2 Chapter 2: Akai Ifuku (Red Garment)

The next morning unfolded with the warm, comforting presence of my Obaasan. She had aged gracefully, her every movement radiating elegance and refinement, hinting at the striking beauty in her youth. It was evident that she must have been a remarkable woman in her prime, a fact that the years had not erased.

She had led a life marked by resilience and heartache. Despite retiring as a chunin and enduring the devastating loss of her husband during the Second Ninja War, she continued to work at Konoha's Hospital. Tragedy struck again, taking away her only son and daughter-in-law during the Nine-Tails rebellion. Despite the adversity life threw her way, she carried herself with a dignity that spoke volumes of her character.

Our lineage, once belonging to the prominent but now obscure Akai clan, was far from illustrious. We were mere remnants, with only a handful of individuals left before we joined the ranks of Konoha. The Akai clan, known for a unique jutsu centered around the manipulation of specially crafted garments of cloth, was distinguished by exceptional chakra control and poison resistance.

But Obaasan imparted more than just jutsu. She ingrained the essence of chakra control into my being. Her guidance enabled me to stand my ground in the academy, where physical prowess alone wasn't enough. Through her teachings, I learned the art of precision, channeling chakra with finesse rather than brute force.

As morning light filtered through, I prepared for another day's training with my Obaasan by my side. Her presence reminded me of our shared past, a lineage that had faced trials and tribulations. I felt deep gratitude for the lessons she instilled in me – lessons that would continue to guide me in this unforgiving world.

Suddenly, a gentle yet firm smack on the back of my head snapped me out of my reverie. I blinked, turning to see my Obaasan with a playful yet stern expression. Her eyes held a mixture of fondness and exasperation as she shook her head.

"Haru, chakra control requires focus," she chided gently, her voice carrying a note of wisdom. "You can't afford to be distracted."

I rubbed the spot where she had lightly tapped me, offering her an apologetic smile. "You're right, Obaasan. My mind wandered off."

She nodded, her gaze softening. "Remember, chakra control is not just a technique; it's a lifeline. In a life like ours, where survival demands every bit of advantage, mastering it is essential."

I nodded in understanding, feeling a renewed determination. As she continued to watch over me, I refocused my attention on the chakra control exercises, determined to do them justice – not just for my own sake, but for the legacy of our clan and the lessons she had tirelessly imparted.

Obaasan's Perspective

Gazing at Haru left me with a mix of pride and concern. It is undeniable – he is a brilliant young mind, far surpassing his father's achievements at the same age. His ability to grasp complex concepts faster than his peers is remarkable, a testament to his innate intellect. However, this brilliance is a double-edged sword, both fascinating and worrying.

Haru's understanding of matters beyond his years is astonishing. Yet, this very trait sometimes hinders him. His mind, like a wild stallion, gallops uncontrollably, often leading him astray from the present.

The speed of thought, while a gift, occasionally becomes a bane, spreading his focus thin as he tries to process everything simultaneously. His quicksilver thinking isn't always an ally, it has a way of clouding his focus.

And then there is the matter of his persistence. His brilliance, coupled with this rapid thinking, sometimes set him up for disappointment. If he couldn't see instant results, he'd lose interest and move on. It is evident in his training – he worked so hard on refining his physical prowess but seemed to abandon it after a single setback.

While variety is a spice of life, it also presents a challenge. With so many paths enticing him, he struggles to choose a single road to walk upon. This uncertainty weighs on my mind, knowing that while he has the talent to excel, his propensity to flit between interests could hinder his journey to finding his true calling.

I had been working tirelessly to instill patience and persistence in him, qualities that are crucial for any successful ninja. However, all efforts often seemed to hit a brick wall. Haru's mind races like a river current, refusing to be contained.

I've been working tirelessly to instill patience and persistence in him, qualities crucial for any successful ninja. However, efforts often seem futile. Haru's mind races like a river current, refusing containment.

Merely telling him outright wouldn't suffice. He has a knack for adapting to satisfy me, even if it doesn't necessarily alter his habits. It wasn't a lack of respect, rather, it is a testament to his resourcefulness and ability to navigate conversations skillfully.

The challenge lies in making him realize the importance of these qualities on his terms, helping him appreciate the value of patience and dedication. As graduation draws nearer, my concern grows – not about his academic success, but his personal growth.

I've decided to teach him the Akai clan jutsu, I hope through this process, he'll understand the depth that can only be reached through patience and dedication. The Akai Ifuku's creation is an intricate process, a reminder of our clan's unique artistry and resilience.

General Perspective

With summer break kicking in, Haru was bouncing with excitement. Finally, a chance to learn something secret, cool, and totally off the radar. He was ready for whatever Obaasan was about to teach about making Akai Ifuku, though he expected something more ninja-ish.

"Alright, Obaasan, what's the plan? I've got my weaving kit and everything," Haru asked, barely containing his grin.

Obaasan's eyes twinkled with mischief. "Oh, dear, put that weaving kit aside for now."

"Do I need to bring the whole hand loom here?" With a deadly smile, she answered, "Talk less, listen more." Haru gulped as she continued, "First, you need to learn the summoning jutsu." Haru was even more confused. "Your summoned beast will help you create the silk for the Akai Ifuku."

Haru was horrified at the thought. 'Summoning moths to kill their cocoons for silk... Is that even legal? Do moths willingly sacrifice their offspring? Doesn't silk production require numerous cocoons?' Pulled back to reality, "Are you thinking something rude? We're summoning spiders, the contracted beasts of our clan for ages."

It took Haru three days to become a contractor and summon palm-sized spiders.

Obaasan leaned back, her eyes fixed on Haru. "You've got one month to figure out which Garment suits you best. Take your time, weigh the pros and cons, and think about your ninja style."

"Obaasan, what are the choices?"

She leaned in, conspiratorial. "First, the Stole Garment. Easy to make but mastering it? That's another story. It's like a fifth limb – flexible and adapts to your moves. It gives you an edge in battle."

Haru nodded, his curiosity piqued. He could almost feel the potential of this Garment.

"Next, the Vest Garment," Obaasan continued. "Think of it as armor, but not clunky. It's like a second skin that can handle sharp stuff. You'll have a tougher hide."

Haru's imagination whirred, picturing himself shrugging off blows like they were nothing. Not bad at all.

"Now, the Cloak Garment," Obaasan's voice took on a note of reverence. "It's all about freedom and speed. You'll glide through the air, but remember – no offense, no defense. It's the easiest to learn but most difficult to master. You'll need upper body strength."

Haru grinned, already daydreaming about soaring over the village. It sounded like a wild ride.

"And then there's the Glove Garment," Obaasan turned serious. "It lets you mess with your opponent's jutsu. Redirect, erase, control – you name it. But it's a one-way ticket. You won't be doing hand signs; it requires extreme chakra manipulation and is permanently attached to your hand. Choose wisely."

Haru nodded, the weight of the decision on his shoulders. One month to choose his path felt like a lot, but he knew it would fly by.

"Life is not about finding yourself, it's about creating yourself." - George Bernard Shaw