The Sixth Training Ground. "Bringer of Darkness Technique!" Renzou Uchiha's hands flew through the seals, and once again, Maruhoshi Kosuke before him was enveloped in an oppressive darkness. This time, the effect held for a full thirty seconds. As the Bringer of Darkness Technique dissipated, Renzou Uchiha sat down on the ground, his chakra reserves nearing their Genin limit.
The now-released Maruhoshi Kosuke nodded with evident satisfaction. "Excellent. In less than half a day, you're already wielding the Bringer of Darkness Technique with considerable skill. Nearly thirty seconds is the limit for many Chūnin, even some ordinary Jōnin." Maruhoshi Kosuke's appreciation for the child grew steadily, impressed by his raw talent and unwavering perseverance.
"Just in time. While you replenish your chakra, let me explain the elemental affinities and their interactions." Maruhoshi Kosuke then launched into a detailed explanation:
"The elements exist in a cycle of strengths and weaknesses:
Fire (Katon) is strong against Wind (Fūton) but weak against Water (Suiton). Fire techniques are typically offensive, designed to burn and incinerate. Wind (Fūton) is strong against Lightning (Raiton) but weak against Fire (Katon). Wind techniques often involve cutting or enhancing the speed and reach of other jutsu. Lightning (Raiton) is strong against Earth (Doton) but weak against Wind (Fūton). Lightning techniques are usually fast and can inflict paralysis or piercing damage. Earth (Doton) is strong against Water (Suiton) but weak against Lightning (Raiton). Earth techniques often provide defense or manipulate the terrain. Water (Suiton) is strong against Fire (Katon) but weak against Earth (Doton). Water techniques can be used offensively, defensively, or for support, like creating mist.
Manifesting Affinities:
A ninja's natural affinity can sometimes be genetic, like the Uchiha clan's inclination towards Fire Release. Shinobi can determine their affinity using special chakra-sensitive paper. The paper reacts uniquely based on the chakra nature channeled into it:
Fire: The paper ignites and turns to ash. Water: The paper becomes damp. Wind: The paper is split into two. Lightning: The paper wrinkles. Earth: The paper crumbles into dust.
While most ninjas have a natural affinity for one element, some can master others through rigorous training. It's also possible, though rare, to possess an affinity for multiple elements.
Advanced Nature Transformations (Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Tōta):
By combining two or more basic elemental affinities, ninja can create more advanced and often unique nature transformations called Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limits) or Kekkei Tōta (Bloodline Selection). These are usually hereditary. Examples include:
Wood Release (Mokuton): Earth and Water. Ice Release (Hyōton): Water and Wind. Lava Release (Yōton): Fire and Earth. Storm Release (Ranton): Water and Lightning. Dust Release (Jinton - Kekkei Tōta): Fire, Earth, and Wind. And many more yet to be discovered.
These advanced releases often exhibit unique properties and greater power than the basic elements.
Yin and Yang Release:
Beyond the five basic elements, there are also Yin Release (Inton) and Yang Release (Yōton), more closely tied to spiritual and physical energy, respectively. Genjutsu often utilizes Yin Release, while techniques like the Creation of All Things employ Yin-Yang Release. And many more elemental releases remain undiscovered.
In essence, elemental affinities are fundamental to a ninja's power, dictating the types of jutsu they can employ and how different techniques interact. The relationships between elements add a strategic dimension to battles, where exploiting an opponent's elemental weakness can be pivotal for victory. And many more elements release remain undiscovered."
"The attributes have their own synergies, so possessing two attributes is always more advantageous than having one. Consequently, anyone who reaches the Jōnin rank typically commands more than two chakra natures.
What are your chakra affinities?"
"My chakra affinities are water, fire, wind, and lightning," Renzou Uchiha replied, eliciting a flicker of surprise from Kosuke.
"Four attributes? Have you mastered their Chakra Nature Transformations?"
"Yes, senpai. I've mastered them all."
"Very good. In that case, I'll make an exception and teach you the Second Hokage's improved Water Dragon Bomb Technique. Compared to the standard version, the Second Hokage's Water Dragon Bomb requires fewer seals and consumes less chakra."
The Second Hokage's Water Dragon Bomb!This was an enhanced version, practically an A-rank Water Style jutsu! This was a signature technique of the Second Hokage, revered as the Water God.
Suddenly, I feeling incredibly fortunate!
"However, this technique is not to be shared with outsiders; your practice of it must remain private!" Maruhoshi Kosuke's expression turned serious as he fixed his gaze on Renzou Uchiha.
