Chapter 5
"Zixu, how's your shuriken and kunai practice coming along?"
It had been a month since the ninjutsu class started. Along with refining his chakra control, Zixu had nearly mastered the Clone Jutsu, only needing to perfect the final touches.
The one who asked was Hyuga Chinano. After spending time together, both she and Aburame Hatsuizumi had started to understand Zixu's views on the Will of Fire. They admitted that Sarutobi Hiruzen's policies were inconsistent with the ideals of the First Hokage. However, they weren't entirely ready to abandon the Third Hokage's leadership or fully align with Zixu's perspective.
"I've been practicing a lot. My hands are in good shape. I think I can hit six or seven out of ten shuriken."
Of course, that was a lie. In reality, his progress had skyrocketed after grasping chakra control. His fusion template training had increased from 5.5% to 6% within the past month. His dynamic vision had improved so much that, with deliberate effort, he could briefly enter a bullet-time-like state. However, this ability burned through his stamina. The cost of an enhanced physique was a monstrous appetite—if he didn't figure out a way to make money soon, he'd probably starve.
"Really?" Chinano narrowed her pale eyes. "Last time, you almost took out Gouda Takeshi during the shuriken test."
"That was an accident," Zixu brushed it off. Then, shifting the conversation, he asked, "By the way, where's Hatsuizumi? Haven't seen her around lately."
Lately, the three of them had been training together. With the upcoming practical class, they were officially grouped as a team. Chinano's competitive nature had ignited—she was determined to take down that Uchiha girl in battle.
"No idea. Probably family business." Chinano's voice remained cool, but Zixu had learned that was just how she spoke. "The Aburame clan is mysterious. Their movements are hard to predict."
"That's a shame. I wanted to study her bugs a bit more. If they absorb my chakra, can I control them? Or will they evolve into something else?" Zixu muttered to himself. His interest in Bug-based Reconnaissance remained strong.
Pulling out a handful of shuriken, he aimed at the wooden training post. Eight of ten found their mark, while the other two landed just short.