Chapter 24: The Challenge of the Three Powers

Year of Foundation: The fourth year of Konoha's establishment

Month: May (Beginning of the fifth week of the academic year)

Kenichi Sato's Age: 9 years

As the weeks passed, Kenichi began to feel deep changes within his body. The Senzo pill, which had once granted him endurance and the ability to regain balance, was no longer just a means to alleviate pain. It had become an integral part of his training strategy.

He no longer settled for defensive techniques alone; instead, he began integrating breathing, chakra, and the Six Powers into his daily routines. However, this new challenge pushed him harder than ever before. The stronger he became, the more he realized that nothing came easily.

In his private training ground, Kenichi focused on the tactical aspects of the three techniques he was working to integrate: breathing, the Six Powers, and chakra. With his hands, he tested rapid attack techniques by combining deep breathing with swift movements to strike a stationary target.

While training his attack, he also tried to incorporate defense in real-time. Using the Six Powers technique, he decided to focus on strengthening his muscles while simultaneously exerting force to develop his striking power. His body began to reflect offensive strength much faster. It felt like a lesson in body control, one he sensed with every movement.

Then came the hardest part: evasion. With the help of water breathing techniques, he managed to control his breathing during attacks, allowing him to move swiftly and change direction like water flowing between rocks. Meanwhile, chakra gave him the balance and ability to control his steps without losing focus.

It seemed as though his body was working in perfect harmony with his techniques. His movements were quick and precise, and the concept of attack, defense, and evasion blended together as parts of a perfectly executed combat symphony. But with this progress, he began to feel some pressure in his muscles—a sensation he had never experienced before, as if he was pushing his limits to the fullest.

Dai observed closely from the edge of the field, noticing how Kenichi was starting to merge breathing, chakra, and the Six Powers to create something unique. Dai realized that Kenichi wasn't just moving quickly; it seemed as though the entire earth was moving with him.

"He has started controlling his body in ways I've never seen. But he's in danger—he's close to breaking his own limits if he continues at this pace," Dai whispered, feeling both admiration and fear at the same time.

—

Hours passed as Kenichi continued training. The first movement was offensive, then he retreated to a defensive stance, preparing for the next round with even greater focus. In those moments, it felt as though everything was moving in sync: attack, defense, and evasion—all working in perfect balance. But after several rounds, he felt something uncomfortable in his body. His muscles were completely exhausted. He decided to take another Senzo pill. Swallowing it quickly, he returned to his training. His body needed it.

This timing was crucial, as his body was facing a challenge greater than ever before. It wasn't just about enhancing his physical strength; it was about learning to fully utilize chakra during critical moments. Each time he used all three powers together, he felt like he was discovering something new about himself. The pill was a chance to keep training without the sudden halt or collapse.

—

That night, Kenichi sat in his room, reflecting on his training. He took a deep breath in silence. "If I can combine these three abilities, I'll be able to surpass my limits... I just need to learn to control them better." The training on attack, defense, and evasion drained his energy, but he was taking step after step toward becoming stronger. He no longer felt as exhausted as he once did, because he had learned how to listen to his body and balance his movements. But greater challenges were still ahead.

—

The next day, he began his training with Dai, deciding to try combining defense and offense with fluid movement. Although Dai didn't possess extraordinary skills, he had started to notice progress in his own abilities. However, Kenichi was trying to slow down his training pace, aware that overusing his power would only harm him in the long run, and his body needed time. Dai, too, was ready to begin his own training.

End of Chapter 24.