Chapter 24: Begin Stage Two of Training

In the end, under the pitying gazes of Nagato and Konan, Yahiko reluctantly began to eat, albeit with a grimace on his face. Whether it was due to hunger or frustration, he ended up eating an extra bowl of rice compared to his usual portion.

Outside the wooden house, after having lunch, Asahi leaned against a tree, observing the three diligent disciples in front of him.

"Next, you will embark on the second stage of training," he said with a solemn expression. "This stage can be considered as a foundation for your future growth. The stronger your foundation, the easier your progress in ninjutsu and combat capabilities will be."

Asahi continued speaking seriously while the three disciples listened attentively.

"In the second stage of training, you will focus on chakra control and physical skills. As you know, a person's chakra is limited, and it's impossible to have an endless supply. When facing an opponent of similar strength, having strong chakra control becomes an advantage."

"With the same amount of chakra, someone with strong chakra control may be able to perform two jutsu of the same level, and with greater power. This can make a significant difference in battle."

"Moreover, physical training ensures that you won't be helpless when your chakra runs low. It's essential to develop strong physical skills to complement your ninjutsu abilities."

"Most importantly, with exceptional chakra control and strong physical skills, you can easily develop techniques like taijutsu infused with chakra."

Asahi paused for a moment, his thoughts drifting to the climactic battle between Might Guy and Uchiha Madara in the original story. Guy had pushed the boundaries of his abilities by opening the Eight Gates, almost reaching the level of the Six Paths.

"Keep in mind," Asahi continued, "that mastering these skills will be challenging, and the training may become difficult. But don't worry; I believe you can handle it."

"You're right, Master. We're not afraid of difficulty," Konan responded crisply.

They had survived in times of conflict by mastering the art of evasion, making monotony a part of their everyday life.

"Very well. In the second stage, your primary focus will be on refining your chakra control and enhancing your physical prowess. This will lay the foundation for your future growth as powerful ninjas," Asahi concluded, emphasizing the importance of their upcoming training.

The three disciples nodded, their determination shining through. They were ready to face the challenges of the second stage, knowing that it was a crucial step on their path to becoming formidable ninjas.

After listening to Asahi's explanation, the three disciples became even more serious about their second-stage training. While they didn't fully grasp how terrifying top-tier ninjutsu and physical skills could be, they had faith in Asahi.

With his incredible expertise, and the level of seriousness he displayed, they could only imagine the strength of top-tier combat abilities. The three of them began to envision a future where they would become elite ninja.

Eager to begin, Yahiko couldn't wait and asked, "Master, how do we start the training?"

Asahi smiled calmly and replied, "We'll begin by climbing trees."

"Climbing trees?!"

Nagato, Konan, and Yahiko were understandably surprised. Climbing trees seemed like a basic skill they could effortlessly perform.

Asahi was referring to the training method used by Leaf Village ninja in the original series. While they weren't sure when this method was developed, it had proven to be quite effective. Asahi didn't hesitate to incorporate it into their training regimen.

"It's not just about climbing trees. I want you to be able to move freely through the trees without leaving a single footprint," Asahi explained.

He demonstrated by effortlessly standing on the tree's surface, defying gravity as he walked vertically up the trunk and reached the top.

It was a display of chakra control that left the three disciples awestruck. They had never seen anything like it.

"How did you do that, Master?" Konan asked in amazement.

Asahi jumped down from the tree and replied, "It's quite simple. You use chakra to envelop the soles of your shoes, allowing you to adhere to the tree trunk."

"Of course, you'll have to control the amount of chakra precisely. Too much, and you'll leave a footprint on the tree. Too little, and you'll fall."

"Just a friendly reminder, I haven't prepared any protective measures for you. In other words, if you fall, it's going to hurt."

Asahi grinned, showing no concern about not providing safety measures. He knew that the three disciples had potential, and a few tries would help them get the hang of it.

Regarding Asahi's advice, Konan and Nagato were a bit nervous but resolutely prepared themselves. On the other hand, Yahiko felt no anxiety at all and laughed heartily, saying, "Haha, Master, this is too simple! Watch me!"

Saying this, Yahiko attempted to step onto the tree trunk. However, with a creaking sound, he left a large footprint on the tree, causing him considerable embarrassment. 

He sheepishly touched his head and tried again, leaving faint shoe prints but managing to stand on it.

  Encouraged by this, Yahiko took two tentative steps, but before he could celebrate, there was a loud snap, and he fell to the ground. 

Unprepared for the fall, Yahiko grimaced and rubbed his rear, which prompted a chuckle from Nagato and Konan, who had initially been nervous.

"What are you laughing at? If you're so confident, give it a try, and you'll probably fall too!" Yahiko retorted, a bit defiant.

Upon hearing this challenge, Nagato and Konan decided to test it out. Nagato felt something odd at first like he had used a bit too much chakra, but he quickly adjusted. 

He felt like he could easily walk to the top of the tree now. This puzzled him since Yahiko had struggled initially. 

Experimentally, Nagato took two steps and found himself standing firmly on the tree trunk without leaving a trace. He continued walking to the top with ease, leaving Yahiko below feeling baffled.

Seeing Nagato's success, Konan summoned her courage and took two steps as well. Although her initial attempts were a bit shaky, she quickly grasped the technique and effortlessly ascended to the top of the tree 

This left Yahiko, who was still striving to reach the middle of the tree, filled with self-doubt.

"Why am I struggling so much? Is the gap really this significant?" he pondered silently.

However, Yahiko was not one to be easily discouraged. Nagato and Konan provided encouragement instead of teasing, and Asahi watched silently from the side. 

After relentless efforts and numerous falls, Yahiko, this determined man, finally managed to stand at the top of the tree trunk.

<End Chapter>

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