With Oyashiro walking beside him, a newfound camaraderie budding between them, the two boys made their way into the newly established library, a spacious and well-lit annex within the academy building.
"Oyashiro, what are your chakra natures?" Akashi inquired, hoping for a complementary elemental affinity that would facilitate their joint training endeavors.
"My primary nature is Lightning, like most members of my clan," Oyashiro replied, a flicker of crimson in his eyes. "But I also possess Fire release. What about you, Akashi?" He asked with a touch of curiosity, eager to know the elemental affinity of the Uzumaki prodigy.
Chinoike naturally have a Lightning affinity. That makes sense, considering their origins in the Land of Lightning, Akashi mused. He likely has more practical experience with Lightning Release than I do, which will undoubtedly be a significant asset. "Those are potent offensive natures. Interestingly, I share your affinity for Lightning, but instead of Fire, my secondary nature is Wind."
"Sounds like a good combination,"
Oyashiro commented thoughtfully. "We can definitely find some foundational Lightning jutsu here, and perhaps I can request access to some of the more advanced techniques our clan brought from land of lightning when I get home. We still have a few unique jutsu that aren't readily available in the public library."
Nice, Akashi thought. So they do possess more advanced Lightning techniques. The scrolls left behind by the kumo Shinobi Forces during the invasion were mostly low-ranking. This could significantly accelerate my progress with Lightning Release once I've mastered the basics. "That's excellent. With that in mind, we should also select some Wind and Fire jutsu here, so we can experiment with combination techniques."
Akashi mentally envisioned the possibilities. His Wind Release could dramatically amplify Oyashiro's Fire Release, turning even low-ranking Fire jutsu into devastating attacks. While they were still far from executing such complex combinations, establishing a foundational understanding was a prudent long-term strategy.
Their discussion continued as they browsed the shelves outside the library, exchanging ideas and formulating a rudimentary fighting style that leveraged their complementary elements. Finally, they stepped inside. The library was surprisingly well-stocked, with scrolls and tomes neatly organized by elemental affinity and jutsu rank. Oyashiro headed towards the Fire Release section, while Akashi navigated to the Wind Release shelves. Their plan was to select a few foundational jutsu from their respective primary elements before jointly exploring the Lightning Release collection.
Akashi spent a considerable amount of time examining the available Wind Release techniques, eventually compiling a list that he felt would provide a solid foundation.
[Wind Release]
* Great Breakthrough (大突破, Daitoppa): A relatively basic but versatile Wind Release technique. The user gathers chakra in their lungs and expels it as a powerful gust of wind. This gust can vary in intensity and size depending on the amount of chakra used.
* Usage of Great Breakthrough (大突破, Daitoppa): Primarily used for offense, capable of knocking back opponents, dispersing projectiles, and even uprooting trees. It can also be used defensively to create a barrier of wind. When combined with Fire Release, it can significantly enhance the flames, increasing their range, intensity, and destructive power.
* Gale Palm (旋風掌, Senpūshō): A close-to-mid-range Wind Release technique. The user focuses chakra in their hand and releases it as a concentrated burst of wind. This burst can be used to push opponents away, disrupt their movements, or even create small-scale gusts for various tactical purposes.
* Usage of Gale Palm (旋風掌, Senpūshō): Effective for creating distance, disrupting an opponent's stance, or as a supplementary attack. It requires more precise chakra control than the Great Breakthrough.
* Exploding Wind Clone (爆風分身, Bakufū Bunshin): A more advanced Wind Release clone technique. Unlike standard Shadow Clones, these clones are infused with volatile wind chakra. Upon impact or the user's command, the clone explodes in a burst of concussive wind force.
* Usage of Exploding Wind Clone (爆風分身, Bakufū Bunshin): Primarily a tactical and surprise attack jutsu. The explosion can disorient, knock back, or even injure opponents caught in its blast radius. The clone itself can also be used for reconnaissance or as a distraction.
* Wind Slash (風の刃, Kaze no Yaiba): A mid-range Wind Release technique where the user creates sharp blades of wind chakra that can be launched at opponents. These blades are capable of slicing through various materials.
* Usage of Wind Slash (風の刃, Kaze no Yaiba): A direct offensive jutsu effective for cutting and inflicting sharp injuries. The number and size of the wind blades can be controlled by the user's chakra.
* Armor of Wind (風の鎧, Kaze no Yoroi): A defensive Wind Release technique where the user creates a layer of swirling wind chakra around their body. This layer acts as a shield, deflecting or weakening incoming attacks.
* Usage of * Armor of Wind (風の鎧, Kaze no Yoroi): Primarily defensive, capable of mitigating the impact of physical attacks and some projectile ninjutsu. The strength of the armor depends on the amount of chakra channeled into it.
Satisfied with his selections, Akashi made his way to the Lightning Release section, where he found Oyashiro already holding a small stack of scrolls.
"Akashi, what do you think about these Lightning jutsu? I took the liberty of grabbing a few while I was waiting," Oyashiro said, offering the scrolls for Akashi's inspection.
