In Naruto as the Shadow Monarch

Chapter 7

3 Days Later

"That is for today's lesson. Yawn. You will be given the rest of the day to practice the chakra meditation technique. My advice for you before starting your meditation is to empty your chakra reserves. Meditating to recover your chakra will temper your chakra reservoir, increasing its capacity over time."

With that, Inochi-sensei left yawning. It seems that he is as sleep deprived as ever.

For the last 3 days, Kurenai has been quiet. She would leave as soon as class was finished.

'Since I learn the chakra meditation technique, I can finally start training.'

With that, Kuro did not stay in the classroom either and left for the hidden training area he found close to the Forest of Death. There is a river going through that area that would be perfect for starting chakra mastery.

(Image here)

20 Minutes Later

Kuro arrives at the training location.

Tti-ring.

[You've completed 'Daily Quest: Preparations to become strong'.]

[Completion rewards have arrived.]

[Would you like to confirm?] (Y/N)

"Confirm."

"Yosh, time to train so I can relax later. Should I try walking on water to increase my chakra control or practice the Shadow Possession Jutsu?" Kuro wondered. "Let's increase my chakra control first. As they alway say, a strong building is built on a solid foundation."

Kuro made his way toward the river bank. Before stepping into the river, he focuses his chakra to concentrate at the bottom of his feet. With a determined step, Kuro steps forward.

SPLASH!

Kuro fell into the river as soon as he stepped into it.

Kuro sputtered and scrambled to the surface, his clothes soaked as he wiped the water from his face.

"Tch, that didn't go as planned."

He pushed himself up onto the bank, shaking off the water that clung to his skin. The splash echoed around the river.

Despite the failure, Kuro's expression remained determined. He glanced at the flowing water, eyes narrowing as he steadied his breathing. "Alright, focus," he told himself. "I can do this."

Kuro closed his eyes for a moment, visualizing his chakra flowing smoothly through his body, concentrating on channeling it evenly into the soles of his feet.

He could feel the familiar warmth of his chakra pooling beneath him, the energy slowly spreading outward, forming an invisible layer that he could focus on.

Taking a deep breath, he tried again, stepping cautiously toward the water. This time, he was more aware of his chakra's flow, trying to keep the balance steady. With a firm but careful motion, he lifted his foot and placed it on the water's surface.

For a second, there was a tense stillness—no splash. Kuro's heart raced, but the moment of success was short-lived.

SPLASH!

The second foot fell, and Kuro plunged into the river once more. "Ugh, not again!" he groaned, his frustration bubbling up. But instead of staying defeated, he pushed himself up from the water, gritting his teeth.

Kuro stood in the shallow river, his clothes clinging to his body as he steadied his breathing.

"Focus... just like last time," he muttered to himself, seeing some small improvement.

He closed his eyes for a moment, channeling chakra to the soles of his feet once more, trying to remember the flow, the balance, the feeling of staying centered.

The process was simple in theory but difficult in practice, and rushing would only make things worse.

With his chakra now more stable and concentrated, Kuro stepped forward again. His foot hovered just above the water before it made contact. For a fleeting moment, there was no splash. His foot stayed firm on the surface, the weight of his body suspended by his chakra control.

Kuro felt a surge of triumph, but before he could fully celebrate, he lifted his other foot. He shifted his weight slightly, but it was enough to throw off his balance. His second foot sank slightly into the water, and before he knew it, he was tumbling forward with a loud splash.

For the next few hours, Kuro trained his chakra control. Little by little, he started seeing some improvement. He can stay afloat longer and require less concentration to keep the chakra stable.

Tti-ring!

[Through continuous effort, you have unlock the skill 'Chakra Control']

[Skill: Chakra Control Lv. 1]

Passive skill.

Chakra required to activate: None

The constant desire to master the chakra. Using chakra increases the skill mastery. As the skill level increases, chakra control and mastery increases.

After what seemed like forever, Kuro finally got the result for his effort. He can feel the chakra running more smoothly than ever before. He also no longer needs to constantly focus on maintaining the chakra to stay afloat.

Kuro's body was aching, and his clothes were drenched from hours of trial and error, but there was a sense of accomplishment simmering beneath the exhaustion.

"I guess this is the benefit of having a system. Once I learn the skill, it becomes easier to raise it. Similar to learning how to ride a bike. Once you learn it, it becomes second nature."

Kuro made his way toward the river bank. Once there, he sat on the sand in a lotus position.

Let's start the meditation technique.' Kuro felt his chakra nearing empty. 'It would be great if I can also get a skill for the meditation technique. I wonder if skills can evolve once they reach max level.'

Kuro drew in a deep breath, allowing the air to fill his lungs, before exhaling slowly. As he settled into his breathing, Kuro began to picture his chakra network—like a series of invisible channels coursing throughout his body. He visualized his chakra circulating, flowing freely from one point to another, without restriction. His goal was simple: to clear any remaining blockages and allow his chakra to flow even more effortlessly.

His body relaxed, tension melting away with each slow breath. Kuro focused on feeling his chakra as it gently pulsed in rhythm with his heartbeat, every tiny fluctuation of energy becoming more apparent the deeper he delved into his focus. He tried to synchronize his breathing with the flow of chakra, guiding it through his body like a river moving with steady precision.

Time seemed to slip away as Kuro immersed himself in the practice. He could feel his chakra recharging, like an internal reservoir filling with energy.

Tti-ring!

[You have unlocked the skill 'Meditation Technique']

[Skill: Meditation Technique Lv. 1]

Passive skill.

Chakra required to activate: None

The art of quieting the mind and focusing inward. While meditating, chakra recovery rate increases. As the skill level increases, meditation becomes more effective and grants deeper insight into chakra control.

[You have cleared and unclog some part of your chakra network, increasing your chakra flow and capacity.]

A small smile tugged at Kuro's lips as the notification appeared. "I knew it... this system has its perks."

'Let increase the skill levels a little more before I tackle the dungeon.' Kuro brought out the dungeon key.

[Item: Dungeon Key]

Rarity: E (A/N: Reflects the difficulty of the dungeon)

Type: Key

A key that transfers you to an instant dungeon.

'Since it's an E rank, it should not be too difficult. But I only have one life so I should be careful and prepare.' Kuro looks at the key and puts it back into the Inventory.

Looking at the darkening sky, Kuro decided that he would call it a day and made his way back to his house.

Upon entering his house, Kuro made his way to the living area and dropped his school bag on the small table by the door.

He then grabbed a small, simple meal from his pantry—nothing fancy, but enough to fuel him.

"Wish mum and dad get back soon so I can eat something good. Don't know if this is common in the shinobi world but who the hell leaves their 'extremely young' kids alone. Back on Earth, Children Protection Service would have been knocking on their door already for child abuse."

Kuro placed the bowl in the sink and rested on the couch to digest the food.

After 15 minutes, Kuro set up the futon and went to sleep.

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