Path

It turns out that all of us orphans will be forced to apply to the academy. The academy, while also serving as the ninja training facility, is also a normal academy at the same time. If you pass the initial tests that show your affinity towards being a ninja, you will be put in a class that is eventually weeded out to become ninjas, but if you don't, then you will simply be put in a civilian class where you will only learn civilian stuff.

That seemed to be understandable, after all if someone had an affinity for being a ninja, the school would probably being to influence them to take that path. A talented ninja was never out of demand after all.

It also meant that if I didn't pass the test to be put with the Rookie 12, I would probably not be able to meet them much at all. If I didn't begin seriously training now, I will never be able to catch up with those especially being trained to become ninjas.

The Matron, seemingly sensing my astonishment and trepidation, encouraged me

"Don't worry Aizen. I'm sure a strong boy like you will become a fine ninja in the future"

I didn't know how to respond to that, so I simply thanked her for her kind words.

By the time we arrived back at the orphanage, I had decided on a couple of matters. First, since I had decided that it was time for me to step on the path of a ninja for real, I couldn't half-ass it anymore. I knew that all the Clan kids were receiving constant education and training to become decent ninjas, and I was only taking it slow and training my body occasionally. That would not do anymore.

I would have to up the rigor of my routine and find someone who can instruct me in some katas. I knew that even with my stronger body, there was a limit that would assist me in a fight when someone with much more experience than me lays me on my back.

I didn't know who or where exactly to look, but I had a couple of ideas on how to get my hands on the katas.

Second, I decided that it was time I started exploring the magical powers of the world, which came in the form of Chakra. I didn't know exactly how to sense my Chakra, but with some information from the anime and, well, inferences from my past life, meditation seemed like a key element in being able to sense it.

In the anime, it did not go into much detail on how to sense or refine your chakra, but I hoped that my path was the correct one and it was indeed meditation. I also had some hope in the belief that as long as my body and mind become strong enough, my connection with the chakra, which is made out of the combination of spiritual and physical energy, would become stronger and clearer.

So, with my future path now laid out in front of me, I finished my dinner and went back to my bed. I couldn't just start working out in the middle of the room, that would be left for the outside, but I could meditate. I pretended like I was sleeping, because thinking further about it, what kid would willingly start meditating, especially when the knowledge of meditation has not been introduced to him?

After a couple of minutes of trying to concentrate, it turns out that mediation is harder than I thought. I have to completely try and tune out the kids around me talking and playing, as well as try and feel through my body for energy currently invisible to me. Difficult indeed. But I know that since people in the anime were capable of it, even Kiba, then it was only a matter of time and effort before I attained mastery of meditation.

So I continued with my endeavors, and when the Matron told us it was time for bed, tuning out the conversations around me was a little easier than when I first began. That was all the motivation I needed to tell me that I was improving. And even if this path did not result in me unlocking my chakra, what harm would a calmer state of mind bring me?