Chapter 49: Planning the Training Regimen
Kaito thought for a moment and came to a decision.
"Alright, I'll set aside the Uchiha incident for now. It shouldn't affect me directly. What matters most is assessing my current abilities. Though I lack real combat experience, I can confidently say my ninjutsu has reached chunin level, even if I don't have many C-rank techniques in my arsenal yet."
Three months of daily sparring with his Shadow Clones had helped Kaito resolve countless issues with his ninjutsu execution. His chakra reserves had also grown significantly during that time.
Kaito could now create three Shadow Clones that met the requirements mentioned in the scroll. This meant his chakra capacity was approaching chunin level as well.
As for taijutsu, Kaito was confident he surpassed most participants in the Chunin Exams he'd seen in his memories. Yet he'd still lost to that Hyuga clan member during the graduation exam.
If he assumed both he and Hyuga Hodaka had reached chunin-level taijutsu, then Kaito had likely achieved that benchmark too.
In the worst-case scenario, his taijutsu had probably peaked at high-genin level.
But he desperately needed a proper taijutsu style. Right now, his only advantage in hand-to-hand combat was his excellent physique for someone his age.
Kaito expected his kenjutsu would improve dramatically once he learned the samurai sword style. Its lethality should far exceed his taijutsu, though swordsmanship had its own limitations.
Wielding two swords meant Kaito couldn't form hand seals. Techniques requiring both hands—like the Rasengan or Wind Blast Technique—became impossible to use while armed.
However, Kaito hoped that gaining mid-range slashing attacks might compensate for this drawback to some extent.
Either way, he'd revisit this issue after learning the samurai sword style.
Kaito's sensory abilities had also improved considerably.
His chakra sensing field now extended over 750 meters in all directions.
Kaito felt he could accomplish nearly everything expected of a sensor-type ninja, though mastering all those skills would take several more years of practice.
Kaito's current combat capabilities centered around ten core techniques: Body Flicker Technique, Wind Release: Palm Wind, Earth Release: Underground Movement Technique, Shadow Clone Technique, Wind Clone Technique, Wind Release: Great Breakthrough, Wind Release: Pressure Damage, Wind Release: Gale Palm, Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, and Manipulated Shuriken Technique.
Beyond these, he relied heavily on chakra flow to enhance the cutting power of his swords, kunai, and shuriken.
Kaito also knew the Rasengan, but he hadn't trained to use it in actual combat.
Though he had solid ideas for incorporating it into his fighting style, he couldn't risk letting anyone discover he possessed this jutsu—not yet.
All things considered, if Kaito utilized every skill in his arsenal, he'd reached chunin level—barely.
At this stage, Kaito could probably defeat shinobi like Iruka or Mizuki, but when facing stronger opponents like Adachi Genki or even Nakatani Michi, his only option would be to retreat.
Speaking of escape, with his Wind Clone and Shadow Clone techniques, plus Body Flicker, Underground Movement, and his ability to suppress his chakra signature, evading even an elite chunin seemed possible.
Unless he faced someone specialized in tracking, escape shouldn't be a problem.
In fact, if someone asked him what his greatest skill was right now, his answer would definitely be the art of running away!
As for his next steps, Kaito needed access to the Academy Library's C-rank section.
He had to learn more C-rank Wind Release techniques. If any useful C-rank Earth Release jutsu were available, he'd learn those as well.
Besides that, Kaito needed to learn at least one C-rank genjutsu and complete his current fuinjutsu scroll before moving on to the next one.
He concluded his assessment with a sigh.
"That should be enough for now. After this, I can focus on refining the techniques I already know. I also want to learn medical ninjutsu, but... my training schedule is already packed. I'll look into it later."
Satisfied with his immediate plan, he decided to consider his long-term goals. He thought carefully.
"I've been in this world for almost five years now, and I understand it much better. With my physique and the rate my chakra grows, I'm confident I can reach jonin level eventually."
"And if the Library's A-rank section contains quality jutsu, then becoming an elite jonin shouldn't be impossible. But how do I surpass elite jonin and reach Kage level?"
He seriously pondered this question. Half an hour later, he reached several conclusions.
"Perhaps my simplest path is to learn Sage Mode."
The second option was to learn Might Guy's Eight Inner Gates technique.
However, this would require Kaito to build a strong relationship with Guy first—strong enough that he'd teach Kaito this forbidden technique.
Moreover, Kaito wasn't certain he could master it through effort alone. The physical requirements were extreme.
The third option was to somehow obtain Impure World Reincarnation and create his own army of deceased A-rank and S-rank ninja.
The fourth option was to acquire and master the Flying Thunder God Technique.
The fifth option was to invent his own A-rank or higher jutsu. Combined with high-speed movement, enhanced physical strength, and masterful swordsmanship, he might reach that level through his own innovation.
Another possibility was becoming a jinchuriki.
However, that would paint a target on his back for the Akatsuki Organization—something he definitely wanted to avoid.
Still, if Kaito became strong enough, he could take that risk. Forming a contract with a powerful summoning animal would also help.
After reviewing all his options, he sighed heavily.
"Even the simplest methods are incredibly difficult to achieve! I genuinely wonder if I can reach that level."
However, just then, Kaito suddenly had an audacious idea.
His eyes widened slightly.
"Wait... I could explore that option. But is it actually possible?"
He analyzed the concept for several more minutes.
"I can't be certain. But if I can pull it off, I'll gain the means to become extraordinarily powerful. Not to mention, I know exactly when the right opportunity to acquire the necessary resources will present itself."
He thought deeper, analyzing every possible scenario and outcome.
"Alright, I have to work toward this goal. If I succeed, reaching Kage level won't be a problem. Even if I fail, the effort won't be wasted—I'll still gain valuable skills and knowledge."
This idea energized him completely.
With little time remaining before dinner, he decided to eat first, then meditate before sleeping.
The next few days proved extremely busy for Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He needed to organize the newly promoted genin into teams and assign their jonin instructors—a process involving extensive paperwork and careful analysis.
He not only needed lengthy discussions with the Academy instructors but also had to coordinate with the jonin he'd selected as squad leaders.
He started by forming the standard three-person genin teams. He reviewed the graduation records thoughtfully.
"This year, 135 students became genin total. Over 200 students failed at the sixth-grade level and will be added to the reserve forces. As for those who passed this year, the 94 from sixth grade don't show much promise. We already graduated the exceptional talents early last year. Even if only a quarter of them eventually reach chunin rank, that's sufficient. I'll assign experienced chunin as their instructors rather than wasting jonin resources."
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