Chapter 8:Solicitation

With the ringing of the bell, the morning theory class ended. The students left the classroom one by one. Shinji declined Haku's invitation, took his lunch alone, and headed into a secluded grove at the ninja school.

Having learned from yesterday's lesson, he decided not to underestimate ninjutsu training and instead focused on practicing the "Water Breathing" breathing technique first, which was highly secretive. Unless someone had the Byakugan constantly watching, it wouldn't be detectable at all.

While eating his bento, he reviewed the memory fragments of swordsmen who had practiced 'Water Breathing' in his mind. Suddenly, someone walked into the forest.

"Who's there?" Shinji called out, looking over.

The figure stood in the shadows of the trees. "Impressive vigilance," the man remarked.

As Shinji examined him closely, his expression remained unchanged, but inwardly he was startled. It was none other than Shimura Danzo, the man responsible for orchestrating the Uchiha extermination.

Danzo stared back at Shinji, his gaze aggressive and unhidden. "You've got talent, but talent alone won't get you revenge."

"Who are you?" Shinji responded, appropriately wary.

Danzo stepped forward, his sinister face now in the sunlight. "I am the village elder advisor. Joining me is your only chance for revenge."

"He wants to manipulate me into joining Root for revenge against Itachi?" Shinji thought, feeling a sense of absurdity.

Danzo, the architect of the Uchiha clan's downfall, shamelessly sought recruits among its survivors. First, he used Itachi to destroy the Uchiha, and now he aimed to use Shinji, an Uchiha remnant, against Itachi.

Suppressing his disgust, Shinji replied firmly, "I don't need anyone's help. I'll take care of it myself."

"Those who reject me don't fare well," Danzo sneered before turning and leaving.

Watching Danzo depart, Shinji thought to himself, "Disgusting. But for now, he won't openly move against me."

Shinji knew Danzo's delicate relationship with the Third Hokage. Danzo was a crucial part of the village's power structure, aiding the Third Hokage in governing Konoha. Even formidable figures like Uchiha Itachi or Orochimaru couldn't openly challenge Danzo within the village.

Turning his attention away, Shinji continued eating his bento. While Danzo might not act openly, Shinji realized the importance of quickly improving his strength.

After finishing his meal, he focused on practicing 'Water Breathing'. Pranayama was about unlocking the body's potential. 'Water Breathing' was one of the basic techniques, less powerful than 'Sun Breathing' or 'Moon Breathing' but greatly enhancing the body.

In the world of Ghost Slayer, mortal swordsmen relied on these techniques to combat infinitely regenerating ghosts. Shinji had an affinity for 'Water Breathing' due to the memories of numerous swordsmen who had practiced it.

After several attempts, he began to sense the airflow's rhythm. His heart and lungs seemed to sync with a certain cadence, though different from normal breathing. Quickly, he felt his lungs tighten and his breathing and heartbeat accelerate, disrupting the rhythm.

Stopping the technique, Shinji reflected on what he had learned from the swordsmen's memories. Normally, it took a month of practice to grasp the rhythm; even the best, like Sato, took days. Shinji's advantage lay in having experienced it multiple times in his mind.

However, mastering the rhythm was just the beginning. The key lay in developing his body's functions to sustain it. Skills could ease the learning curve but not expedite the cultivation process. Shinji realized he needed time to synchronize all his body's organs with the breathing technique.

"I need to keep practicing to master the basic concentration level," Shinji resolved.

Time passed quickly, two weeks slipping by unnoticed. During this period, there were no further strange incidents, easing Shinji's mind somewhat. Yet he remained vigilant, determined to strengthen himself.

After rejecting Danzo's offer, Shinji accepted Haku's partnership for training. Haku, his classmate and neighbor, ensured their training wouldn't arouse suspicion. Together, they rapidly improved Shinji's weak physical skills over two weeks of rigorous training.

Meanwhile, on the other side of the village, Sasuke finally woke from a twenty-day coma in the hospital.

Initially refusing to believe the Uchiha clan's annihilation, he wandered alone through their abandoned compound in the rain, numb with shock.

"Why?" Sasuke murmured, moving like a puppet, his expression vacant and directionless.

In a single night, his world had shattered. He had gone from the privileged son of Konoha's wealthiest family to a helpless orphan, betrayed by his own brother.

The realization that Itachi was responsible for this devastation left Sasuke despondent. His once cheerful demeanor had turned bleak and withdrawn.

Shinji quietly observed Sasuke's situation. Discovering that Sasuke was housed not in their usual apartments but near the ANBU headquarters, Shinji realized the village was keeping a close watch on him.

This cautious approach was understandable. Before defecting, Itachi had warned Sandai and Danzo that any harm to Sasuke would lead to the exposure of Konoha's top secrets.

Aware of this surveillance, Shinji deliberately distanced himself from Sasuke, feigning disinterest to avoid drawing attention.

End of chapter.