Chapter 16: The Fall of the Uzumaki

As the weeks passed, Kushina settled into the group, her bold energy and blunt humor lighting up every conversation. While she clashed with Hikaru's teasing from time to time, she'd quickly become close with everyone. One person in particular seemed a little more attentive than usual—Minato.

Hikaru, with his knack for picking up on details others missed, had noticed how Minato's voice softened just slightly when he spoke to her, how he often found ways to be nearby without making it obvious. One day, when the two were hanging back from the others, Hikaru couldn't resist.

"Minato, you seem… invested in our new friend," Hikaru said, an innocent smile creeping onto his face.

"What? No—I mean, she's… interesting, right?" Minato stammered, trying to hide his smile and failing.

"Interesting, huh? I can practically feel your cheeks burning," Hikaru teased. "Do you think she noticed yet?"

"Hikaru," Minato warned, flustered. "It's not like that. Besides, I think she'd punch me if she even guessed."

"True," Hikaru chuckled, "but that just makes it all the more fun for you, doesn't it?"

Minato tried to cover his face, laughing despite himself. "You're impossible, you know that?"

"Just looking out for my friend," Hikaru said innocently, patting him on the back.

A few days later, the Academy gathered the students together for an important announcement. Their instructor stood at the front, arms crossed, waiting for the murmurs to die down. When the room finally fell silent, he spoke.

"Starting next week, we'll be practicing ninjutsu in earnest," he announced, his voice carrying across the room. "Each of you will have a chance to demonstrate the basics and begin honing your chakra techniques."

The class buzzed with excitement, and Raiden's voice rose above the others, barely able to contain himself. "Yes! Finally, some real training!" His eyes gleamed with a fierce enthusiasm that was unmistakable, fists clenched as if he were already picturing himself performing jutsu.

Kushina, sitting nearby, shared in the excitement. "Perfect! I'm going to show everyone what I can do!"

Hikaru managed a small smile and leaned over to her. "Guess you'll be teaching me a thing or two, huh?"

Kushina snorted, elbowing him. "You bet, Mr. Blind Seer."

While his friends eagerly discussed their plans, Hikaru's thoughts drifted elsewhere. Ninjutsu practice meant displaying their abilities in front of everyone, and he knew he'd need to tread carefully to keep his secret safe. He couldn't risk others discovering his struggles with conventional ninjutsu. His heart pounded with concern, but he kept his face calm, masking his worries behind his usual light-hearted facade.

The excitement continued to ripple through his friends, with Raiden practically bouncing in his seat. Meanwhile, Hikaru silently planned how he'd get through this practice unnoticed.

"To use any ninjutsu... I'll need to stop Chakra Recycling," Hikaru reasoned. "But that means I won't have my shadow senses to rely on, at least not for very long."

The realization is frustrating. His shadow senses have always been his primary means of "seeing," but they come at a cost. He knows he'll have to balance his abilities, giving up Chakra Recycling whenever he attempts ninjutsu.

He thought about his new ability, Chakra Vision, and how it could prove invaluable in the coming days. While he knew he wouldn't be able to use it in conjunction with ninjutsu due to the restrictions of chakra recycling, the potential it held was undeniable. He could learn how to use ninjutsu quickly and effectively with it.

Hikaru recalled the details of Chakra Vision:

Description:

Chakra Vision is an upgraded technique of chakra recycling that allows him to sense the chakra of others through their shadows. By channeling chakra from his body into his own shadow and then to the surrounding shadows, he can detect and analyze chakra signatures within a limited radius. This ability enhances his situational awareness, making him a more effective shinobi.

Strengths:

Enhanced Detection: The technique enables him to sense chakra within a small radius around him, also allowing him to perceive the chakra signatures of individuals nearby. This provides insight into their strengths, weaknesses, and conditions.

Complement to Shadow Senses: Chakra Vision works alongside his Shadow Senses, providing him with a more comprehensive understanding of his environment and making it easier to navigate complex situations.

Byakugan and Sharingan Similarity: The ability shares similarities with the Byakugan, offering a 360° view and the capacity to see chakra pathways and points. Combined with his enhanced physical senses from chakra recycling and his perfect memory, it aids him in reading movements, seeing through jutsu, and even copying jutsu like the Sharingan.

