Hoshiyomi carefully thought it over. Judging by his estimates, it should be feasible.
So, he looked up at Orochimaru and the others and said:
"I've actually been thinking about developing a jutsu to counter poison mist for a while now. But right now, it's only a rough prototype. Whether it'll really work or not, I'm not sure yet. I'll need your help."
Jiraiya and Tsunade didn't react too strongly to that statement, but Orochimaru immediately perked up, showing visible excitement.
"Hoshiyomi-kun, would you mind explaining your idea in more detail?" Orochimaru asked.
Hoshiyomi organized his thoughts and replied:
"You just mentioned that large-scale Wind Release jutsu is difficult to use effectively against Hanzō because anyone casting it becomes an easy target for his attacks.
I think this problem comes down to two main reasons. One is that most Wind Release techniques require continuous chakra output, and the other is that ordinary shinobi simply can't dodge Hanzō's attacks while maintaining such jutsu.
So, I'm thinking—what if I develop a Wind Release technique that can sustain itself for a longer duration? If I personally stay close to the Wind Release squad to protect them, wouldn't that neutralize Hanzō's advantage?
Hanzō may be confident, but even he can't take on a thousand people alone. If I can tie him up in battle while you two wipe out the rest of the Amegakure forces, Hanzō would have no choice but to retreat, right?"
Jiraiya's eyes lit up. That actually made a lot of sense.
Even if Hoshiyomi's Shunpo wasn't necessarily faster than Hanzō's Body Flicker, Hoshiyomi's swordsmanship was top-tier. He definitely had the skills to stall Hanzō or even go one-on-one.
And if Hanzō tried to break away with Body Flicker, Hoshiyomi could use Shunpo (Flash Step) to chase him down, ensuring the Wind Release users wouldn't get wiped out.
As for the regular Amegakure ninja? Between Jiraiya and Orochimaru, sweeping them aside would be simple.
Based on what they knew about Hanzō's personality, if his troops suffered heavy losses, he'd likely choose to retreat rather than risk further casualties.
If they could repeat this tactic a few times, Amegakure didn't have the reserves to sustain it. Hanzō might end up surrendering outright.
The thought had Jiraiya's eyes practically sparkling.
But before he could speak, Tsunade immediately cut in, glaring at Hoshiyomi:
"No way. Did you even consider that you'll be affected by the poison mist too? If we don't have a proper antidote, fighting Hanzō is basically just a slow death! Unless you can show me a technique that actually protects you from the poison, I won't agree to let you risk yourself like that."
Hoshiyomi understood that this was Tsunade's way of showing she cared.
He gently squeezed her hand to calm her down, then explained:
"Of course I've thought of that. I wouldn't bring it up otherwise. The Wind Release technique I'm planning is more of a nin-taijutsu hybrid—it'll definitely protect me from the poison."
Orochimaru, still excited, leaned in.
"Tell me the details, Hoshiyomi-kun. Let's see if it's really viable."
Hoshiyomi started explaining:
"I've actually thought of three techniques. Well, technically it's one concept with three applications—they're all variants of Wind Severing Slash, built around Wind Release chakra nature transformation.
The first is designed to help Wind Release users counter poison mist.
Most Wind Release techniques are directional—they blow in one direction, and once the attack is finished, the effect ends. It's hard to maintain.
What I'm thinking of is creating wind that moves like a vortex—basically, a tornado. Tornadoes can sustain themselves for quite a while. As long as there's enough kinetic energy or temperature difference, they'll keep spinning.
Sure, the raw damage might not be as high as a compressed Wind Blade or Vacuum Sphere, but the duration is way longer. That makes it perfect for dealing with poison mist."
This first jutsu was essentially Yasuo's whirlwind from League of Legends, but Naruto-style.
Similar techniques existed in the original series too, like when Yamato and Naruto combined their chakra to create the Water Release: Tearing Torrent mixed with Wind.
With his mastery of chakra nature transformation, Hoshiyomi felt that creating a localized tornado wouldn't be too hard.
Once the vortex was formed, the Wind Release users could maintain it by feeding chakra into it from the perimeter. The tornado would suck in the poison mist and sweep it away.
Orochimaru's eyes gleamed. He clearly thought the idea was feasible. Tsunade and Jiraiya also nodded—the concept made sense.
Hoshiyomi continued:
"The second technique is inspired by the Cloud Village's Lightning Release Armor—or maybe by my own chakra cloak when I open the Sixth Gate.
The idea is to wrap my body in a flowing layer of Wind Release chakra. By controlling the direction of the chakra flow, I can carry any incoming poison mist away from me.
Even if I'm in close combat with Hanzō, the swirling wind around me will push the poison away, keeping me safe from inhaling it."
This one was inspired by Yasuo's passive shield, reimagined as a chakra technique.
Hoshiyomi figured that by manipulating Wind Release this way, he could create a sort of wind armor that would repel toxic gases.
This jutsu had solid theoretical backing. It was a bit trickier than the first idea, but still entirely doable.
Orochimaru nodded in agreement, his admiration for Hoshiyomi growing.
Hoshiyomi-kun really is the man I had my eye on… Orochimaru thought. To come up with such refined concepts—it seems I wasn't wrong about him.
Hoshiyomi pressed on, explaining the final technique:
"The last one I'm calling Wind Barrier.
Just like Earth-Style: Earth Wall or Water-Style: Water Formation Wall, I want to create a defensive Wind Release technique.
The outer layer would be a stable wall of wind, but inside it, I'd introduce chaotic turbulent airflows. Any attack that passes through the smooth outer membrane would get shredded by the inner turbulence, having its momentum drained away.
The goal is to neutralize enemy ninjutsu by exhausting their energy before it reaches us."
Orochimaru practically squirmed with excitement in his seat. He looked like he wanted to drag Hoshiyomi outside immediately to start developing the techniques.
"Hoshiyomi-kun, this is incredible! You really are a genius—a true talent who surpasses me in both creativity and intellect."
Hoshiyomi felt a little embarrassed by the praise.
If it wasn't for all the anime and games I played in my past life, I probably wouldn't have come up with this stuff, he thought. But now, here I am getting praised by Orochimaru himself for my "genius."
He scratched his head and smiled awkwardly.
"Don't say that, Orochimaru. When it comes to the theory behind jutsu development, you're still far beyond me. I just… have a bigger imagination, that's all."
"Imagination?" Orochimaru repeated, blinking.
But given his intellect, he quickly grasped the meaning. He murmured to himself, tasting the word as if savoring it.
"Imagination… That's exactly what I lack.
Ever since I arrived at the front lines, I've been thinking nonstop about how to develop new Wind Release techniques. But no matter how hard I tried, I kept running into walls—either the techniques lacked power, weren't stable enough, or just weren't practical.
I suppose imagination is part of talent too, isn't it?
Hoshiyomi-kun… you really are a genius."