[Lightning Release]
* Lightning Beast Running Technique (雷遁・獣走, Raiton: Jūsō): An offensive Lightning Release technique where the user shapes lightning chakra into the form of a beast, such as a wolf or a dog, and directs it to attack their opponent. The speed and power of the beast can be controlled by the user.
* Usage of Lightning Beast Running Technique (雷遁・獣走, Raiton: Jūsō): A direct and fast-moving offensive jutsu capable of inflicting significant electrical damage. The beast can also be used to pursue fleeing targets.
* Lightning Blast (雷遁・爆, Raiton: Baku): A straightforward offensive Lightning Release technique. The user gathers a concentrated amount of lightning chakra and releases it as a powerful blast of electricity.
* Usage of Lightning Blast (雷遁・爆, Raiton: Baku): A direct, high-damage offensive jutsu effective for both close and mid-range combat. The intensity and area of effect can be varied.
* Electric Net (雷遁・電網, Raiton: Denmō): A trapping and restraining Lightning Release technique. The user creates a net of high-voltage electricity that can be used to ensnare opponents, immobilizing them and inflicting electrical shocks.
* Usage of Electric Net (雷遁・電網, Raiton: Denmō): Primarily used for capturing or incapacitating opponents. The size and voltage of the net can be adjusted based on the target.
* Lightning Enhancement (雷遁強化, Raiton Kyōka): A technique that utilizes lightning chakra to stimulate the user's physical abilities. By channeling electricity through their muscles and nervous system, the user can temporarily enhance their speed, strength, and reflexes. However, this technique is extremely taxing on the body and leads to significant exhaustion after its use.
* Usage of Lightning Enhancement (雷遁強化, Raiton Kyōka): Primarily used as a temporary boost to physical capabilities in dire situations or during intense training to push physical limits. The duration and intensity of the enhancement are limited by the user's chakra reserves and physical endurance.
"Nice job, Oyashiro. These look excellent," Akashi affirmed, impressed with Oyashiro's selections.
"Thanks, Akashi. Now that we have the jutsu, when would you like to begin practicing?"
"Hmm, we could start tomorrow for about an hour after school," Akashi suggested. "After that, I need to head home and continue my Fuinjutsu training with my father."
"Alright, that sounds good. I'm not able to stay too late either, as my grandfather has been giving me extra training to refine my control over my Ketsuryūgan," Oyashiro replied.
"Then let's call it a day for now," Akashi said, gathering the borrowed scrolls. "My dad is probably expecting me home. I forgot to mention I'd be a bit late."
"Nn. See you tomorrow then," Oyashiro replied, a hint of anticipation in his voice.
- Akashi's House -
What a fruitful day, Akashi thought as he entered his home. I've potentially solidified my first real alliance, and made significant progress in identifying the direction of my future ninjutsu development. Now, all that remains is consistent training… and perhaps eventually finding a third teammate, though no one else in our class has particularly caught my eye yet.
It wasn't that his other classmates lacked talent; many possessed considerable potential. But Akashi was looking for a specific kind of synergy, a unique spark that he hadn't yet observed. Maybe something will become clearer down the line, he mused.
"Akashi, you're home late. What happened?" his father asked, looking up from the familiar scroll he was diligently inscribing.
"I formed a training partnership with Oyashiro at school today," Akashi explained. "So we both went to the library to select some jutsu to begin learning together."
His father instantly stood up, a wide, incredulous smile spreading across his face.
"Wait until I tell your mother! Our little Akashi is finally making friends! It's a miracle!"
Damn, was I really that socially inept? Akashi thought, a touch of embarrassment creeping into his cheeks. Okay, maybe I was a bit reclusive, but this reaction is a tad over the top. "Yes, yes, I made a friend, okay, Dad? Please stop, it's embarrassing." He could only sigh as his father briefly knelt on the floor, raising his hands in mock supplication.
"Haha, sorry, son. Just enjoy teasing you sometimes. But it's good you're home. It's time to accelerate your Fuinjutsu training! You've already completed Book 1. Now, we begin Book 2, which focuses on Barrier Seals and some fundamental sealing techniques, like the Chakra Seal."
"Chakra Seal? That sounds useful," Akashi commented, his interest piqued.
"Indeed it is," his father affirmed. "It's primarily used on shinobi prisoners to prevent them from accessing their chakra."
The Chakra Seal vaguely reminded Akashi of the chakra suppression seals Jiraiya would later employ to contain the Nine-Tails' chakra. Perhaps Lady Tsunade shared her knowledge of basic Chakra Seals with him, which he then further refined, Akashi mused. Nevertheless, it was a valuable technique, especially considering the volatile nature of Jinchuriki.
"Alright, Dad," Akashi said, a renewed sense of focus settling upon him. "I'm ready." The intricate dance of seals and chakra was about to deepen, adding another layer to Akashi's ever-growing arsenal.
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End of 20 chapter