Chapter 6

At five years old, Kaito was already known for his intense focus and steady discipline. His rigorous taijutsu training and early stamina-building routines had shaped his young body and sharpened his mind, but with the Academy on the horizon, he knew he needed a strategic advantage if he wanted to stand out.

The awakening of his bloodline—a Pure Byakugan—had granted him just that advantage. However, the power it came with was not something he could flaunt. Kaito understood that his unique abilities had the potential to attract unwanted attention, especially from the Hyuga clan, Root, or even ANBU operatives. For now, secrecy was his best weapon. His journey was just beginning, and until he had the strength to protect himself, he needed to stay under the radar.

He was careful, training his new abilities only in secluded areas and keeping his Byakugan inactive in public. Although he rarely activated his Byakugan, the awakening had given him a natural boost in perception that surpassed even the Hyuga's or Uchiha's standard sight. This heightened insight allowed him to analyze people's movements, intentions, and even subtle shifts in chakra. It made him vigilant and cautious, traits that would help him remain low-key while making steady progress.

Kaito's training regimen had grown more intense over the months, but he had adjusted it to avoid attracting attention. Each morning, he jogged through less-frequented areas of the village, building his endurance without drawing a crowd. The jogging sessions strengthened his legs and improved his breathing, critical for the long battles he knew he'd face in the future.

After his jog, Kaito focused on strength and agility training. He deliberately moved to isolated spots—forest clearings, quiet training fields, or the small yard at home—to ensure he was out of sight. He repeated hundreds of punches, strikes, and kicks, honing his speed and precision, pushing his limits without going overboard.

He also began incorporating more control-oriented exercises. With his Pure Byakugan's heightened perception, he could study the tiniest details of his movements. He could see where his stance was too wide or his balance shifted too far, and he corrected these flaws as he trained. This precision was helping him move beyond basic taijutsu, inching him closer to the Intermediate Taijutsu level he hoped to reach by the time he entered the Academy.

One of Kaito's greatest priorities was refining his chakra, an ability essential to unlocking the full potential of his bloodline. He practiced chakra refinement only in the seclusion of his home, meditating and focusing his mind. His enhanced sight allowed him to observe the intricate flow of chakra within his body, which gave him a unique advantage in controlling and refining it, though he kept his Byakugan inactive to avoid the telltale appearance of its milky-white eyes.

He discovered that his Otsutsuki bloodline gave him a far greater natural affinity with chakra than most shinobi. His chakra reserves grew steadily, even though he had not fully mastered extraction techniques. This steady growth allowed him to store more energy, which would be a tremendous asset in battle. Kaito could feel the difference each time he trained, his chakra more responsive to his commands, almost as if it were a part of his will.

The benefits of refining his chakra showed in his taijutsu training, too. He could summon small bursts of chakra in his strikes, making his attacks more powerful and precise. Though subtle, these enhancements made a noticeable difference in the speed and force of his punches and kicks.

The awakening of his Otsutsuki bloodline had also brought an unexpected change—his natural charm had increased dramatically. His presence seemed to have a gravitational effect, drawing attention from those around him. Even at a young age, Kaito had an aura that made people take notice, a quiet magnetism that set him apart. His classmates and even adults often took a second glance, charmed by his calm confidence and clear, thoughtful eyes.

Though he was aware of this change, Kaito kept his demeanor low-key, using his charm to blend in rather than stand out. He avoided letting his confidence shift into arrogance, choosing instead to focus on his training and goals. His natural charm might be an asset in the future, but for now, he preferred to remain in the background.

Kaito's careful and disciplined training had brought substantial results. His heightened perception, combined with refined chakra and physical conditioning, was pushing his skills to a new level. Though he didn't have formal training in ninjutsu or genjutsu, his focus on taijutsu and chakra refinement was giving him a strong foundation.

Name: Kaito

Age: 5 years

Strength: 12

Intelligence: 6

Wisdom: 8

Dexterity: 10

Constitution: 10

Chakra: 0.3 K.U. (30% of Kakashi's Chakra)

Bloodline: Pure Byakugan (Awakened)

Taijutsu Skill: Basic Taijutsu (High Genin level)

Battle Power: 55

Kaito's battle power now stood at 55, placing him solidly within high Genin territory. His chakra reserves had increased to 0.3 K.U., three times what they had been before his bloodline awakening. The combination of his physical strength, enhanced perception, and improved chakra control had set him apart, though he made every effort to keep this hidden.

His goal to achieve Intermediate Taijutsu was within reach. He had also set a new objective: refining his chakra enough to increase his battle power to 70 before entering the Academy, which would place him at the level of a Top Genin, giving him a strong advantage against his peers.

Kaito's newfound power had granted him confidence but also reinforced his need for caution. He was careful to avoid showcasing his abilities, staying under the radar and never training his Pure Byakugan in public. He was aware that an advanced bloodline could draw attention from powerful forces like ANBU, Root, and the Hyuga clan. Until he could stand on equal ground with the strongest shinobi, he couldn't afford to be exposed.

But he was satisfied with his progress. Each day, he moved closer to his goal, and the discipline of training had strengthened not only his body but also his mind. With his heightened insight, he was learning to read people better, understand their intentions, and see through deception—a skill that would serve him well in the ninja world.

As he prepared for the Academy, Kaito felt a quiet sense of purpose and determination. The world was vast and filled with powerful shinobi, but he was confident that one day, he would stand among them. For now, he would keep to the shadows, building his strength in silence until he was ready to reveal his true power.