I had at most a month, maybe two, before they started allowing us to graduate. Maybe even sooner. As soon as the Hokage's speech came to an end, the teachers began gathering all the students.
"Hokage-sama has already told you the basics," one of them began in a strict voice. "Now for the details. The curriculum has been adjusted, but you won't be graduating immediately. Over the next three months, each of you will have a chance to take the genin exam. However, keep in mind—some subjects will have reduced time, and the syllabus now consists of 90% practice. This means you'll have to study a lot on your own…"
The crowd buzzed, but the teacher didn't give us much time to process the information.
"We won't waste any time! Gather your things and head to the training field!" he commanded.
That day became a turning point. Until noon, we trained almost non-stop. However, the workload we were used to had nearly doubled. For those who had already been training additionally, it wasn't unbearable. But the ones who were struggling… began falling behind even more.
When the training finally ended, I caught sight of Guy and called out to him:
"Guy, do you want to test your chakra nature?"
He turned to me, his face instantly lighting up with enthusiasm.
"I'm in!"
We headed to the nearest ninja store.
After walking a short distance, we found the place. The shop wasn't very big but was packed with weapon racks. On both sides of the room, neatly arranged kunai, shuriken, katana, and other sharp weapons were displayed. Each one looked perfect—like it had just been crafted by a master.
I approached the counter, where the shopkeeper was inspecting one of the blades.
"Hello, what do you want to buy?" he asked as soon as we got close.
"I need two chakra-inducing papers," I replied.
"You're not the first ones asking for them today," the shopkeeper smirked, bending down under the counter.
There was the rustling of paper, and a moment later, two thin sheets were placed on the table.
"That'll be 200 ryō," he announced.
"That's pricey."
Still, I reached into my bag and counted out the required amount. Leaving the money on the counter, I took my purchase. After saying goodbye to the shopkeeper, Guy and I headed back to the training field.
We stopped under a sprawling tree. I took the chakra-inducing paper from my pocket and handed one to Guy.
"This spot will do," I nodded, pulling out the paper.
Guy, barely containing his excitement, immediately stood across from me, gripping his paper tightly.
"The teacher said we need to channel chakra and focus…" I reminded him.
"Let's try!" Guy responded with excitement, his eyes burning with enthusiasm.
We both started at the same time. I concentrated, directing my chakra into the paper, feeling it flow through.
A few seconds later, my sheet split cleanly into two even halves.
"It… split," I muttered, realizing the result. This was even better than I expected. The only technique I knew besides the basics was wind-based. I had heard that elemental transformation could sometimes be inherited, and it seemed I was lucky.
Next to me, Guy watched his paper as it suddenly ignited and burned to ash.
"Mine burned!" he exclaimed.
"That means your element is fire, and mine is wind," I concluded.
Guy thought for a moment, then his face lit up.
"I remember the teacher saying that regular tree leaves can be used to train elemental chakra control," he said.
I shook my head.
"Guy, I think you should focus on physical training. You have trouble controlling chakra," I said, recalling how Guy struggled to create a clone during class. That day, many laughed at him, but it only made him even more determined. In general, I believed Guy had issues specifically with techniques that extended beyond his body's immediate range.
Guy frowned but then, as always, found a challenge in my words.
"That makes sense. Then I'll train until I'm faster than fire!"
With that, he dashed off across the training field, clearly deciding to give himself some extra running drills.
I watched him for a moment, then jumped up and plucked a few leaves from the tree.
I sat on the ground, holding a small green leaf in my palm. Remembering how Naruto trained his element, I carefully placed the leaf at the center of my hand and focused.
The main goal was to use wind chakra concentration to gradually slice the leaf apart.
First breath in.
I closed my eyes, concentrating on my chakra. Its flow was familiar but uncontrollable. I tried to gather it in my palm, but as soon as I directed the flow into the leaf, it only trembled slightly—nothing happened.
I tried again.
No result.
I sighed, deciding to approach it differently.
First, I focused on my regular chakra—a familiar, neutral energy flowing evenly through my chakra pathways. It was like a warm, barely perceptible wave moving through my body. But now, I needed not just to release chakra, but to transform it, altering its nature.
Wind element was sharpness, precision, division. It wasn't just an air current—it was compressed chakra so sharp it could cut. I imagined air thinning into a blade, my chakra taking the form of an invisible edge.
Slowly, controlling the flow, I directed chakra into my palm, trying to change its nature. The leaf remained still, but I felt my chakra enveloping it. I attempted to mentally "slice" it, but nothing happened.
"Don't press—cut…" a memory surfaced.
I adjusted my approach. Instead of simply pushing chakra out, I visualized my energy as wind slicing through obstacles. Like a blade dividing space. Feeling a faint response, I focused harder.
The leaf trembled slightly.
"A little more…"
I imagined an air blade slowly moving at the center of my palm.
Inhale.
Exhale.
I directed chakra into the leaf.
Its surface quivered, and a faint scratch appeared.
"Better…" I muttered to myself, examining the leaf closely.
But it wasn't enough.
I continued.
After half an hour of trial and error, I finally achieved a small result—the leaf had a deeper cut, but it wasn't completely sliced.
I rubbed my sweaty palms.
"As expected, this is going to take a long time…"
I glanced at Guy, who was still running across the field, his body becoming a blur. He didn't stop, despite the exhaustion.
I couldn't stop either.