Chapter 176: Magnetic Field Maniac?
Genichi directly fled, leaving Tsunade and the others to face the mountain of paperwork. He didn't go home either, but instead went to the lake in the mountains behind Konoha.
Wind Release + Earth Release, fused to form Magnet Release.
At this moment, Genichi refined a large amount of Magnet Release chakra and filled his entire body with it. The new power made his already highly active cells even more active, as if they were breathing. The Magnet Release chakra was inhaled and exhaled by the cells, subtly changing him at the most fundamental level. This was a feeling he was already very familiar with.
Magnet Release was the seventh Kekkei Genkai he had mastered.
Chakra was injected into the earth from the soles of his feet. Genichi lowered his eyes, using his chakra to search for the trace elements of gold and iron underground. A moment later, fine Gold Dust and Iron Sand flew out of the ground, accumulating more and more.
The Gold Dust spread across the ground, glittering with a mesmerizing light under the sun. The fine Iron Sand, however, floated in the air.
That's right, Genichi's Magnet Release could control both Gold Dust and Iron Sand simultaneously, unlike the Fourth Kazekage, who could only control Gold Dust, and the Third, who could only control Iron Sand. Of course, Genichi had not studied the Third's body, so he couldn't be sure if he was really limited to just Iron Sand. But he suspected that was likely the case.
From his research, the Third Kazekage's Magnet Release worked by making his own chakra highly magnetic and then controlling the Iron Sand. In fact, it wasn't just Iron Sand; many other non-ferrous metals could also be controlled. It was just that Iron Sand was the most advantageous for combat and was relatively easy to obtain. At least, this was one of the characteristics of Genichi's Magnet Release, and it originated from the One-Tail's chakra. The unique insight of his Mirror Eye had played a very large role in this.
However, what was very interesting was that the Fourth Kazekage's Magnet Release was more similar in manifestation to that of the Cloud-nin Troi: it magnetized objects. Gold is a non-magnetic metal. A magnet cannot attract it. Genichi's Magnet Release, which controlled Iron Sand, could not control Gold Dust. He had to use the method of bestowing magnetism to control it.
The diversity of Magnet Release almost subverted his original understanding. This energy known as chakra… the power of one's own imagination was a bit strong. Or perhaps his own cognition was insufficient.
"Whether it's controlling Iron Sand or Gold Dust, it's all an application of magnetism."
The Iron Sand in the air condensed and changed shape: senbon, triangular pyramids, cylinders, cones. The Gold Dust on the ground also continued to increase.
Doing two things at once, Genichi thought to himself, "This level of Magnet Release is still far from controlling the magnetic field itself. And using it for sealing, the actual principle is to use magnetism to affect the human body's own magnetic field and the flow of bio-electricity, thereby causing the opponent to lose control of their body. If I could master the magnetic field, use its changes to control the electric field, the two influencing each other, and then do some magnetic field rotation, pushing with electric currents…"
This was a blue ocean of possibilities.
"Should I become a Magnetic Field Maniac in the future?" Genichi stroked his chin. This direction had infinite potential. He remembered that it could even blow up a star.
"But everything is still based on chakra. And, putting aside what level of power I'll develop in the future, there is another key point."
Genichi lowered his eyes. When his entire body was covered in Magnet Release chakra, he could faintly feel the Earth's magnetic field.
What was a magnetic field? It was an invisible, intangible special substance. It was not composed of atoms or molecules, but it was an objective existence. It had the radiation characteristics of both waves and particles.
Thank you, nine-year compulsory education.
If this understanding was correct… no, it had to be correct. Then…
Genichi was full of anticipation. If one day he developed a Magnet Release that could control the magnetic field, then could he strengthen himself by absorbing the Earth's magnetic field, the universe's magnetic field? Did the magnetic field of the world count as a form of natural energy? For example, electromagnetic waves did indeed carry energy and kinetic energy. Whether it belonged to natural energy was something that remained to be explored.
"My current Magnet Release doesn't give a significant boost to my combat power for now. So the next step is to master the Lightning + Earth version as soon as possible, and then synthesize a Kekkei Tōta of Earth + Wind + Lightning, in the hope of mastering the power of the magnetic field."
Genichi frowned. "There are only three months until next year's power-up. That's probably not enough. I'll still have to rely on the 'cheat'."
He had previously planned to make the Ice Release Kekkei Tōta and the analysis of the Mangekyō Sharingan his main goals for the next power-up. But the Kekkei Tōta of Magnet Release seemed more appealing. But the uncertainty was also high. He wasn't sure if a Kekkei Tōta-level Magnet Release could control a force like the magnetic field.
Besides, the Ice Release Kekkei Tōta had been progressing, and he had made quite a few gains over the past year.
"Good thing this isn't my only chance…" Genichi didn't dwell on it too much.
