As Maruku wandered the streets he came to the realization that navigation in the city was confusing. He had no doubt it was designed that way to confuse outsiders. Still he had no time for being lost. Judging by his appearance and the given age of his classmates he didn't have much time until graduation day was upon him.

Considering the fact that he wasn't born into a clan and was just a nobody, Maruku knew he needed an edge. While he was lost in thought he found himself in front of the Konoha Library. Walking in the librarian barely even spared him a glance before she went back to reading whatever it was she was reading.

The library was divided into several different stories. As an academy student he would be barred from going up stairs. It didn't matter to him however. He scanned the bookshelves and found the tomes he was looking for. Basic chakra control,body conditioning, and two taijutsu books. Boxing and kickboxing. Maruku had no delusion that these styles would be effective in higher level combat but for getting his body into better shape and learning the basics of fighting they would be enough.

Walking back to the front desk he placed the books in front of the librarian. She looked annoyed to be interrupted but he couldn't find it in himself to care. Instead of walking home Maruku continued to wonder. Eventually heading to the south side of the village Maruku headed into a training ground. Well training ground might have been an overstatement. It was a small clearing, but it would suit his needs just fine.

Sitting down, Maruku opened the book on chakra control. Based on his youthful appearance and the appearances of his classmates it wasn't too much of a stretch to assume that this body had already tapped into chakra. Closing his eyes the boy focused. It took a while but eventually he felt it. The hum of energy as it coursed through his entire body. It was calming and gentle. Calling upon it the constant stream of chakra changed into rushing river, he could feel it strengthening him. Letting go of his concentration he felt the chakra return to normal and to his dismay his little experiment left him winded.

Maruku pinched the bridge of his nose. His reserves were shit and it was going to take extra work to make them not shit. He would worry about it later. Right now he had to stick to his plan.

50 squats

50 pushups

50 crunches

100 laps around the field

100 punches

100 kicks

As he went through his exercises trying to meet his arbitrary goals he was reminded on why he hated exercise. With nobody there with him all the boy could focus on was his physical ineptitude, how many reps he had left, and the gross sweaty feelings he had. However after hours he finally finished. He fell to his back completely exhausted, it was all he could do to not fall asleep. Having an idea Maruku let his chakra seep into his muscles and just like that some of the exhaustion lessened. Trying to keep the flow steady he walked home. Collapsing onto his couch with both his body and his chakra spent he fell asleep instantly.

Hearing his alarm clock going off somewhere in his house the boy rolled over and promptly fell to the floor. He sighed, everything hurt. Wobbling to the shower Maruku felt the hot water wash away the pain in his body. Despite feeling better from his shower he was still exhausted. He checked it up from using too much chakra. He needed to hurry up or he would be late to class. Checking his fridge to see if he had any food he found… absolutely nothing. The boy sighed, he could understand not having a lot of food but none was ridiculous. He would by food later right now he had to go.

Class was boring as usual but today was sparring day. He took a deep breath to calm his nerves. Most of the fights were boring but one did catch his attention

"Naruto and Saskue please come forward." It wasn't even a fight, it was over in a second. He wasn't impressed besides it had nothing to do with him. If Maruku let himself get attached to these people finding away home would become several times more difficult.

"Kiba and Maruku please come forward." The boy sighed. You have to be fucking kidding me. Maruku thought. He steeled himself for a beating and walked forward.

"I'll try and make this quick." Kiba boasted. He didn't bother responding instead taking a slugger style stance.

"Begin!" Dog boy was in his face in a second. Ducking under the initial swipe of claws Maruku could see the surprise on Kiba's face. Letting chakra rush through him he slammed his fist into the other boy's ribs. Maruku smiled, that was probably going to be the only hit he got for the rest of the fight. His prediction proved true as dog boy seemed to step into another gear. His eyes could barely follow before he was launched to the air by an uppercut. He didn't even have time to process the pain before his foot was grabbed and he was slammed into the ground. He tried moving but found himself pinned. Kiba had won.

After that the rest of the day seemed to pass in a flash. Remembering to go grocery shopping before training he finally got to work. Just like last time he worked his body into exhaustion before using his chakra to get home. According to his chakra control book constant output of chakra would help grow reserves. It was almost like a muscle. Eating a quick meal of grilled chicken and rice the boy took a shower and fell asleep. Tomorrow would be another long day.