Creating seals to record information was relatively simple. It was essentially just storing data, and fūinjutsu did that best—storing things, I mean. With the ability to store information, the next logical step was manipulating it. That would mean creating fūinjutsu processors, the first step of which would be building circuit boards. And to do that, I would need to start with logic gates.
I watched the diagrams and schematics for my future projects pinned to the walls around me, the symbols dancing across the paper, propelled by the chakra flowing through my fingers.
One big problem, though: the seals were too damn big!
I'd managed to craft an analogue for transistors, but the seal for one transistor was way too large. I could cover an entire wall and barely have a couple hundred bytes of processing power.
Not even enough to run a game of pacman.
The only way to make this work was either to miniaturize the seals significantly or figure out how to store parts of a seal within itself. The latter option seemed like the more feasible one, but I had no real idea how to accomplish it beyond the vague notion that it would require an absurd amount of chakra control.
I hadn't learned fuinjutsu with the intention to make a computer analog, that just seemed to be the way things were progressing. I know having to parse through all the data I got from Lee would have been easier with something to process it.
But those plans were dead in the water, for now.
So, I left that on the back burner for the moment and turned my focus to something I'd been waiting for—a challenge that I now had the tools to tackle: creating my own jutsu.
Naruko's rendition of the transformation jutsu had shown me a whole new dimension of chakra manipulation—character imbuement, attribute manipulation, whatever you wanted to call it. It was the missing puzzle piece, the key to unlocking my own potential in jutsu creation. But I wasn't getting ahead of myself. I was still a beginner, with only a grasp of the basics.
But I was making progress, and Now that I understood the factors that went into making a jutsu, it was time to start creating my own spells.
The first ones I had in mind were the basic spells every aspiring acolyte learned—Magic Missile, Mage Hand, and Mage Armor.
Of the three, Mage Armor had the closest analogue in the form of the Transformation Jutsu. Transformation already formed a shell around the body. I just had to make that shell more durable. Instead of changing its attributes to facilitate transformation, I could alter them to create a chakra-based armor.
I needed to study how each hand sign contributed to the jutsu and how I needed to reconstitute my chakra to make it work. This was going to be an ongoing project, but at least I could start putting together a project board. I pulled out some parchment and ink, pinned it to the wall, and began sketching ideas for hand sign replacements.
That's how I spent my early morning before heading to school.
—Scene break—
After my training session, I was off to Konoha's premiere learning institute to begin another day of fruitful edification.
Is what I would have said if they had anything to teach me.
I was painfully ahead in every class except for etiquette and history. Those I paid attention to with laser focus. Thankfully, the teachers for those classes didn't seem to care about my less-than-noble birth, unlike my homeroom teacher.
Mei Tsumigi.
It took a lot for me to hate someone, but despite Mei's consistent pettiness, I was nowhere near hating her. That would require giving her time, attention, and space in my heart and mind. She wasn't worth that, but damn, she was annoying.
Especially when she got into one of her moods, where she decided to humiliate someone lower than her just to feel better. Like today.
Mei—I was not calling that bitch sensei, not even in my head— entered the classroom with all the grace and poise of someone who believed the world should revolve around her. Her high heels clicked sharply against the floor as she glided toward the front, her confident smile flashing at the class. Almost every boy—and a few girls—blushed.
She cleared her throat, drawing everyone's attention as she stood in front of the chalkboard.
"Alright, everyone," Mei began, her voice smooth and sweet, like honey dripping from a spoon. "Today we have something special to discuss. A little project to test your creativity, business acumen, and teamwork skills."
She paused, watching as the class buzzed with curiosity, some kids already whispering excitedly among themselves. I could see the tension building—everyone was eager to impress her.
"As of today, you will be working in pairs to create a business pitch. You will design a business concept from scratch and prepare a presentation to the Hokage. The winner—" she paused dramatically, letting her words hang in the air like a weight, "—will have their business sponsored by the village, and retain full ownership."
The class exploded into whispers at that, and kids scrambled to pair up. I could already hear the mutters, the excited chatter, the desperate attempts to find the perfect partner.
Mei looked pleased, watching the chaos unfold. "Remember, this isn't just about a good idea," she added, glancing around the room with an almost predatory gleam in her eye. "It's about selling that idea. Presentation is key. If you can't sell your vision, you're not going to make it."
She paused again, her gaze sweeping across the room, lingering just a little too long on me, as if trying to gauge my reaction.
I just stared back, not giving her the satisfaction of looking intimidated.
"Now, I expect you all to put your best foot forward," Mei said, her voice dripping with faux sweetness, "and remember, the Hokage himself will be judging your ideas. So, no slacking off, got it?"
