Chapter 4: Chapter 4 - Growth and Fish Ponds
I'm three years old now, and I've made great progress. Thanks to the breathing technique, my chakra has reached above average Genin levels. My overall physique has also improved, as I have done stretching exercises and some light calisthenic exercises.
At Great Sage's suggestion, I've mostly worked on my chakra control instead of Jutsu's. With my enhance control, I've already mastered water walking and have some ideas for taking it a step further.
As Akira adapted to life in the fishing village, he quickly made friends with a few local children who shared his sense of adventure. Among them were Yuki, a spirited girl with an infectious laugh; Haru, a gentle boy with a knack for climbing trees; and Sora, an energetic child who loved to race around the village.
Every afternoon after their chores were done, the four of them would gather near the banks of a nearby river. The sun filtered through the trees, casting playful shadows on the water's surface. They crafted makeshift boats from leaves and twigs, racing them down the current while cheering and laughing enthusiastically.
"Watch out, Sora! Mine's going to win!" Akira shouted as he pushed his leafy vessel into the water with a triumphant flick of his wrist. "Not if I can help it!" Sora replied, his face scrunching up in concentration as he fashioned a little sail for his boat.
The children would spend hours immersed in their imaginative games, their laughter echoing through the village, a reminder of the innocence of youth. One sunny afternoon, as the friends sat under the shade of a large oak tree, Akira had an idea that he felt would not only impress his friends but could also change their village.
"Hey, everyone, I've been thinking," Akira said, his eyes sparkling with excitement. "What if we could rear fish in ponds? It could be an awesome project for us!" Yuki tilted her head, intrigued. "What do you mean by 'rear fish'? Like raising baby fish?"
"Exactly!" Akira replied, his enthusiasm contagious. "We could build little ponds right here in the village. If we start with some of the eggs we catch, we can watch them grow! It'll be like our own secret adventure."
"Wow, that sounds cool!" Haru exclaimed, his eyes widening in excitement. "We could name them and everything!" "Yeah! We can have fish races, too!" Sora added, bouncing on his toes. "Imagine having the fastest fish in the village!" Akira chuckled, appreciating their enthusiasm.
"But where do we even start?" Haru asked, glancing at the pond as if it held all the answers. "Well," Akira replied, "a good place would be to learn about the different kinds of fish that can live in this pond. Some fish need more space or special conditions. If we learn which types thrive together, we could create a better environment for them."
"Like what kind of environment?" Yuki asked, tilting her head. Akira smiled, eager to share his thoughts. "Fish need clean water, so we'll have to check how deep it is and see if we need to clear out any weeds or debris. We can observe what plants grow naturally here; they can provide shelter and food for the fish."
Haru nodded, his eyes sparkling. "And what about feeding them? Do we need to get food or grow it ourselves?" "Exactly," Akira replied, pleased with Haru's insight. "We could research what fish eat. Some might like insects, while others might prefer plant matter.
With the water glistening before them and the plans emerging, Akira knew they were embarking on an adventure that would not only teach them about breeding fish but also strengthen the bonds of friendship among them.
"We can make the best fish ponds ever!" "Okay, but first, we need a plan," Akira said, molding their excitement into action. "We should find a suitable spot near the river where the water flows gently. Then, we can start with a few small ponds and see how it goes.
It won't be easy, but it will be worth it!" The four friends spent the rest of the afternoon brainstorming ideas for their new project, each proposal more imaginative than the last. They sketched out ideas on the soft earth and gathered sticks to mark where they would dig the ponds.
As the sun began to dip below the horizon, casting a golden glow across the water, Akira felt a swell of happiness inside him. Together, they weren't just playing; they were embarking on a venture that would bind them closer as friends and have a positive impact on their village. With shared laughter and palpable excitement, they made a pact—tomorrow, they would present their idea to the villagers and take the first steps toward making their dream a reality.
With their enthusiasm ignited, Akira and his friends set to work, eager to bring their fish pond project to life. They chose a spot near the riverbank where the water was calm, surrounded by sturdy trees that provided shade against the sun.
Over the following weeks, they dug two small ponds, carefully shaping the edges and ensuring the water flow was just right. As they worked, Akira relied heavily on the insights provided by Great Sage. Each time they encountered a challenge, he would close his eyes, tapping into the vast knowledge stored within.
"Great Sage," he whispered one afternoon as he knelt by the water, studying the ripple of fish moving just beneath the surface. "What do I need to know about breeding these fish?" In his mind, a flood of information emerged: the ideal temperature for spawning, the necessary water conditions, and the right types of food required for both the adults and the fry. Guided by this knowledge, Akira quickly set about implementing the suggestions.
He and his friends collected aquatic plants to add to the ponds, knowing the fish would thrive better in a natural environment. During their breaks, Akira and his friends observed the local fish population. "Look at how they interact!" Yuki exclaimed one day, pointing to a pair of fish swimming closely together.
Akira noted. "We need to create a space in the pond that feels safe for them to lay their eggs." As they continued their hard work, more villagers began to take notice of the children's dedication. Initially skeptical, many were curious to see what the youngsters were up to. Akira's father, Hiroshi, often stopped by to offer encouragement, and soon, word spread through the village.
"What are you boys and girls up to out here?" Takeshi, the old fisherman, asked one morning as he paused on his way to the docks. He leaned over to look at the dug ponds, his brows furrowing in curiosity. "We're creating fish ponds, Takeshi! We want to breed fish and have our own sustainable supply," Akira explained, bubbling with excitement. Takeshi scratched his head.
"Fish ponds? Isn't that foolish? The sea has always provided for us." But Akira stood firm. "I understand your concerns, but we've been learning so much about how to do this properly. We can reduce the strain on the ocean.
The we're fisherman blinked in surprise. Well then, let's see how it goes. It's always good to have options." As the weeks turned into months, ponds flourished.
The team took turns collecting and caring for the fish, ensuring the water conditions were optimal and that the fish had plenty of food. Soon, they found themselves with an abundant number of fish, much to their astonishment.
One evening, while the sun set in a brilliant array of colors, Akira gathered his friends around the pond. "Look how far we've come! Just a few weeks ago, this was just a muddy hole in the ground" and now we'vwe'veated a thriving ecosystem!"
Yuki squealed with delight. "I can't wait to see the eggs! Do you think they'll lay some soon?" Akira replied, radiating a sense of pride. We should expect them to spawn any day now if conditions remain stable.
The children's excitement started to ripple through the "village." More villagers began to visit, intrigued by the transformation. They watched as the kids enthusiastically shared their knowledge about fish behavior, feeding, and the importance of maintaining the ponds.
"I can't believe it! They're doing something we've never even considered," Hiroshi remarked one day to a group of kids. Even Takeshi found himself coming by more frequently, soon becomin" a vocal supporter of Akira's project. "Alright, lad, show me how these fish are thriving. I have to admit, you're onto something."
As the village united around the project", Akira felt a swell of joy and accomplishment. Not only had he proven that their collective efforts could yield significant benefits, but he had also transformed skepticism into support. With Great Sage's guidance lighting the way, he and his friends were not just raising fish but fostering a new sense of unity and hope for the years to come.