**Chapter 56: Starting Point**
Added 2024-12-08 22:17:54 +0000 UTCSasuke set his sights on the first challenge of mastering the Flying Thunder God Technique: creating a formula imbued with space-time energy. This unique chakra seal, once imprinted, would be a permanent mark of his progress.
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**Step 1: The Formula**
The scroll emphasized the necessity of designing a personal seal. Every user of the Flying Thunder God Technique had their own distinct formula.
- **The Second Hokage**: A stylized graphic resembling the Senju clan emblem, though modified.
- **The Fourth Hokage**: A kanji symbol meaning "Sword of Love for the Ninja."
Sasuke contemplated his choice.
_"I won't use the Uchiha clan emblem—it feels too derivative. Konoha’s forehead protector symbol? Too generic."_
Then, inspiration struck.
_"I'm from China originally. This is my chance to commemorate that connection."_
He decided to craft his seal using Chinese characters.
_"The Flying Thunder God Technique is my first independent ninjutsu effort. It’s a starting point for everything."_
A grin spread across Sasuke’s face.
_"Starting Point. That will be the name of my formula."_
The words carried deep significance: a nod to the beginning of his journey, much like the novels he had once loved reading on Qidian, a platform filled with stories of growth and adventure.
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**The Practice Begins**
Sasuke began practicing the seal. The process seemed simple when performed by the Second and Fourth Hokage, but reality proved otherwise.
He focused his chakra, carefully attempting to carve the characters “Starting Point” onto the ground.
*Chi Chi Chi...*
A single stroke appeared before vanishing into thin air.
"Failed."
Sasuke muttered calmly. He had anticipated this outcome. His Ninjutsu attribute was only at **C-rank**, and his Spirit attribute—a critical factor—was a meager **E-rank**.
"The chakra drain is enormous," Sasuke observed. His body weakened instantly, and he realized the formula demanded more spiritual energy than he currently possessed.
Undeterred, Sasuke tried again.
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For the next half-hour, Sasuke carved the formula repeatedly, exhausting all his chakra in the process. He slumped to the ground, mentally and physically drained.
*Ding Ding!*
A notification rang in his mind.
His **Spirit attribute** increased by 1 point, a direct result of pushing his limits.
Still, his reserves were empty. Without hesitation, he spent 1 system point to replenish his Spirit attribute.
*Om!*
A refreshing surge filled him, restoring his chakra and clearing his mind.
"Continue!"
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As the hours passed, the first light of dawn broke over the horizon. Sasuke had spent the entire night perfecting his technique, his tenacity unyielding.
*Ding Ding!*
Another notification signaled progress. This time, Sasuke collapsed onto the ground, utterly drained but triumphant.
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**The Gains**
Sasuke reviewed his progress:
- **Spirit attribute**: Increased to **41 points**, with a combination of system points and natural growth.
- **Stamina attribute**: Boosted to **12 points** after adding system points.
- **System points remaining**: 11.
The gains were satisfying, and Sasuke felt a sense of pride.
_"I’m getting closer."_
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**Off to School**
After a quick wash, Sasuke donned his schoolbag and headed for the Ninja Academy. His spirits were high, despite the grueling night of training.
The walk through Konoha’s outskirts gave him time to think.
_"This village's treatment of the Uchiha clan was deliberate. Danzo’s influence is clear."_
As he entered the bustling heart of Konoha, the contrast to his clan’s isolated area was stark. The neglect was palpable, and Sasuke couldn’t ignore the bitterness it stirred.
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Approaching the academy, Sasuke overheard murmurs from parents and passersby.
"Have you heard?"
"Mizuki-sensei from the Ninja School has betrayed Konoha!"
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The whispers caught Sasuke’s attention, but he said nothing, merely filing the information away as he stepped through the academy gates.
(End of chapter)
