Chapter 58: Solo Leveling

It had been a week since Ryu was discharged from the hospital, and the early morning sun cast a warm glow through the paper screens of the traditional Japanese home. The light illuminated the tatami-covered floor where Ryu Hamura sat cross-legged, his bright, eager eyes fixed on his adoptive grandfather, Dan, who sat across from him with a serene expression. The room was peaceful, filled with the soft chirping of birds outside and the gentle rustling of leaves in the breeze.

Ryu's small fingers fidgeted with the hem of his shirt, betraying his excitement. He had been waiting for days to ask this question, and now that the moment had finally arrived, he could barely contain himself. Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves, he spoke.

"Grandfather," Ryu began, his voice tinged with a mixture of anticipation and nervousness. "I've been wondering about the entrance exam for the Leaf Ninja Academy, and I want to start training as soon as possible so I can pass. Can you tell me about the skills they evaluate?"

Dan's weathered face creased into a thoughtful smile. He stroked his silver beard, his eyes twinkling with memories of his own youth. The old man took a moment to gather his thoughts before responding, knowing how important this information would be to his young grandson.

"Ah, the academy entrance exam," Dan said, his voice carrying the weight of experience. "It's quite a comprehensive test, designed to assess various aspects of a potential ninja's abilities."

Ryu leaned forward, hanging on every word. Dan continued, his tone becoming more serious as he delved into the details.

"The main components are a physical test, which evaluates your strength, speed, and endurance. After that, there's a shuriken-jutsu and kunai-throwing test to gauge your weapon skills and accuracy. You'll be ranked on accuracy at both close and long ranges. There's also a chakra test to assess your ninjutsu potential."

Ryu's eyes widened, a mixture of excitement and apprehension swirling within them. "That sounds intense," he murmured, his mind already racing with thoughts of preparation.

Dan nodded, a gentle smile on his wrinkled face. "It is, indeed. But it's necessary to ensure only the most capable and dedicated students enter the academy. Remember, Ryu, it's admirable to pursue your dreams, but don't get ahead of yourself."

Ryu's brow furrowed, confusion evident in his expression. "What do you mean, Grandfather?"

Dan's expression turned serious, his eyes filled with both concern and encouragement. "To be frank, my boy, you're still too weak to even finish the test run and physical evaluation. The entrance test is in six months, and you should focus on improving your physique first and foremost."

Ryu's shoulders slumped slightly, the weight of reality settling in. He took a deep breath, steeling his resolve. "I understand," he said, his voice filled with determination. "I'll work hard to get stronger."

Dan smiled approvingly, nodding at his grandson's resolve. "That's the attitude."

"I'm going to give it my all these next six months," Ryu muttered under his breath, his fists clenching with newfound determination. "Grandpa believes in me, so I can't let him down. First, I'll run through the village to build endurance. Then I'll practice my throwing accuracy on the training grounds."

Dan chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You've got it all planned out, huh?"

Ryu grinned, his excitement bubbling over. "Of course! I've been thinking about it for days."

Dan's eyes softened. "Just remember, Ryu, it's not about rushing. It's about steady progress. You'll get there."

Ryu nodded, though his mind was already racing ahead. "I know, but I want to be ready. I want to be strong enough to pass the exam with flying colours."

Dan's smile widened. "You remind me of myself at your age. Always eager, always pushing forward."

Ryu's eyes lit up at the opportunity to ask something that had been on his mind for weeks. "Actually, I've been wondering... what kind of ninja were you when you were active, Grandfather?

Then Ryu's eyes lit up at the question. He had been pondering this very topic for weeks. "Actually, I've been wondering about what kind of ninja were you when you were active, Grandfather?"

Dan chuckled, a faraway look in his eyes. "I was a Fuinjutsu specialist," he said, his voice tinged with nostalgia. "I studied under Mito Uzumaki, the wife of the First Hokage, when I was assigned as her guard."

