Hoshishita Shūichi ultimately decided not to alter his study plan to prioritize learning the Clone Technique and Substitution Technique.
The next morning, he woke up at 5 a.m., feeling none of the exhaustion that had plagued him before. His body was brimming with energy, a stark contrast to the fatigue he used to experience after studying until midnight. The effects of the [Robust Physique] trait were undeniable.
Another noticeable improvement was his recovery. The minor bruises and swelling from yesterday's training had already vanished. In the past, such injuries would have lingered far longer.
After breakfast, Shūichi was the first to arrive in the classroom. Soon after, Shizune joined him. Seizing the opportunity, he began observing her closely—his second target for the Transformation Technique.
Under his gaze, Shizune's cheeks turned pink. "Shūichi, is something wrong?" she asked softly. "If you need help with anything, I'm happy to assist."
Shūichi smiled. "I'm observing you for the Transformation Technique. On the battlefield or in hostile environments, the technique is often used briefly and under pressure. That demands sharp observational skills to capture details quickly and avoid detection."
He continued, "Beyond physical appearance, we must also mimic mannerisms, tone of voice, and even walking styles. These nuances require deliberate practice and careful study of different individuals."
Shizune nodded eagerly. "Lady Tsunade says the same thing!"
Satisfied with his observations, Shūichi formed the hand seals and performed the Transformation Technique.
Poof!
A cloud of smoke dispersed, revealing two identical Shizunes sitting across from each other.
Just then, Nohara Rin entered the classroom and froze at the sight of the two Shizunes. Her eyes darted between them, utterly baffled.
Suddenly, another poof echoed through the room as one Shizune transformed into Rin.
"Kakashi!" the transformed Rin exclaimed, clasping her hands together in adoration—a perfect imitation of Rin's usual reaction during sparring or shuriken practice.
The real Rin at the door blushed furiously.
Without pause, Shūichi transformed again, this time into Kakashi. Hands tucked into his pockets, he strode toward Kakashi's seat with an air of aloofness.
Rin stared, momentarily convinced it might actually be Kakashi—until logic prevailed. Kakashi would never engage in such antics.
Mid-stride, Shūichi turned and transformed once more, this time into Uchiha Obito, complete with his signature goggles.
"Hmph!" the faux Obito scoffed, adjusting his goggles. "That stuck-up Kakashi won't stand a chance against me next time!"
Rin's confusion deepened. "Obito? No… Obito wouldn't be here this early."
Poof!
Shūichi reverted to his original form and grinned. "Sorry, I was just practicing the Transformation Technique."
Rin sighed in relief, then smiled. "Shūichi, you're amazing! You've already mastered it perfectly, and it's only been a day since we learned it."
Shūichi shrugged. "But I didn't fool you, did I?"
His flawless transformations were partly thanks to his [Memory Palace], where he had meticulously cataloged the details of his classmates. So far, he had completed five such profiles.
As more students trickled in, Shūichi continued his observations, refining the details stored in his mental archive.
Afternoon Sparring: A Leap in Progress
During the afternoon combat training, Shūichi experienced the tangible benefits of his enhanced physical talents. Moves that had once eluded him now flowed effortlessly, catching his opponent, Might Guy, off guard.
"Shūichi, you've gotten stronger!" Guy exclaimed, his competitive spirit igniting. "But I won't fall behind!"
Their fists and feet clashed in a flurry of motion, each exchange more intense than the last. The surrounding students cheered, with most of the girls rooting for Shūichi.
Kakashi, watching from the sidelines, noted Shūichi's sudden improvement.
Instructor Kimura Kakuya nodded approvingly. "Shūichi has made remarkable progress. Has he been training even harder outside class?"
After dozens of exchanges, both boys collapsed to their knees, drenched in sweat and gasping for air.
"Shūichi and Guy—draw!" Kimura announced.
Once they sealed their match with the Reconciliation Seal, the instructor called the next pair: "Kakashi versus Obito!"
Kakashi remained his usual indifferent self, while Obito shot a glance at Rin before strutting forward. "Kakashi, prepare to lose this time!"
Kakashi's retort was cool. "Maybe if you stopped being late all the time, I'd take you seriously."
Obito's face twisted in frustration. "You—! Damn it, Kakashi!"
Their battle was fierce, rivaling Shūichi and Guy's earlier match. The girls' cheers for Kakashi were deafening, but Shūichi focused solely on analyzing their techniques.
He wasn't the only one improving.
After twenty exchanges, Obito was sent flying by a kick but quickly retaliated with kunai in hand. Sparks flew as their weapons clashed.
"Kakashi's been training in kenjutsu," Shūichi noted, recognizing the sword-like precision in Kakashi's strikes.
Pushed to the brink, Obito leaped back and inhaled deeply.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
A massive fireball roared toward Kakashi, who responded just as swiftly.
"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall!"
A barrier of earth erupted from the ground, intercepting the flames. The explosion forced the spectators to retreat.
Obito clicked his tongue in frustration and charged again, but Kakashi outmaneuvered him with a feint and a decisive kick. A kunai at Obito's throat sealed his defeat.
"Winner: Kakashi!" Kimura declared. "Reconciliation Seal!"
Kakashi offered a hand, and after a brief hesitation, Obito took it.
As they formed the seal, Shūichi couldn't help but reflect.
This is the gap between us.
Kakashi had clearly been holding back in their previous spars, relying solely on taijutsu. His mastery of ninjutsu was already polished.
But Shūichi refused to be disheartened. With the [Talent Tree] and relentless effort, he would close that gap.
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