Naruto rebirth! Born again with a system.

Chapter 30: Testing New Limits.

The morning air felt heavier than usual as Team 15 made their way to Training Ground 10, each step a reminder of the previous day's intensive training. Kōzaru walked with a slight limp, his muscles still protesting from the repeated chakra exhaustion. Yuki and Riku moved more slowly than usual, their own exhaustion evident in their cautious movements.

"I can barely lift my arms," Tatsuma groaned, rolling his shoulders gingerly. "I dreamed about shadow clones all night. Even in my sleep, I couldn't escape it!"

"My sword arm feels like it's going to fall off," Aotaka added, flexing his fingers carefully. "But I can still feel the lightning chakra pathways. It's like they're permanently etched into my system now."

"At least we're all suffering together," Kōzaru said with a weak smile, earning sympathetic nods from his companions.

They found Shibi waiting for them in his usual spot, his posture showing no signs of the exhaustion that plagued his students. His insects moved with their characteristic restlessness, creating subtle patterns in the morning light.

"Physical discomfort is evidence of improvement," Shibi observed, his analytical gaze taking in their condition. "Muscles adapt to stress by becoming stronger. Chakra pathways expand through repeated use. Technique proficiency increases through repetition despite discomfort."

"Easy for you to say," Tatsuma muttered under his breath, though he made sure his sensei heard him.

"Correct," Shibi replied without emotion. "Years of training have made intensive practice routine for me. You are experiencing the foundation-building phase that all shinobi must endure."

The calm acknowledgment somehow made their exhaustion feel more legitimate—not weakness, but a necessary step in their development.

"One hour," Shibi announced. "Continue yesterday's training. Focus on refinement rather than raw intensity. Technique precision over chakra expenditure."

With resigned determination, Team 15 separated to their respective training areas. Despite their fatigue, each found that their bodies remembered the previous day's lessons with surprising clarity.

Kōzaru's combination technique came together more smoothly this time. The Man Beast Clone Technique required less chakra to maintain, and his coordination with Yuki and Riku felt more natural. Being able to add the body flicker to his movements with much more ease this time.

[CHAKRA: 137/137 → 57/137]

"Better," he panted, watching his partners transform back to their normal forms. "Still not sustainable, but definitely better."

The muscle memory was forming, his body adapting to the complex chakra control required for the triple-technique combination, as well as improving each individual jutsu.

Tatsuma's shadow clone training showed even more dramatic improvement. The feedback pain remained, but his tolerance had increased noticeably. More importantly, his techniques were evolving at an accelerated rate as each clone's experiences added to his growing skill set.

[CHAKRA: 184/184 → 109/184]

"It's like having multiple training sessions simultaneously," he realized, watching his clones spar with improved coordination. "Every minute of practice counts as three or four minutes of normal training."

The constant stream of tactical improvements flowing through the shared connection was creating a combat proficiency that would have taken months to develop through traditional methods.

Aotaka's lightning-enhanced kenjutsu had achieved a new level of integration. The chakra flowed through his blade work without conscious effort, each cut leaving faint electrical traces in the air. His footwork carried him across the training area with controlled bursts of speed that complemented his sword techniques perfectly.

[CHAKRA: 138/138 → 98/138]

"It's becoming second nature," he mused, watching lightning chakra dance along his blade. "Like the electricity is part of the sword itself."

The defensive applications were particularly promising—he could now deflect incoming attacks with minimal physical effort, letting the chakra do most of the work.

As the hour concluded, Shibi called them back to the centre of the clearing. Despite their exhaustion, all three showed visible improvement in their respective techniques.

"Progress confirmed," Shibi stated after observing their demonstrations. "Technique integration has advanced significantly. You are ready for practical application."

Something in his tone made them exchange glances. Practical application usually meant something more challenging than solo training.

"Today you will face a combat assessment," Shibi announced, his insects beginning to move in more complex patterns around his body. "You will engage one of my insect clones in direct combat. Attack with killing intent, or the exercise becomes meaningless."

The insects swirled around Shibi's form, their movements creating a humanoid shape that gradually solidified into a perfect duplicate of their sensei. The clone's eyes held the same analytical intensity, its posture conveying the same calm confidence.

"Killing intent?" Kōzaru asked, his voice uncertain. "Against you?"

