25 Chapter 25: Panel Upgrade

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"Hey, you two, what's with the serious faces? Holidays are meant for relaxation and rest, you know. It's the final day, so why not enjoy a well-deserved break?"

Within the confines of the third training ground, Ino-Shika-Cho trio lounged with their refreshing drinks, observing the duo jogging along the river. Shikaku, leaning back lazily, remarked, "It's the last day of the break, and even on this mildly warm autumn afternoon, it can be a bit tiring."

On this beautiful day, he ought to have been comfortably at home, immersed in studying game records amidst the cool embrace of air conditioning. However, for the past month, his routine had been disrupted, banished from the sanctuary of his house daily. The culprits? None other than the mischievous duo, Tatsuma and Minato, wreaking havoc at the training ground.

Had it not been for the relentless efforts of these two troublemakers, the lethargy of fellow students during the holidays wouldn't have been so glaringly apparent. He wouldn't find himself ousted from his air-conditioned refuge in the midst of this sweltering summer.

Down by the river, the pair, having just completed a grueling 400-meter run, floated at the water's surface, adjusting their breath. In response to Shikaku's grumbling, Tatsuma casually remarked, "You know, you don't have to join us at the training ground. Taking a leisurely stroll down the comercial street might not be a bad idea."

Reclining with a nonchalant expression, Shikaku uttered wearily, "You talk about hitting the comercial street, and my old lady has the same notion. Our three clans have a significant presence in that area. If we dare step foot there, she'll have it figured out within two hours."

"The cursed wealth gap," Tatsuma bemoaned. He hesitated even to consider adding an egg to his humble bowl of ramen, contrasting sharply with those whose family industries seamlessly formed an intricate network.

"Why not join us for some training? It might not be as dreadful as you think."

Minato, devoid of sentimentality, inquired earnestly. Shikaku responded with an eye roll, stating, "I manage to get to school on time, and now you're suggesting I should put in extra training? Or is it that our body structures are worlds apart, and your sessions don't leave you drenched in sweat with muscles screaming in protest?"

Inoichi and Choza concurred with nods. The idea of training was akin to torture for them, and they couldn't fathom why Tatsuma and Minato derived such enjoyment from it.

"Training is demanding, but as a destined ninja, I must endure challenges beyond the capacity of ordinary individuals. In the path of a ninja, I'll inevitably face formidable adversaries. Instead of pleading for mercy from enemies, I aspire to wield greater strength, preventing any disadvantageous situations. Therefore, I willingly embrace the pain of rigorous training."

Tatsuma grinned. In all honesty, the hardships he had encountered in the past year surpassed the cumulative struggles of nearly thirty years in his previous life. Nevertheless, having chosen the path of a ninja, he understood the necessity to endure it all.

In contrast to individuals like Shikaku, belonging to the Nara clan meant that his options were more limited. His parents, prominent figures in the village and skilled ninjas, cast a predetermined path for him from birth, laden with expectations.

Minato, a war orphan, opted to enroll, fueled by his dream of becoming a ninja, even though the costs were unclear at the time. However, it was a decision he made on his own terms.

And what about Shikaku and his peers? Their elders didn't bother inquiring about their future aspirations; it was tacitly assumed that they would inevitably follow the path of becoming ninjas.

Hence, Tatsuma refrained from urging Shikaku to embrace training, unlike Minato, recognizing that Shikaku lacked the choice a year ago. However, he acknowledged that circumstances might change in the next five years.

If Shikaku, with his current lackluster academic performance, remained resolute about not pursuing the path of a ninja, his father might hesitate to thrust him into the battlefield. While confident that Shikaku had the potential to evolve into a dependable ninja, Tatsuma understood that pressing the matter further at this moment wouldn't be productive.

