Chapter 166 - Apprenticeship

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After completing the update of Konoha's Ninjutsu Archive, Akio copied all of the jutsu and brought them back to Uzushio. With the gaps filled, the Uzumaki Clan's jutsu collection increased by several hundred techniques—eventually surpassing even Konoha's archive. After all, whatever Konoha had, Uzushio now had too—and there were techniques unique to Uzushio that Konoha didn't possess.

Of course, Konoha's jutsu collection wasn't limited to basic five-element techniques. When it came to clan secret techniques, Konoha still had the largest variety in the entire shinobi world.

Not all of Konoha's secret techniques were useless to Akio. He was particularly interested in the Nara Clan's Shadow Manipulation Techniques. But in the end, he chose not to ask for them. Partly because he didn't really need them, and partly because those techniques were the foundation of that clan's strength. Even if no one could refuse him, they'd surely hold a grudge.

Following in Konoha's footsteps, the Land of Whirlpools also expanded its ninjutsu archive. But unlike Konoha, where acquiring new techniques required completing a certain number of missions or making contributions, Uzushio's techniques were made publicly available—with limits.

For example, a genin from the Uzumaki Clan could only learn five C-rank jutsu. Chūnin were allowed five B-rank jutsu and ten C-rank ones, and so on. Furthermore, unless a formal master-disciple relationship was established, private jutsu transmission was not permitted.

This system prevented large-scale leakage of techniques and kept ninja from becoming unfocused by learning too many techniques without mastering any.

As for Fuinjutsu (Sealing Techniques), the regulations were even stricter. To join the Sealing Division, one had to undergo rigorous evaluations and receive personal approval from either Izuko or Akio. Members outside the division had an even harder time gaining access. Not only did they need to attain jōnin rank, but they also had to pass numerous difficult trials.

Originally, teaching sealing techniques wasn't this restrictive. But things had changed. Too many villages coveted Fuinjutsu, and after reaching level nine in sealing arts, Akio had developed many simplified techniques. To prevent them from spreading, the learning requirements had to be raised.

It took Akio over a month to organize the village's jutsu collection. Only then did he finally have time to begin instructing his two disciples.

"Sensei!"

As he arrived at the training field, the two children's voices rang out. Akio had been so busy lately that he'd left them to train on their own for quite a while.

Akio smiled. "I came to check your progress."

"Sensei, I've already completed all my basic training!" Konan said eagerly.

She had spent this time refining her chakra, practicing the Three Basic Jutsu, and working on kunai throwing. Watching Nagato wield Earth and Fire Release techniques had left her envious.

Akio nodded. "Not bad. Completing it in just three months—some people can't master these basics even after six years."

"Who's that dumb…" the kids mumbled. Both had finished their basics in just two or three months.

"Mmm… someone that dumb probably hasn't been born yet."

The two rolled their eyes, but Akio was being completely honest.

Though he believed Konan had truly mastered the basics, Akio still conducted a thorough check—there was something satisfying about this "teacher grading homework" feeling.

"Your Three Basic Jutsu are well-executed, but your kunai throwing still needs work. In battle, even a small margin of error can cost you the advantage."

In truth, Konan's accuracy was already excellent—97 points out of 100 on a ten-kunai throw. But Akio was very strict when it came to fundamentals. In his view, unless someone's raw power created an overwhelming gap, the basics were what determined a ninja's strength.

After thinking for a moment, Akio considered Konan's chakra nature—Fire and a mutated Earth element, which manifested as Paper Release. That meant her training couldn't follow a standard path.

"Konan, when it comes to ninjutsu, I can't give you much direct instruction. You're different from Nagato. Since your Earth nature is mutated, you'll need to explore that path on your own," Akio explained. "All I can do is offer you some ideas."

Over the past few weeks, Akio had remembered several of the techniques Konan used in the original timeline—and shamelessly claimed them as his own now.

"Things like paper shuriken, you've probably already thought of. That explosive ability you used before was excellent as well. You need to work on your chakra control to make the explosions more precise. I'll teach you Medical Ninjutsu later—that's the best way to refine chakra control."

"In addition to that, try creating anything that can be assembled or folded from paper. Eventually, you could even use paper wings to fly."

At that, Nagato's eyes lit up. "Sensei, when will I be able to fly too?"

Akio paused. "You… just keep working hard. When your Earth Release is at least half as good as mine, maybe then. I doubt that'll happen before you turn twenty. Konan's likely to take flight before you do…"

He didn't hold back at all when crushing Nagato's hopes—his progress was ridiculously fast, so a little discouragement wouldn't hurt.

But Nagato didn't seem bothered. Instead, he looked at Konan with admiration.

"Also," Akio continued, "your paper bombs don't consume much chakra. Focus on increasing quantity—enough of them can produce a qualitative change. For that, you'll also need a technique to immobilize enemies…"

After offering his guidance, Akio saw that Konan appeared to be deep in thought. He then pulled Nagato aside.

"Have you mastered the Fire and Earth techniques I taught you?" he asked.

Nagato nodded. "All of them."

Akio nodded back in satisfaction. This time he didn't bother to verify—there were only four or five jutsu, and Nagato had trained for three months. Unless he'd been slacking off, there was no reason he wouldn't have mastered them.

"Your chakra reserves are about where they need to be. Next, I'll teach you the Shadow Clone Technique. That'll make your training even faster…" As he spoke, Akio suddenly frowned. He sensed a familiar chakra signature approaching.

"Nanako? What's she doing here?" He hadn't seen her in quite some time.

Smiling, he called Konan over as well. "Come on, let's go meet your senior disciple."

Nanako was already close by. Hearing his words, she offered a wry smile.

"Granny Nanako!" Thankfully, Nagato was more respectful than Akio. Konan hesitated for a moment, then followed with, "Granny."

"What brings you here, Nanako?" Akio asked after she greeted the children.

"Sensei, Kushina should be graduating soon, right? I want to go to Konoha and see her."

Akio blinked. "Isn't that still six months away? Why the rush?"

Nanako looked annoyed. "Sensei, you didn't tell me anything about Kushina. It's been over two years, and I just found out…"

"Uh… I didn't? I could've sworn I told you…" Akio scratched his head, clearly embarrassed. It seemed he really had forgotten.

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