Chapter three:
Training with Tsuari
Being a genin wiped clean of my previous exploits stung my ego a little. However, this was also a chance, a chance to fulfill my deepest desires — to surpass everyone, especially Tsuari to become the greatest shinobi in Konoha and find true love... with Tsuari.
With that goal in mind, I stumbled upon Tsuari's training grounds by sheer luck or maybe it was fate. I found her practicing her earth jutsus, looking deadly and divine at the same time. Intimidated? Yes, a bit. Fascinated? Absolutely.
Her stats glowed over her head, each number or word nostalgia inducing:
Status: Legendary Nin
Nature Affinity: Earth
Bloodline Limit: Has enhanced durability, enhanced reaction time, and ability to transform into a beast, but eventually drives the user crazy. Newly Awakened.
Proficiency: Genjutsu
Summon: None
Level:96
My eyes widened, "You can transform into a beast?" I blurted out. Tsuari nodded her head; the curve of her smile hinted at both amusement and annoyance. "Dumb question," I chuckled, rubbing the back of my neck. Looking at her prowess, in all its glory, I couldn't help but want to possess those abilities.
"Yes, I can transform into a beast. It's a part of my abilities," Tsuari explained, her tone patient, "It's not all fun and games, though. The power eventually drives one crazy. But as of now, my power has just awakened."
Now that caught my attention. A newly awakened ninjutsu, the dearest aspiration, and worst nightmare of every Konoha player. I stared at her again, my gaze perhaps a little too focused on her physical being than her abilities. Guilty as charged.
The first thing she taught me was basic chakra control. Tsuari stood a bit too close to me, her body heat seeping into my skin. I took a deep breath and tried hard to concentrate. I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She was beautiful, more captivating than any virtual rendering should be allowed to be. The way her hair moved when she moved, the way her eyes glistened in the sun, her curves accentuated by her ninja attire. Her presence was just... intoxicating.
Tsuari let out a sigh, probably caught my not-so-subtle perusal. "Jaden," she exclaimed, her tone worn and annoyed, "maybe if you could focus more on how to gather your chakra instead of drooling over me, we could actually get somewhere."
Part of me reeled from her words, the other part only yearned more. Burned from the slight embarrassment, I tucked my desires under the woolens of my pride, refusing to let them manifest. Striking a mantra at the back of my mind - I am here to become the greatest shinobi, not to flirt with Tsuari. I took my stance, adjusting my focus back to the matter at hand - the basic chakra control.
My story was a mix of sword-play and romance, of coveting abilities and an agent of carnal lure, of the fierce desire to become the greatest shinobi, and chasing after the lady shinobi of my virtual dreams. From the day I was reborn as a level 1 genin to the day I would reach her level, the journey was to be long and adventurous. Every moment, every challenge was a step toward my goal. My goal is to become the greatest shinobi in Konoha. My goal of loving and being loved by Tsuari. A foolish, prideful, beastly, smitten teenager wrapped in the body of a rookie 's abilities in the shinobi arts were legendary, and I hoped to learn from her in my journey to becoming a top-grade shinobi.
Our training sessions began with something fundamental, something Tsuari referred to as "basic chakra control." I had believed, in my unfledged wisdom, that the road to power was woven from brutal battles and harsh sacrifices. Never had I considered that something as serene as 'chakra control' could be an essential part of the shinobi's arsenal.
Still, my untamed impulsivity was a wall between Tsuari's teachings and my understanding, causing me to stumble around and crash into walls, quite literally so. My attempts at chakra control were rather clumsy, more than Tsuari's relative patience could stand.
"Jaden," I remember she said one day, her voice edged with annoyance. "You must learn to control your energies before you try to make them obey you."
As annoyed as she was at my stubbornness, I could see that she was equally stifled by my blatant ogling. The truth was, I found it hard to focus on her lessons when her form filled my view. Her body was a work of art, and her constant proximity made it increasingly difficult for me to keep my admiration mere admiration. In my defense, I did try to concentrate on our training, but my gaze seemed to have plans of its own.
Tsuari was not oblivious to my less than honorable inclinations. "Jaden," she'd say, frowning. "Focus on my skills, not my body."