The Tale of an ordinary ninja

Akira lay in bed, every muscle in his body protesting as he attempted to move. The intense training from Lady Mochizuki had pushed him to his limits, leaving him sore and exhausted. But the academy awaited, and Lady Mochizuki had been very clear about the importance of attending.

Akira sighed, his mind racing as he strategized.

Akira's Thoughts

I need to learn the Shadow Clone Jutsu as soon as possible, Akira thought, his frustration mounting. Sensei said she wouldn't teach it to me until after my first year, but I already know I could master it easily on my own. The problem is…

He paused, frowning. If I use a Shadow Clone to attend the academy, I run the risk of being caught. Sensei said she'd personally check if I'm attending classes myself. If she finds out I sent a clone instead of going in person… the punishment would be brutal.

The thought of more intense training on top of his current regimen sent a chill down his spine. I'm already barely managing her insane schedule. If she adds more, I might actually die… Akira groaned, sinking deeper into his pillow.

Then, a sudden realization hit him. Wait a second… something doesn't add up.

Lady Mochizuki's lessons replayed in his mind. She always says a ninja must keep their secrets hidden, but she also emphasizes spotting deception. Could this be a test?

Akira sat up, the pieces of the puzzle coming together. She never explicitly said she'd punish me if I got caught. I assumed that on my own. Plus, she asked me to meet her in the evenings for training, but she didn't say I had to attend after the academy. She knows overtraining could hurt my progress.

His eyes narrowed as he reached a conclusion. This must be a test of my stealth and deception skills. Sensei is seeing if I can fool Tanaka-sensei and blend in without raising suspicion. And considering my chakra control is already at the level of a chunin, thanks to Sensei's two years of relentless training… I can do this. I have faith in myself.

Akira grinned, a spark of excitement lighting up his tired eyes. Screw it. I'll send a Shadow Clone to the academy. Time to prove myself.

Executing the Shadow Clone Jutsu

Without wasting any time, Akira sat up straight on his bed, forming the necessary seals with remarkable speed and precision. However, instead of using both hands, he performed the jutsu with just one.

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" Akira whispered.

With a puff of smoke, an identical clone appeared in front of him, wearing the same determined expression.

The original Akira smirked. Perfect chakra distribution. Sensei's training is paying off.

He gave the clone a nod. "Blend in. Act like me. Don't draw any attention to yourself, and make sure Tanaka-sensei doesn't suspect anything."

The clone nodded. "Got it."

As the clone left for the academy, Akira walked to the small garden in his estate, sitting down in the middle of the serene space. He crossed his legs and began to meditate, focusing on replenishing his chakra reserves and easing his sore muscles.

The Shadow Clone at the Academy (Revised)

The clone arrived at the academy just in time, blending seamlessly with the rest of the students. The classroom was abuzz with chatter as students settled in. The two Uchiha boys were huddled together in a corner, exuding their usual air of superiority. Nearby, Kaede Senju was animatedly discussing her latest training session with a few other students.

The clone made his way to his seat, keeping a low profile as he interacted with a few friendly classmates. He made sure to act as the real Akira would—cheerful and approachable, but never too conspicuous.

The conversations around him ranged from training techniques to the rumors of advanced ninjutsu they might learn in the academy. When asked how his training was going, the clone responded casually: "It's tough, but I'm learning a lot. Gotta push through, right?"

Maintaining Stealth with Tanaka Uzumaki

When Tanaka-sensei entered the classroom, his bright red hair catching the sunlight streaming through the windows, the students quickly settled down.

"Good morning, everyone," Tanaka began with a wide smile. "Let's start the day with a quick review of yesterday's lessons. Akira, let's hear from you—what are the three pillars of the Will of Fire?"

The clone stood confidently, keeping his voice steady. "The three pillars are loyalty to the village, perseverance in the face of challenges, and faith in our comrades."

Tanaka nodded approvingly. "Well said. You may sit."

As the lessons progressed, the clone maintained an attentive demeanor, answering questions occasionally but avoiding standing out too much. Blending in was the priority—he needed to perform well enough to seem competent but not so exceptional as to draw unnecessary attention.

During breaks, the clone engaged in light conversations with his classmates. He joined in discussions about training routines and academy drills but made sure to avoid topics that might reveal discrepancies in his knowledge.

The Day's End

By the time the academy day ended, the clone had successfully maintained his cover. Before leaving, it observed Tanaka-sensei carefully, ensuring there were no signs of suspicion.

The clone slipped into a quiet corner near the estate and dispelled itself, transferring the day's memories to the original Akira.

Akira's Reflection

As Akira meditated in the garden, the flood of memories from his clone's experiences filled his mind. A sense of accomplishment washed over him.

I did it. Sensei's training is paying off.

