Chapter 7 - Ayumu introduction to Chakra?

Walking back from the park, Ayumu finally reached the door of his home. Walking in, he noticed his mother and grandfather chatting near the dining room area, something they often did while she cooked. From the pots on the stove and the many vegetables on the cutting board, she was most likely making some sort of soup.

They glanced at him as he walked in.

"How was your day?" his mom Rina asked gently, not too worried about him coming back late.

"Everything went as usual!" he replied, which received a nod from both his mother and grandfather.

Ayumu then started pondering how to discuss joining the academy early, afraid of being rejected. After a minute, breaking the silence created by the sound of a knife hitting vegetables on the cutting board, he decided to say, "Grandfather, can you teach me how to sense my chakra?"

This caused Hajime to turn his attention toward him, starting to scold him, "Are you that eager to start training? Like I explained last time when you asked about illusions, you won't be able to do much with the chakra…"

"It's not for that reason," Ayumu interrupted, causing Hajime to look at him, urging him to explain.

"You see, my friends plan to join the academy this upcoming spring, and I happen to be too young. But Taro mentioned that if I have some experience with chakra, I should be fine to join the same year as them."

This caused his mother and grandfather to exchange glances, as if sharing a secret. Then, instead of his grandfather, his mother spoke, "There's no need to rush these things, you know. Are you sure you want to join the academy early?" Her words surprised him since she rarely discussed anything about him becoming a shinobi.

"Yes, I'm sure," he responded quickly.

His mother asked again, this time with a piercing gaze, "Are you absolutely certain, Ayumu?"

Being asked the same question again made him think, 'Is she trying to scare me off?' He crossed his tiny arms and stared back at her, saying, "Absolutely sure." They stared at each other for a solid 15 seconds until a cough from his grandfather broke the tense standoff.

A sigh escaped from his mother's mouth. She couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. 'He's growing up so fast,' she thought. 'Too fast. Is he ready for this? Is he ready for the challenges and dangers of being a shinobi?' She wished she could protect him from all the hardships but knew she had to let him find his own path.

She then informed him of her reluctant decision, "Okay, you can enroll, but the training is up to your grandfather. He will teach you about chakra."

Ayumu thanked her, feeling a mix of excitement and gratitude. "Thank you, Mom," he said sincerely, his voice filled with determination. His mother responded with a warm smile, conveying her support and belief in him, making him even more determined to succeed.

He then turned his attention to his grandfather, who had an odd expression on his face. There was something in his grandfather's eyes, a mixture of pride, worry, and contemplation.

Hajime was lost in thought, awed by the idea that Rina would allow Ayumu to join the academy. He was relieved to guide his grandson but also deeply worried about Rina. Ever since his son had passed away, he knew she had been anxious about her sons becoming shinobi. The path of a shinobi was fraught with danger, and Hajime understood her fears. Yet, he also saw this as an opportunity to honor his son's legacy and prepare Ayumu for the challenges ahead.

Looking down at his grandson, he thought, 'All I can do now is train him to the best of my ability. Maybe that will ease her worries.'

He then said, "I can help you after dinner." Ayumu responded, "Okay," calming down now that his goal was achieved, though still a bit antsy wanting to start immediately.

He looked around, realizing he had forgotten something, and asked out loud, "Where is Shin?" He received the response, "He's practicing in his room," which made him suspicious since there wasn't much Shin could practice in his room.

Hajime, recognizing his confusion, clarified, "He's doing an exercise he learned at the academy to control his chakra." This explanation cleared his confusion but also piqued his interest. The thought of going to see Shin came to his mind, and he began to move in his brother's direction. His grandfather then said, "Don't bother him now. He needs as much concentration as he can get," causing him to stop. His grandfather added, "Plus, I promised to help him after dinner, so you can see then."

Ayumu then asked his grandfather, "How exactly do I sense chakra?" It was the one question that had been bugging him ever since he found out he was in the ninja world. It might sound odd, but he's never exactly felt it, which confused him since everyone supposedly has it. He expected to be able to sense it due to having lived a whole lifetime without it. Like someone who might be sick, he thought he would feel some type of difference in his body, but he didn't notice anything he could really pick up on.

He has observed some differences between his old body and his current one. The main difference is the quality, being able to do what no 3-year-old could do in his previous life when it came to things like strength and endurance.

Continuing on, he then said, "I never felt this so-called chakra in my body."

"Haha," his grandfather laughed, causing Ayumu to look, wondering what exactly was funny about what he said.

His grandfather then said, "You're looking at it wrong. There are usually two ways people can initally sense their chakra," causing Ayumu to look on intently.

Hajime then began to explain, "There are usually two main ways people can sense their chakra. The first is through meditation or concentration while trying to mold chakra using hand seals. This method allows you to focus internally and become aware of the chakra flowing within you."

Ayumu listened intently, absorbing every word.

"The second way," Hajime continued, "is by being in contact with someone else's chakra. This allows you to pick up on the distinct differences and helps you understand what to look for within yourself."

Ayumu nodded, finding the explanations enlightening.

"There are also special cases," Hajime added, "where some people have unique abilities or circumstances that make it easier for them to sense chakra. But for most, the first two methods are the primary ways to start."

Ayumu felt a sense of clarity, then proceeding to ask him "Which one are we gonna use, to help me sense my chakra?"

"Both" causing Ayumu to question, "Why both? Wouldn't one suffice?"

