Chaoter 12 : Building the Path Forward

Haruto Takeda sat quietly by the river, watching the steady flow of water with a calm, calculating expression. The sunlight filtered through the trees, casting soft shadows on the ground around him. To any passerby, he would seem like just another child enjoying a quiet moment by the riverbank. But inside his mind, plans, strategies, and goals spun through his thoughts in rapid succession. He wasn't here to play—he was here to think, to map out his future.

He had three years before he could apply to the Ninja Academy, and while that might seem like an eternity for a normal child, for Haruto, it wasn't enough time at all. He knew what was coming. He knew how dangerous this world would become, and if he wanted to survive, he needed to make the most of every second.

This wasn't just about being strong enough to get into the academy. This was about being prepared to face the challenges that would come once he was inside—and after. Haruto had lived a different life before, one grounded in a world where limits were clearly defined, where training had boundaries that only few could break. But this was not his old world. Here, the laws of physics bent to chakra, and children barely over ten could fight with the strength and skill of grown men.

He remembered watching episodes of the anime, where kids like Itachi Uchiha became prodigies before they even reached adolescence. He hadn't seen Itachi in person yet, but if half of what the stories in the show were true, the reality of this world would be even more brutal. Shinobi like Itachi weren't anomalies; they were proof that the limits in this world were unknown—and Haruto intended to find them.

He didn't know where his own limits lay, but he was determined to push until he discovered them. If Itachi could surpass adults at such a young age, then there was no reason Haruto couldn't carve his own path toward greatness, even if it meant starting from the shadows.

Step One: Physical Conditioning

Haruto knew the importance of a strong body. In his previous life as a martial artist, he had learned that without a solid physical foundation, everything else would crumble. No matter how sharp your mind or how skilled your techniques, if your body couldn't keep up, you were finished.

His first priority, then, was to continue improving his physical strength and endurance. The system's rewards had already given him an edge, especially with his Improved Physical Control and Dexterity Increase. But those boosts weren't enough on their own. He needed to maintain and build upon them with rigorous, consistent training.

Each day, Haruto would wake up early—earlier than the other children—and begin his routine. Crawling had long since turned into running, and now his small legs carried him around the orphanage grounds in the early hours, long before anyone else was awake. He practiced balance, reflexes, and agility, hiding his true abilities from the caregivers and other children whenever they were around. He couldn't afford to stand out just yet.

He planned to start incorporating more strength-building exercises. Even without access to weights or formal equipment, Haruto could find ways to work his muscles. He could use his own body weight—push-ups, squats, and other simple exercises. And when he was strong enough, he would climb trees, using the branches to further develop his grip strength and coordination.

He had to be careful, though. If anyone saw him doing things that no normal three-year-old should be able to do, it would raise too many questions. So, Haruto trained in secret, pushing his body to the limits while hiding his true progress from everyone around him.

Step Two: Chakra Training

One of the most important aspects of his future success would be his ability to use chakra. Haruto had already begun working on sensing it, and his third system reward, Chakra Sensitivity, had given him the boost he needed to feel the faint flow of chakra within himself. But that was only the beginning.

Over the next three years, Haruto would focus on improving his chakra control. He had seen enough of the anime to understand that chakra control was difficult for even the most experienced shinobi, let alone a child. But that just meant he had to start early—earlier than most.

To start, he would need to meditate regularly, focusing on the energy within him. The system had enhanced his sensitivity, but now he needed to refine his control. He would focus on gathering chakra, learning how to mold it, how to balance the physical and spiritual energies within his body. For now, it would be small amounts, just enough to begin learning how to move chakra through his pathways without losing control.

The next step would be working on chakra exercises—though the classic leaf-balancing exercise wouldn't come until he had access to proper shinobi training at the academy, Haruto planned to mimic basic control techniques with small objects, training his focus and discipline.

But above all, he needed to avoid overextending himself. His body, though enhanced by his own efforts and the system's rewards, was still that of a child. Pushing too far too fast could cause serious harm, and Haruto had no intention of crippling himself before his journey had even begun.

Step Three: Mental and Tactical Growth

A strong body and chakra control were essential, but Haruto knew that intelligence would be his greatest asset. The system's Cognitive Sharpness reward had made a huge difference, allowing him to process information faster and more efficiently. But that didn't mean he could afford to rest on his laurels.

The next three years would be about expanding his knowledge and tactical understanding. He would continue to learn the language, immersing himself in the conversations of the caregivers and other children. Haruto had already made significant progress in understanding spoken Japanese, but he needed to master the language fully if he wanted to blend in seamlessly at the academy.

Beyond language, Haruto also planned to learn as much as he could about the world around him. He would listen to the stories the older children told, pick up on conversations the adults had about the village, and try to learn more about the history of Konoha. Every scrap of information could be useful.

He also wanted to learn about tactics and strategy. Combat in this world wasn't just about strength or skill—it was about using your mind. Haruto had seen too many fighters in his previous life rely solely on brute force, only to be defeated by someone more cunning. He wouldn't make that mistake. Every situation, every fight, had to be approached with a clear plan, a strategy that would allow him to win not just with power but with intelligence.

Step Four: Social Awareness and Blending In

One of Haruto's biggest concerns was staying under the radar. He knew that standing out too much could draw attention—attention that he wasn't ready for. The last thing he wanted was for people to start questioning how a three-year-old could have the strength, coordination, and intelligence that he did.

To that end, Haruto's plan was to blend in as much as possible while continuing to develop in secret. He would act like the other children, babbling when necessary, stumbling over his words, pretending to struggle with things that were easy for him. It was exhausting at times, but Haruto knew that deception was part of survival.

At the same time, Haruto planned to carefully observe the people around him. He needed to learn who he could trust, who he could rely on in the future. While comrades were essential, Haruto believed deeply that for every one person you could trust, there were ninety-nine you couldn't. He had seen too much betrayal in his past life to think otherwise.

But trust was still important, and when he found those rare few who were worth trusting, he would hold on to them tightly. The Will of Fire—that idealistic belief in protecting the village's future—might seem noble, but Haruto knew that it often came at the expense of the weak. He wouldn't let himself be one of the weak. But he also wouldn't ignore the importance of finding those who could stand by him when it mattered.

Step Five: The Academy Entrance Plan

Haruto's ultimate goal for the next three years was simple: get into the Ninja Academy and stay there until he was twelve. He had no desire to rush through the curriculum and graduate early like some of the prodigies. He had seen it before—children pushed too quickly, their bodies and minds not yet ready for the harsh reality of being a shinobi.

Instead, Haruto wanted to use the full six years at the academy to his advantage. It wasn't about graduating early—it was about graduating prepared. The academy would give him access to formal training, better resources, and most importantly, time to hone his skills. He would learn everything he could, train harder than anyone else, and ensure that by the time he graduated, he would be a force to be reckoned with.

Six years was the perfect amount of time to build a solid foundation in taijutsu, ninjutsu, and chakra control. It was a safe environment where he could push himself without the immediate threat of life-and-death battles.

Looking Ahead

Haruto's three-year plan was ambitious, but he knew that if he stuck to it, he could achieve everything he needed to by the time he entered the academy. It wasn't going to be easy, and there were sure to be challenges along the way. But Haruto had lived a life of perseverance before, and he wasn't about to give up now.

The clock was ticking, and Haruto was ready to make the most of every second. The world of shinobi was dangerous, unforgiving, and full of hidden traps. But Haruto had a plan.

And when the time came, he would be ready.