He couldn't help but smile. Lady Mochizuki's lessons echoed in his thoughts: A ninja must always hide his ace, but even when it's revealed, keep a part of it concealed.

Feeling both proud and determined, Akira stood up, stretched, and began preparing for his evening training session. Whatever Lady Mochizuki had planned, he was ready.

Lady Mochizuki's Arrival

Akira was sitting cross-legged in the center of his estate's training ground, his breathing steady and controlled as he meditated. The faint chirping of birds accompanied the rustling of leaves in the evening breeze. Just as he was about to rise and begin his stretches, a familiar voice called out, sharp yet approving:

"Akira, it seems you've successfully uncovered the deceit in my words," Lady Mochizuki said, stepping into the training ground. She wore her usual battle-ready attire, her presence exuding authority and grace. "Not only that, but you also managed to maintain your cover at the academy and evade the watchful eyes of Tanaka. I'm impressed, Akira—not bad at all."

Akira opened his eyes, a small grin on his face. "So it was a test, Sensei."

Lady Mochizuki nodded, folding her arms. "Indeed. A ninja's ability to see through deception is just as important as their ability to fight. You've proven your capacity for both observation and discretion, skills that will serve you well in the future."

She walked forward and gestured for him to stand. "Now, let's get to the real work. From today onward, we'll be diving into Senju Taijutsu. You've built up a strong foundation over the past two years—let's see how well you can use it."

Introduction to Senju Taijutsu

Lady Mochizuki began pacing the training ground as she explained.

"The Senju Taijutsu style is different from others, Akira. It's not about brute strength, although raw power can certainly be an advantage. Our style emphasizes adaptability, precision, and fluidity. Like the roots of a tree, it's meant to grow and shift with the situation, grounding you while remaining flexible."

Akira listened intently, his gaze never wavering.

Lady Mochizuki continued, her tone becoming more serious. "The style has three primary tenets:

1. Rooted Foundation: You must maintain impeccable balance and control at all times. Even when your opponent tries to throw you off, you must remain steady, like the trunk of a tree.

2. Branching Movement: Your strikes and defenses should be fluid and unpredictable, like the way branches sway in the wind. This makes it difficult for your opponent to anticipate your next move.

3. Endurance and Growth: The Senju are known for their stamina and ability to outlast opponents. Even when pushed to your limits, you must find the strength to grow stronger, just as a tree thrives in the harshest conditions."

Lady Mochizuki dropped into a fighting stance, her movements graceful yet commanding. "I'll be teaching you techniques that incorporate these principles. Let's start with the basics."

The First Training Session

Akira's training began with basic stances and footwork. Lady Mochizuki corrected every misstep and imbalance with meticulous care.

"Lower your stance, Akira," she instructed. "Your center of gravity must be stable, or you'll be an easy target to knock down."

Akira adjusted his posture, bending his knees slightly and planting his feet firmly into the ground. Lady Mochizuki nodded approvingly.

"Good. Now, let's work on movement." She demonstrated a sequence of fluid steps, her movements almost like a dance. "Follow my lead. The goal is to move with precision, conserving energy while staying unpredictable."

Akira mirrored her steps, his brow furrowed in concentration. At first, his movements were stiff and deliberate, but with repeated practice, they became smoother and more natural.

Once Akira grew more comfortable with the movements, Lady Mochizuki began light sparring. She attacked with controlled strikes, testing his reflexes and balance.

"Remember, Akira," she said as he narrowly dodged a punch, "don't just evade—counter. Use your opponent's momentum against them."

Akira tried to parry her next attack, but Lady Mochizuki effortlessly shifted her stance and landed a light tap on his shoulder. "Too slow. Anticipate my movements, not just react to them."

They continued sparring for over an hour. Although Akira struggled to keep up with her speed and precision, he showed remarkable determination and adaptability. By the end of the session, his shirt was drenched in sweat, and his muscles ached, but a small sense of accomplishment lingered

Lady Mochizuki handed him a bottle of water and sat beside him as he caught his breath.

"You did well for your first session," she said, her tone softer. "Senju Taijutsu is not something you'll master overnight. But with consistent effort, you'll find that it becomes second nature—an extension of your instincts."

Akira looked up at her, determination shining in his green eyes. "I'll work hard, Sensei. I won't let you down."

M

Lady Mochizuki smiled faintly. "I know you won't, Akira. That's why I chose you as my student. Rest now—we'll pick up where we left off tomorrow."

As she stood and disappeared into the shadows, Akira sat in the training ground, reflecting on her words. Adaptability, precision, and growth, he thought to himself. I'll make these principles my own. Someday, I'll make her proud.

With renewed resolve, Akira made his way back to the house, ready to rest and prepare for the challenges ahead.