Chapter 9: Training Days (1)

“Today we should focus on taijutsu. Skill level in Taijutsu, Chakra control, and other disciplines are the only things that can give you an edge over a more powerful opponent.” Mukai began.

“I will only use Konoha’s standard taijutsu. I will not go over any forms with you, you will learn by doing, do you understand?” Mukai asked

“Yes, Teacher.” Shisui answered.

Mukai stood at the center of the courtyard. Opposite him, Shisui shifted his weight from one foot to the other, Trying to get his bearings under the added weight from the seals. his young face set in a mask of determination, eyes blazing with the fierce desire to surpass his limits.

Mukai began, his voice cutting through the morning chill, "Shisui, taijutsu isn't just about strength or speed. It's about understanding your body, predicting your opponent's moves, and using their force against them." Shisui nodded, absorbing every word.

"Today, we'll focus on the basics but refine them to perfection. You need to be like water—fluid yet powerful, adaptable yet unstoppable," Mukai continued. 

“This stance is the basis of all fighting you will do. It will allow you to respond to attack in an efficient manner.” demonstrating a stance that balanced perfectly between offense and defense. Mukai’s feet are spread shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent to lower the center of gravity, ensuring balance and quick movement. Arms are held forward, one slightly higher than the other, ready to block or strike

Shisui mirrored him, attempting to mimic the balance and poise. Mukai observed closely, then stepped forward, adjusting Shisui's arms, lowering his center of gravity, and correcting his footing. "Your foundation must be solid, Shisui. It's from here that your true strength will flow."

After Shisui’s stance was passable they stood opposite each other and readied themselves. “I will limit my speed and strength to what a good academy graduate should be at. You will be using level 1 of the weight seal. No, it will not be fair but life often isn't for a ninja.” Mukai waited for him to acknowledge.

“Here I come.”

{ Teacher’s Insight: Activated }

Mukai didn't hold back, pushing Shisui to his limits and beyond. They sparred, Mukai effortlessly dodging and countering Shisui's attacks, always a step ahead. As they went back and forth time seemed to slow whenever Shisui made a mistake, an overstep would have time slow and a glow be put on the foot. A misplaced jab would have an outline of where he was supposed to place it appear. It seemed his ability was at work.

"You're relying too much on your eyes, Shisui. In taijutsu, your body must 'see' as well. Feel the air shift, sense the movement of my chakra. Aim where you think im going, not where i am." Mukai instructed, his voice a steady force amidst their dance of combat.

Sweat poured from Shisui's brow as he launched another series of strikes, each one parried or dodged by Mukai. Yet, with each exchange, a subtle shift occurred within him. His movements began to flow more naturally, his attacks becoming more unpredictable, his senses sharpening.

Mukai smiled, sensing the change. "Good, Shisui! That's it! Now, let's elevate your training. Remember, the essence of taijutsu lies in your ability to adapt and transform."

“Be careful Shisui, you’ll get hurt if you slip now.”

Suddenly, something changed. Whereas before Mukai was dodging or blocking Shisuis attacks with pure speed. He now seemed to teleport. Every time Shisui’s fist or foot was about to strike Mukai. A tiny plume of smoke would appear and he would be an inch too far away or to either side. 

‘Tch. What is happening, what kind of jutsu is this.’ Shisui thought to himself. Shisui had snuck into training compounds to watch other chunin train plenty a time. But never had he seen one do this. 

Mukai was using the substitution jutsu. He had long mastered it and thus it was sealess. The only indication he was using it was the smoke that would appear as a byproduct. While they had been exchanging strikes in the beginning he had permeated the surrounding air with his chakra. Now whenever Shisui was close to hitting him, he would substitute himself with a bit of the surrounding air.

The courtyard echoed with the sounds of their confrontation, a testament to the bond forming between master and disciple—a bond forged in sweat, respect, and the unyielding pursuit of greatness.