"Against my clone," Shibi corrected. "In real combat, hesitation equals death. You must commit fully to the engagement or learn nothing from the experience."

The clone stepped forward, its movement so fluid it seemed to flow rather than walk. No weapons were visible, but the way it carried itself suggested it wouldn't need any.

"This is our chance," Tatsuma said quietly, his exhaustion forgotten as adrenaline began to flow. "Let's show him what we've learned."

"All together," Aotaka agreed, his hand moving to his sword hilt. "Use everything we've got."

"Right," Kōzaru nodded, feeling Yuki and Riku tense beside him. "Let's do this."

They spread out in a loose triangle formation, each preparing their most advanced techniques. The clone stood motionless in the centre, waiting for them to make the first move.

Kōzaru struck first, activating his All-Fours Jutsu and Man Beast Clone Technique simultaneously. The familiar chakra drain hit him, but his improved control made the combination smoother than before.

[CHAKRA: 137/137 → 47/137]

"Now!" he shouted, adding Body Flicker to the mix as he and his transformed partners attacked from three directions.

The clone's reaction was immediate and terrifying. It moved with inhuman speed, deflecting Kōzaru's initial strike while simultaneously dodging attacks from Yuki and Riku. But the improvement in their coordination was evident—the clone had to work to avoid their assault.

Tatsuma followed up instantly, creating three shadow clones that rushed the original from different angles.

[CHAKRA: 184/184 → 109/184]

"Shadow Clone Jutsu!" The clones engaged with improved technique, their taijutsu skills forcing the insect clone to divide its attention between multiple competent opponents.

Aotaka completed the combination assault, his lightning-enhanced blade crackling with electrical energy as he closed from the clone's blind spot. The coordination between all three team members was better than it had ever been.

The clone's defense was masterful, but they were forcing it to work harder than they'd ever managed before. Kōzaru's speed combination kept it moving, Tatsuma's clones provided constant pressure, and Aotaka's lightning-enhanced strikes required serious defensive effort.

For thirty seconds, the battle raged with incredible intensity. The clone's insect-based techniques created barriers and distractions, but Team 15's improved coordination allowed them to adapt and counter effectively.

The breakthrough came when Kōzaru's combination technique reached its peak efficiency. Moving with almost perfect synchronization, he and his partners created a three-way assault that forced the clone to choose which attack to block.

It chose wrong.

Aotaka's lightning-enhanced blade found its mark, cutting through the clone's defense with electrical precision. The insect construct dissolved immediately, its component parts scattering before returning to their original formation.

[CHAKRA: Kōzaru 27/137, Tatsuma 84/184, Aotaka 68/140]

"We did it," Tatsuma breathed, his shadow clones dissipating as exhaustion hit him. "We actually did it."

"That was incredible," Kōzaru panted, his partners transforming back to their normal forms. "The coordination felt perfect."

"For a few seconds there, we were actually winning," Aotaka added, his sword still crackling with residual lightning chakra.

The rush of victory was intoxicating. They had faced their sensei's clone—even a weakened version—and emerged triumphant through teamwork and improved technique.

A familiar chime echoed in their minds as the system acknowledged their achievement.

COMBAT VICTORY ACHIEVED:

Experience Gained:

Kōzaru: 250 EXP

Tatsuma: 250 EXP 

Aotaka: 250 EXP

Shibi observed their celebration with what might have been approval, his insects settling into calmer patterns around his body.

"Well done," he said, his tone carrying genuine praise. "Your coordination has improved significantly. Individual technique integration is proceeding ahead of schedule."

They beamed at the rare compliment, their exhaustion forgotten in the glow of success.

"However," Shibi continued, "you should understand the parameters of your victory. That insect clone represented approximately one-tenth of my full combat capability."

The statement hit them like cold water, but somehow didn't diminish their satisfaction. They had defeated a jōnin-level opponent, even if it was a significantly weakened version.

"One-tenth?" Kōzaru asked, his eyes widening. "And we barely managed that?"

"You managed it through teamwork, improved technique, and strategic coordination," Shibi replied. "For genin, this represents exceptional performance. Most genin teams would be unable to defeat even a one-twentieth version of a jōnin's capabilities."

The perspective helped. They were still far from their sensei's level, but they had achieved something genuinely impressive.