The class nodded, but I could already tell some of the students were too busy eyeing their potential partners to pay much attention.
Mei's eyes flicked toward me for a moment longer, a small, almost imperceptible smirk tugging at the corner of her lips. She didn't say anything, but the look spoke volumes. She knew I'd be the last to be picked.
"You have until the end of class to find your partner," she continued. "Now get to it."
With that, she turned on her heel and made her way back to her desk, the soft swish of her skirt filling the silence left in her wake.
The classroom was a flurry of movement as students rushed to pair up. And, predictably, no one picked me.
I felt isolated. Alone. And pissed that they all looked down on me without even knowing me.
It was not a nice feeling.
Then I saw Hidachi in a corner, staring ahead with a furrowed brow. I had no clue what she was thinking, but I was tired of the silent treatment. I walked up to her desk and stood in front of it, no preamble.
She looked up, eyes wide.
I did my best to channel my inner "shinobi," drawing on every bit of that detached, aloof attitude I could muster. I didn't expect her to say yes, but at least then I could stop holding out hope that her distance was some kind of misunderstanding.
"We're meeting after school to work on the project," I said flatly.
To my surprise, she nodded, a faint blush creeping up her cheeks, contrasting with her dark makeup and clothes.
"Okay… I guess I'll see you after school," she murmured, voice soft.
I did my best to keep my surprise off my face, nodding casually.
"Cool," I said with an easy shrug.
I turned and walked back to my seat, but as I passed, I caught a glimpse of Mei's face. She looked mildly annoyed. Good. I hoped she choked on it.
Sitting down, I put both feet up on my desk and leaned back just to see how the class would react. A flash of disgust crossed Mei's face, but she quickly hid it, doing her best to ignore me. Many of the stuck-up kids shot me looks of disgust, but I noticed that more than a few of them seemed… interested. Like I was some kind of zoo exhibit. A strange and unknown creature.
That's when it hit me.
This was my in.
They didn't want to accept me as the peasant boy aping nobility. It was clear being nice isn't working. So why not lean into the bad boy shinobi image?
—Scene break—
I met up with Hidachi again at the same spot we'd made our deal before—behind the hedges near the school courtyard. Only this time, I had to be the one to drag her there. She followed, face blushing so hard it looked like she might combust, barely able to look at me.
I'm such a dumbass.
Her crush was obvious now. Painfully obvious, in hindsight. Why else would the rebellious goth girl—the one who normally sneered at preppy snobs and didn't give a damn about anything—get all flustered because I put one of those snobs in their place? She'd probably be high-fiving me for it… if she could manage to look me in the eye without going all gooey.
Still, I had to ask. As a matter of courtesy, if nothing else. You know what they say about assuming.
"So… is there a reason you've been avoiding me the past few days?" I asked, gently taking her chin to make eye contact.
It might've been too much.
Her eyes went glassy, her jaw hung open, and her breathing grew a little ragged. I started to pull back, give her space to cool down—but then her hands shot out and grabbed mine in a crushing grip.
"Oh, don't mind all that!" she said with a nervous laugh. "Sorry for being weird, that's just… how I am sometimes. Weird."
She giggled and leaned in.
Now I was the one blushing.
"So there's no reason?" I asked.
She tilted her head thoughtfully, tapping a finger against her chin as she gazed up at the sky.
"Well…" she began after a moment of silence.
"There is a reason, but—" she paused, and her eyes—those deep, pitch-black orbs—locked onto mine with an intensity that sent a chill through me. Just for a moment… I couldn't explain it, but I felt genuine fear. Like prey under a predator's gaze.
She leaned in until our faces were mere inches apart.
"It's a secret," she whispered.
Then she leaned back and giggled at whatever expression I was making. I'm sure it was priceless—somewhere between arousal and existential terror.
"We'll meet up tomorrow," she said cheerfully. "You'll show me ninja stuff, and we can work on our project!"
She rested her face in her palms, sighing dreamily.
"Bye, Izuku-kun," she added sweetly, then skipped off, leaving me standing there utterly confused.
What… was that?
For a second there, I thought—
Part of me wanted to chalk it all up to a hallucination or a moment of temporary insanity. But the more cautious part—the part that had learned to be wary in a world where magic was real—reminded me that I might have just agreed to spend considerable time with something… not entirely human.
A demon, maybe.
Could be a problem. Or maybe not.
Either way—I'd prepare.
A wizard was always prepared.
I straightened my back, cleared my throat, and walked out of the school grounds with purpose.
I had a blonde and a brunette to entertain, after all.
—Scene break—
Naruko was waiting for me at the entrance of the Academy, bouncing from one foot to the other, practically buzzing with excitement.
