Naruto: A Shinobi Lifestyle

The book sat heavy in Asasu's lap, the leather cover cracked with age, the edges of the pages slightly worn. He could tell it had been handled many times before, likely used by his grandfather and possibly even his father at some point.

He ran a hand over the cover before flipping it open.

The first page wasn't an introduction, a list of techniques, or even a table of contents.

It was a message.

"To whichever one of my unlucky grandchildren is reading this, congratulations! You inherited my curse. Your chakra is weak, your future as a flashy jutsu user is nonexistent pal. and the only thing that will save you is breaking your body down and rebuilding it stronger than ever. Get used to pain, kid. But if you survive it, you might just end up terrifying. -Osamu Shozen"

Asasu stared at the words, then at his father.

"Is he serious?"

Rentaro smirked. "Dead serious. Everything in there? He actually did it."

Asasu sighed and turned the page.

The next few pages weren't just training exercises-they were outright insanity.

Morning Routine:

100 push-ups, 100 sit-ups, 100 squats, and a 10-kilometer run BEFORE BREAKFAST.

After breakfast: Agility drills. Jumping over obstacles at full speed for 30 minutes straight.

Lunch? Not until you complete 500 kicks (250 per leg) without lowering your hands from behind your back.

Afternoon Training:

Balance exercises-standing on a log in the river while throwing punches. Strength training- lifting heavy stones and running with them. Speed training-RUN.

Evening Cooldown:

Meditation (because your muscles will be screaming at you). 10 minutes of punching a wooden post until your knuckles are numb. Hot bath to recover (assuming you didn't collapse).

Asasu's hands shook slightly as he turned the next few pages. There were sketches of training stances, diagrams of footwork patterns, and notes scribbled in the margins-some of which were barely readable.

He swallowed, suddenly realizing something.

His grandfather… had been a monster.

The few times they had visited him in the Land of Hot Springs, Asasu never really thought about it. His grandfather had always been lean, and muscular, with scars decorating his arms and torso, but he spent most of his time lounging around in bathhouses, cracking dumb jokes, and pretending to be a harmless old man.

But now, thinking back…

The insane grip strength when he yanked Asasu and his siblings into a hug.

The ridiculous reflexes when he dodged things with zero effort.

The casual one-handed lifts whenever he had to carry something.

He had been built different.

And now Asasu had to follow in his footsteps.

"I think I might die," Asasu muttered.

Rentaro chuckled. "Nah, you'll be fine."

Asasu turned to a page showing an exercise where you kicked a wooden target repeatedly until your legs felt like they were on fire.

He looked back up at his father. "Are you sure?"

Rentaro didn't answer immediately, instead pulling out a small notepad and jotting something down.

"I'm gonna get in contact with your grandfather," Rentaro said casually.

Asasu froze.

"You're what?"

"Osamu's the only one who mastered this style," Rentaro said. "He can give you firsthand training."

Asasu imagined his grandfather's face the moment he heard the news.

The biggest, dumbest grin.

The absolute joy of knowing one of his grandkids was inheriting his ways.

The loud, obnoxious laughter would echo through the hot springs.

"I don't think I'm ready for that," Asasu muttered.

Rentaro shrugged. "Better get ready, then."

Asasu let out a long sigh, staring at the book again.

If he wanted to make the most of his situation, he couldn't hesitate. He had no choice but to commit himself fully.

He wasn't going to be like the other Academy kids. He wouldn't have flashy jutsu, he wouldn't be known for anything special.

But if this training could make him strong enough to survive anything…

He'd do it.

No matter how much it hurt.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Hot Springs…

Steam rose from the natural hot springs, filling the air with warmth and moisture. The sound of water bubbling softly mixed with the occasional relaxed sighs of those soaking in the baths.

Inside one of the larger private springs, an older man with graying dark hair and a muscular frame leaned back, arms draped along the edge of the pool.

Osamu Shozen was at peace.

The hot water soothed his old bones, and the distant chatter of young kunoichi enjoying the baths was music to his ears.

Then, suddenly, he sneezed.

Osamu wiped his nose, frowning slightly. "Huh. Someone must be talking about me."

He tilted his head, thinking for a second before his face split into a wide grin.

"Maybe it's that nice lady from the tea shop," he mused.

Or maybe, somewhere, his descendants were finally realizing the greatness of taijutsu.

Either way, he was in a good mood.

And he had no idea how much better it was about to get.