Ninja Academy, Training Ground
"Konnichiwa, young disciples. I am Hajime Makoto-sensei, your guide on this path of kenjutsu from today onwards you three will practice basic stances, katas, and footwork to solidify your foundation." Makoto said to see his three students namely Yuto Kazuya(Civilian), Kosuke Hatake(Hatake clan), and Asai Goto(Civilian).
As Makoto started addressing the three students, he starts by introducing the martial art of kenjutsu. He explains that kenjutsu is a traditional swordsmanship practice that focuses on developing practical and effective sword-fighting techniques for both offense and defense.
Next, he moves on to the concept of basic katas, which are a series of pre-arranged movements and techniques performed in a specific sequence. These katas serve as a fundamental training method in martial arts, helping students like them understand the proper form, footwork, and timing required in sword techniques.
Makoto emphasizes that through consistent practice and dedication to learning these basic katas, they will lay a strong foundation for their journey in kenjutsu and gradually advance to more advanced techniques. He encourages them to focus on their movements and strive for precision and discipline in their practice.
Throughout the class, Makoto observes each student's progress, providing guidance and feedback to help them improve their skills and grasp the essence of kenjutsu.
As the class progresses, the teacher engages the students in conversation to gauge their understanding and enthusiasm for kenjutsu.
Makoto: "Alright, students, now that we've gone through the basics of kenjutsu and its katas, how are you feeling about the practice so far?"
Asai: "It's challenging, but I'm excited to learn more. The katas are like a dance with the sword!"
Makoto: "Exactly! Katas help you internalize the movements and build muscle memory. With practice, you'll find a graceful flow in your techniques."
Kosuke: "I'm having trouble with the footwork, sensei. It feels a bit awkward."
Makoto: "No worries, that's completely normal. Footwork is crucial in kenjutsu. Focus on your stances and make sure your weight distribution is balanced. Keep practicing, and it'll become more natural over time."
Yuto: "I practiced some kenjutsu before joining this class, and I feel more confident with the basic katas. Is there anything else I can learn?"
Teacher: "That's great to hear! Since you have some prior experience, we can explore more advanced techniques as you progress. Remember, even the basics can always be refined, so keep honing those fundamental skills."
As the conversation continues, the students share their experiences and challenges, creating a supportive learning environment.
"That is all for today's class from tomorrow onwards Asai and Kosuke will keep practicing these until I see you fit for practicing high-level techniques." Saying this Makoto moves towards me.
Makoto said, "As for you, I have seen that your form is great, and your katas and footwork are stable. Did you receive guidance from anyone?"
Yuto said, "No sensei, I'm practicing kenjutsu because my father was also a kenjutsu practitioner and I have seen him performing which was like a dance from that day I have been addicted to kenjutsu and I wanted to be like him as he always said 'Swords are men's love'. I want to become the greatest kenjutsu wielder in the whole world.'
Seeing his enthusiasm Makoto said, "That is some ideals you have got kiddo keep practicing and you will be there one day. and that dance must be the 'Konoha Dance of Cresent Moon' which was developed by none other than 2nd Hokage Tobirama Senju. And also tell me what you want to specialize in as I have specialized in the same technique as your father which is Dance type kenjutsu style?"
Asai: "I also want to specialize in Dance type"
Kosuke: "I want to specialize in Hatake style."
Yuto: "I want to specialize in Iaido style"
Makoto asked, "Yuto, where did you hear that?"
Yuto said expressing his joy, "Ohh this, I have heard a story from my father when he was on a mission he heard a 'Click' sound and before they have known a head of their teammate was rolling on the ground. And when I heard that, I wanted to master that technique so much that I started pestering Dad for starting my training on kenjutsu."
Hearing this Makoto said, "Yes, that is also a wonderful style it's mainly practiced in Iron Country which has Samurai instead of Ninja. Ok so that is it for today's class and we will meet at the same place and time."
Yuto then thought, 'Ahh, it was tiring acting like a kid but I can now improve faster than before.'
Yuto and nine others were gathered in front of a large facility.
A stern-looking man came and introduced himself, "I'm Shin Yamanaka and I will see if you have the potential to be a sensor or not. Anyone can feel the presence of chakra when it is especially powerful or released in large enough quantities. However, only sensor-type shinobi can sense chakra at their discretion, allowing them to detect it in non-combat situations, as well as tell individuals apart by their unique chakra signatures. Skilled sensor types can sense any chakra within a radius of several dozen kilometers, as well as hone in on a specific chakra signature to perceive its movements in greater detail. It is also possible for them to tell if a person is lying by detecting any fluctuations in their chakra, sense when other nearby sensor types are using their abilities, and determine whether they or other individuals are under the effects of genjutsu." Afterward, he checked the students among 30 only 5 qualified to be a sensor and told others to change their specialization.
As he led others Shin thought, 'Hokage sama is spending a lot of money for these specialization classes. Maybe for five more years as it is expensive keeping these.'
On entering, Yuto and four others who were attempting sensor class saw that there were a lot of rooms in the facility. The facility was mostly empty with very few people being there. However, Yuto noted that quite a few rooms were occupied.
Shin said, "These rooms isolate everything outside it. And also have seals that can eliminate all sound and smell in the room. So you'll have to entirely depend on your ability to sense."
Shin led all the students into one of the rooms. The room was very dark. All the walls were painted black. The room was pretty big too. On entering, Shin explained to them how to train to be able to sense with only the help of his chakra.
He said, "A blindfold will be placed on you all, and after the seals are activated, all sound and smell in the room will be eliminated. After that, a few objects will be placed in the room. These objects have a small amount of Chakra sealed within them in a manner that can be detected by sensors.
So your job will be to detect these objects. We will start by placing the object 3 meters from you, and gradually I will increase the distance, then I'll teach you how to increase the size of your chakra field."
Yuto and others started the training. The training continued till he and others had no success at all. At that time, Shin ended the training. He said that they'll daily train here for 1 hour and also gave him a few tips to make some progress. He also had a few words of encouragement for students as he said that these things can't be sensed in a day and to not get very upset.
He also provided Yuto and others with a small cubical object. He said, "This is one of the objects that I had asked you to sense. You can temporarily borrow this to practice at home. Though you won't be able to block your sense of smell and sound, it shouldn't matter much as you don't specialize in either of those.
So just try to practice with your blindfold on. Maybe ask someone else to place the square down somewhere after you have put the blindfold and sat in your meditative posture. That way you won't know where exactly the cube is beforehand. However, don't practice for very long."