As the session drew to a close, both teacher and student stood facing each other, chests heaving. "Your taijutsu has improved significantly today, Shisui. But this is just the beginning. To change the village, to fulfill your destiny, you must continue to push beyond your limits, to forge yourself into the ninja you are meant to be," Mukai said, placing a hand on Shisui's shoulder in a gesture of approval and challenge.

Shisui, panting and drenched in sweat, managed a weary yet determined smile. "Thank you, Teacher Mukai. I will not stop. For the clan, for the village, I will become stronger."

After the training session, Mukai and Shisui sat down, Shisui, catching his breath, couldn't hide his admiration and curiosity, "Teacher, your movements today... it was as if you were everywhere at once. How do you do it?"

"What you saw today is the result of mastering the Substitution Jutsu to its highest degree. It allows me to replace my position with objects or elements in the environment seamlessly, making it appear as though I'm teleporting." Mukai answered

Shisui's eyes widened, the gears turning in his head as he began to understand the depth of skill and control such a technique required. "That's incredible, Teacher. It's like you're bending the rules of the fight to your will."

Mukai nodded, "Exactly, Shisui. It's about using every tool at your disposal, understanding the environment, and, more importantly, understanding yourself. Today was just a glimpse. As you grow, you'll learn techniques that surpass even this, techniques that will define you as a ninja."

Mukai couldn't help but feel a surge of pride in his performance. In his mind, he replayed the moments of seamless substitution, the strategic maneuvers that had left Shisui in awe. ‘I must have looked quite cool,’ he thought, a smirk playing at the corners of his mouth. 

The satisfaction wasn't just from the display of skill, but from the anticipation of recognition from the system. "Surely, that display merits some kind of reward," he mused, eager for the system's acknowledgment of his ingenuity and prowess.

….no beep came

His face darkened instantly 

‘EHHH, whats up with this broken system?!’ He thought to himself. ‘Was that not an S Grade Training session? I showed him a new technique for crying out loud.’ 

Mukai lamented. 

He sighed, ‘Perhaps the system wont give a reward every single time.’ He looked over to Shisui as he was recovering from their training

—

Mukai walked over to his bag and pulled out some scrolls from within.

"Shisui," Mukai began, "the path to becoming the Uchiha Clan Head and changing the Village's opinion of our clan is not solely paved with mastering ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. It also demands exceptional physical prowess, stamina, and endurance. Your body must be as sharp as your mind."

Shisui listened intently, his eyes fixed on Mukai, understanding the gravity of his teacher's words.

"This," Mukai said, gesturing towards the scrolls, "is a physical training program I've devised for you. It's tailored to strengthen your body, enhance your agility, and build your stamina. You'll do this on weekdays."

He unrolled one of the scrolls, revealing a detailed regimen that included a variety of exercises: from basic push-ups and sit-ups to more complex agility drills and endurance runs. Each exercise was accompanied by illustrations and notes on proper form and technique to prevent injury.

"Your training will begin with a five-kilometer run each morning before school. It's designed to improve your cardiovascular health and endurance. Following that, you'll move on to strength training, focusing on your core, arms, and legs. These exercises will not only enhance your physical strength but also improve your chakra control," Mukai explained, his finger tracing the lines of text as he spoke.

He then pointed to another section of the scroll. "Here, we have agility drills. These will increase your speed and reflexes, crucial for dodging attacks and executing countermeasures against opponents. And finally, you'll end with meditation and chakra control exercises. While these may seem less physically demanding, they're vital for maintaining balance and focus, integrating your physical and spiritual energy."

Shisui absorbed every word, nodding in understanding. The program was rigorous, the fire in his eyes burned brighter with determination. "Teacher Mukai," Shisui said, his voice steady with resolve, "I understand the importance of this training. I will not falter. I will meet and exceed your expectations."

Mukai smiled, placing a hand on Shisui's shoulder. "I have no doubt you will, Shisui. Remember, the strength of your body amplifies the power of your techniques. This training will forge you into a ninja capable of enduring the most arduous battles and emerging victorious."