"How strange… Why did Aizen-sensei look so surprised?" The next morning, Naruto woke in a daze, scratching his head in confusion.
Aizen had always presented an image of refined confidence, as if nothing could ever ruffle his composure. But yesterday, Naruto had seen an expression of utter disbelief on Aizen's face.
Was awakening Reiatsu really such a rare event?
Naruto didn't understand the depths of Aizen's shock. At the time, he had even asked Aizen for the secret to controlling Reiatsu, only to be dismissed with a single sentence: "First, familiarize yourself with the Reiatsu within your body."
It was only after Naruto left the sealed space that he discovered an ordinary black tachi lying on his bed.
"Where did this sword suddenly come from?" Naruto wondered, his hand closing around its hilt. A startling sensation, like a connection from heart to heart, made him pause.
The sword… it felt alive?!
"That is your Zanpakuto." Aizen's voice, tinged with a hint of complexity, echoed in his mind.
"Zanpakuto?" Naruto's expression was blank. "Aizen-sensei, how do I use it?" he hurriedly asked in his mind. But no matter how many times he inquired, Aizen offered no reply.
Resigned, Naruto hid the tachi under his bed. In Konoha, carrying weapons without authorization was forbidden for anyone other than ninja, and his identity as the Nine-Tailed Demon Fox was already sensitive enough. If discovered, it would undoubtedly stir up unnecessary trouble.
After a simple wash, Naruto began to try sensing the Reiatsu within his body. As Aizen had said, Reiatsu was an energy originating from the soul; upon awakening it, he should be able to feel its subtle flow.
Naruto sat cross-legged and focused, trying to feel it.
However, less than five minutes later, he couldn't help but scratch an itchy chin. He opened his eyes, fidgeting uncomfortably. After a sigh, he closed his eyes again, though it was clear his restlessness wouldn't fade anytime soon.
"Reiatsu originates from the soul. It is formless and invisible, yet it truly exists. Quiet your mind, clear all distracting thoughts. Only then will you be able to perceive it," Aizen's somewhat exasperated voice sounded in his mind. Despite Naruto's current mature demeanor, his fundamental nature was still that of a restless child.
With Aizen's guidance, Naruto managed to settle his mind. He closed his eyes and began to meditate as instructed. Initially, he still felt a little agitated, but as time passed, his breathing gradually evened out, and his entire being relaxed.
The sun climbed high into the sky, birds chirped incessantly outside the window, yet Naruto remained motionless, cross-legged on his bed. He seemed to have entered a profound, almost mystical state.
He could feel it. He could even control his Reiatsu.
Under Naruto's command, his Reiatsu spread outwards like a vast net, encompassing his entire room and then the surrounding environment. Everything felt as if it were under his control. He could clearly hear his own breathing, the crisp calls of the birds outside, and even… the chakra signatures of the ANBU hidden nearby.
The distinct colors of their chakra outlined the ANBU members' silhouettes.
One, two, three.
There were three ANBU ninja around his house. They were perfectly still, like rusted iron statues. A few small birds even landed on them, completely unaware that their perch was human. Yet, even then, the ANBU didn't move a muscle.
Such was the discipline of a ninja.
Like a child who had found a fascinating new toy, Naruto continued to explore the uses of his Reiatsu. When he tried to use it to further define the ANBU members' faces, a straining sensation pulled at his mind.
He knew this was his current limit.
He stopped, and a wave of profound exhaustion washed over him.
"Don't overuse your Reiatsu. Rest well today," Aizen advised, before falling silent.
Naruto's talent was even more terrifying than he had initially imagined.
'To achieve a basic application of Reiatsu in such a short time… It seems Naruto has a strong aptitude for it. Coupled with his own mysterious power, he might genuinely be able to pioneer a new power system.' A slight smile touched Aizen's lips. 'I eagerly anticipate seeing a Naruto who has fully developed both Reiatsu and ninjutsu.'
"Perhaps, in the future, you could become an opponent worthy of me."
The path of the strong was destined to be a lonely one. In his pursuit of greater power, Aizen would do his utmost to foster the birth of other strong individuals, even if they might not ultimately provide him with the challenge he craved. At the very least, they could serve as minor diversions.
"An opponent? I'm still a long way off from that," Naruto said, a surge of joy filling him at the acknowledgment. "Aizen-sensei, I'll be in your care for my training from now on. I'll do everything I can to become stronger!"
Aizen responded with a faint "Mn."
Naruto certainly knew how to seize an opportunity. Aizen found this trait rather satisfactory. The willingness to use any means necessary to grow stronger was precisely the attitude a truly powerful individual should possess.
"Grrrrumble." Just then, Naruto's stomach let out a loud protest.
Looking out the window, he realized he had been meditating for at least three hours.
"So hungry… I'll go to Ichiraku Ramen."
Too impatient to cook now, Naruto rubbed his stomach and made his decision. Uncle Teuchi at Ichiraku was one of the few villagers who treated him kindly. Yet, Naruto rarely went there.
Partly, it was because he didn't want Uncle Teuchi to suffer the villagers' cold stares on his account. Partly, it was because he simply didn't have enough money. The Third Hokage provided him with living expenses each month, but it was only enough for basic groceries and daily necessities. Though not much, it was at least some form of support.
Naruto stepped outside and greeted the large tree near his door. "Good morning, Ninja-sans!"
The leaves rustled, as if in reply. The ANBU ninja had long since grown accustomed to Naruto's daily polite greetings, though they remained utterly impassive.
He headed towards Ichiraku Ramen, deliberately taking a route that bypassed the busiest main streets. He wasn't a masochist; if people disliked him, he wouldn't flaunt himself in front of them. Avoiding them as much as possible was the sensible approach.
Although Naruto always projected an image of elegance and composure, his heart still churned with anger and dissatisfaction when he was treated rudely. If he weren't under constant surveillance, perhaps he would have already fought back.
As he was passing through a deserted street, he heard familiar yet unfamiliar curses.
"Byakugan freak!"
"Beat up the Byakugan freak!"
"Her eyes are so creepy! She's a monster, just like that Nine-Tailed Demon Fox!"
Naruto stopped in his tracks.
He hadn't expected there to be someone else in Konoha who received the same treatment he did.
He followed the voices. Not far off, several children were surrounding a small girl. She had short, lavender-hued hair cut at ear length and delicate features. However, a pair of unsettling white eyes marred her otherwise pretty face.
"This is… someone from the Hyuga Clan." A flicker of understanding crossed Naruto's eyes. He had previously tried to learn about the distribution of power among Konoha's influential clans. While his information wasn't entirely accurate, he had grasped the basics.
The Hyuga Clan and the Uchiha Clan were both renowned and noble families in Konoha, each possessing a Kekkei Genkai related to their eyes: the Byakugan and the Sharingan respectively.
They were both potential connections worth making. They could become valuable assets to him in the future.
Naruto quietly watched as the group of children continued to hurl insults at the girl, who was curled up in a corner, tears streaming down her face.
A faint smile touched Naruto's lips.
"I will become her light."
He took a step, then another, walking towards the boys.