Chakra Control

After eight hours of restful sleep, Kibishi slowly opened his eyes. Without wasting a moment, he crossed his legs and began his morning meditation.

I've been too focused on the uncertainties of the future, he reflected, closing his eyes and controlling his breathing. I need to prioritize building my inner strength first. Knowledge alone won't save me—without power, I'm nothing but cannon fodder.

He had learned the importance of meditation early on, recognizing how it could sharpen his concentration and clarity in battle. More than that, it heightened his perception, allowing him to anticipate his opponents' movements. Two hours passed as he remained in deep focus, lost in his practice.

"Kibishi, your meal is ready. We'll start your training as soon as your grandfather arrives," Kirina called out from the dining area. When Kibishi didn't respond, she went to his room. Opening the door, she was captivated by the sight before her.

"Shinobi's Tranquility!" she whispered in awe.

Shinobi's Tranquility was a state of heightened focus achieved through meditation, where external distractions became non-existent. Reaching this stage meant deep concentration and an absorption that led to inner peace and mental clarity. It was a rare state, even among experienced shinobi.

"He's only a beginner, but considering his age, this is remarkable," Kirina mused. "Many shinobi never reach this level in their entire lives."

Five hours passed since Kibishi began his meditation. When he finally stirred, his stomach growled. "Why am I so hungry?" he muttered.

"You've awakened at last," Kirina remarked from the doorway, smiling. "You entered Shinobi's Tranquility during your meditation, and it's been two hours since I first called you. You must be starving by now—it's nearly lunchtime."

Kibishi blinked in surprise. Did I really achieve Shinobi's Tranquility? His mind raced. As far as I know, only Jiraiya and Naruto managed to reach that level during their training with the toads. Maybe others have done it too, but this feels unreal.

Just then, his stomach let out another loud growl, causing him to flush with embarrassment. Kirina laughed, her eyes crinkling with amusement.

"Let's eat now before you pass out from hunger," she said, motioning for him to follow.

After finishing their meal, Kirina reminded him, "Your grandfather will be home in an hour or two. You can continue your training while you wait."

Kibishi nodded and made his way to the backyard. Picking up a leaf, he placed it on his forehead, ready to push his limits again.

"Let's see how long I can hold this leaf in place," he muttered, focusing his chakra. Time ticked by—one minute, two minutes, then ten, thirty, and finally an hour. He managed to maintain the leaf for a full sixty minutes before deciding to push further.

"Let's try balancing two leaves now," he challenged himself, picking up another leaf and placing it on his palm.

He concentrated on the second leaf, but the one on his forehead wavered. I'm focusing too much on one leaf. I need to find balance, he realized.

After several failed attempts, he finally succeeded. Both leaves remained balanced as he controlled his chakra flow with precision. He held them for as long as he wanted, a wide grin spreading across his face.

"I did it!" Kibishi exclaimed, excitement bubbling within him. "It only took two days."

Now, he was ready for the next step. "Time to practice wall climbing," he said, eyeing the wall before him. "Wall walking is all about applying chakra to your feet to cling to vertical surfaces. It'll improve my chakra control and give me the edge I need for stealth and maneuverability."

Just as he was about to begin, a slow clap echoed from behind him. Kibishi turned to see his grandfather, Bishiro, smiling proudly.

"Such intelligence at such a young age," Bishiro remarked, his voice filled with admiration.

"How long have you been watching, Grandpa?" Kibishi asked, surprised.

"I've been here for about an hour and a half, watching you train," Bishiro replied with a knowing smile.

Kibishi's eyes widened. "Why didn't you call me earlier? You didn't need to wait so long, Grandpa. I'm sorry for keeping you."

"No need to apologize, Kibishi," Bishiro reassured him. "I wanted to see your progress firsthand. It's clear that you've been working hard on your chakra control."

Kibishi nodded, humbled by his grandfather's praise. "Yes, Grandpa. I've been practicing diligently. I want to be a strong shinobi, like you, Grandma, and Mother."

Acting like a kid is harder than I thought, he grumbled internally.

Bishiro placed a hand on Kibishi's shoulder. "I have no doubt you'll achieve great things, Kibishi. Your hard work is already paying off, and with your dedication, you'll go far."

Kibishi felt his resolve strengthen further. "Thank you, Grandpa. I won't let you down. I'll keep working hard and become the best shinobi I can be."

Bishiro nodded, approval shining in his eyes. "That's the right attitude. Remember, true strength comes from both your body and your mind. Keep cultivating your inner strength."

With renewed determination, Kibishi faced the wall again. He focused his chakra into his feet and hands, breathing deeply to steady himself.

Here we go, he thought, launching himself at the wall. His hands and feet stuck to the surface as he began scaling it.

He could feel the thrill of progress with every step, pushing himself higher and testing the limits of his chakra control. Bishiro watched from below, his chest swelling with pride. This boy is something special, he thought.

Reaching the top of the wall, Kibishi looked down at his grandfather, a triumphant grin on his face. "I did it!" he called out, his heart racing with exhilaration.

I can't believe I did it on the first try, he thought. That meditation really helped.

Bishiro's voice rang with pride as he clapped. "Well done, Kibishi! You've mastered yet another skill on your first try. Your progress is truly remarkable. Your mother will be so proud when she sees this."

Kibishi beamed. This is the kind of progress I need to keep up.

He felt a deep sense of gratitude for the new family he had in this world. As he climbed down, he and Bishiro made their way back to the house.

"Take a bath, and then come back here when you're done," Bishiro instructed with a kind smile.

Before Kibishi could head to his room, a question lingered in his mind. Turning back to his grandfather, he asked, "Grandpa... who is my father?"

In that moment, Kibishi's eyes tingled, and the world around him seemed to slow. A single tomoe appeared in his left eye, spinning slowly within the scarlet depths of his Sharingan. The awakening of the Sharingan brought with it a chilling glow, and Kibishi could feel its power rising within him.

Bishiro's face darkened as he looked at his grandson, sensing the gravity of the question. "That is a story for another time, Kibishi," he said softly, his voice tinged with both sorrow and pride.

Kibishi's gaze never wavered, the single tomoe in his Sharingan gleaming ominously.