Weaknesses:

Limited Range: The radius of Chakra Vision is restricted to about 15 meters around him, limiting its effectiveness against distant enemies.

Requires Concentration: The technique demands significant focus and chakra, making it challenging to maintain during intense combat situations, especially since he is still learning to control it.

Chakra Depletion: Prolonged use can quickly deplete his chakra reserves, preventing him from relying on it for extended periods.

Can't Use Ninjutsu: Similar to chakra recycling, he is unable to use ninjutsu while activating Chakra Vision, which may limit his options in combat.

While thinking of his new ability, he glanced at his friends, noting their excitement, but only Hanako seemed to notice his struggle. She sat next to him, her vibrant personality a stark contrast to his internal turmoil.

"Hey, Hikaru," she said, nudging him playfully. "You look like you're trying to solve a puzzle with missing pieces. What's up? Please tell me you aren't planning a new prank on Kushina, because she will kill you, you know!!"

Hikaru couldn't help but smirk at her teasing. "More like trying to figure out how to see without actually seeing. It's a bit complicated."

"Complicated? You're telling me that after all this time, you still can't see that I'm the best-looking one in this group?" Hanako joked, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Come on, lighten up! You've got your shadow tricks. You should just be grateful you don't have to deal with my hair all day!"

Hanako chuckled, appreciating her attempt to lift his spirits. Despite her joking demeanor, he could sense her genuine concern.

Hikaru grinned, leaning into the playful banter. "Dazzling hair? I didn't even notice you had any at all!"

Hanako burst out laughing. "Well, I actually don't! But I'd appreciate it if you'd gift me some of yours." She suddenly produced a pair of scissors from seemingly nowhere, holding them up with a mischievous glint in her eyes.

Although Hikaru couldn't see but he could practically feel her evil smile, and it sent a shiver down his spine. "Wait, where did you even get those?" he asked, his tone a mix of confusion and alarm.

"Let's just say I'm full of surprises!" she replied, her laughter ringing out like music.

He shook his head, realizing he needed to escape.

And with that, he bolted away, laughter trailing behind him as Hanako chased after him, her playful spirit lighting up the academy.

Hikaru found himself reflecting on the past months spent with his friends. Among them, Hanako Amari stood out, not just as a teammate but as someone who had become incredibly close to him, second only to Shikaku in their group. Unlike Minato, who had faced the hardships of being an orphan, Hanako came from a civilian family that specialized in selling medicinal herbs.

Though she might not have been as naturally talented as Minato, Hanako's determination to become a medical ninja like Tsunade was unwavering. Her relentless work inspired Hikaru, who admired her for pushing through challenges with resilience and grit.

Their bond deepened over shared mischief and laughter. Hanako's sense of humor matched Hikaru's own, and she was always ready to join in and assets on his pranks, turning the academy into much funnier place. The two of them had built a camaraderie that made the academy feel like a second home, their evil laughter echoing through the halls terrorizing the rest of the students and even teacher as they plotted their next move.

As Hikaru stepped out of the academy, a strange aura of panic washed over him. The laughter and chatter that usually filled the streets of Konoha were replaced by a heavy silence, the air thick with tension. It reminded him of the early days of the Second Shinobi World War, but this felt different—more urgent, more terrifying.

Activating his shadow senses, he pushed them to their limits, extending his perception across the village. Shadows danced erratically around him, and he could feel the constant movement of shinobi rushing about, their urgency unmistakable. It was as if they were delivering some crucial news that set them on edge.

As he scanned the area, his heart raced. Something was wrong. He could sense the anxiety rippling through the crowd, the way people avoided eye contact as they hurried past one another.

Then, like a sudden jolt, the realization hit him. His breath caught in his throat as the words echoed in his mind.

One of the oldest clans in the world and Konoha's closest ally,

The Uzumaki clan, has been destroyed.

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The academy arc is about to end, hope you liked it

I am trying to lower the use of AI while writing as it can make the story boring, but I will not stop using it, if that's an issue for you don't read it.

Thank you DaoistFierce, TuftyMuffin9530, Sora_Tsuna, ElGaturro, Awanantara, evildaoist, Ph4ve, Walter_Jones, xDark_Legend, TuftyMuffin9530, YutaSatoru, Silas_Savitar_ and myself for your Power stones