Chapter 19 — Methods to Replenish Energy Points
"No, absolutely not."
Inside Gekkō Hoshino's tent, Gekkō Hoshino firmly rejected the request from Ren, who was sitting across from him. His resolute expression left no room for negotiation.
Just moments earlier, Gekkō Ren had requested that two clan members assist him in training using Lightning Release. However, upon hearing this proposal, Gekkō Hoshino immediately and decisively dismissed what he considered an absurd idea.
"Uncle Hoshino, using Lightning Release to train—"
This concerned his energy point reserves, and after multiple battles, his remaining energy points had dropped below seven hundred. He needed to replenish them as soon as possible. Only with sufficient energy points could he truly feel secure on this battlefield against the Suna shinobi—and only then could he better pursue his revenge.
However, relying solely on bonfires and sunlight to store energy points was far too slow. He couldn't continue depending on basking in firelight and sunlight forever, especially on a battlefield where combat could break out at any moment. Using Lightning Release to replenish energy points had become imperative.
Of course, what Gekkō Ren told Gekkō Hoshino was that he wanted Lightning Release to assist his cultivation.
"I absolutely will not allow anyone to assist you in training in such a manner."
Before Gekkō Ren could finish speaking, Gekkō Hoshino cut him off and began persuading him earnestly.
"Ren, give up this unrealistic method of training. Even specialized Lightning Release techniques designed for body tempering are extremely dangerous—let alone the Lightning Release: Earth Walk technique you mentioned. That's not a body-tempering technique; it's an offensive Lightning Release."
"Uncle Hoshino, I know it's dangerous, but I've already tested it. My bloodline limit has strong resistance to Lightning Release. Not only would Lightning Release: Earth Walk cause me no harm, it would greatly enhance me," Gekkō Ren insisted, his expression equally firm.
"No. Even if you've tested it, the answer is still no. And you are absolutely forbidden from training this way again in the future. This method is like forcing growth at the expense of long-term development. It's not only dangerous, it will severely impact your future growth."
Gekkō Hoshino remained unwavering as he continued to reason with him.
"You're still young. Adults have more experience in cultivation matters. Listen to your uncle and give up this unrealistic training method. I will guide you carefully."
Inwardly, he scolded the boy for being stubborn and inflexible.
Gekkō Ren was the clan's hope. Under no circumstances would he allow him to train in such a dangerous way.
"Uncle Hoshino, this is a battlefield. We could face combat at any moment. So… I insist on this method of training. Only this way can I accelerate my growth."
Gekkō Ren remained firm.
"Moreover, my bloodline limit awakened through Lightning Release. Training with Lightning Release complements it perfectly. I don't believe anyone understands my bloodline limit better than I do."
"I said no, and that means no. No matter what you say, it's not allowed."
Gekkō Hoshino's stance did not waver.
"Ren, even if it costs us our lives, the clan will protect you without reservation. Your safety is above all else. How could I allow you to risk yourself in such a reckless and unrealistic manner? It would only harm you and betray everyone's hopes. So give up this idea."
Seeing the unyielding look on Gekkō Hoshino's face, Gekkō Ren knew he couldn't persuade him with words alone.
"In that case," he said, "since neither of us can convince the other, let's let the facts speak. I know everyone is worried. Let's try one or two Lightning Release techniques first and see the results."
"Fine."
Gekkō Hoshino nodded. He also knew words alone wouldn't convince Ren. However, he had already decided that regardless of the outcome, he would not allow Ren to continue this form of training.
After reaching a temporary agreement, Gekkō Ren and Gekkō Hoshino exited the tent. They called over several clan members proficient in Lightning Release and headed toward the forest behind the Konoha camp.
That area was one of the designated training grounds.
(Ninja specialties vary; unified training is impossible. However, during prolonged encampments, training cannot be neglected. Practicing ninjutsu within camp grounds is too dangerous.)
About ten minutes later, Gekkō Ren, Gekkō Hoshino, and two other clan members arrived in the forest behind the Konoha encampment. Dozens of Konoha shinobi were visible, either training or resting. Most were lower-ranked chūnin and genin. From deeper within the forest came the continuous sounds of ninjutsu and battle cries—clearly, far more ninja were training than could be seen at a glance.
Gekkō Hoshino was unsurprised. This was a battlefield. Everyone was striving to grow stronger.
"This way. Our clan has a designated training area," Gekkō Hoshino said before leading them deeper into the forest.
The farther they went, the fewer ninja they encountered. Those present were mostly members of various clans or higher-ranking chūnin and jōnin.
After another ten minutes of winding through the trees, Gekkō Hoshino brought them to a secluded grove. Eight Gekkō clan ninja were already there, drenched in sweat as they diligently practiced the Konoha-style swordsmanship.
"Clan Leader!"
The eight immediately stopped and greeted him respectfully.
"Pause your training and guard the perimeter. Do not allow anyone to approach," Gekkō Hoshino instructed.
"Yes!"
The eight dispersed at once, vanishing into the surrounding woods to stand watch.
"What's wrong, Ren?" Gekkō Hoshino asked, noticing Ren momentarily frozen in place.
"Nothing."
Suppressing his thoughts, Gekkō Ren shook his head.
"Uncle Hoshino, let's begin."
"Very well."
Turning to the two clan members he had brought, Gekkō Hoshino instructed,
"Raiga-kun, Shiden-kun, use Lightning Release to assist Ren's training. Start with the lowest-level techniques. Control your strength carefully."
"Yes, Clan Leader."
"Rest assured, Clan Leader. We won't harm Ren."
Gekkō Raiga and Gekkō Shiden patted their chests in assurance before turning to Ren.
"Ren, what do you need us to do?"
"Just use Lightning Release directly on me. Uncle Raiga, Uncle Shiden, I'll be counting on you."
They glanced at Gekkō Hoshino. After he nodded, they responded in unison:
"No problem."
Gekkō Raiga formed hand seals. It was only a low-level Lightning Release technique—just two or three seals were enough.
"Lightning Release: Thunder Palm."
Calling out the technique deliberately, Gekkō Raiga lightly pressed his palm—crackling with small arcs of electricity—against Gekkō Ren's body.
Only 0.5 energy points.
After absorbing the current, Gekkō Ren inwardly checked his energy reserves and felt speechless.
"That level of Lightning Release is far from sufficient, Uncle Raiga. There's no need to suppress it so much. And don't worry about injuring me."
"Alright."
After another glance at Gekkō Hoshino and receiving a slight nod, Gekkō Raiga formed hand seals again.
"Lightning Release: Thunder Palm."
This time, the electric arcs around his palm were noticeably thicker when he struck Ren.
Again, there was no sound. The electricity vanished into Ren's body like a stone sinking into the sea—without even a spark.
3 energy points.
After absorbing it, Ren checked his reserves once more.
"Uncle Raiga, still not enough. Use a stronger Lightning Release technique."
"Ren, if you can't handle it, speak up immediately. Lightning Release: Electric Current."
With Gekkō Hoshino's approval once more, Gekkō Raiga cautioned him before forming hand seals again and deliberately announcing the technique. He placed both hands on Ren's shoulders.
Blue lightning surged from his palms, continuously coursing into Gekkō Ren's body.