3. The Silent Observer

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On the Sixith month, Kira entered the familiar woods, his katana strapped securely to his back. The morning sun filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows on the forest floor. This place had become his secret training ground, where he could practice the Water Breathing Technique without fear of being discovered.

Today, he was determined to refine the Second Form: Water Wheel. Despite his progress, he knew he was far from mastering the technique. His movements still lacked the fluidity and precision necessary to harness its full power.

Unbeknownst to Kira, a pair of keen eyes were watching him from the shadows. Itachi Uchiha, a master of stealth and Genjutsu, had stumbled upon the boy during one of his solitary walks through the forest. Curious about the child who seemed no older than five yet carried a katana with such confidence, Itachi hid himself in the foliage, his Sharingan activated to observe every detail.

Kira took a deep breath, focusing his mind on the task at hand. He unsheathed his katana and assumed the stance for the Water Wheel. The scroll's instructions echoed in his mind: "Move with the flow of water, swift and unyielding."

"Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!" Kira's voice rang out clearly.

Itachi watched in fascination as a wheel of water seemed to materialize around Kira's sword. The boy spun with surprising agility, his katana slicing through the air in a wide arc. The water wheel surged forward, crashing into the surrounding trees with a force that left deep gouges in their trunks.

Though the destruction was not extensive, it was evident that Kira's technique held great potential. Itachi's eyes widened slightly, impressed by the sheer power and elegance of the move. This was unlike any kenjutsu technique he had ever seen.

Kira panted, beads of sweat forming on his forehead. He knew the technique was far from perfect, but he could feel his understanding of it growing with each practice session. Suddenly, he sensed a presence behind him. Turning quickly, he found himself face to face with Itachi Uchiha.

Fear gripped Kira's heart. He hadn't sensed Itachi's approach at all, and the man's presence exuded an aura of quiet menace. If Itachi had been an enemy, Kira would have been dead before he even realized it.

"You have impressive skills for someone so young," Itachi said calmly, his eyes studying Kira with interest. "What is your name?"

"K-Kira," the boy stammered, gripping his katana tightly. "Who are you?"

"My name is Itachi Uchiha," Itachi replied, his voice gentle but firm. "I did not mean to startle you. I was merely observing your training."

Kira swallowed hard, trying to steady his nerves. "I didn't sense you at all. If you were an enemy, I'd be dead right now."

Itachi nodded, a hint of a smile playing at the corners of his mouth. "Indeed, your senses need sharpening. But your technique is intriguing. I have never seen anything like it before. What do you call it?"

Kira hesitated, unsure if he should reveal his secret. But something about Itachi's calm demeanor reassured him. "It's called the Water Breathing Technique," he said slowly. "I've been training in secret."

"It is a remarkable style," Itachi said, genuine admiration in his voice. "The way you manipulate water is unlike anything I've encountered. Tell me, who taught you this technique?"

Kira hesitated again, thinking quickly. He couldn't reveal the truth about the scroll from the system. "I... found an old scroll in the woods," he lied. "It contained the instructions for the Water Breathing Technique. I've been practicing it on my own."

Itachi regarded him thoughtfully, sensing the half-truth in Kira's words but deciding not to press the issue. "You have a rare gift, Kira. With proper training, you could become a formidable swordsman."

Kira felt a mixture of relief and excitement at Itachi's words. "Thank you," he said, bowing slightly. "I will continue to train and improve."

Itachi nodded. "If you ever need guidance, seek me out. I can help you refine your technique and sharpen your senses."

Kira's eyes widened. The offer was unexpected and more than he could have hoped for. "I would be honored, Itachi-san."

Itachi smiled faintly. "Then I will leave you to your training. Remember, true mastery comes not just from practicing forms, but from understanding the essence of the technique."

With that, Itachi turned and disappeared into the forest, his movements so silent that Kira couldn't even hear his footsteps. Kira stood there for a moment, processing the encounter. The shock of meeting Itachi Uchiha, one of the most feared and respected shinobi, had left him reeling.

But it also filled him with a renewed sense of purpose. If someone like Itachi saw potential in him, then he knew he was on the right path.

Kira took a deep breath, centering himself once more. He had a long way to go, but he was determined to master the Water Breathing Technique and honor both the legacy of his clan and the mysterious teachings from the scroll.

He assumed the stance for the Water Wheel again, his mind focused and clear. "Water Breathing, Second Form: Water Wheel!" he called out, feeling the familiar surge of power as the wheel of water formed around his sword.

This time, his movements were more fluid, more controlled. The wheel of water crashed forward with greater precision, slicing cleanly through the trees. Kira smiled to himself, knowing that he was making progress.

As he continued to train, the words of Itachi echoed in his mind. True mastery comes from understanding the essence of the technique. Kira vowed to delve deeper into the Water Breathing forms, to understand not just the movements but the principles behind them.

The sun climbed higher in the sky, casting its warm light through the canopy as Kira trained tirelessly. The forest bore witness to his dedication, each swing of his katana bringing him closer to his goal.

Kira knew that the path ahead would be challenging, but he was ready to face it with determination and resilience. With the teachings of the Water Breathing Technique and the guidance of his grandfather and, possibly, Itachi Uchiha, he was confident that he could achieve greatness.