"Yes!" Renzou Uchiha responded quickly and emphatically. Spreading word of this would be akin to signing his own death warrant. A mere Konoha Genin inheriting a Second Hokage-level ninjutsu? He'd become a target overnight. Unless he took up permanent residence in the Hokage Tower, he'd likely be kidnapped within minutes.
Maruhoshi Kosuke's stern demeanor softened. He turned and began walking towards the training ground's exit, glancing back at Renzou Uchiha. "Follow me. Let's change locations."
"Yes." Renzou Uchiha hastily stood and trailed closely behind. Maruhoshi Kosuke led them out of the training arena and towards the dense jungle bordering it. Though a sense of curiosity stirred within Renzou Uchiha, he remained silent, simply following.
"We're here." Emerging from the trees, they found themselves beside a tranquil lake, surrounded by vibrant flora. The trees pressed close to the water's edge, encircling the serene scene. By the lake, a small herd of deer was drinking peacefully. Upon their arrival, the deer paused their drinking but didn't flee, their large, curious eyes fixed on the two newcomers.
"Those are the deer raised by the Nara clan. This area is a small breeding ground for them," Kosuke explained. Renzou Uchiha recalled that the Nara clan was largely responsible for Konoha's medical system, which was reflected in their provision of medicinal herbs. Deer antlers were particularly valuable. Moreover, the area's beauty and relative seclusion made it an ideal location for the Nara clan's deer.
"Now, pay close attention." Renzou Uchiha refocused, his gaze locked on Maruhoshi Kosuke's every move. Kosuke walked to the center of the lake and turned around. His hands began to weave through a rapid sequence of seals.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bomb!" With a low shout, chakra surged around Maruhoshi Kosuke, and the lake behind him began to churn violently. In an instant, a colossal water dragon, several times larger than Renzou Uchiha's own Water Dragon Bomb, erupted from the water. It hovered behind Kosuke, its massive jaws silently roaring towards Renzou Uchiha. The deer by the lake startled, bolting into the surrounding jungle.
"This…" Renzou Uchiha's eyes widened in astonishment. Both were Water Dragon Bombs, yet the disparity was immense. Indeed, my experience is still too limited. This was undeniably the Water Style of the Second Hokage, from the simplified seals to the dramatically enhanced power.
The water dragon dispersed, cascading back into the lake in a series of splashes. Kosuke strolled back towards Renzou Uchiha, his expression calm as he began his instruction. "This is the Water Dragon Bomb as refined by Master Second Hokage. The increased power is secondary; the primary improvement lies in the significantly reduced number of seals. The standard Water Dragon Bomb Technique requires six seals, even with modifications, but this one is faster… only four." As he spoke, Maruhoshi Kosuke demonstrated the seals. "This is Master Second Hokage's final, improved Water Dragon Bomb. The chakra pathway looks like this…"
While mentally noting Kosuke's explanation, Renzou Uchiha began to manipulate his own chakra flow. Simultaneously forming the required hand seals, he gathered his chakra.
"Water Style: Water Dragon Bomb!" As his chakra fluctuated, a water dragon erupted from the lake before him, arcing through the air for a moment before crashing back into the water, sending up a spray of droplets.
"Not bad. You learn quickly," Kosuke couldn't help but clap lightly. To grasp it after a single demonstration… this child's talent in ninjutsu likely rivaled that of the Third Hokage himself.
"Thank you for the compliment, Maruhoshi Kosuke-senpai. Shall we continue?" Renzou Uchiha touched the back of his head, a tentative question in his voice as he looked at Kosuke.
"Not yet. First, mentally review what I've taught you today. Then, focus on recovering your chakra fully. What I will teach you next are all high-level ninjutsu. If you're not careful, you could injure yourself. Haste makes waste."
"Yes." Renzou Uchiha moved to the side, closed his eyes, and focused on the flow of chakra within his body, drawing upon his physical and mental energy to replenish his depleted reserves.
"Who are you? What are you doing here?" Renzou Uchiha opened his eyes. Kosuke was looking towards the sound, where a figure was emerging from the jungle. The newcomer had a distinctive pineapple hairstyle and wore a Konoha Chūnin vest, his left hand resting near his ninja pouch, his gaze wary as he observed them.
It was Suzaku Nara, the caretaker of this deer breeding ground. While patrolling the jungle, he had noticed the frightened deer and followed their panicked flight, leading him to Renzou Uchiha and Kosuke's training session.
"My apologies," Maruhoshi Kosuke said, offering a polite bow. "We are training here. Sorry if we disturbed you. This is my ninja identification number."
Hearing this, Suzaku Nara approached, his eyes scanning the two. When his gaze fell upon Renzou Uchiha, Suzaku Nara's brow furrowed in thought. Then, in a tone of uncertainty, he asked, "Are you… Renzou?"
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End of Chapter 40