Chapter 26: First Breathing Style

Year of Establishment: Fifth Year of Konoha's Founding

Kenichi Sato's Age: 9 Years Old

Two months of intense training had passed, and finally, Kenichi had fully developed the First Breathing Style. It wasn't just a technique to enhance endurance or movement—it became the foundation upon which he built his combat strategies.

—

The sky was slightly overcast, and the cold breeze carried the scent of damp leaves. In Training Ground Number Two, the ground was covered with a thin layer of wet grass, scattered with small rocks. Kenichi and Dai stood face-to-face in the center of the field.

"Ready?" Kenichi asked with a faint smile.

"I'm the one starting this time!" Dai replied with excitement.

The match began. Dai moved first with a direct attack, attempting to surprise Kenichi. But Kenichi vanished in an instant, as if his body had melted into the wind, reappearing behind Dai with a light tap on his shoulder.

"You're improving, but don't attack before you observe properly," Kenichi said.

Dai charged again, but every strike was met with a clever dodge. Kenichi was now using his new style—a blend of deep, rhythmic breathing synchronized with chakra flow—to enhance his reflexes and balance while conserving energy.

—

After the bout ended, Dai sat on the ground, panting.

"What did you just do? I couldn't even track you," he said.

Kenichi sat beside him and replied, "This is my new style. It's based on fundamental breathing, the Six Powers, and precise chakra control. Every movement is the result of controlled breathing and guiding energy through the body."

Dai asked to try it, and Kenichi began guiding him:

"Start with a deep inhale… then exhale slowly with every motion. Distribute your chakra lightly to your limbs, as if it's traveling with each heartbeat."

But Dai struggled from the start. He lacked the ability to coordinate his breath with his movements. With repeated attempts, frustration began to creep in.

—

"Why can't I do it?!" Dai said, his face tense as he lowered his head.

Kenichi looked at him and calmly said, "In the beginning, I was clumsy too. This style isn't something you master in a day. But what you have is willpower—and that's enough to begin."

Dai gave a small smile. "You know… if you weren't my friend, I'd probably hate you for how much you keep surprising me."

Kenichi laughed. "That just means I'm doing something right!"

—

Dai continued training, and little by little, he managed to attempt a basic movement with steady breathing. On one of his tries, he executed a correct move—even if just for a second.

Kenichi shouted, "That's it! Do it again!"

Despite the exhaustion, Dai's face lit up with enthusiasm. The progress was slow, but it was real.

—

Kenichi explained, "The Six Powers give you precise control over your body. Breathing is what centers you. Chakra control is what makes every movement effective. When those three are in sync, it feels like your body moves on its own."

—

The End

As the sun set, the two sat watching the sky.

Dai said, "I think I'm starting to get it… I won't stop now."

Kenichi patted his shoulder and replied, "This is just the beginning, my friend."