"Your individual improvements have translated into team effectiveness," Shibi continued. "This is the foundation of advanced shinobi capability—personal skill combined with tactical coordination."

"So what now?" Tatsuma asked, wiping sweat from his brow. "More training?"

"Rest," Shibi said simply. "Tomorrow brings another mission assignment. Your skills have improved sufficiently to handle more challenging objectives."

The prospect of another mission sent a thrill of anticipation through them. After their recent near-death experience, the idea of facing danger again should have been terrifying. Instead, it felt like an opportunity to prove themselves.

"What kind of mission?" Aotaka asked, his tactical mind already working.

"Details tomorrow," Shibi replied. "Tonight, recover your strength and prepare your equipment. The coming assignment will test everything you have learned."

With that, their sensei vanished in his characteristic flicker, leaving Team 15 alone in the training ground with their accomplishment and their exhaustion.

"We beat him," Kōzaru said, still hardly believing it. "We actually beat a version of Shibi-sensei."

"Even if it was only one-tenth strength," Tatsuma added, "it's still incredible progress."

"A few days ago, we could barely coordinate our attacks," Aotaka observed. "Now we're taking down jōnin-level opponents through teamwork."

They made their way back toward the village, their exhaustion balanced by satisfaction and anticipation. The combination of individual improvement and team coordination had created something greater than the sum of its parts.

"Wow guys, have you taken a look at your stats after these last two days of training?" Tatsuma asked, wearing an amazed look on his face as he looked at his own.

"Now that I think about it, I was so tired after yesterday I just went straight to sleep without checking." Kōzaru said, bringing up his own game like stat screen.

"Me too, I almost forgot about it until now I was so focused on the training." Aotaka said, pulling his own up too.

The three of them looked over their stats, seeing what had improved and what changes had taken place from their hard work and training.

Kōzaru:

Inuzuka Clan: Level 6: EXP (520/1200) Skill points available: 1

Health: 130 + (12×2) = 154,

Chakra: 130 + (8×2) = 146,

Taijutsu: 12,

Ninjutsu: 8,

Genjutsu: 2,

Kenjutsu: 2,

Abilities: Wind Style (Gale Palm): Cost 20 chakra.

Body Flicker: Cost 10 chakra.

Beast Mimicry: All-Fours Jutsu: Cost 30 chakra.

Man Beast Clone: Cost 30 chakra per clone.

Special: Heightened senses Yuki & Riku: Ninja hounds Basic Pack Coordination.

Aotaka had also earned 300 EXP from his training, along with the 250 EXP from defeating Shibi, giving him enough to also level up, along with boosting his kenjutsu by 3 points and his ninjutsu by 2 points.

"Amazing, that went up much quicker than I expected." Aotaka said as he stuided his skills.

"Man, if we keep this up we will be unstoppable!" Tatsuma yelled in excitement, not only feeling stronger, but being able to see the increase in points.

"We may have gotten stronger and increased our skills. But remember, even with my taijutsu as high as level 12, its still only genin ranked. Don't you guys remember what the system scored the numbers?" Kōzaru said, being the voice of reason that seemed to bring Tatsuma back down to earth.

"Oh yeah..." Tatsuma said, not letting it defeat him.

"All that matters is that we are getting stronger. And the faster the better." Aotaka said, placing a hand on the hilt of his sword.

"Yeah, we just need to keep training and growing stronger every day." Tatsuma said with a grin, giving a big thumbs up.

Kōzaru couldn't help but laugh, putting his hands on his hips as he did.

"You're right." He said.

"Lets keep growing stronger together and who knows were we could end up!" Kōzaru then said, getting excited like the others as they started walking toward the village.

"Tomorrow's mission," Tatsuma said as they walked. "Think we're ready?"

"More ready than we were last time," Kōzaru replied, his confidence genuine rather than forced.

"Definitely more ready," Aotaka agreed. "Whatever they throw at us, we'll handle it together."

The war continued around them, indifferent to their small victories and personal growth. But for Team 15, today had marked another milestone in their transformation from academy students to real shinobi.

They had faced their sensei's clone and emerged victorious through skill, coordination, and determination. Tomorrow would bring new challenges, but tonight they would rest with the satisfaction of knowing they had earned their advancement through effort and teamwork.

The future remained uncertain, but their confidence in facing it together had never been stronger.