NOVEL NEXT Chapter 3: Knowledge is Power, a trip to library
Naruto walked through the quiet streets of Konoha toward the library, his mind set on his goal. If he was to understand and manipulate this new world, he needed information—on his village, on the surrounding lands, and, most importantly, on the techniques that would strengthen him.
The library stood tall and unassuming, with rows of shelves packed with scrolls and tomes detailing the hidden history and techniques of the shinobi world. Inside, a hush filled the air as a few students and shinobi silently read or studied at various desks.
Naruto moved toward the older woman behind the desk, her wrinkled face peering at him over thin glasses.
"What brings you here today, Naruto?" she asked kindly, a hint of caution in her voice.
"I need information on the village, the Land of Fire, and… jutsus," he replied, his voice steady but filled with curiosity.
The librarian raised an eyebrow, glancing at him with surprise. "Curiosity is good, but you should be careful with jutsus. You're still a student, after all." She pulled out several scrolls, each labeled with topics about the Land of Fire and its history, the structure of the shinobi world, and basic jutsus. "Start with these. And remember, advanced information aren't for beginners. No need to take unnecessary risks."
Naruto thanked her and took a seat at a nearby desk. As he unrolled the scrolls, he absorbed details about the Hidden Leaf Village—its founding, the First Hokage, the conflicts with other villages, and how Konoha was the most powerful of the Five Great Nations. He learned about the Land of Fire, its alliances and rivalries, and its unique resources that made it a target.
Then he came across information on the other villages: the Hidden Sand, the Hidden Mist, the Hidden Stone, and the Hidden Cloud. Each village had its own specialties and methods, and Naruto couldn't help but smirk at the hidden rivalries beneath the alliances.
When he felt satisfied, he returned to the desk and glanced back at the librarian. "Are there any techniques or jutsus for training?"
She raised an eyebrow, eyeing him carefully. "Very well. I'll give you some basics, but nothing advanced. Stick to these, alright?"
She passed him a few scrolls labeled Basic Leaf Control, Basic Chakra Control, and Basic Body Building Techniques.
The simple training scrolls reminded him of the cultivation world he once knew, where privileges were granted according to rank. Only inner disciples could access higher techniques, while outer disciples were limited to the basics.
It was a hierarchy based on strength, just as he was beginning to see here.
Naruto nodded, a small, knowing smirk on his face. "Thank you," he said, bowing politely before heading home with his new scrolls.
At Home
Once back at his modest apartment, Naruto unrolled the scrolls and examined each one.
The Basic Leaf Control was a simple exercise designed to help him focus his chakra into one point. He placed a leaf on his forehead and tried to channel his chakra to hold it there, but after a few minutes, it slid off. His chakra control was weak, an unfamiliar feeling that frustrated him, but he knew this was necessary for his plan.
Next, he opened the Basic Chakra Control scroll, which detailed how to enhance chakra flow through meditation and breathing exercises. As he sat cross-legged on the floor, he closed his eyes, focusing inward, feeling the energy pulsing through him. The demonic cultivator within him had once channeled demonic energy; now, he focused this energy into chakra, feeling its flow but also its resistance, as though his body was an unfamiliar vessel for it.
The final scroll, Basic Body Building Techniques, outlined exercises that would strengthen his muscles and improve agility. These would provide the foundation he needed to become stronger, faster, and deadlier.
The hours flew by as Naruto practiced each exercise, training his body and mind for the challenges ahead. With each attempt, he improved slightly, feeling the first small sparks of power within him. He identified the similarities between qi and chakra, both are life forces.
This was only the beginning, and he knew that soon he would master this world's power and bring the village of Konoha to its knees.