I reached the Academy promptly after a quick and brisk walk through the chilly night air. The cold breeze was refreshing, almost invigorating, helping to clear my head. Once I arrived at the Academy gates, I asked the guards about Daiken's whereabouts, but they informed me he wasn't there. I'd somewhat expected that, which is precisely why I'd come prepared.
Pulling out the carefully written note I had prepared earlier, I handed it over to one of the guards. The letter basically said how sincerely sorry I was for missing the training session, promising earnestly that from now on, I'd make sure to never miss any future sessions. I thanked the guards politely, who nodded and offered faint, professional smiles before I turned around to head home.
The village was noticeably quieter now that night had fully settled in. Lanterns along the main road flickered gently, casting warm orange glows onto the cobblestone streets. Few people lingered outside at this hour, providing me with a peaceful, undisturbed walk home, perfect for reflecting and organizing my scattered thoughts.
Upon arriving at my flat, I decided to perform a light exercise routine. Keeping caution in mind, I made sure to start gradually, gently increasing my chakra circulation bit by bit. No need to rush things and end up back in a hospital bed again. I've had quite enough of that, thank you very much. After completing a good exercise session, feeling accomplished but not exhausted, I headed home once more.
A warm shower followed, cleansing both body and mind. Dinner afterward tasted especially good, possibly due to the satisfaction of having re-established my routine. Finishing up my meal, I spent a relaxing few minutes drawing a bit more on the ceiling before eventually drifting into the world of dreams.
When morning came, I opened my eyes slowly, gazing upward at my ceiling artwork. A familiar warmth filled me as my eyes met the goofy smile I'd drawn on my sister's face. Even though part of me yearned to stay under the covers a bit longer, her playful, knowing expression motivated me to push myself upright. I had already made a firm decision. not to start neglecting my training again, but at the same time, not to obsess over it to the point of self-destruction. Balance would be key.
Besides my usual routine, I'd make sure to take daily walks with Shizuru and eat out at least once every week at some cheap restaurant to change things up a bit. That sounded like a good balance to me.
My morning meditation session went exceptionally well, perhaps even better than usual, since I ended up with extra ryo in my pocket, courtesy of the supportive residents of Konoha. I wasn't entirely sure if they thought I was some young traveling monk or simply mistook me for a beggar, but hey, who cares? Free money is free money, and money felt good.
Afterward, I wasn't exactly sure how I was supposed to contact Sena regarding the missed sensory training, so I figured I'd wait for her to reach out again. Taking a deep breath, I sat down on the floor, mentally bracing myself.
Time to fry myself again.
I moved quickly through the familiar sequence of hand signs, feeling the chakra build up steadily. Lightning chakra immediately surged through my arms and legs effortlessly. To my surprise, it felt as smooth and comfortable as slipping into a favorite pair of worn shoes.
"Like riding a bike," I muttered softly to myself, smiling slightly at the unexpected ease. But now came the tricky part.
I sighed heavily, bracing myself. "Alright, Noa. No pain, no gain."
Excited? Definitely not. Nervous? Absolutely. The legs were one thing, but this was the torso, a far more delicate area. The ribcage, the lungs, and most critically, that exceptionally important and stylish organ known as the heart. Pretty valuable real estate, all things considered.
Exhaling slowly, I rested my hand gently over my chest, feeling the steady rhythm of my heartbeat.
"You sure about this?" I asked aloud to nobody in particular.
Silence. Rude.
Closing my eyes, I began the familiar routine once again. Deep breath. Precise sequence of hand signs. Focused lightning chakra building quietly and steadily at my core.no wild surges, no reckless bursts. just controlled, calculated pressure.
"Alright, let's see how bad this really is."
Starting slowly, I cautiously let the chakra flow rise toward my chest. It crept carefully upward toward my collarbones, then slowly dipped lower, pushing deeper with hesitant pulses. Instantly, my heartbeat quickened, thudding louder and stronger, as though uncertain whether it needed to fight or flee.
Initially, it wasn't too painful, just a tingling, prickly sensation, like static electricity building before you reach out and touch a metal doorknob after rubbing your feet across a carpet. But then, the static spread wider, pushing deeper into my chest.
My breath hitched sharply.
Lightning chakra wasn't known for subtlety. It didn't politely knock. it kicked the door wide open and barged right in. As it reached my lungs, a jolt snapped violently through my chest like someone had flicked a live wire along my ribs. Pain and crackling heat surged in my throat, causing me to cough violently.
This was undoubtedly worse than training my legs. Far, far worse.
I leaned back, gripping my shirt tightly as the chakra spiraled out of control. My heartbeat started to synchronize with the chakra pulses, causing each heartbeat to amplify the electricity further. Suddenly, every beat felt like a heavy drum being struck repeatedly by a set of electrified sticks.
Immediately, I cut off the chakra flow, gasping sharply as pain radiated along my sternum. It wasn't serious damage, thankfully, but it left my arms trembling and weak.
Collapsing onto my back, I stared at the ceiling, breathing deeply and steadily.
"I see. So now we've officially entered the 'electrocardiogram of doom' phase."
After several long minutes to catch my breath, I decided on an even slower, more gradual approach.
My next attempt was deliberately careful. I narrowed my chakra flow down to an extremely thin, controlled stream of lightning chakra. like carefully threading a needle. Slowly, precisely, I pushed it in again.
Once more, the chakra reached the upper chest. This time, however, I forcibly prevented it from aligning with my heartbeat. Instead, I let it gently coil beneath my skin, wrapping it around my ribcage like a cautious serpent rather than stabbing directly through the middle. Pain still came, but muted, a heavy pressure rather than a sharp, stabbing agony.
Then, unexpectedly, came the flashback.
For just a brief, unsettling moment, I was back there. in the chair. The tightness of straps. The ominous hum of electricity. The overwhelming, paralyzing helplessness. Lightning chakra had ended my previous life, and yet, here I was, deliberately using it to strengthen this one.
Clenching my teeth, I pushed through the memories, determined not to yield.
One second. Two seconds. Five. Ten.
When I finally released the chakra, I was left shaking but conscious. Still breathing. Still here.
I sat upright, placing a hand over my chest again, feeling my heart hammer away. fast, but steady and controlled.
"Alright. Step one: don't die. Step two… let's keep it that way."
Looking down, I observed my fingers carefully. They trembled slightly but weren't spasming out of control. I flexed my hand experimentally and chuckled softly to myself.
"Cardio training. The shinobi edition."
While I hadn't achieved complete control today, far from it, I had successfully faced and overcome this crucial step. The next time would be easier. Instead of merely wrapping around my rib cage, I planned to carefully, gradually begin deeper circulation, pushing inward slowly, day by day. With nearly three months left until the new year began, there was ample time.
I also decided I'd ease off slightly on ninjutsu training since I'd essentially mastered my current techniques, performing them effortlessly with just one hand seal. Reducing my physical training slightly as well would leave room for sensory and fuinjutsu practice, and most importantly, for going out, walking with Shizuru, and actually enjoying life's simpler pleasures.
I smiled gently, pleased with the balanced plan ahead and genuinely excited about what the future held.