Seeing the Grand Elder's shocked expression, Hayato knew his wish to pursue further training would soon be granted.
"It was probably a few days ago." Hayato pretended to think it over before answering slowly.
A few days ago? That was right around when Hayato had first gone to the Ninja Academy. The Grand Elder couldn't help reflecting on how swiftly time flew.
He remembered the moment Hayato was born, when the boy had already awakened the Two-Tomoe Sharingan. The Grand Elder had sensed then that his grandson was destined for greatness, and that awakening the Three-Tomoe Sharingan was only a matter of time.
Still, he had never imagined it would happen so soon.
Three years old. What had he been doing at three? Probably playing Mud Sport with his friends.
The Grand Elder took a deep breath, trying to calm his shock, and looked at Hayato.
"Hayato, since that's the case, is there anything in particular you'd like to learn?"
This time, he planned to hear Hayato's thoughts first, then tailor his teaching to the boy's strengths and help him grow.
At that, a flicker of excitement crossed Hayato's eyes. Without hesitation, he replied, "Grandpa, I want to learn ninjutsu other than Fire Release, as well as the Uchiha Clan's Shurikenjutsu and the Shadow Clone Technique."
Of course, the Shadow Clone Technique was the most important to him. It was practically a cheat code, capable of playing a huge role in both training and combat.
The Grand Elder frowned slightly and said earnestly, "Hayato, Fire Release is the most suitable style for the Uchiha Clan. Mastering it is actually far more powerful than learning other styles."
Hayato, however, had his own plans. He knew he had an affinity for all nature transformations. Wouldn't training only in Fire Release be a waste of that talent?
Besides, although Fire Release had tremendous destructive power, its track record was often laughable. More often than not, it produced plenty of smoke but no injuries.
So he answered firmly, "Grandpa, I think I can develop in several directions instead of limiting myself to Fire Release."
After hearing Hayato's answer, the Grand Elder pondered for a moment, then stood and took a sheet of Chakra Induction Paper from his pocket. He handed it to Hayato.
"Learning ninjutsu beyond Fire Release won't be easy. It's not as if you can master every nature transformation without difficulty. Here, Hayato. Try channeling your chakra into this paper so I can see your affinities."
Hayato nodded, took the paper, and slowly channeled his chakra into it.
Before long, the paper split down the middle. The top half of the left side burst into flames, while its bottom half crumpled. The top half of the right side grew damp, while its bottom half crumbled away.
The result filled the Grand Elder with joy.
The result filled the Grand Elder with joy. His grandson truly was extraordinary. At just three years old, he already had affinities for all five chakra natures: Wind, Fire, Lightning, Water, and Earth.
He couldn't help exclaiming, "As expected of my grandson!"
Hayato, standing nearby, pretended not to understand and asked, "Grandpa, how did it go? What other styles can I learn?"
The Grand Elder came back to his senses, walked over to Hayato, and patted him on the shoulder with a smile. "You can try training in all five nature transformations."
"Then, Grandpa..." Hayato gazed seriously at the Grand Elder, looking like a child eager for a new toy.
Seeing Hayato's eager, knowledge-hungry expression, the Grand Elder couldn't help smiling. "Which style would you like to learn first?"
Only children had to choose. Though Hayato was a child himself, he answered without hesitation, "Grandpa, I want them all."
The Grand Elder was about to say that a person's energy was limited, but remembering what had happened earlier, he swallowed his words.
The Grand Elder was about to say that a person's energy was limited, but remembering Hayato's earlier performance, he swallowed his words. After thinking for a moment, he said slowly, "Then Grandpa will have to make some preparations and pick out a few practical ninjutsu for you."
Hayato was delighted. This was the advantage of being born into a ninja family! Though, really, it was mostly because his talent had shown he was worth the family's investment.
He said excitedly, "I can ask Dad to teach me the clan's Shurikenjutsu. As for the Shadow Clone Technique..."
The Grand Elder nodded slightly. "Have they started teaching the Three Basic Jutsu at your school?"
Hayato answered honestly, "No. So far, the school has only taught us some basic Taijutsu and theory."
The Grand Elder nodded. Although Hayato had no foundation in the Clone Technique, he didn't think that would affect his ability to learn the Shadow Clone Technique. So he started teaching Hayato the Hand Seals and chakra control for it on the spot.
The Shadow Clone Technique was a B-rank jutsu, but it required only a single Hand Seal. Its main difficulty lay in controlling and dividing chakra. To learn it faster, Hayato activated his Sharingan and used its powerful insight to study the technique.
As expected, it wasn't long before he mastered the jutsu.
Hayato had learned a great deal that day, so he said goodbye to the Grand Elder. The Grand Elder, meanwhile, began thinking about which ninjutsu he should choose to further develop Hayato's abilities.
He remembered how Hayato had learned the C-rank Great Fireball Technique at a glance, and decided the jutsu he picked this time should be more difficult.
After thinking it over, he decided to choose B-rank jutsu wherever possible. That would give Hayato a challenge without making things too easy for him.
"Being too much of a prodigy can be a problem sometimes," the Grand Elder murmured to himself, his face still beaming with pride and satisfaction.
When Hayato got home, he found Shota resting. He called out excitedly, "Dad! I want to learn some Shurikenjutsu. Can you teach me?"
At that, Shota immediately came out of his meditative rest.
He had wanted to show off in front of his son a while ago, but hadn't gotten the chance. He never expected another opportunity to come along today!
"No problem!" Shota readily agreed.
Shota's Shurikenjutsu was indeed impressive, and it had a certain artistic beauty to it. It was far better than the techniques Hayato had figured out on his own.
From then on, Hayato had one more thing to practice when he got home each day. He enjoyed it immensely; every little improvement made him feel more confident.
After school the next day, Hayato returned home to find the Grand Elder waiting for him.
He trotted over to the Grand Elder and asked eagerly, "Grandpa! Did you come to bring me some Ninjutsu Scrolls?"
The Grand Elder smiled and patted Hayato on the head. He took five scrolls from his robe and handed them to the boy. "No need to rush. You can learn them at your own pace."
Though he silently grumbled that any more and the clan's funds would be tight, the Grand Elder still wore a warm smile.
Hayato happily took the scrolls and carefully put them away. He knew this wasn't the time to study, so he didn't rush to open them.
After dinner, Hayato returned to his room and laid out the scrolls one by one.
He carefully read the description of each jutsu, and a satisfied smile gradually spread across his face.
Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique.
Water Release: Water Formation Wall.
Earth Release: Earth Flow Wall.
Lightning Style: Earth Flash.
Wind Release: Vacuum Wave.
The five jutsu made for a well-rounded selection: two defensive jutsu, two long-range offensive jutsu, and one control-type jutsu.
It was clear the Grand Elder had put a great deal of thought into choosing them.
Just as Hayato was about to start studying, a system interface suddenly popped up before his eyes. At last, the text on it had changed...
Before you continue