Chapter 6: Foundations
What's more, after being left here, the ninja had just run off without giving him a chance to ask any questions.
Glancing at the stack of money on the table, Akatsurugi wasn't sure of the local purchasing power, but since Kosuke Maruboshi said it was enough to live on, it probably wasn't a problem.
So Akatsurugi picked up the scroll on the table and began studying it. This was given to him by Kosuke Maruboshi and should contain the chakra refinement method Kosuke practiced.
Akatsurugi wanted to see if he could refine chakra himself.
Upon opening it, he found it explained the theory of blending spiritual and physical energy to create chakra, complete with detailed illustrations.
Akatsurugi imitated the movements in the illustrations and began refining chakra.
Gradually, Akatsurugi entered a meditative state. He didn't know how much time had passed when he finally refined a trace of chakra. Though it was only a wisp, it was a beginning. With this foundation, he could refine chakra more quickly in the future.
However, Akatsurugi's stomach growled at an inopportune moment. He didn't know how long he'd been practicing, but now it was time to address his hunger. Taking Kosuke Maruboshi's money, Akatsurugi went out.
The sky had darkened slightly, showing Akatsurugi had been practicing for quite some time. Soon, he found a stall selling rice balls. After asking the price, Akatsurugi was secretly shocked - he hadn't realized how much money Kosuke had given him.
A rice ball cost only 7 ryo, and Kosuke had left him 20,000 ryo. Akatsurugi mentally calculated - these 20,000 ryo were enough for him to live in Konoha for over two years.
After buying several rice balls, Akatsurugi packed them up and headed home to continue practicing. Now that he had chakra, he naturally needed to practice the Crescent Moon Dance given by the Second Hokage - this was a technique that could help Akatsurugi gain combat power more quickly.
As for the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique? With Akatsurugi's current limited chakra, practicing that would be suicide.
Akatsurugi wouldn't give up on developing the Flame-Flame Fruit's abilities either. After all, if developed properly, this could save his life.
There was also the Ryūjin Jakka on Akatsurugi's back, but this required soul power. Akatsurugi had tried speaking the release command, but Ryūjin Jakka simply ignored him.
Therefore, Akatsurugi suspected that unless his soul power became strong enough to truly hear Ryūjin Jakka's call, for now it would remain just a sharper sword.
In the following days, Akatsurugi either refined chakra or practiced Crescent Moon Dance. Of course, he also secretly trained his Flame-Flame Fruit ability, which had grown much stronger than the first time. If the first time was like a lighter's flame, now it was like a gas stove.
Thus he lived in Konoha undisturbed. In one month, His chakra reserves had increased significantly - at least that was his feeling, since no one explained to him what the exact standards were.
Anyway, Akatsurugi just focused on his training - refining chakra at night, practicing Crescent Moon Dance in the morning, and developing his Flame-Flame Fruit ability when he had time.
Then came a sunny but heavy day - Akatsurugi saw Kosuke being carried back in terrible condition. Not only had he lost a leg, but his body was covered with scars. From then on, in addition to training, Akatsurugi devoted all his energy to caring for him.
As time passed, kosuke's injuries gradually improved. He began instructing Akatsurugi on key aspects of shinobi training and taught also on how to properly use chakra. Through communicating with Kosuke, Akatsurugi gained clearer understanding of his abilities. After testing, he found his current chakra reserves had reached ordinary Genin level. However, despite having decent chakra, Akatsurugi's actual combat ability remained unsatisfactory. Due to lacking systematic shinobi training, he knew nothing about basic skills like the Three Basic Jutsu. According to Kosuke, if he actually encountered an enemy, he would likely suffer badly.
Faced with this reality, Akatsurugi wasn't discouraged. On the contrary, he became more determined to improve his strength.
"It only took me two months to reach my current level. What more is there to be dissatisfied about?"
Seeing him being so open-minded, Kosuke began teaching him basic shinobi knowledge, especially the application of the Three Basic Jutsu and shuriken and kunai throwing.
These were all essential basic skills for shinobi.
Akatsurugi finally learned about the legendary Three Basic Jutsu.
In just a few days, Akatsurugi could skillfully use the Three Basic Jutsu. Kosuke was shocked, saying Akatsurugi was a genius who would definitely surpass him in the future - after all, it had taken Kosuke much longer to master the Three Basic Jutsu.
This made Akatsurugi somewhat embarrassed - he hadn't expected to be a ninjutsu genius.
"Akatsurugi, this is chakra test paper. Check your attributes first so you can specialize in that aspect of ninjutsu in the future!" Seeing Akatsurugi had mostly mastered the basics, Kosuke handed him a piece of paper.
Akatsurugi pinched the chakra test paper between his fingers and channeled his chakra into it. Soon, the paper began to burn. Akatsurugi wasn't surprised by this - after eating the Flame-Flame Fruit, having fire affinity was normal. It was just unfortunate there were no other attributes besides fire. Akatsurugi felt somewhat helpless - from now on he could only specialize in Fire Release.
"It's a pity you have fire affinity. I only know Water Release ninjutsu and can't teach you!" Kosuke shook his head. Only when ninjutsu matched one's natural affinity could it display its true power - otherwise it would only have the form without the substance.
Akatsurugi also felt some regret. After all, Kosuke's ninjutsu had been taught by the Second Hokage himself. He'd seen the power of that ninjutsu, and it was quite strong.
Just then, an ANBU suddenly appeared before them. Akatsurugi started, but Kosuke remained calm - he'd probably detected the ANBU, while Li Yi hadn't noticed.
"The Hokage summons you, Akatsurugi. Please follow me!" the ANBU said, walking out. Akatsurugi hurriedly followed. When they reached Konoha Hospital, Akatsurugi was somewhat surprised - was the Hokage in the hospital?
Following the ANBU, they entered a ward. Here were not only the Second Hokage's disciples like Hiruzen Sarutobi, but also some clan elders. It seemed the Second Hokage had just announced something.
Seeing Akatsurugi enter, the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama said: "Good, from now on Hiruzen Sarutobi will be the Third Hokage. The village is now in your hands!"