And so, Kira continued his journey, each step bringing him closer to mastering the art of the sword and forging a legacy that would be remembered for generations to come.

Kira trudged back home through the woods, his body heavy with exhaustion and hunger. The intense training session in the forest had taken its toll, but the encounter with Itachi Uchiha had left him exhilarated and determined. As he neared his home, the familiar sight of the Kozuki estate brought a sense of comfort.

Entering the house, Kira was greeted by the welcoming scent of home-cooked food. His stomach growled loudly in response. Without wasting a moment, he headed straight for the bathhouse. The hot water soothed his aching muscles, washing away the grime and sweat of his training. He let out a deep sigh, feeling the tension melt from his body.

After a long, relaxing soak, Kira dressed in fresh clothes and made his way to the dining area. His mother, Ayame, had prepared a feast, as if she had anticipated his ravenous hunger. He dug in with gusto, savoring each bite.

As he ate, his grandfather, Hiroshi Kozuki, entered the room. Hiroshi's stern yet kind eyes surveyed Kira, a hint of curiosity evident in his gaze.

"Kira," Hiroshi began, "where have you been disappearing to lately?"

Kira paused, considering his response. He knew he couldn't reveal the full truth about the Water Breathing Technique or the system. "I've been developing a secret technique, Grandfather," he said carefully.

Hiroshi chuckled, a deep, rumbling sound that filled the room. "A secret technique, you say? You're too young to be developing anything of significance. Leave such things to the seasoned shinobi."

Kira smiled, nodding slightly. He knew his grandfather's skepticism was well-founded. After all, who would believe a five-year-old could create a new technique? Hiroshi soon left for a clan meeting, leaving Kira to his thoughts.

Finishing his meal, Kira retreated to his room. He closed the door behind him and settled on his bed, pulling out the scroll with the system. The familiar blue interface materialized before him, displaying his status and abilities. His eyes scanned the information, taking in the details:

[Status:

- Name: Kira Kozuki

- Age: 5

- Abilities: Kozuki no Kagerō (Basic), Water Breathing (Basic)

- Chakra: Low

- Inventory: Water Breathing Technique Scroll, Poneglyphs (50),Rokushi (Six Poweers) technique scroll, Demon Slayer Uniform]

Kira frowned as he noticed his chakra level was significantly lower than that of an average academy student. He knew this could be a major hindrance in his journey. However, he was also aware that once he awakened the powers of The Noblesse, his chakra levels would improve significantly.

Determined to address his shortcomings, Kira decided to seek help from his cousin, Kuzue. Kuzue was the daughter of his uncle and already a genin, known for her skills and diligence. Kira found her practicing in the training yard, her movements precise and graceful.

"Kuzue-nee," Kira called out, approaching her.

Kuzue paused, turning to face him. "Kira, what brings you here?"

"I need your help," Kira said earnestly. "I want to learn Taijutsu."

Kuzue raised an eyebrow. "Taijutsu? Our clan specializes in Kenjutsu. Why would you want to learn Taijutsu?"

Kira took a deep breath, his determination evident. "A ninja can lose his sword. I need to be able to defend myself with my fists and kicks if that happens."

Kuzue's eyes widened slightly in surprise, then softened with admiration. "You're wise beyond your years, Kira. Very well, I'll teach you the basics."

Over the next month, Kira trained rigorously with Kuzue. She taught him the fundamentals of Taijutsu, emphasizing the importance of agility, strength, and precision. Each day, Kira's movements became more fluid, his strikes more powerful. Kuzue was impressed by his dedication and quick progress.

One evening, after an intense training session, Kira's mother approached him. "Kira, are you ready to attend the Ninja Academy next year?"

Kira looked up, surprised. "Next year already? Yes, I'm ready."

His mother smiled, ruffling his hair. "I never thought this day would come so quickly. You've grown so much, Kira."

Four months later, the day finally arrived. Kira stood before the mirror, dressed in his Demon Slayer uniform, complete with the red and black checkered coat. He admired his reflection, feeling a sense of pride. He had many other uniforms designed like the original he got from the system, he didn't want to be like Naruto with bright orange clothes, if you're a shinobi why are you wearing such bright clothes? As for why he had many uniforms made instead of wearing the one he has until it tears? It's because the Demon Slayer's uniform looks so cool!

As he stepped out, his mother's eyes widened in surprise. "Kira, where did you get those clothes?"

"I had them made by a tailor," Kira explained. "The Uchiha have their robes with a fan on the back. I wanted the Kozuki clan to have something distinct from the others."

His mother smiled, clearly impressed. "You look very handsome, Kira. I'm sure you'll make a strong impression at the academy."

Kira arrived at the academy, feeling a mixture of excitement and nervousness. As he walked through the gates, he noticed other children staring at him, their eyes wide with amazement. His outfit certainly set him apart.

In the courtyard, the Sandaime Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, stood before the new students, ready to give his opening speech. Kira listened, though he couldn't help but feel a sense of distrust towards the Hokage. He knew of Hiruzen's manipulative tendencies and didn't care much for his rhetoric about the Will of Fire.

Kira glanced around, spotting familiar faces from canon: Naruto Uzumaki, Sasuke Uchiha, Shikamaru Nara, and others. It felt surreal to be among them, knowing the significant roles they would play in the future.