the air, striking the outer circle of the target.

"Not bad," the instructor said, nodding. "Your aim is steady, but you'll need to focus more on your posture and follow-through."

Aiko adjusted her stance, her system recalculating the trajectory. Her second throw hit closer to the center, her accuracy improving with each attempt.

As the session continued, Aiko's system offered upgrades to enhance her progress:

Skill Unlock Available: Precision Throwing. Level 1 (Unlock for 1 Skill Point)

Active Buff: Target Lock (+10% Accuracy)

She confirmed the unlock, her confidence growing as her throws became faster and more precise. By the end of the exercise, she was consistently hitting the bullseye, her movements fluid and controlled.

After the training session, Aiko sat quietly under a tree, her hands tracing the edges of her kunai. The precision required for shurikenjutsu had pushed her to focus on her weaknesses, forcing her to rely on both her system and her own effort.

Her teammates joined her shortly after, their expressions reflecting their own progress.

"You were incredible out there," Minato said, his usual warmth shining through. "It's like you have a sixth sense for aiming."

"It's all about the calculations," Aiko replied modestly, though she couldn't help but feel a flicker of pride.

Kushina smirked, tossing a shuriken into the air before catching it effortlessly. "Next time, I'm totally beating you!"

Mikoto smiled faintly, her quiet confidence evident. "You've improved a lot, Aiko. Keep it up."

That evening, as Aiko returned home, her system offered a new notification:

Shurikenjutsu Progress: 40%. Advanced Techniques Available.

She exhaled slowly, her resolve hardening. The journey ahead was clear, and she was ready to embrace every challenge.