"Izuku!" she exclaimed the moment she saw me. "Guess who?!" She held her arms out to the sides like she was presenting something grand.
It was adorable.
"Hey, Hinata," I said with a smile, which the shy girl hesitantly returned.
I hadn't seen her in a few days—apparently, her family had some kind of gathering after her cousin told them about her new friends. I guess they were happy she was coming out of her shell. Not exactly what I expected from the Hyuuga clan, but who knows what they're like behind closed doors. For all we know, they could be throwing ragers and smoking riffer.
As I got close enough, Naruko rushed forward and wrapped me in a hug. I chuckled and hugged her back, lifting her off the ground and spinning us around.
The gentle smile I caught on Hinata's face when I set Naruko down transformed her entire expression. She gained a quiet, striking beauty that was far more captivating than her usual wallflower demeanor.
I shook myself out of my hormone-induced staring before she noticed.
"I'm heading to see Lee and Gai-sensei. Wanna come?" I asked.
"Do I?!" Naruko shouted, practically vibrating with excitement.
"Ano... will Neji-nii-san be there?" Hinata asked, pressing her fingers together nervously.
It was clear that this Neji guy made her uncomfortable, and I didn't blame her. With all his glaring and polite vitriol, even I'd be uneasy. If I were an eleven-year-old princess, he'd probably terrify me.
Or I'd order his execution.
I wasn't a princess, so I guess we'll never know.
"Izuku?" Hinata's voice pulled me out of my fantasy of enacting capital punishment on an edgy preteen.
"Probably," I replied. "They're a team."
Hinata seemed to shrink into herself at that.
"Don't worry, Hinata! If he talks trash, I'll just kick him in the nuts!" Naruko said far too cheerfully.
I mean, having him executed is one thing—but kicking him in the nuts? Let's have some decency.
Hinata seemed to share my sentiment, judging by how pale she turned.
I shook my head and gave Naruko a light karate chop.
"Bad Naruko, bad. No nut-kicking our friends' family members," I said, mock-stern.
"Not even when they're a dick?" she pouted, rubbing her head. The drama queen—I was sure she barely felt that.
I paused to consider.
"You make a valid point," I admitted with a sage nod.
Hinata sighed in fond exasperation, and I had to suppress a grin. It seemed our little comedy routine had calmed her nerves. A glance at Naruko showed she was trying—and failing—to hide her conspiratorial smile.
Mood suitably set, I led our party toward the grounds where Team Guy usually trained. They should've finished their missions by now and started their evening practice.
We arrived to find Lee and Neji sparring. Lee wasn't doing so well.
As much as I disliked Neji's attitude, I had to admit—he really was a prodigy.
Guy greeted me the only way he knew how—like a thunderclap wrapped in spandex.
"Izuku-kun!" he boomed, appearing in a blur and striking a heroic pose. "I can feel your flames of youth from across the training field!"
Tenten followed at a more sedate pace and gave a more subdued wave. "Hey, Izuku. Good to see you again."
Naruko grinned and cupped her hands around her mouth. "Yo! Bushy Brow Senior!"
Rather than take offense, Guy clapped his hands together, eyes sparkling. "A title of honor! I shall bear it with pride!"
Hinata bowed slightly. "Good afternoon, Guy-sensei."
Guy placed a hand over his heart, deeply moved. "So polite… truly a blossom of springtime grace!"
My eyes turned to the sparring match between Lee and Neji. Lee was quick—faster than I remembered. His strikes were sharper, his footwork tighter.
"Lee's gotten better," I said, watching closely. "Faster, too."
Guy beamed, clearly bursting with pride. "Yes! He pushes himself every day, burning with youthful determination! And you—Izuku—you were the one who sparked that flame! Your guidance meant everything to him!"
"He is welcome to it" I scratched the back of my neck, trying not to be overly humble and get all flustered but only halfway succeeding.
"wonderful! For such selflessness, you have my gratitude as well, young Izuku" Guy said, placing a hand firmly on my shoulder. Then, with a sudden shift in tone, he added, "Which is why you must not hesitate if you ever need help."
Really?
I opened my mouth to say something but paused.
Guy's eyes narrowed. "Did you just hesitate? After I explicitly told you not to?"
I blinked. "I mean… I was just thinking—"
"Don't look down on my youth, Izuku!"
I stared at him. "What does that even mean—?"
"Means if you need help, say it!" he demanded, grinning wide now.
I sighed. "Okay, fine. I could use some help with my taijutsu. I don't really need it in my day to day life, but I enjoy training. I would be grateful for any advice from a master like you."
