Chapter 11: Chakra Refinement
"Chakra…"
Ruofeng murmured to himself, feeling the energy flowing within his body.
This was chakra, the unique energy system of the ninja world.
He sat cross-legged in the courtyard, a gentle breeze brushing past him, while the chakra coursed through his body. A terrifying power seemed to dwell within him.
After breakfast, having consumed the magical beast meat, Ruofeng could feel his physical strength slightly enhanced, and the warm energy within him flowed continuously without pause. Naturally, he followed the method Tsunade had taught him to refine chakra.
This was the Senju clan's exclusive chakra extraction method. Compared to the standard methods taught in the ninja academy, it was like comparing the Nine-Yang Divine Skill to basic internal exercises.
Ruofeng's mind sank deep within, his terrifying spiritual power instantly sensing the state of his body — just like the legendary inner vision. This was the advantage of having lived two lives; his accumulated spiritual power far surpassed others, allowing him to sense the workings of his body.
The chakra extraction process had four steps:
Step One: Sense your own spiritual power, then form the hand seals. This is the first step: forming the seals and mobilizing your spiritual energy.
Step Two: Control your spiritual energy to slowly extract the energy stored in your cells.
Step Three: Direct the extracted energy along the chakra meridians.
Step Four: Guide the chakra and store it within a chosen location inside your body.
Ruofeng focused his mind and stored the chakra he had just refined in his Dantian.
In truth, chakra could be stored in many places, though most ninjas stored it in the Dantian. Later, Tsunade would store chakra in her brain and seal it with a jutsu. In Guy's Eight Gates, the final gate injects chakra directly into the heart.
In short, chakra could be stored in any part of the body with the right techniques.
Ruofeng worked steadily, storing it in his Dantian. As he refined more, he noticed that the cellular energy inside him wasn't being depleted. The chakra surged into his Dantian.
He narrowed his eyes, strands of spiritual light flickering. Slowly raising his hands, he whispered, "This is chakra… truly a unique energy!"
He lightly pinched a pebble in front of him.
"Crack… crack…"
The pebble crumbled as if it were soft pastry.
At that moment, Jiraiya approached from afar. "Feeling your strength grow… that's the effect of chakra. When you wrap your fist with chakra, it can unleash terrifying power. This is the most basic application of chakra and the source of a ninja's strength. But you're too young to over-extract energy from your cells — the energy inside them also supports your growth."
Ruofeng gradually retracted his chakra and stored it back in his Dantian. He stood, saying, "I can extract chakra, but it seems I can't draw it from all the cells, only a portion. Still… even this small portion is brimming with energy."
Jiraiya replied, "The human body has around thirteen trillion cells — that's just a rough estimate. Do you think you can sense all thirteen trillion cells and extract chakra from all of them on your first try? Start small. Once you're skilled, you'll be able to draw from all cells. The fact that the cells still contain energy shows the effects of the medicinal baths and that red meat you ate."
Ruofeng nodded. "I see… now that I have chakra, I can enter the Ninja Academy!"
Jiraiya blinked. "Admissions for this year are already over. You'll have to wait until next year."
Ruofeng's eyes gleamed. "You're a Jonin with recommendation rights. Plus, you're Tsunade's disciple. Why not let me transfer directly in?"
Jiraiya shook his head. "Do you think entering the Ninja Academy is that easy? But… since you're so eager, I can agree. Just remember, your impatience cannot follow you into the school.
You'll learn slowly at the Academy. Don't think about skipping grades or graduating early. You must spend six full years there. During these years, you won't be troubled by wars or missions — just grow steadily.
Those six years are the best growth stage in a ninja's life. After graduation, you'll face the battlefield, where true improvement comes from life-and-death trials."
His eyes held a trace of melancholy, as if reminiscing.
Ruofeng found it strange, yet he understood. The six years at the Ninja Academy would be his perfect growth period. With chakra refinement and the garbage station as his secret advantage, he would naturally grow. All he lacked was time.
He understood clearly: a genius is just a title. Honor brings danger. A genius who has grown is a true genius; one who hasn't is merely an ant.
Nodding silently, he said to Jiraiya, "I understand. Six years at the Academy is enough to grow steadily."
Jiraiya said, "Exactly… the Academy might not teach many jutsu, but remember, you have me, a Jonin, backing you. And your family has its own legacy. Six years are enough to learn it. As for battle experience, you'll understand it gradually through lower-level missions."
Ruofeng's eyes filled with curiosity. He had once thought Jiraiya's visits were mere repayment for his grandfather's past help. Now it was clear — Jiraiya's relationship with his grandfather was far more complex. And his own family's hidden legacy… what could it truly be?
He asked, "My family's legacy… what exactly is it? My grandfather never mentioned this."
Jiraiya smiled awkwardly. "I don't fully know what your family's legacy is either. But don't underestimate them…"