Path Of War-Chapter 13: My Shield

Arthur woke up, deciding not to eat breakfast just yet.

He padded across the tiny apartment that was rented. It had a small kitchen, a camped bathroom, and a single bedroom, but it was his.

The others thought he would automatically bunk with Alex and Jasper in their apartment next door after the meeting last night. But Arthur had graciously refused, stating that he preferred to be alone.

Potential collaborators, especially those with secrets like Alex, were not welcome in his personal space. They allowed Arthur to live alone because William, who lived with Naruto, hadn't drawn any attention.

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They trained during their leisure time. They could practice with another player or by themselves to improve their skills.

As long as it wasn't deemed "game-breaking," Arthur was happy to train alone, and interacting with NPCs was also allowed.

The sun was just peeking over the horizon, and it was still early. He dressed and went out the door.

His apartment was far from the bustle of the central market district, deep in the village. It had a horrible view and was not as opulent as the others' quarters, but it provided much-needed peace for his mind.

He had to be ready. The team placement announcement was scheduled for tomorrow, and the decisions made would have a significant impact on his capacity to change things.

Arthur went down his apartment building's rickety stairs. He was about to make his way to the training grounds when he was interrupted by a quiet voice.

"Um, Arthur, wait!"

Unlike last night, Jada's village headband was loose around her neck as he turned to see her standing a few paces behind him. A small piece of folded paper was awkwardly held out by her.

She stumbled, "We... we almost forgot to give you this last night," and held out the paper to him. "It's your chakra induction paper."

Arthur knew. An individual's elemental affinity—the particular chakra nature they were most drawn to—was ascertained using the chakra induction paper, a simple test.

This process, called "nature transformation," entails shaping one's chakra to assume particular characteristics.

Fire, wind, lightning, earth, and water are the five fundamental elements. In a sort of circle, these elements naturally oppose one another in strength (fire beats wind, wind beats lightning, and so on).

The stronger technique will prevail when two techniques of the same element clash, or they will cancel each other out if they are equal.

While some of these elements can be learned, everyone has a natural affinity for one of them. It will be much simpler for people who have a strong affinity for a particular element to learn and practice that kind of jutsu.

Although it is extremely rare, it is theoretically possible to perfect all five elements. The majority of Jōnin are only proficient in two natures. A select few, such as the third Hokage, are exceptional people who possess all five natures.

Other chakra natures that are not elemental are light and dark. These serve as the foundation for non-elemental skills such as medical ninjutsu and genjutsu (illusions). They are connected to an individual's physical and spiritual energy.

Lastly, completely new elemental natures with distinct qualities can be produced by fusing two or three basic natures. Usually, though, this calls for a Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Tōta—the three-part combination.

Arthur took the paper from Jada.

His affinity is for fire if the paper burns and turns to ash. It's water if it splits in two. It's lightning if it wrinkles. It's earth if it crumbles away and turns to dirt. And it's water if it gets wet.

Jada bit her lip nervously as he unfolded the paper. He directed his chakra through the paper and into his hand. The corners curled inward almost immediately, then dampened entirely.

"Water affinity," smiled Jada. "That's what I got, too!"

"Interesting," he said. "What were everyone else's results?"

"Williams' wind, Margaret's earth and water, just like she said last night, Alice' fire, Jaspers' lightning, and Alex got wind too," Jada replied with a chirp.

It was a calculated combination. A number of variables could result in the formation of potentially strong teams.

Jada was looking at Arthur expectantly, as though she wanted to ask him a question. He then inquired as to what was wrong.

"Nothing," she asserted, "but since we have the same affinities, mind helping me train?"

He had intended to train by himself this morning in order to collect his thoughts and make sure his plan was sound. But working out with Jada might provide insightful information that would enable him to assess the other players' true strength.

Instead of directly interfering with their affairs, a sparring session would be less suspicious.

"Sure, I don't mind," he said, seeing her joyous smile.

Jada appeared eager to fill the void as the two walked silently in the direction of the closest training grounds. She started to divulge information about the training of the others.

"So, everyone's been busy," she began. "William practically lives glued to Naruto's side, trying to teach him taijutsu. When he's not hanging with the main character, he's trying to recreate the Rasengan with balloons."

