NOVEL NEXT WORLD Chapter 50: The Kama
And so their training began. The two brothers started by running laps around the training ground. Itachi was already showing signs of exhaustion after a few laps. His lack of regular physical training was clearly evident. However, seeing Akira continue despite his own labored breathing, Itachi persevered, refusing to give up.
The push-ups that followed put their bodies to the test. Not being used to this kind of intensive exercise, both struggled to maintain proper form. Their arms trembled with effort, sweat beading on their foreheads. Twenty push-ups felt like an eternity, each repetition becoming more difficult than the last. But they encouraged each other, pushing themselves to continue despite the fatigue.
Without pause to recover, they moved on to the other exercises. Their already tired muscles were challenged by the sit-ups, while the squats tested their legs. Sweat now soaked through their clothes, evidence of the intensity of their effort. More than three hours passed, tirelessly repeating the same movements, refining their technique with each set.
Finally came the moment for shuriken throwing, a discipline in which Itachi excelled. Although Akira already mastered the weapon throwing, he still let Itachi give him some advice. He missed his first throw, just like the second. But on the third try, the metal star landed precisely in the center of the target, eliciting a satisfied smile from Itachi.
The sun was now at its zenith, marking midday. "We should take a break," suggested Itachi, noticing Akira's visible exhaustion as he finished one last exercise.
"Damn weak body," muttered Akira, out of breath.
They settled in the shade of a tree, taking out the carefully prepared bentos by their mother. The meal was quiet, each savoring this well-deserved moment of rest. Once their boxes were empty, Itachi stood up, dusting off his clothes.
"We should head back now," he proposed.
"You go ahead, I'll stay for a few minutes," replied Akira, his gaze distant.
Itachi hesitated for a moment, then noticed something unusual. "By the way, Akira, what's that mark on your hand?" he asked, curiosity creeping into his voice.
"Hmm, that, I'm not sure," Akira evasively replied.
Accepting that answer without pressing further, Itachi turned on his heels and walked away. Once alone, Akira gazed at the palm of his hand, lost in thought. 'Although I've never used it, it must surely be the kama,' he thought.
He rose and ventured into the forest, walking for several minutes until he found a secluded spot. "I think this should do," he murmured after checking the surroundings.
Closing his eyes, he took a deep breath. White marks began to appear on his right hand, rising up to his right eye. A smile formed on his face. "From what I know, it takes quite a while," he said, opening and closing his hand.
He then began a series of movements: jumps, kicks, punch combinations. His body seemed lighter, more responsive. "Even if it's just a small part, I feel like I'm back in my body," he murmured with satisfaction.
But this sensation was short-lived. As soon as he deactivated the kama, his body staggered dangerously. He had to quickly grab onto a tree to avoid falling.
"Damn," he swore, putting a hand to his throbbing head. "Looks like my body can't handle it, tsss." He clicked his tongue in frustration. "Well, I need to go back."
Exhausted, he retraced his steps back home, his mind already planning the next training sessions.
The tension was palpable as Akira walked back along the path. The streets of the Uchiha clan, usually lively with villagers' discussions and laughter, seemed strangely silent. The faces of the few people he passed were serious, marked by worry. Some clan members gathered in small circles, talking in hushed tones.
Arriving at the family home, he immediately noticed the extra shoes in the entryway. Fugaku's sandals were not usually present at this time of day. Normally, the Uchiha clan leader was busy with his many responsibilities until evening. His presence at home in the middle of the day was unusual.
"I'm back," Akira announced, his voice echoing in the silent hallway.
The silence that greeted him was different from the usual peaceful calm of their home. His steps naturally led him to the dining room.
There, Fugaku was seated, his face grave. But it was Mikoto's expression that struck Akira the most. His mother, usually so gentle and smiling, had a pale complexion. Her hands, clenched on her kimono, trembled slightly.
"What's wrong, mother?" Akira asked.
Mikoto's silence was deafening. She seemed unable to speak the words weighing so heavily on her heart. Her eyes, usually so expressive, remained fixed on the table in front of her, as if she refused to face reality.
It was Fugaku who broke the oppressive silence. "The Third Hokage has just announced the beginning of the Third Great Ninja War," he declared, his voice heavy with the weight of this terrible news.
"So that's it," Akira simply replied, as if this information was just a confirmation of what he had already sensed. Without saying another word, he moved on, leaving his parents alone with the burden of this announcement.
"It brings back memories," Akira murmured as he lay on the bed. "For now, I just have to focus on developing my body," he said, closing his eyes, letting fatigue take over.
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