Chapter 18: Chapter 18: First Stage of Training
"Alright, Yahiko, Konan, Nagato, come here. I'll explain the training plan to you," Asahi said.
After a brief warm-up, Asahi called the three of them over.
"For now, I've set up a three-year training plan for you."
"Master, isn't three years too long? I think, with our talents, one year should be more than enough!" Yahiko interrupted in his usual carefree manner.
Asahi was somewhat exasperated, but he didn't get angry. Yahiko's protagonist-like qualities were probably part of the reason he had earned everyone's trust.
"Alright, don't think about running before you can even crawl," Asahi calmly admonished him.
Yahiko didn't argue further; he was quite satisfied that he hadn't been scolded.
Asahi glanced at the three of them, who were now listening attentively, and continued:
"For now, I've divided these three years of training into four stages."
"The first stage is physical conditioning. For the first two months, I won't let you learn anything else; you'll focus solely on improving your physical fitness."
"Of course, this is just a plan. If you reach my expected goals ahead of schedule, we'll move on to the next stage."
"Otherwise, we'll extend the time. So, get ready for physical conditioning!"
"Wait a minute, Master, you haven't told us about the other three stages," Konan inquired with a puzzled expression after Asahi finished speaking.
Asahi gently patted Konan's head. "You'll find out about the remaining stages once you've completed the first one. Don't aim too high too soon."
"Got it, Master," Konan obediently nodded.
"Is everyone ready?" Asahi asked.
"Ready, Master!" x3
"Very well, let's begin the training. First, run ten kilometers around the riverbank. And no using chakra!" Asahi instructed.
Upon hearing the ten kilometers and the prohibition on using chakra, Yahiko cried out in despair, "Master, isn't that too far? Can we shorten the distance?"
"Less complaining, start running. I'll run with you, so don't think about slacking off or cheating."
Asahi didn't waver at all due to Yahiko's complaints. When Yahiko heard that Asahi would be running with them, he could only nod reluctantly.
Yahiko, Konan, and Nagato ran ahead, with Asahi following closely behind. Maybe he needed to urge them on a bit.
In the beginning, the three youngsters were running with ease, chatting and laughing along the way.
However, as time passed, they started to pant heavily and feel fatigued. Despite the relatively short distance, the fast pace made it challenging.
Gritting their teeth, they endured the fatigue and completed the ten kilometers.
They thought they could finally rest for a while, but as soon as they lay down, Asahi called them to their feet again.
"Don't lie down; now, quickly refine your chakra."
"Ah!!"
Despite their exhaustion, the three of them obediently began refining their chakra.
Surprisingly, despite their fatigue, refining chakra with each cell actually increased the total amount. They could control more cells as they recovered, which would likely lead to an increase in their chakra reserves.
Before they could fully recover, Asahi woke them up and subjected them to various strenuous exercises like super-enhanced push-ups and squats. These training methods seemed extremely harsh to them, like nothing they had ever experienced.
The exhaustion and hardship they endured were almost unbearable, and Yahiko even accused Asahi of being ruthless.
Asahi remained unfazed and told them that since they were all going through this for the first time, they couldn't complain. Otherwise, they'd risk triggering a landslide of grievances.
With Yahiko's earnest efforts, the training volume for all three increased. Asahi mentioned that it was because Yahiko had an abundance of energy and that their initial training volume was inadequate. So, he created a specific regimen for the trio.
This led to two disgruntled glances from Konan and Nagato towards Yahiko, who then wisely chose to stay silent.
Observing the three youngsters exhausted and disheveled, Asahi nodded in satisfaction. "Alright, you can return to your rooms now and focus on refining your chakra."
"Oh~"
Initially, the three young disciples were full of energy, but after a morning of grueling training, they became listless, even speaking with tired voices.
Returning slowly to their small wooden house, the three of them began meditating in place to recover their chakra.
Meanwhile, Asahi went into the forest and caught a few wild rabbits, which he later roasted. He sprinkled them with seasonings he obtained from the Hidden Rain Village, filling the air with an enticing aroma.
The three disciples, who were meditating, instinctively perked up, their noses twitching. They opened their eyes simultaneously.
Seeing the roasted rabbits and dried provisions on the dining table, their stomachs growled in unison.
Asahi, witnessing the hungry gazes of the disciples, chuckled. "You must be starving. Wash your hands and let's eat."
"Yes!"
"I'm digging in!"
Asahi enjoyed his meal while watching the three youngsters devour the roasted rabbits hungrily.
"This is delicious! It's even better than what Konan makes!"
"Absolutely, this is the tastiest roast I've ever had."
"Though I hate to admit it, Master's cooking is really good."
Hearing their praises, Asahi smiled in satisfaction. While it might be partly due to their hunger, his culinary skills were undeniable.
After the meal, Konan dutifully washed the dishes, while Yahiko and Nagato lay on the floor, motionless.
Suddenly, Yahiko sat up and asked, "Master, what are we going to do in the afternoon? You're not going to exhaust us again, are you?"
Asahi shook his head. "In the afternoon, you'll focus on chakra refinement. It's the first day, so we won't push too hard. We need you to adapt."
"Really?!" Yahiko asked in delight.
"Of course!"
"Yay! Hooray!" Yahiko cheered.
"But," Asahi added, dampening their spirits, "starting tomorrow, you'll be training all day. And once you get used to it, we'll gradually increase the weights."
Yahiko's face instantly fell, and even Konan and Nagato, who had just returned, looked alarmed.
"Master, are you... are you serious?"
"Of course. Do you think I'd lie to you?" Asahi shrugged, putting an end to their hopes.
"Oh my god! Nooo!"
The sorrowful cries from the wooden house were enough to bring tears to anyone's eyes, but they didn't earn Asahi's sympathy.
The following days for the three disciples were monotonous, with each day passing by slowly. Small Konan was in charge of breakfast, while Asahi handled lunch and dinner.
Every day consisted of high-intensity training, endless chakra refinement, and secret medical ninjutsu sessions by Asahi to alleviate their fatigue.
The only change was the increasing weight of their training equipment and their growing height and strength.
<End Chapter>
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