"Wow!" Ryu exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe. He could hardly believe his grandfather had such an impressive background. "That's amazing! Will you teach me Fuinjutsu?"

Dan's expression turned thoughtful. He remained silent for a moment, considering his words carefully. Inwardly, he marvelled at Ryu's potential. "Fuinjutsu is too advanced for most," he thought, "but Ryu... his intelligence is remarkable, and his memory is impeccable. He could learn it faster than anyone I've seen. But it's still too soon for Fuinjutsu. He needs time and focus of the basics."

Finally, Dan spoke, his voice gentle but firm. "Fuinjutsu is an advanced art, Ryu. It's typically beyond the capabilities of most young ninjas."

Ryu's face fell slightly, but Dan quickly added, "However, you're exceptionally bright, and your memory is remarkable. I believe you have the potential to learn it faster than most. But even so, it's too soon. We need to wait until you're ready."

Ryu nodded, understanding the wisdom in his grandfather's words. His curiosity, however, was far from satisfied. "Can you tell me about your own academic days, then?"

Dan leaned back, a wistful smile on his face. "Ah, well, I didn't attend any academy myself. Those were different times. The academy was started by the Second Hokage a few years before his death, and by then, I was already a teenager assigned to Mito Uzumaki."

"Really?" Ryu asked, fascinated by this glimpse into the past.

"Indeed," Dan continued, his voice taking on a storyteller's cadence. "Back in those days, every Hamura clan member assigned to a Senju learnt under them and remained with them for their entire lives, until retirement or, well, until the end."

Ryu's eyes sparkled with curiosity. "So, you were with Mito Uzumaki for your whole career?"

Dan nodded. "Yes. She was a remarkable woman. Strong, wise, and kind. I learnt a lot from her."

Ryu leaned forward, eager for more. "What was she like? Was she strong?"

Dan laughed. "Stronger. She had a presence that could calm a storm or summon one, depending on her mood. Not only me, she also taught the Second Hokage. Half of the jutsu he developed is only possible because of things she taught him."

Ryu grinned. "Sounds like someone I'd want to meet."

Dan's eyes twinkled. "You would've liked her. She had a way of making everyone feel important, no matter their rank or skill."

As evening approached, Ryu helped Dan prepare dinner. The kitchen was filled with the warm glow of the setting sun, casting long shadows across the wooden floor. To Dan's surprise, Ryu suggested a dish he had never heard of before.

"Where did you learn about this recipe?" Dan asked, eyeing the unfamiliar ingredients laid out on the kitchen counter.

Ryu frozen for a moment, realising he had nearly slipped up. The recipe was from memories of his past life—something he had kept secret. "Oh, I... I read about it in a book," he lied smoothly, hoping his grandfather wouldn't press further.

Dan raised an eyebrow but didn't question it. Together, they prepared the meal, filling the house with delicious aromas and laughter. As they worked side by side, Dan couldn't help but notice the deft way Ryu handled the ingredients, his small hands moving with surprising skill and confidence.

---

The next morning dawned bright and clear. Ryu stood in front of his mirror, adjusting his new tracksuit and tying the laces of his running shoes. His face was set with determination as he looked at his reflection, a fire burning in his eyes that spoke of his resolve to become stronger.

"It's time for solo levelling," he murmured to himself, the phrase surfacing from the depths of his mind. It felt oddly familiar, resonating within him, filling him with a sense of purpose and determination.

As he stepped outside, the cool morning air invigorating his senses, Ryu felt a surge of excitement. The world seemed full of possibilities, and though the path ahead was challenging, it was also filled with promise. He began stretching, his muscles warming up as he prepared for his first day of serious training.

As Ryu set off on his run, taking the first steps towards his dream of becoming a ninja, Dan made a silent vow to guide and protect his grandson. Whatever challenges lay ahead, and whatever secrets Ryu might be hiding, Dan would be there to support him.

"Let's go!" Ryu whispered to himself, his heart pounding with excitement.

The adventure had begun.

## Author's Note##

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