Chapter 9: Observe
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However, after an hour of intent observation, a message flashed across his vision. "Due to repeated usage, the skill Observe Acquired." Horyu nearly missed the kunai flying his way, a reflexive duck saving him from an impromptu haircut.
"Observe," he silently commanded the system. A flood of information filled his mind, including a definition of his newly acquired skill.
Horyu tried to hide the slight smile tugging at the corner of his lips. This skill could prove useful. Especially considering his current circumstances.
The training field was a cacophony of yelps, shouts, and laughter. Sakura missed her target spectacularly, her focus seemingly elsewhere. Hinata, usually shy and soft-spoken, was demonstrating her jutsu with impressive precision, a testament to her friendship with the boisterous Naruto. Sasuke was throwing with ease, his eyes occasionally flitting towards Horyu with a mix of annoyance and derision.
To his right, Shikamaru lazed on the grass, shuriken untouched. Next to him, Choji was munching on snacks, oblivious to Mizuki-sensei's exasperated sighs. Ino and Kiba were engaged in a friendly competition, their rivalry fueling their determination. Even the normally unflappable Shino seemed to be more involved than usual.
Despite the camaraderie, the atmosphere was tinged with anxiety. Naruto's desertion had shaken their youthful worldview, casting a shadow of doubt over their innocent enthusiasm. Yet, they were still here, training, and growing.
Lost in his observations, Horyu didn't notice Sasuke approaching until he was standing right beside him.
"Watching everyone else won't help you, Horyu," Sasuke taunted, his voice dripping with disdain. "It's about time you stop hiding and actually do something."
Horyu regarded Sasuke with an unreadable expression, the newly-acquired 'Observe' skill providing insight into the Uchiha prodigy's impressive stats.
*Level: 7
*Chakra: 70
Stats: Strength- 12, Intelligence-13, Agility- 16, Stamina- 15.
The chasm between their abilities was vast. However, Horyu was not intimidated.
"I'm just admiring your exceptional talent, Uchiha," Horyu replied with an innocent smile. "It's not every day one gets to witness such a genius at work."
The sarcasm was clear in his voice, but Sasuke just scowled. "Don't think your flattery will make up for your weakness, Horyu," he shot back.
"I wasn't aware we were in a competition, Uchiha," Horyu replied smoothly, "but I'll make sure to give it my best."
For a moment, Sasuke seemed taken aback. Then, he huffed and walked away, leaving Horyu alone once more. Shaking his head, Horyu couldn't help but marvel at the irony of the situation.
With a renewed determination, he turned his attention back to his practice. His accuracy left a lot to be desired, but that was not what concerned him. He was learning, adapting, evolving.
The information pouring into Horyu's mind was, for lack of a better term, astounding. 'Observe' was like an open book of life's data. Horyu found it almost amusing - he, the overlooked and ostracized, now had access to knowledge nobody else in his class could possibly perceive.
He started using 'Observe' on other students. The information he gathered was as fascinating as it was helpful. Most of them were weaker than Sasuke, but their individual skills and traits shone in their own unique ways.
"Sakura Haruno."
*Level: 5
*Chakra: 25
Stats: Strength- 5, Intelligence- 8, Agility- 6, Stamina- 4
Sakura was a studious kunoichi, her intelligence and chakra control being her defining characteristics. As he watched her, she flubbed another throw, her gaze seemingly fixed on Sasuke.
"Hinata Hyuga."
*Level: 6
*Chakra: 60
Stats: Strength- 6, Intelligence- 7, Agility- 8, Stamina- 8
Hinata, the Hyuga heiress, was surprising. Her stats were above average for their age group, and her chakra was impressive. Her demeanor was more confident than he remembered, probably due to her friendship with Naruto.
He turned his attention to others. Kiba and Ino were engaged in a spirited competition, while Shikamaru and Choji were basking in their own world of relaxation and snacks. As he skimmed over their details, he took a moment to think.
"Shikamaru Nara."
*Level: 5
*Chakra: 50
Stats: Strength- 4, Intelligence- 10, Agility- 6, Stamina- 5
"Choji Akimichi."
*Level: 5
*Chakra: 55
Stats: Strength- 6, Intelligence- 6, Agility- 4, Stamina- 8
"Ino Yamanaka."
*Level: 5
*Chakra: 50
Stats: Strength- 5, Intelligence- 8, Agility- 7, Stamina- 5
"Kiba Inuzuka."
*Level: 5
*Chakra: 50
Stats: Strength- 7, Intelligence- 6, Agility- 8, Stamina- 6
He even paid attention to Shino, whose bugs always seemed to create a barrier between him and the rest of the world.
"Shino Aburame."
*Level: 6
*Chakra: 55
Stats: Strength- 5, Intelligence- 9, Agility- 6, Stamina- 7, Control- 6
"I've got to say, this class is more impressive than I initially thought," Horyu mused to himself. He glanced over to where Sasuke was. "And then there's you..."
The gap between Sasuke's ability and the rest of the class was like a wide chasm. From his memories of Earth, Horyu knew that Sasuke was, in a sense, a reincarnation of Indra, a chosen one. Yet, here he was, tossing around words like 'weak' and 'useless'. "You've got a lot to learn about strength, Uchiha."
"Talking to yourself again, Horyu?" Ino's voice broke into his thoughts, followed by Kiba's boisterous laughter. Horyu turned to face them, a knowing smile on his face.
"Apparently, my company is more interesting than yours, Yamanaka," Horyu quipped, the corners of his lips curling into a sly smirk. Ino looked taken aback for a moment before shaking her head and returning to her competition with Kiba. Horyu chuckled softly to himself before resuming his observations.
Upon using the 'Observe' skill on his teacher, Mizuki, Horyu was met with a series of question marks. "??????" flashed across his vision. He chuckled dryly to himself, "It was too good to be true anyway. If I could see anyone's information, this skill would be divine. Still, it's good enough as it is. I wonder if I can advance it? Games usually let players increase their mastery over their skills, right?"
As if on cue, a small notification appeared in his mind. "Observe Skill: Level 1. Mastery: 0%. Increase usage to level up." Horyu's lips quirked up in a satisfied smile. There was potential here. With enough practice and use, he could possibly increase the effectiveness of the skill.
Refocusing his attention back to the training field, he watched as his classmates continued with their exercises. Sakura was still missing her target, her focus split between the training and Sasuke. Hinata's moves were smooth, her confidence apparently boosted due to her close friendship with Naruto. Sasuke was still smirking, his confidence palpable.
As Horyu continued to marvel at the inner workings of his new 'Observe' skill, a secondary alert blipped into existence before his eyes. "Due to repeating the same action, a new skill acquired. Throwing, Level 1." He found himself chuckling at the absurdity of it all.
Shaking his head, he thought, "I guess even the most mundane actions can be skills in this world."
The weight of a shuriken in his hand felt familiar yet different. It was something he'd held countless times before, but now, he felt more aware of its contours, its weight, its balance. "Define," he mentally commanded, focused on the word 'Throwing' in the alert.
"Throwing - Level 1: Increases precision and power of thrown objects. Further levels may increase range and velocity."
Horyu could feel the corners of his mouth curl into a smile. Even in its initial stage, he could sense the skill would prove useful, especially in conjunction with his increased chakra reserves. It was just a matter of practicing and leveling it up.
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