Chapter 4

Kaito's young life in Konoha was centered around a singular purpose: training. With limited access to resources and no formal ninjutsu or genjutsu instruction yet, he threw himself entirely into taijutsu, knowing it would give him an edge when he joined the Academy. His determination was relentless, and his maxed-out hidden attributes—especially Will, Vitality, and Constitution—fueled him to go beyond what most children his age would even think possible.

In the early mornings, as the sun began to rise, Kaito could be found outside, moving through rigorous drills. Each session began with sprints across the training field to build speed and stamina, followed by jumping exercises to improve his agility. His small body struggled, muscles burning, but he pushed through, gritting his teeth with each step.

After conditioning, he focused on precision drills: striking the air, punching tree trunks, and kicking stones, aiming for power and control. Over time, he could feel his movements growing faster and sharper. His young fists and feet developed resilience, leaving faint marks on tree bark that he couldn't have achieved just a few months earlier.

In addition to his physical routine, Kaito started training with small weights tied around his wrists and ankles, improvised with stones. They were light but effective, increasing his endurance and making his movements quicker and more fluid. He had no mentor, but he relied on the taijutsu basics he remembered from the anime, adapting them as best he could. This intense daily routine was shaping him, and the progress showed in his status screen.

Status Screen

Name: Kaito

Age: 5 years

Strength: 8

Intelligence: 4

Wisdom: 5

Dexterity: 7

Constitution: 7

Chakra: 0.1 K.U. (10% of Kakashi's Chakra)

Taijutsu Skill: Basic Taijutsu (Low Genin level)

Battle Power: 15

Kaito's battle power was just beginning to edge into low Genin level. This was a promising start, especially for someone without formal training or clan support. He had managed to reach a Basic Taijutsu level, putting him on par with an average Academy student.

The seasons passed, and as winter approached, Konoha's streets filled with the chilly bite of cold air. Kaito's training continued, though the brisk winter mornings tested his endurance further. His breaths turned to fog in the morning light, and his joints ached, but he refused to let the cold slow him down. The early-morning solitude sharpened his focus, and he used the quiet of winter to mentally prepare himself for what lay ahead at the Academy.

One frosty afternoon, Kaito was returning from training when he spotted a familiar scene near a snowy village street. A small group of boys had surrounded a young girl, jeering and pushing her. Her downcast eyes, pale complexion, and the faint tremor in her shoulders confirmed Kaito's suspicions: she was Hinata Hyuga, the shy Byakugan heiress.

Kaito felt a surge of anger. Though he knew Naruto had defended Hinata in the anime, he was here now—and he was not about to let this opportunity slip by. His training had prepared him for moments like these.

"Hey!" Kaito's voice rang out, cutting through the cold air. "Leave her alone!"

The boys paused, momentarily startled, before breaking into mocking laughter. "Oh yeah? And what's a kid like you gonna do about it?" one of the bigger boys sneered, stepping forward.

Kaito met the boy's gaze, eyes sharp and steady. "I'll give you one chance to back off. Or I'll make you."

With a growl, the larger boy charged forward, swinging a clumsy punch. Kaito's instincts, honed through months of training, took over. He sidestepped smoothly, grabbing the boy's arm and pulling him off balance, then delivered a controlled but firm punch to his side. The boy stumbled back, breathless and shocked.

The others hesitated, but Kaito's resolve didn't waver. He quickly stepped in, his fists and feet striking with precision as he dispatched each one with practiced efficiency. His training in taijutsu had prepared him well, and though he wasn't using advanced techniques, his strength, speed, and control were leagues above theirs.

The boys finally retreated, muttering under their breaths. Kaito dusted off his hands, turning to find Hinata watching him with wide, astonished eyes.

"Are you okay?" he asked, his voice gentle, though his heart was still racing.

Hinata nodded, a soft blush coloring her cheeks. "Th-Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely above a whisper. The gratitude in her pale eyes touched something in him, and he felt his earlier anger melting away.

"Don't mention it," he replied with a small smile. "If they bother you again, I'll be here."

Her face brightened slightly, and for a moment, she looked as if she wanted to say more. Instead, she simply nodded, clutching her hands shyly as they stood together in the cold. Finally, she looked up at him. "Would you… like to walk with me?"

Kaito smiled, nodding as they set off side by side. Though they walked in silence, Kaito felt a warmth in his chest, something different from the pride he usually felt after a successful training session. He hadn't just protected someone—he'd made a connection.

That night, as he lay in bed, Kaito reflected on his encounter with Hinata. His training was showing results not only in his combat ability but in his ability to protect others—a key part of his mission in this life. He had altered a small piece of the story, creating a bond with Hinata that he knew would grow.

The winter air seemed to invigorate him, and he resolved to intensify his training even further, especially with the Academy approaching. He knew he'd need to increase his taijutsu skill level if he wanted to stand out. Currently, he was only at a low Genin level, but he set his sights on achieving Intermediate Taijutsu by the time he entered the Academy.

He also needed to improve his battle power, aiming to bring it up to at least 30, pushing him toward mid-Genin level. To do this, he planned to add more advanced exercises, including balance drills and more precise control techniques, to strengthen his body and mind. He even considered finding some basic weapons, like a wooden staff, to further hone his coordination.

Status Screen

Name: Kaito

Age: 5 years

Strength: 8

Intelligence: 4

Wisdom: 5

Dexterity: 7

Constitution: 7

Chakra: 0.1 K.U. (10% of Kakashi's Chakra)

Taijutsu Skill: Basic Taijutsu (Low Genin level)

Battle Power: 20

Kaito's battle power had grown, reflecting his increased combat proficiency and physical condition. His chakra reserves remained stable but would likely expand as his body continued to mature and as he trained in the Academy. He noted his stats carefully, mentally setting goals for each attribute.

Kaito closed his eyes, the image of Hinata's soft smile lingering in his mind. He had protected her today, and he felt certain this wouldn't be the last time he did. The Academy was fast approaching, and he was more determined than ever to make an impact.

His hard work was paying off, and with his growing taijutsu skills, he was preparing himself for a path that would set him apart. In the snowy streets of Konoha, he had begun forming bonds that would shape his future, and with each passing day, he was getting closer to becoming the shinobi he aspired to be.

This was only the beginning, but Kaito was ready to face every challenge ahead.