Chapter 11: Earned Recognition
A week passed in a blur of relentless training. Every day for Uchiha Raizen was the same: wake up before dawn, endure Uchiha Oki's grueling physical regimen, and use his daily pickups on the ninjutsu Uchiha Ryoken and Uchiha Natsume demonstrated for him. Uchiha Oki's methods were Spartan and unforgiving, pushing his body to its absolute limit through long-distance runs, countless variations of push-ups, and punishing strength exercises.
Despite the agony, Uchiha Raizen could feel a tangible difference. His body felt harder, more responsive. Yet, when he checked his status, the numerical improvement was modest.
His panel, however, told a story of growing potential:
Host: Uchiha Raizen
Age: 15
Pickup Level: 1
Experience: 92/100
Chakra: 300 / 300 | Evaluation: Academy Entry Level
Physical Skills: 300 / 320 | Evaluation: Advanced Genin
Mastered Ninjutsu: Body Flicker Technique, Basic Shurikenjutsu, Feeble Shadow Clone
Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan (Unawakened)
Novice Gift Pack: Used
Pickups Available Today: 3/3
Warehouse: Fire Release: Grand Fireball x8, Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire x8, Fire Release: Extinguishing Fire x1, Lightning Release: White Smoke, Fire Release: Cataclysm, Lightning Release: False Darkness
The rest of his pickups had been various chakra-boosting fragments. This was his greatest weakness. While his physical skills could be honed through sweat and effort, his natural capacity to generate chakra was abysmally slow. Without the system's help, his reserves would still be negligible. It was a stark reminder that even within the same clan, there were prodigies and there were those who struggled. He thought of Uchiha Madara, whose innate growth was legendary. Even with his system, could he ever hope to keep pace with such a monster?
"Five hundred!" Uchiha Raizen grunted, finishing his final one-handed push-up and collapsing onto the hard ground, his arms trembling.
"Enough. It's noon. Go and eat," Uchiha Oki's voice was, as ever, devoid of praise. "Also," he continued, stopping Uchiha Raizen as he began to stand. "I know about your ability. The one where you can 'pick up' one ninjutsu per day. I have watched you for a week. Your resolve is genuine. I now recognize you as my true apprentice."
Uchiha Raizen's head snapped up, his exhaustion forgotten.
"Therefore," Uchiha Oki said, his hands already moving, "I will provide you with three techniques daily to add to your collection. You mentioned you are currently limited to A-Rank and below. Observe. Fire Release: Fire Dragon Projectile! Water Release: Vast Ocean! Water Release: Rain Tiger Murder Technique!"
His hands were a blur, each complex sequence of seals for the A-Rank techniques taking barely two seconds under the enhanced perception of his Sharingan. A roaring dragon of fire, a crashing wave of water, and a downpour of deadly, chakra-infused rain transformed a section of the training ground into a chaotic, elemental landscape. The techniques were designed to synergize; the fire and water created a thick, concealing mist, which the rain technique then used to amplify its range and lethality.
Uchiha Raizen was stunned, not just by the display of power, but by the meaning behind it. Uchiha Oki had been testing him all week. Only now had he earned the right to this kind of instruction.
"These are today's three. Choose which one you will take," Uchiha Oki stated flatly, then turned and walked back to his tent without another word.
As soon as he was gone, Uchiha Ryoken and Uchiha Natsume rushed over.
"Congratulations, Uchiha Raizen!" Uchiha Natsume said, clapping him on the back. "You've truly gained my father's recognition! Now, come on, let's get some food. This might be our last meal here on the front lines."
"Last meal? Are our supplies running out?" Uchiha Raizen asked, confused.
"Not supplies," Uchiha Ryoken clarified. "The summit is over. A truce has been declared. This war has lasted half a year; both the Senju and the Uchiha are exhausted and need to rebuild. Not to mention, the other clans are always watching, waiting for a moment of weakness."
"Oh," Uchiha Raizen breathed a sigh of relief. "The way you said it, I thought something was wrong."
The three of them headed to the mess hall. True to Uchiha Natsume's word, the meal was a feast compared to their usual rations, a small celebration for the end of hostilities. As he ate, Uchiha Raizen completed his daily pickup task, selecting the [Water Release: Rain Tiger Murder Technique] from Uchiha Oki's demonstration. His system experience ticked up to 95/100.
He was almost there. He was on the verge of Level 2, he had gained a powerful mentor, and the immediate threat of battle had receded. For the first time since his arrival, he allowed himself to feel a flicker of genuine hope.