Hajime explained, "Using both allows you to develop feel it faster," then trailed off with, "you'll see what I mean." stopping him from asking further questions about the topic.

His mother eventually finished cooking and called Shin out. The family gathered around the table, and they ate together, enjoying the warm soup and each other's company. 

Around twenty-five minutes after dinner, you could see three people in the living room: two young and one old. The two young ones were talking, with the taller one looking at the shorter one in surprise. "You're already starting on chakra?" he asked, getting a nod from Ayumu. This caused him to respond, "How did you get Mom to agree?" He remembered how ruthless his mother was when he tried to start practicing chakra, eventually having to learn it in school with some secret tips from his grandfather.

Ayumu then retold the entire story of asking, with Shin growing more shocked when he mentioned that he planned to join the academy a year early through the special examination. The main reason for this was his desire to start on his chakra training immediately.

Their conversation was interrupted by their grandfather, who said, "That's enough talking for now. We only have limited time tonight." He then asked, "Shin, did you make any progress earlier?" Shin reached into his pocket and took out a small, rough piece of paper, no bigger than a small leaf, and replied, "A little. I was almost able to make it stick a few times." This earned him some praise from his grandfather, who said, "That's pretty good for the first day."

Hajime then took the piece of paper and stuck it on his forehead. He said, "While I can't teach much, try concentrating on one spot." He paused and continued, "If you slightly hold it by one spot, your chakra only has to match that spot to make it stick. Trying to focus on multiple spots will just worry you due to the paper's roughness being different."

Both boys looked on, Ayumu more interested, and Shin as if he had come to a realization.

Hajime then continued, "visualization plays a part in controlling your chakra. The better you can recreate the paper, the easier it is to make your chakra stick to it."

He handed the paper back to Shin, who moved closer to the wall, sat cross-legged, and attempted to implement what he had learned. Hajime then turned his attention toward Ayumu and said, "Now for you."

Hajime then tells Ayumu they will start with the second method, which involves him putting some chakra into Ayumu's body. He carefully channels the smallest amount of chakra possible into Ayumu, who immediately reacts with a look of surprise. "I feel something," Ayumu says, his eyes wide with astonishment. Hajime is taken aback by Ayumu's sensitivity to such a small amount of chakra.

"That's incredible," Hajime mutters, more to himself than to Ayumu. "Most people wouldn't notice such a tiny amount of chakra, especially on their first try."

Ayumu, feeling a mix of excitement and curiosity, asks, "What should I do now? How do I use this feeling?"

"Explain what you feel" hajime questioned, causing Ayumu to ponder for a moment trying to come up with a description that encapsulated his current feeling. Then stuttering out " it, it feels like a cold wind blowing in a warm house"

Hajime then said "The cold wind would be my chakra, while the house being yours " 

Hajime pauses for a moment, considering how best to guide his grandson. "Now that you can sense the chakra, try to focus on it. See if you can make it back fully warm."

Ayumu closes his eyes and takes a deep breath, concentrating on the faint sensation of chakra within him. He pictures it as a small, glowing stream, flowing gently through his veins. Slowly, he tries to direct it toward his right shoulder, the place his grandfathers hand rest. At first, it's difficult—like trying to move a muscle he's never used before. But with each passing second, he feels the cold receding on his shoulder.

"I think I can feel it moving," Ayumu says, his voice tinged with both surprise and triumph.

Hajime watches him closely, a mixture of pride and amazement in his eyes. "You're doing well, Ayumu. Keep practicing this. The more you do, the easier it will become to control your chakra."

Ayumu nods, determination etched on his young face. "I will, Grandfather. Thank you."

Hajime smiles, placing a reassuring hand on Ayumu's shoulder. "You've got a natural talent for this. With practice and patience, you'll be able to master your chakra in no time."

Hajime then proceeded to teach Ayumu the first method of using hand seals to mold chakra, demonstrating the correct way to form it.

"Watch closely," Hajime instructed, bringing his hands together in a odd symbol that has the thumb, index and middle point upward, with the other interlocked. "This is a hand seal that helps mold your chakra, takes away most of the effort needed to do it alone"

Ayumu watched intently, mimicking Hajime's movements. His small hands moved with determination, to mimic the action.

"Good," Hajime encouraged. "Now, close your eyes and concentrate. Picture the flow of chakra within you, like a stream of energy moving through your body. Use the hand seals to guide that energy."

Ayumu closed his eyes, his brow furrowing in concentration. He visualized the stream of chakra, trying to direct it with the hand seals he had just learned. At first, it was challenging, but slowly, he began to feel a faint warmth spreading through his body like last time.

"That's it," Hajime said, his voice low and soothing. "Keep practicing this. The more you do, the easier it will become to control your chakra. Remember, patience and persistence are key."

Ayumu nodded, determination on his face. He knew it would take time and effort, but he was ready to practice and master his chakra control.

Eventually, they decided to wrap up for the night. Ayumu and Shin headed to their room, and Hajime glanced at his youngest grandson's back, a mix of pride and concern in his gaze. 'What a sensitivity to chakra. He should have no problem controlling it in the future as long as he is trained properly. Becoming Jonin should be easy,' he thought. It was as if the boy had a natural connection to the energy that flowed within him, even sensing minute differences in chakra temperature.

As he watched Ayumu and Shin disappear down the hallway, he couldn't help but feel a pang of worry. 'Their growing up so fast,' he mused.