12 Meditation Is Key

//My apologies if I screwed up the characters personalities in the novel. I'm still fairly new and trying my best to portray them as best as possible. Some mindsets like Kushina and Minatos may seem weird and I hope you won't drop it because of this reason. My apologies

"I dont know where he came from, but he's quite the gifted chef."

"The kid was amazing!! Even despite the fire, his ideas and knowledge are far beyond what I'm capable of."

"I'd hire him permanently if I could."

Praise after praise filled the ears of Hiruzen Sarutobi as he traversed Konoha's food stalls, going back and forth between each individual shop owner to gather information pertaining to Zetuo. He had returned around an hour after the young lad had disappeared to train, something he was well aware of, to inquire the locals on just how good of a job the boy had done.

Though he already knew that the youth would do just fine, his expectations were shattered to pieces as he switched from place to place, gazing at the black haired youths handiwork. Recipes that he had never seen before, food he never even dreamed possible until that moment greeted him with tantalizing aromas that made his own mouth water and his stomach growl. What was more, the chefs looked to be more excited then he did as they went about their business, repeatedly experimenting with the instructions that Zetuo had left for them.

It was the most excitement that Hiruzen had seen in years as not only the chefs, but even passerbys seemed more upbeat, eager to try the new scent that was pouring out from each and every stall Zetuo had hit. Like moths attracted to flames, more and more villagers were stopping by to get a look at the new food that was being prepped.

The order of events were far from what the third Hokage had imagined and it further consolidated just how much value the boy had. If this small bit of food could influence such a number of people, he couldn't even picture what else the lad could have up his sleeve.

While very much aware of the child's inherently enormous bad luck, he now only saw it being a small matter in comparison to what Zetuo could truly bring to the table. The current situation had truly enlightened him, enforcing the idea of befriending the youth alongside doing business with him. To others, the food wasnt really a big deal, but one only had to take a look at how such a small thing affected the masses, drawing them in without them even being aware. As a leader, this was invaluable and couldn't be overlooked.

"He should be on the outskirts of the village," Hiruzen mumbled, remembering the report from an Anbu member who had previously been watching the children. "Let's go and see what the younglings are up to."

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"So, how DO you control chakra?" Zetuo asked, his curiosity peaked. "Hell, how do you even sense your own chakra?"

The three kids were sitting in a triangle, legs crossed as they conversed with one another. It hadn't been long since they finished sparring, with the black haired boy going up against the redheaded female, and they were still on the verge of recovering, particularly Zetuo who had taken a nasty beating from Kushina. The hot blooded girl hadn't held back an inch and had quite literally slammed the youth into the ground with oure physical strength, not a single drop of chakra being used. If Minato hadn't held her back some by grabbing her wrist, Zetuo was confident that she would've killed him, if not internally injured something vital.

Sparring aside, Zetuo was confused on a number of points, all of which revolved around the concept of the internal energy known in the world as 'chakra'. According to what they had been discussing, chakra had multiple applications that varied from person to person with a number of common points among everyone. Of course, the first thing he learned was that not everyone could USE chakra while everyone HAD chakra, which did make sense on a fundamental level. Just because everyone was given a brain didn't mean everyone could properly utilize it.

Using chakra, one could cast jutsu, walk on most if not all surfaces, perform various techniques such as summons (though he had no idea what that meant), and a multitude of other attributes that Zetuo wasnt yet ready to learn or that Minato and Kushina werent aware of just yet. With all the accessible abilities to acquire, it would be easy for most to get overwhelmed, which was why the Academy was made, a place made for the development of the future shinobi. For someone to learn every technique and skill in a few short weeks or months was like asking a dog to talk in spanish, it was completely impossible.

This, however, was exactly what Zetuo wanted to achieve. Provided that he could even use chakra given his rampant misfortune, he needed to get a handle on things as quickly and efficiently as humanly possible. Whatever knowledge related to the internal energy he could scrounge up would be used in furthering his attainment for more strength. Only as someone STRONG would he be able to live a somewhat peaceful life in this world; whatever kinda threat that would lead to could be better handled if he had power.

"Well, kids train in the Academy for years to learn how to control their chakra properly," Minato answered honestly as he sat up straight. "Its pretty difficult if one hasn't spent their life trying to manipulate it. Sensing it however should be a bit easier."

"A bit easier huh? How long we talking?" Zetuo wanted to get a solid grasp on how long it would take him. Of course, Minato didn't answer him, leading him to believe that it would take so long that the blonde youth didn't want to dishearten him. He had long since understood the personality of both blondie and the redhead, one being benevolent and laid back while the other was like a fiery volcano just waiting to be triggered.

"Close your eyes and take a slow deep breath," Minato instructed, rejecting Zetuo's question as he closed his own eyes. "Hear your own heartbeat and clear your mind. Tune everything out."