Tatsuma and Minato, in contrast, faced a distinct reality. The village heavily invested educational resources in them, and their decision not to become ninjas would be a significant loss for the community. To emphasize the gravity of the situation, even if they hovered just below the graduation threshold, there was a likelihood they'd be retained to serve the village as Genin for the rest of their lives. This prospect loomed larger, especially in the current volatile climate of the ninja world.

Shikaku, upon hearing Tatsuma's words, responded with a nonchalant shrug. Choza, having finished all his chips, interjected, "Don't you guys ever take a break? How about some afternoon tea?"

Tatsuma and Minato exchanged glances, then Tatsuma shook his head, remarking, "We'll pass. If you're feeling restless, take a stroll. If you happen to run into Aunt Hanari, I'll let her know you've been training with us until that point."

Shikaku mulled it over. Tempted, he considered the invitation, but after careful thought, he shook his head, stating, "Never mind. Let's discuss it after I've got a handle on Transformation Jutsu."

Addressing his comrades, he added, "Inoichi, Choza, no slacking off next semester. Ensure you master Transformation Jutsu, alright?"

Inoichi nodded approvingly, while Choza, having finished the chips, flipped the empty bag over, savoring the remnants of seasoning. His head moved in a rhythmic motion, leaving it uncertain whether he was nodding or continuing to savor the flavor.

Five minutes later, Tatsuma and Minato, both sporting braided hair, continued their competitive water-running session. Just as the atmosphere settled, the trio of Ino-Shika-Cho grew restless once again. Choza found himself yearning for more chips, Shikaku felt the urge to engage in a game of shogi, and even Inoichi was compelled to go water some flowers.

After Minato secured a rare victory against Tatsuma, he took a break, observing the activity of the three. Turning to Tatsuma, he suggested, "Tatsuma, how about we take a break?"

Observing Minato's waning interest in continuing the training, Tatsuma nodded and remarked, "Well, the holidays are drawing to a close. Taking a leisurely afternoon off won't hurt."

Minato strolled towards the shore, suggesting, "Let's go for some afternoon tea."

Shikaku: ?!

Inoichi: ?!

Choza: !!!

Before Shikaku and Inoichi could process the unexpected turn of events, Choza, defying the limits of his body size, leaped up, his red hair swaying, and a wide grin adorning his face. With unwavering enthusiasm, he proclaimed, "Snacks are on me!"

Upon hearing that Choza was treating them, Shikaku and Inoichi promptly got to their feet. The five of them made their way to the edge of the training ground. Judging by Choza's infectious enthusiasm, it felt as if they were embarking on an expedition to track down an S-rank rogue ninja.

While afternoon tea for most may entail a light snack and a refreshing drink, Choza's interpretation involved a continuous feast that spanned the entire afternoon.

It wasn't until evening that Tatsuma, having indulged to his heart's content, returned home. Opting to skip dinner, as it wasn't conducive to training, Tatsuma turned his attention to the system panel.

Over the past six months, the growth rate had slowed somewhat, a consequence of Minato no longer being an easily defeated opponent. The win rate between the two had settled into a balanced three-to-seven ratio.

Had Minato not maintained his easygoing yet competitive spirit, Tatsuma's win rate might have dipped even further, perhaps to a four-to-six ratio. Nonetheless, Tatsuma had successfully elevated his own talent ceiling, reaching a level approaching that of a Chunin.

"Host: Sakamoto Tatsuma

Talent:

Strength: 361/945

Speed: 674/1854

Stamina: 629/1662

Wisdom: 417/587

Ninjutsu: 315/673

Illusions: 99/373

Spirit: 333/764

Seals: 454/801

Special Talents:

Space-Time: 50%

Ninjutsu Development: 40%

Ninja Tool Throwing (Minato Namikaze Limited Edition): 60%

Sensory: 25%

Now, Tatsuma could proudly claim to be just a step away from achieving Genin status in all realms. This final step hinged on mastering Genjutsu. He believed that once he fully mastered Genjutsu, he could fulfill the last requirement to attain Genin qualification.

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