The next day, inside the Hamura residence, Ryu was with Jiyuu and Yasashii, his two new students, ready to begin their chakra control training—a crucial step in their journey to becoming ninjas.
Ryu explained, "From now on we're going to focus on three important exercises for chakra control until you have absolute control."
He continued and said, " These exercises consist of the leaf concentration, the tree climbing, and the water surface walking. Each of these will help you develop the precision and control you need to master any ninjutsu compatible with your chakra."
"You are behind when compared to ninjas of esteemed clans who have a clear advantage when it comes to secret ninjutsu and initial training."
Both Yasashii and Jiyuu looked at each other and asked, 'Will we be able to catch up to them?'
Ryu smiled and said, "They also have a physical advantage over the two of you, but even then you are going to beat them in other places in the long run, as this is not actually a race but a marathon, and slow and steady will always beat fast, erratic, and aimless."
Ryu continued and said, "It will be difficult, yes, but not impossible. The key is patience and consistent practice. Let's start with the leaf concentration. This exercise will help you develop focus and regulate your chakra flow."
Both Yasashii and Jiyuu nodded.
Ryu continued, "Chakra is the source of all Ninjutsu. Other kids focus more on other kinds of training like Ninjutsu, Genjutsu, and Taijutsu but leave the most basic control training because it is boring. But you will excel at control and precision. And your speciality will be ultimate control rather than ultimate power."
Jiyuu asked, "Won't we lack in power if we focus on control?"
Ryu replied, "Let me ask you this. A novice with a sword and an expert with a stick, even if the novice is twice the size of the expert. If they clashed, who would win?"
Both Jiyuu and Yasashii understood that Ryu aimed to emphasise the importance of expertise over strength through this question. Ryu looked at their faces as they acknowledged the fact that being an expert is worth more than just having a strong sword.
Ryu continued and said, "With absolute control, enhancing your power will become effortless in the future. But it will be a hell of a lot more boring in the first stage. Especially the leaf-sticking exercise and…" Ryu looked at Jiyuu and continued, "With your current condition, you will not be able to do tree climbing and the water walking."
Jiyuu understood what Ryu meant and said, "Then I will not be able to have enough chakra control as you expect, all because of my disability."
Ryu replied, "Don't worry about it. Most kids do not go through all these steps. Especially the ninjas from civilian backgrounds who do not have any ninja siblings. But they are still able to catch up later after they are assigned a sensei."
Ryu placed a reassuring hand on Jiyuu's shoulder and said, "Just because you cannot perform these three exercises doesn't mean you can't learn ninjutsu; you will just have a hard time mastering it without these exercises. But there are always alternative ways to achieve the same goal. What's important is that you understand the principles and aim behind these exercises."
"The aim behind this training is not to waste chakra and perform Ninjutsu jutsus in the fastest and most efficient way possible. Even one with poor chakra control can perform most ninjutsu, but with less efficiency."
Jiyuu understood the aim and replied, "I think I understand now why chakra control is so important. Wasting resources is never good. I used to save and stock uneaten food, never wasting a single scrap. Now, I see that chakra is no different. I'll work harder than anyone to master this."
Ryu made a sad face with the analogy Jiyuu made to prove the point behind chakra control and said, "You don't need to scavenge for scraps anymore. You are part of our family."
Ryu said, "Don't worry; once I have managed your brittle bone syndrome, you can train them later. The ninjutsu I have in mind is one of the two ways to manage your condition. For now, focus on the leaf method. I will also think of any alternate method that can substitute for those two. We can also make the first step, that is, the leaf-sticking exercise, more difficult, like I also did to train myself."
Ryu smiled and continued, "Once you can stick one leaf to your forehead for long enough, we'll move on to two, then more. Remember, the goal is to release and precisely control chakra from every part of your skin from head to toe. That and water affinity are crucial for the unique ninjutsu I have in mind for you."
"That ninjutsu has never been seen in the ninja world, and you will become famous for that particular ninjutsu. As it will be active to aid in your mobility, I expect control from you. So don't take these boring exercises lightly, as they will be your foundation."
Jiyuu replied, "I have nothing better to do than lie all day in my bed. I will keep doing these exercises all day."
Ryu smiled at his response. Yasashii, who had been listening intently, now spoke up. "And what about me? Where do I start?"
Ryu handed Yasashii a large, leather-bound book. "You will train in all three methods. And this contains the symbols and scripts used in fuinjutsu. I want you to read it thoroughly and memorise every symbol in your free time and when you are not training in chakra control."
"Fuinjutsu is a language skill, and like any language, it's built on words. Remember each word carefully, and pay attention to the similarities and differences between symbols that look alike. Once you've mastered this, we'll move on to the next phase of your training."
Yasashii took the book and replied, "I won't let you down, Ryu. I'll study every page until I can recite it in my sleep."
Ryu chuckled and said, "I have full confidence in you two. Let's begin our training sessions now."
With that, the three of them began their respective training sessions.
Later that day, Ryu found himself in a bustling conference room filled with his team of engineers and researchers.
The atmosphere was electric, filled with the excitement of new discoveries and the promise of innovation. Masato Nakai, the lead researcher, stood at the front of the room, a prototype of the ultrasound machine in hand.
"Director Ryu, we've made tremendous progress on the ultrasound machine," Masato announced, his voice filled with pride. "And the solar paint technology has been a huge success. The demand is through the roof, despite the high prices. Noble families and businesses are lining up to get their hands on it."
Ryu said, "They are trying to increase the status, as the only person who currently has solar paint installed at home is the Ikyuu, the son of the Daimyo of the Fire Nation. Many want to install them at the off-grid location without any electric power supply and enjoy the luxurious lifestyle in remote areas too. I purposely kept the prices high to take advantage of the rich nobles."
He looked at Masato and said, "Lower the prices when nobles are no longer purchasing solar paint from us."
The staff congratulated Ryu and clapped for the achievement. They all knew that this was completely Ryu's achievement altogether, from its inception to promotion via Ikkyu.
Ryu smiled and asked, " What is the progress on the Game Boy and the new communication devices projects?"
Masato replied, "We've made significant progress on both fronts. The Game Boy prototype is ready, and the team has been working tirelessly to perfect it. We are done with the small-sized dotted LCD display and ready with the prototype screen that works together with the Game Boy device."
Ryu was shown the production-ready prototype. He picked it up, his fingers moving deftly over the controls as he tested it out. It does not have any games currently but has a display that shows what key is pressed.
Ryu said, "This is impressive; the device's size meets my expectations, and the LCD display is functioning well. Although it only displays dots currently, it's a good starting point for further development."
"Congratulations, Team. This is amazing work," Ryu said, and all the research team started puffing their chests.
Ryu looked at the team and said, "Over time, this product will become the best-selling item in the company, so let's commence the mass production of this first version of Game Boy. We will release a new improved version every year with new advancements in technology."
All the research team nodded. Ryu continued, "We will not stop even if someone says it's a perfect device. There will always be room for improvement." Ryu looked at the research team and said, "Focus on developing a more advanced LCD display and experiment with adding colour to enhance its features. I believe my notes on colour LCD will be useful to you.
Ryu looked at Masato and asked, "Where is the programming team I asked you to hire?"
##PoWeR StOnEs##
Thank you, Victoria Torres, for supporting me on Patreon.
If possible, please support me on Patreon and leave a review here. A review would mean a lot to me and help me expand the story.
25+ more chapters, including 5 free chapters for everyone, are available to read on patreon. com/PageTurnerPJ.
Your support is what gets this story going, so please donate PoWeR StOnEs to the story and add it to your library.
Please keep supporting the story.