As Renzou channeled his chakra into the test paper, it reacted in a fascinating display. Within seconds, a tear snaked down the center, a section became damp, another corner charred to ash, and yet another wrinkled like dried leaves. Renzou raised an eyebrow, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Water, fire, wind, lightning? Not bad at all."
Water and lightning… that could lead to Storm Release. The bloodline limit wielded by Darui, the future Fifth Raikage and right-hand man of the future Fourth Raikage, is a fusion of lightning and water chakra. He recalled its description: a laser-like attack, the raw power of lightning made controllable by the fluidity of water, capable of guidance. And water and fire… that meant the potential for Boil Release, one of the Fifth Mizukage Terumi Mei's formidable bloodline limits. Then there was water and wind, which could combine to form Ice Release, the kekkei genkai of Haku Yuki, Zabuza's loyal companion. Ice Release, a technique that even gave the future Copy Ninja Kakashi a run for his money.
While the Sharingan and Byakugan are powerful, my current mastery is too rudimentary to rely on them openly, Renzou mused. Simply progressing step by step won't cut it. Against the threats of the Fourth Great Ninja War, even Elite Jōnin are just pawns. Developing a bloodline limit derived from his inherent chakra natures might be his best path to survival, at least until his dojutsu matured significantly.
Shaking off his contemplation, Renzou carefully returned the test paper. "With my current chakra reserves, ninjutsu activation will be taxing. Best to focus on chakra control first."
He moved to the shaded side of the yard, where a tall poplar stood, its leaves rustling in the gentle breeze, providing a playground for squirrels and sparrows. "Let's start with tree climbing."
Focusing, Renzou channeled a thin layer of chakra to the sole of one foot and tentatively placed it on the tree trunk, quickly followed by the other. He remained acutely aware of the contact point, ready to retract if the chakra faltered. Surprisingly, he found a degree of unexpected stability. He took another step, then another, ascending the tree steadily. Within minutes, he stood on a sturdy branch, gazing out at the bustling street and the neighborly scene of the woman next door teaching her children. A mixture of surprise and quiet satisfaction filled him.
He jumped down and headed back inside. He filled the bathtub with water. No pond, so this will have to do. The effect should be similar… hopefully. (´-ω-`)Thump. Renzou climbed out of the tub, slightly damp despite his earlier foresight of changing into a tank top and shorts. He shivered and continued his practice. Tree climbing and water treading were excellent exercises for chakra control and stamina, though the latter presented a greater challenge with its constantly shifting surface, demanding continuous adjustments to his chakra output.
After an intense midday training session, Renzou, now adept at walking across the water's surface, finally exhaled in relief. Good, I have some aptitude for this. But no slacking off.
"Gurgle," his stomach protested, interrupting his thoughts. He glanced at the clock; it was already six. Time had flown by during his training. Shaking his slightly damp clothes, which clung uncomfortably to his skin, Renzou changed into a fresh set of clothes after a quick, hot bath to ward off any chill. Ready to appease his hunger, he headed out.
Wandering down the street, the neon glow of various restaurants created a dazzling spectacle, leaving Renzou momentarily indecisive. Wait a minute... why not Ichiraku Ramen? A wave of anticipation washed over him. Having heard so much about it in his previous life, he was eager to finally try it. He asked a passerby for directions. Ichiraku Ramen was already a well-known mobile food stall in Konoha.
After a few turns, the familiar noren curtain came into view. An involuntary quickening of his pace accompanied the wafting aroma of ramen. Renzou swallowed, his mouth suddenly watering. He pushed aside the curtain and stepped inside. A clean counter with round stools greeted him. It was past the usual mealtime, and only a few patrons were present, so there was no queue.
The curtain to the back kitchen parted, and a man in his thirties approached, a slight smile crinkling the corners of his eyes. "Welcome! What can I get for you?" Renzou studied the man, noting the fewer wrinkles compared to his memory. "A large tonkotsu ramen with egg and extra chashu," he replied calmly, after a brief pause.
"Alright, coming right up!" the man said cheerfully, turning to prepare his order.
Renzou, feeling a little restless, idly counted toothpicks. After a short wait, the steaming bowl of tonkotsu ramen he had longed for arrived. "Here you go. Enjoy!"
"いただきます (Itadakimasu)," Renzou said, picking up his chopsticks with anticipation. He savored the first slice of tender chashu, an explosion of flavor on his tongue. The rich broth embraced the pale yellow noodles, dotted with generous slices of meat and vibrant green vegetables. A soft-boiled egg nestled amongst the ingredients. Renzou was in culinary heaven.
Minutes later, with the last of the soup and noodles gone, Renzou put down his chopsticks, a satisfied burp escaping his lips. He paid and stepped back out onto the street. As he strolled, enjoying the evening air, he heard someone calling his name. Turning, he saw Sarutobi Asuma, Shiranui Genma, and Might Guy waving in his direction, their expressions somewhat glum.
"Renzou! What are you doing here?"
"Asuma and I bumped into each other and were going to grab a late-night snack," Genma said, his ever-present senbon toothpick bobbing in his mouth. "We saw Guy training and invited him along. How about joining us?"
"Nah, I just ate," Renzou replied. "I'm just wandering around for a bit before heading home to train. You guys go ahead." He had little interest in socializing with the rebellious Asuma at this stage. The Asuma of the future, a responsible Jōnin, was a far cry from the petulant teenager who constantly clashed with his father, the Third Hokage. And given Asuma's obvious affection for Kurenai, which everyone seemed to notice except perhaps Kurenai herself, who shared a closer bond with Renzou, there was a subtle undercurrent of awkwardness. Kids in this world mature so quickly, Renzou thought wryly. Many become 'old men' by forty, given the constant warfare. Childhood jealousy was hardly surprising.
After bidding them farewell, Renzou returned home and immediately began practicing hand seals. The fluid execution of seals was fundamental to ninjutsu, like a necessary incantation. Of course, some secret techniques, like those of the Yamanaka clan, had unique seals. He cycled through the twelve basic ninja hand seals, his movements progressing from clumsy to increasingly fluid, the speed and precision improving with each repetition.
Late into the night…
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End of Chapter 3