Guy's face lit up like a sunrise. "Such unwavering commitment to self improvement! What else can I do but answer in kind!"
He turned to the sparring duo. "Lee! Neji! Cease your match!"
Lee skidded to a halt and ran over, practically vibrating with energy. "Sensei?"
"Izuku here seeks guidance! We shall assess his form!"
Lee turned to me, eyes wide. "You want to spar?! That's amazing! I'll do my best!"
Neji scoffed. "This will be brief."
I gave Guy a look. "You're sure this is necessary?" I asked, watching as Lee begin a set of stretches warming up for our spar even though he should still be limber from his fight with Neji.
I tried not to gulp in trepidation as his muscle flexed through his shirt.
"Absolutely," Guy said. "It's not about victory. Show me what you've got, and I'll know how to guide you."
Naruko grinned. "Give 'em hell, Izuku!"
Hinata looked between us nervously. "Please be careful…"
I stepped onto the field, drawing a slow breath. Lee took his stance opposite mine.
"I believe in you, Izuku!" he called.
I gave him a respectful nod. "Thanks. Let's keep it clean."
I wasn't physically built like most shinobi. But I had chakra control, and I'd made it my weapon.
Lee moved first—too fast to track. A blur of motion, and he was suddenly in front of me with a punch coming straight for my ribs. But I was already gone.
A blur of my own. My chakra-enhanced sidestep shot me to the side, no muscle—just push.
The leaf sticking exercise was very educational.
It taught that chakra—expelled just right—could create push or pull, depending on how much you are releasing. I'd trained for weeks on those two forces, perfecting how they gave me leverage, how they could hold me fast to a tree or send bark splintering.
Not to mention the benefits of perfect leverage from any position regardless of my centre of gravity. I could stick to the ground, twist from any position, move in ways no muscle could allow.
Lee didn't even pause, instantly adapting to my blurring speed. Able to match my chakra enhanced lunges with sheer physicality.
I couldn't keep up physically—heck, I couldn't even keep up with myself. I was using chakra to throw myself out of Lee's range whenever he got to close. . I wasn't reacting to his movements. I was predicting, then committing.
As the superior fighter, Lee adapted quickly. His instincts were too good. He began cutting off my bursts, intercepting me mid-move.
Eventually he had me cornered.
The moment came. Lee snapped a roundhouse toward my head—fast, clean, brutal. I couldn't block it, not head on, not without breaking something.
So I parried, swinging my forearm into his leg with chakra pulsing out of my tenketsu, generating force to cancel the impact. The shock displaced air and left my arm numb, but it worked.
Then he came again, and again, and again.
He was relentless, but I kept meeting every blow.
I was slipping into a flow. I couldn't think—only act. I wasn't fast enough to see him coming. I could only react to the split second before the blow landed. It was like I was dancing for my life.
But if I wanted to win—I had to break that rhythm.
And I wanted to win. Regardless of how unlikely my victory was, I wanted to at least try.
I'd been working on a new jutsu that morning: Mage Armor. I hadn't perfected it yet—I wasn't even close. I'd worked out the hand seals, but the visualization—the chakra shaping—wasn't there yet.
Now, under pressure, it clicked.
The way my chakra pushed up against Lee's strikes. The way it negated his force. Defended me, protected me. It was starting to fall into place.
I ran the seals in my mind. Failed.
My hands freaked under the force of Lee's blows.
Did it again. Still not right.
One more time—and suddenly, I felt it: my chakra thickened, reshaped. It layered across my arm like flowing stone. Only enough for my hand—but that was enough.
Lee lunged with a rising kick.
I caught his leg. Not parried—caught.
His eyes widened in shock. I hadn't shown that kind of strength or resilience.
Because it wasn't mine. It was the armor.
For a split second, he was airborne, unbalanced—completely open.
I didn't let that opening go.
I drove chakra into my right fist, pushed my control to the absolute limit, and launched a straight punch at his gut with everything I had.
My entire body moved in harmony, breath and chakra synchronized into unstoppable momentum. The exhilaration of casting my first successful spell and the burning desire to win surged through me, fueling a battle frenzy that culminated in a strike carrying the full force of my will.
A blow intended for Lee.
But just before I could land it—a hand caught mine.
Stopping my fist cold, then….
The world exploded.
The ground cracked, turf ripped, and Lee was thrown backward by the shockwave.
Standing in his place, holding my fist in a palm that felt as hard as steel, was Might Guy.
His expression was deadly serious.
"…Uh," I said, breathing hard.
Guy slowly released my hand, still staring.
"...it seems young Izuku, that there is someone you need to meet," he said quietly, his usual genial expression nowhere in sight.