Chapter XV

As I wandered aimlessly through the village, my mind was preoccupied with my chakra imbalance. I suspected it was similar to Rock Lee's case where he had an imbalance in physical energy, rendering him unable to perform ninjutsu. Though, I can't really confirm it.

However, for me, it was the reverse, with my spiritual energy being too large in comparison.

I attributed this to my reincarnation, with my matured soul now inhabiting the body of a child. If without doing anything, I can only hope that as I grew older, my body would acclimatize and the imbalance would be rectified.

However, the imbalance was also the reason why I have a lower chakra reserve than it should be, and couldn't perform Kage Bunshin. My physiology was too delicate to split the energies evenly, resulting in a destructive imbalance.

To exploit my chakra, I needed both energies to be in harmony, or the weaker energy would be unable to cope with the process because unlike real body, clone is just a collection of chakras.

Thus, my only natural course of action was to focus on improving my physical attributes and building endurance to gain more reserves for my physical energy. I need to learn a kage bunshin successfully so I can focus myself to that front. Even one copy would be immensely helpful.

My mind then wandered to a tangent.

I could take the easy way out like a certain snake sannin and resort to unethical procedures in the future, but I couldn't bring myself to do it.

It was a matter of how far I was willing to cross the line, and I refused to compromise my values. Some may call me weak-willed for it, but I couldn't understand how someone could sleep at night after performing such questionable acts.

Sometimes, the journey was more important than the destination. Even if I were to die in an unknown ditch, as long as I could look back on my life with a smile, then it would all be worth it.

I've died once, I don't think the second one will be much worse.

As I walked, I can't help but wonder if I'm truly capable of upholding these ideals and lofty aspirations when faced with adversity. After all, it's a privilege to be able to talk about such things without actually having to experience them firsthand.

I nodded to myself, feeling content with the conclusion I had reached in my mind. From now on, I vowed to uphold this belief to the best of my ability. I am a child of the Leaf. The warmth of the sun is where I belong.

.

As I strolled down the main road, I noticed a girl engrossed in the various stalls set up along the way.

"Izuna, what are you up to?" I asked as I approached her.

Without even turning her head, she replied, "Oh, derpy onii-chan. Look at that cute hamster over there." She pointed to a furry creature scampering around in a cage.

"It's cute, I guess," I responded half-heartedly.

"What do you mean, 'I guess'? It's so adorable!" she protested. I let out a sigh, not quite sure where this was going.

"Okay, then what?"

"I want one," she declared, her eyes still fixed on the hamster cages. I wonder why this sounds so predictable.

"Are you sure you're ready to take care of a pet?" I asked skeptically.

"Of course! Izuna is absolutely positive!"

"Well, let's talk to Kato-sensei about it," I suggested, hoping to dissuade her from making a hasty purchase.

Before she could respond, however, the vendor suddenly grabbed one of the hamsters and tossed it into the air, where it was promptly snatched up by an owl's talons, much to Izuna's dismay.

As I watched the owl catch the helpless hamster, a sense of unease grew within me. Izuna, was beside me, tears about to stream down her face as she lamented the cruel act. I wanted to comfort her, but my attention was drawn to the majestic creature before us.

"Ojii-san, how much for that owl?" I asked the seller, my eyes still fixed on the creature.

"Oh, this big girl is not for sale," he replied with a smile. "She's my trusty companion, after all. If you want one, we have some excess eggs, fertilized. Though I can't guarantee whether they would hatch or not."

My interest was piqued. "How much?"

He held up his fingers. "10,000 Ryo for an egg. Think you can afford it, kid?"

I hesitated. It was a steep price, but I was willing to pay it for the chance to own such a rare and magnificent bird. "6,000," I offered, hoping to haggle.

He shook his head. "No, I can't. It's a rare species of owl, you know. You can't get them anywhere else except in the deep of forest in the Iron Country."

As I examined the owl perched on his shoulder, I realized that it was likely one of the horned owl species, but excessively large, almost like an eagle. The tips of its furled wings had a metallic sheen to them, which was fascinating. The claw was truly awe-inspiring, its eyes glowing with an intense, unnaturally yellow hue. As I gazed upon it, I couldn't help but feel a sense of admiration for the sheer power and majesty it exuded. Every detail of its form was finely crafted, every inch radiating with a raw, primal energy that spoke to its dominance in the natural world.

This observation further motivates me to acquire such a specimen, as I have always desired to have a bird companion.

"But you can't even guarantee that it would hatch. At least lower the price to account for the risk I'm taking here, ojii-san," I countered, trying to not let the stutter overpowered my voice.

He smirked at me. "You're smart, kid. All right, 7,000 Ryo is my compromise."

I thought for a moment and then made up my mind. "Then I'll buy two."

The seller raised an eyebrow but quickly composed himself. "Let me wrap them in a special package. You can't be too careful with these things. Please take care of them."

"I will. Thank you," I replied, keeping my word concise. Feeling a sense of excitement and anticipation welling up inside me, I couldn't wait to see what kind of creatures would emerge from the eggs.

As I made my purchase, I realized that I had neglected my companion. "Oh no, I forgot about you, Izuna," I said apologetically.

She had been eyeing the various pets with longing, and I couldn't resist her pouting face any longer. Perhaps having a pet would teach her about responsibility, I thought, trying to justify the purchase.

"Alright, we can get you a pet too," I conceded, much to her delight. The old man kindly gave us a Syrian hamster with a beautiful gold and white coat.

Izuna's face lit up with joy as she held the tiny creature in her hands. "What should we name him?" she asked me, looking up with bright eyes.

I suggested "Shiro," but she thought "Kintarou" sounded cooler. We both laughed at her quick decision-making, and I was glad to see her so happy.

However, as we were discussing where to keep Kintarou, I turned around and realized that Izuna was no longer by my side.

A look of panic crossed her face as she sheepishly admitted, "I don't think Papa will be happy if I bring Kintarou home." I sighed, what have I gotten myself into.