The Next Day, Aburame Clan Training Grounds
"I'll be teaching you today. This morning, you'll learn our clan's secret arts—specifically, the Parasitic Insect Technique. Once you've grasped that, Shihei will guide you through the advanced applications."
Aburame Shiwa paused, then added, "Since you can already merge your parasitic insects with the phosphorus-type insects, don't waste that talent."
"I will make the most of it," Aburame Shiki replied seriously.
"Good. Even though you've fused the parasites and phosphorus insects, the core of our practice remains the Parasitic Insect Technique. You must study it with complete focus."
Seeing Shiki's sincerity, Aburame Shiwa nodded approvingly.
"Release your insects."
A cloud of kikaichū swarmed forward from beneath Shiki's coat.
"You don't yet have the chakra to raise many insects, but don't be discouraged. For your age, this is already impressive."
Shiwa continued, "I've arranged for you to receive the Aburame clan's medicinal meals and herbal baths. They'll help accelerate your growth."
These resources were extremely rare. The Aburame clan did possess medicinal meals and infusion baths—but never enough for every clan member to use freely.
"…Hmm?"Shiwa suddenly noticed a faint tint on Shiki's mouthparts—an almost imperceptible shade of purple.
He had assumed those were ordinary parasites, but instead, Shiki had hidden the phosphorus insects among them.
Shiwa smiled slightly, relieved and pleased. "Very good. Proper concealment is an essential skill. Being able to think this far ahead on your own… I'll ensure you are granted both the medicinal meals and baths."
"Thank you, Master Shiwa."
Shiki was genuinely grateful. In a clan that lacked wealth, every resource was precious. Nothing was wasted. Nothing was spared without purpose.
Next, Shiki received a scroll containing various Aburame ninjutsu: Insect Clone, Insect Jade, Insect Cocoon, Insect Summoning, Insect Wall, the Hidden Insect Weapon Technique, and the Spindle Technique.
"These are the Aburame clan's secret techniques. While there are many, they all revolve around one thing—controlling insects. With your level of precision, none of this should challenge you."
"Today, we'll practice the Insect Clone."
Shiwa had complete confidence in Shiki's control.
Shiki unrolled the scroll and began studying the hand-seals and chakra flow instructions.
He directed his internal insects outward, synchronizing them with the technique.The swarm rose into the air, gathered beside him, and slowly shaped themselves into his exact form.
The insect clone stood perfectly.First attempt—success.
"As expected, Shiki," Shiwa said with admiration. "Your control gives you a tremendous advantage with secret techniques."
Shiki's chakra reserves shouldn't have allowed an insect clone at all—but he managed it flawlessly on his first try.
Even Shiwa himself had needed long months of training before he could perform it properly.
"Continue studying. Mastering the secret arts is only the beginning."
Shiwa then shared countless insights into the subtleties of insect clone control. Shiki gained a tremendous amount from every word—small tricks and nuances no scroll ever recorded.
As expected of the future head of the Aburame clan, Shiwa's knowledge was vast.
Time passed steadily, and Shiki absorbed everything like a sponge.
Afternoon
Shiwa led Shiki toward a large tree.
"Now it's time to train chakra control. Tree-climbing—like this."
He stepped onto the trunk, calmly walked up its surface, and then hung upside-down from a branch, arms folded.
Watching Shiwa, Shiki couldn't help but feel a surge of determination. Tree-climbing and water-walking were basic requirements for any shinobi.
But he had no trouble with them.
Shiki walked up the tree trunk step by step, coming to rest upside-down on a branch opposite Shiwa—two shadowed figures in matching Aburame sunglasses.
Water-walking was the same. Shiki had been refining chakra nonstop. Chakra control remained his main focus.
Before learning secret techniques, he had spent his free time beneath the shade of trees, practicing control with patience and discipline.
Whether still ponds or rushing streams, Shiki could walk across water as if strolling on solid ground.
Physical training, however, was another story entirely.
There were no shortcuts in taijutsu. Shiwa drilled him with unwavering seriousness, and Shiki endured every session without complaint.
With the Third Shinobi World War only a few years away, any improvement—no matter how small—might one day save his life.
By the end of the day, Shiki was drenched in sweat and collapsed onto the ground, exhausted.
He didn't want to move. Shiwa had pushed his physical limits relentlessly, always training him right at the edge of what he could withstand.
Physical training drained both his mind and his body—but the results were undeniable.
"Next is the medicinal bath."Shiwa gathered the prepared ingredients and guided Shiki into the house.
"Go on in. I'll adjust the temperature."
Shiki stepped into the wooden barrel. Warmth seeped deep into his muscles, and a quiet sigh escaped his lips.
Every cell in his body felt soothed, absorbing the rich nutrients. Even the insects within him stirred with new vitality.
After relaxing for a moment, Shiki remembered his objective.
"Master Shiwa… I want to enroll in the ninja academy."
Shiwa thought for a moment. "All right. Studying at the academy is a good thing. But you must not use the phosphorus insects—not even once—while you're there."
He understood Shiki's mastery of the phosphorus insects. Even if used, they would not spiral out of control.
But that wasn't the issue.
Other clans already knew how dangerous phosphorus insects were. If word spread that the Aburame clan had a child who could control them perfectly, it would bring scrutiny—and secrets would leak.
It was better never to reveal them in the academy at all.
The academy was a place for learning and building relationships. There would be no situation requiring their use.
"Understood, Master Shiwa. I won't bring trouble to the clan," Shiki answered firmly.
It was his own belief as well. The Aburame clan had invested heavily in him. When he grew stronger, he would repay them.
Shiwa nodded with relief. "The world is unstable. Even at the academy, you must train hard."
"I understand. I won't slack off," Shiki replied.
When the medicinal bath finished its work, Shiwa had Shiki step out.
"Rest well. Training continues tomorrow," Shiwa reminded him. "The academy starts in three months. Use this time to strengthen yourself."
"Three months is plenty."
Shiki exhaled softly. This would be his preparation period—his final training before entering the ninja academy.