The Rasengan is a powerful jutsu invented by Minato Namikaze. It concentrates chakra into a spinning ball in the user's hand. This requires great chakra control and is learned in three steps: rotation (spinning the chakra), power (increasing the chakra's intensity), and containment (shaping the chakra into a sphere).

Although it's challenging to learn, there are a lot of benefits. For instance, it is regarded as the ultimate form-transformation tool and can grind through nearly anything. Furthermore, there are numerous Rasengan variations, including larger and nature-infused versions.

Without a doubt, Naruto's favorite move, which he should master in a few months when he isn't mistreating adversaries with his shadow clones.

William is the biggest fan of them all, Arthur said with a quiet laugh.

"Margaret," Jada added, rolling her eyes jokingly, "stopped training altogether. She claims she's already perfected her skills and can beat anyone. Apparently, the only thing missing from her arsenal is wood style, which none of us thinks she got. All she does these days is lounge around in the hot springs like a queen and threaten anyone who makes fun of her hair."

Despite Margaret's strange behavior, Jada obviously liked her.

"Then there's Alice," Jada continued. "She spends most of her time with Jasper, who seems to be schooling her on the later parts of the story. When they're not studying, Jasper disappears somewhere and keeps things a secret. Makes me wonder what he's up to."

The last statement did not sit well with Arthur. An eyebrow was raised at Jasper's tendency to be secretive.

With a hint of doubt in her voice, Jada asked, "Do you think they're... dating?"

Arthur gave a vague shrug. Though their intentions were still unknown, it was a possibility.

Jada whispered, "Lastly, there's Alex." "Apparently, they've already dubbed him the pride of the clan. We're all excited for him, but that was too quick, don't you agree?" "He gets most of his training directly from Hiashi."

Arthur concurred. Only a few weeks into his life, Alex was already a Hyūga prodigy.

"So," Jada said reluctantly, "since none of them share our element, and with me struggling on the Sharingan front, I had hoped that maybe you would help me train my water style."

At last, Arthur turned to face her. He observed a sincere desire to get better and a commitment to their mutual objective of influencing the narrative. He would undoubtedly take advantage of it.

"Of course," he said without emotion. "Helping is always my priority."

They reached a remote training area, a sizable clearing encircled by numerous trees.

Jada took the initiative, assuming that Arthur's skills were due only to his lack of clan affiliation. "Let's start with some basic chakra control exercises. First up, try walking up that tree," she said with a confident smile.

Arthur's eyebrow went up. He played along with the beginner exercise of walking up a tree without falling. With his steps as light as a feather, he directed his chakra to the soles of his feet and ran to the top of the tallest branch.

Jada's eyes went wide with shock. "You did that on your first try?! Not bad!" she exhaled, momentarily losing her confidence.

Arthur pretended to smile sheepishly, concealing his laughter. He was aware of his actual potential—the rigorous training away from the village's safety net.

"Right, well, maybe jutsu practice then. Do you know any yet?" Jada then cleared her throat in an effort to regain her composure.

"Not really," he said naively. This was partly accurate. He hadn't yet discussed any elemental jutsu, and she hadn't mentioned what kind.

"Perfect! Then let's learn something together. Today's lesson: the water prison jutsu!" Jada said with a smile.

That jutsu is a c-rank technique that encloses the practitioner in a heavy water sphere, preventing them from moving or breathing. To keep it active, the user must maintain contact, even if they are creating water with their mouth or surroundings.

Jada flourished and started to show the hand signals. Arthur observed the motions, memorizing them. At last she reached out and created a ball of water about five feet across.

"Now you try," she said, pushing a playful shove in his direction.

Arthur focused his chakra and made the hand signs while closing his eyes. In a pitiful display, water formed and then dissolved. He could have easily performed the jutsu perfectly, but instead he deliberately faltered and channeled his chakra in an erratic manner.

"Huh, that's strange," she said, scratching her head. "Maybe it's trickier for a clan-less ninja? You might be better suited for support techniques like chakra transfer or..."

Arthur let her presumptions linger. As a supposedly "weak" clan-less ninja, he knew she wouldn't suspect anything. He had to hide his actual skills, after all. He already had more than enough information about the others from what he had learned today.

Arthur purposefully kept his performance mediocre as they continued their training, allowing Jada to lead him through simple water jutsu exercises.