Zetuo shook his head, holding in a chuckle as he did so. He didn't know what he found funny but he had the inexplicable urge to laugh as he closed his eyes, his grin fading as he sought to follow Minato's orders.

(("Rid my mind of everything. Calm my breathing.")) Zetuo recited everything over and over as he slowed down, taking longer with both inhales and exhales. Eventually he achieved what Minato wanted as everything was wiped clean from Zetuo's brain, including every single stray thought.

The only possible downside to doing this was that Zetuo could no longer avoid any possible scenarios happening in reality. To be honest though, the youth found this to be a reasonable exchange as he focused on the beating of his own heart, listening to each pound as it echoed around his body.

Time flew on by, becoming blurred and distorted to the point where Zetuo hadnt a clue what time it was, completely immersed in the feeling of his own artery as it pumped blood through his body.

It was in this nameless period of time that the black haired adolescent finally felt it. The hint of an energy that hadnt been there before.

The reason he hadnt been able to sense it previously was due to it being so dull and weak, the signals given off being barely attainable. He had only managed to locate it because it was something that had never been there before, the strange feeling being rather cool and refreshing. While it was hardly there, it was still quite a bit more then he was expecting as he opened his eyes, black hues gazing at the world once again.

"So, whatcha feel?" Minato inquired as he knelt down in front of Zetuo. He wasnt sure when, but it seemed that both the blondie and the redhead had moved around quite a bit since Zetuo had started. "It was difficult I imagine."

"How long did I take?" Zetuo asked, his curiosity overwhelming him. "About a half hour?"

"More like 2 hours," Kushina said as she stretched a little. "I had time to do a little sparring with Minato and do some training of my own. You really ought to not be so slow Zetuo, ya know?"

Kushina was going to keep stretching but stopped when she noticed that both Zetuo and Minato were giving her weird looks. After a few seconds of this constant staring contest she wanted no part of, she began to feel a little self conscious which quickly evolved into annoyance as she reached up and felt her own face. "Why are you guys staring at me."

"Hey Minato. Would you say that that's the first time shes ever said our names without insult?" Zetuo tilted his head thoughtfully as he mulled it over, going over the stored memories in his head. "First time shes done so in front of me."

"Its not the first but it is one of the only few times shes said my name without it sounding like a curse." Minato also looked rather curious as he shifted his gaze to Zetuo. "Maybe she's finally warming up to us?"

"Warming up my left foot!!" Kushina exclaimed in embarrassment, her face turning almost as red as her hair. "We've only just started fully hanging out so dont jump to conclusions!!"

"Oh? Why you gettin so defensive then Kuu? You worried we'll find out that on the inside you're just one big softie?" Zetuo teased her, even tacking on a cute nickname to further toy with her. He couldn't help himself and gladly risked getting punched as she was just too cute to NOT do anything.

"Keep it up and I'll hit you," Kushina said, her facing getting just a bit redder to where she looked similar to a tomato. She was clearly flustered from the new nickname and wasnt sure of how to respond. "I promise I will!!!"

"Okay, okay, you win," Zetuo said as he let out a small laugh. "Let's switch topics then. Minato, how long will I have to meditate a day in order to completely grasp this new energy? Do you know?"

Minato's expression shifted as he entered serious mode, his brows furrowing and his head shaking from left to right. "Sadly, I dont as it's different for everyone. For me, it only took a few days and even then I was considered a genius by the standards of others. I'm not sure how long itll take you. But if it feels like your chakra is hard to detect then what you need is intense training. Itll probably raise your chakra levels by a good amount considering your from another world."

"Training huh?" Zetuo mused as he uncrossed his legs, which he had to shake back awake. "Fine, then that's what I'll do for the next two weeks. Physical and mental training that'll boost my internal energy."

Minato nodded as he walked away, taking a stance. "Shall we get started now then?"

"Oh, but then I wouldn't be included on the fun," Hiruzen muttered from the side, his white cloak getting caught by the breeze. It was almost like he had materialized out of thin air as all three of the children quickly took defensive stances before realizing it was just the Third Hokage. This of course brought even greater surprise to Kushina and Minato as they gave small bows of respect.

Zetuo however gave no such bow, letting his choice of words be their own show of respect. "Lord Third. What brings you here this fine afternoon?"

Hiruzen's gaze shifted from Zetuo to Kushina, landed on Minato before sliding back once again to Zetuo, obvious amusement apparent in his gaze. "I'm simply here to collect you my boy. There are some things I'd like to discuss with you about your 'job', if you dont mind. Itll be quick and then you can come back and continue chatting with your new friends."

//Here you go!! As promised!! Gonna start working on the next one just in case yall hit 100 while I'm sleeping.

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