He now knew the hand signs for water prison and water style: surface slice, so it was worth it. A linear wave of water, strong enough to cut cleanly through rock formations, was conjured by the latter and blasted outward from the ground.

During their training exercises, Jada couldn't help but notice Arthur's physique, despite her preconceived notions about him. She was intrigued by the density and lack of fat on his forearms.

"Hey, Arthur," she said. "Wouldn't mind translating what you've learned to an actual fight, would you?"

Arthur thought about it for a while. Another way to assess her abilities without disclosing his own could be through this spar. "Sure, why not? Let's see what you've got, Jada," he said, smiling neutrally as he met her gaze.

They took a step back and assumed combat positions.

Jada rushed in, taking the initiative. But Arthur thought she was slow, almost too predictable. As though dancing in circles, he easily sidestepped her roundhouse kicks and jabs. Though never really in danger, he would sometimes deflect her blows, taken aback by the strength of their impact.

Jada gritted her teeth in frustration. Her attempts to strike were met with his elegant shifts or a last-minute block, and her jabs were only striking air.

"Alright, fine," she sighed. She took a deep breath and channeled her chakra, her hands flashing through the well-known series of signs. "Water style: water dragon jutsu!" she said.

A serpent rushed in Arthur's direction as a torrent of water erupted from the neighboring lake.

He measured the speed and strength of the jutsu as he watched it develop with a calculating eye. He could easily avoid it completely, but this was a chance to see how capable she was. Rather, he resisted, the water rushing over him with unexpected vigor.

He let the current pull him without resistance, testing its strength. His hair plastered to his forehead, he bounded out a few yards away.

Jada gaped at him.

She stumbled in amazement, "You... you emerged from that unscathed?"

Arthur smiled slightly and shook himself off. Then, seeing the slight sag in her shoulders, he walked over to her. "You're actually quite strong, Jada... Your water style was impressive," he said.

Jada fell to her knees and buried her face in her hands, as if deflated by her loss. He hadn't anticipated that response.

"Strong? Maybe," she muttered, her voice tinged with melancholy. "But not strong enough. I thought I had an advantage coming here, but I didn't succeed."

With a look of amusement on his face, Arthur knelt next to her and said, "You're not weak, that's for sure." He became irritated with her antics when she didn't answer. "What's wrong, Jada?"

"Nothing... My vision just feels weird, is all."

A beat skipped in Arthur's heart. Leaning in, he looked into her eyes. Two black tomoes swirled menacingly, etched into her crimson irises.

Her Sharingan had awakened!

Jada's hands flew to her face as she followed his gaze. With embarrassment, she inquired, "What is it?" She gasped as she glanced at her hand. Her palms reflected the Sharingan's red light.

The implications of this abrupt awakening weighed down Arthur as he stared back at her. But Jada let out a happy shriek. Her dismay vanished and was replaced by sheer joy.

She unexpectedly threw her arms around Arthur in a fit of excitement and gave him a hug. He was taken aback by the unexpected embrace and stayed rigid for a second before giving her a clumsy back pat.

Even though he was unable to completely experience her excitement, her unrestrained joy was infectious.

She pulled away but continued to smile at him, exclaiming, "You awakened it!" "You helped me awaken the Sharingan!"

"Glad I could be of help," Arthur said, forcing a smile.

With renewed confidence, she bounded to her feet. To keep things from becoming too hectic, she reminded herself of the famed "Uchiha curse." Arthur took advantage of the chance to change the topic to something he preferred.

"Curses have no power over those who accept Christ." He put a reassuring hand on her shoulder and Jada listened carefully. "Jesus is still my shield, even though we are in a fictional world. I wouldn't be as strong as I am now without the lord."

Jada nodded, her eyes glimmering with hope. Arthur's message was successful.

The evening sun concluded their training session. With her stomach growling, Jada proposed a festive dinner at Ichiraku Ramen, the popular ramen restaurant that Naruto often visited.

"Actually," Arthur interjected, graciously turning down the offer, "ramen isn't really my thing. And besides, there's something I need to do with the Hokage. Maybe another time?"

"Sure thing, Arthur. See you tonight then!" said Jada, who readily nodded after comprehending his logic.

She was grateful as she watched him leave. But as Arthur made his way to the Hokage's building, he was burdened with a thousand unspoken secrets. He had a lot to consider and prepare for.