Ice Release, Magnet Release, and the Mangekyō Sharingan were his first-priority goals. Heaven's Eye, genjutsu, Scorch Release, and Dust Release were the second tier. Researching the Kekkei Genkai hidden within the Tailed Beast chakra was the third. A breakthrough in any of the first-priority goals, he believed, could elevate his current combat ceiling.
The Iron Sand in the air fell and condensed into a large gourd on his back. Then, the Gold Dust on the ground surged up and flowed into the gourd. For the same volume, Gold Dust was heavier than Iron Sand. And in terms of texture, it was inferior. Iron Sand was lighter, which meant it was easier to control in the air, and could even carry a person in flight. This was also why the Third Kazekage's Iron Sand was more offensive than the Fourth's Gold Dust. The title of "Strongest Kazekage" was no boast.
"This style doesn't really suit me." Genichi turned his head to look at the gourd on his back. He wasn't actually bearing its weight; it was floating, just pressed against his back. The main problem was that Magnet Release itself did not create Gold or Iron Sand.
When I master Yin-Yang Release, I can save myself this trouble.
Shaking his head, he went home with the gourd. Since he had already condensed it, he might as well keep it at home. No need to waste it.
Back home, he found the scroll on Magnet Release and added the final key step. His family's foundation had deepened by another fraction. He felt that even if he had ten or eight children in the future, he wouldn't have to worry about not having enough assets to divide among them.
After sealing the scroll, he sat cross-legged on his bed and began to ponder the Art of Sha. He repeatedly formed the hand seal, constantly feeling the changes in himself and his surroundings. In himself, it was his chakra, his every cell. And in his surroundings, it was the world outside his body.
Before, it had been very difficult to perceive, but now, having mastered Magnet Release, he could faintly sense the Earth's magnetic field. And thus, he could feel it. But this also consumed a lot of chakra. After all, he needed to cover his entire body with a vast amount of chakra to be able to sense the external magnetic field.
But right now, the last thing he lacked was chakra.
The power to freely control one's own body and the bodies of others. The spiritual power of all things, let me connect with it.
He wasn't very interested in the power of others. But if he could reach the state of "the spiritual power of all things, let me connect with it," he felt that Sage Mode would come naturally. The three great sage regions? Not needed. He would just open a fourth one in Konoha.
Time flew by. The first day of Tsunade's tenure as Hokage passed. On the second day, the ninja began to feel the changes brought by the new Hokage, such as a series of letters of appointment.
Two new offices had been added next to the Hokage's Office. One was for the assistants. The other was for the advisors. Of course, the latter was mostly for show, as advisors like Genichi were not required to be on duty. But establishing it was a sign of respect.
While Tsunade and her team were buried in a mountain of paperwork, Genma Shiranui, Kurenai Yūhi, Aoba Yamashiro, Raidō Namiashi, and Obito Uchiha arrived at the Root base. It was the first time for all five of them, and they looked around curiously. After all, even for Konoha ninja, Root was an extremely mysterious existence.
"Are you the Fourth's guard detail?" Aburame Ryūma appeared, dressed in a black robe.
"Yes," the captain, Genma, said quickly. "We were ordered to come here for special training."
"Follow me," Ryūma nodded. He then leaped away.
"Let's go." Genma immediately led the others after him.
Ryūma led them out of the base and to a nearby training ground surrounded by trees.
"Captain, they're here," he said, bowing to a figure who stood with his back to them, hands clasped behind him.
Genma and the others felt that the back was very familiar.
"Everyone, you all look to be in good spirits," the figure said, turning around with a smile. It was Kinoshita Genichi.
"Genichi!" Obito exclaimed. His long hair had been cut short again, and he wasn't wearing a headband. So while his back had looked familiar, they hadn't recognized him immediately.
"Genichi, have you become the director of Root?" Kurenai was also surprised.
He smiled and nodded.
"As expected of you," Aoba sighed.
"You can go about your business," he said to Ryūma, who nodded and left. He was the deputy Genichi had chosen, the workhorse specifically for handling Root's daily affairs.
After he had left, Genichi said to the five of them, "We're all familiar with each other, so let's skip the self-introductions. The Fourth specifically entrusted me to train you. From today on, I am your instructor."
"Genichi," Obito scratched his head, "is this special training to teach us ninjutsu?"
"Obito," Genichi's gaze fell on him, "during special training, you will address me by my title. Call me Instructor, or Lord Genichi."
Obito was dumbfounded. Kurenai pursed her lips, wanting to laugh, but seeing his serious expression, she held it in. As a ninja, she was a professional.
Genichi's gaze swept over the five of them. "The content of the training has not yet been decided. It will depend on your abilities. But first, we need to clarify one thing. As the Hokage's Guard, what is your duty?"
"To protect Lady Fourth Hokage," Genma said.
"How do you protect her?"
"By identifying threatening targets in advance and intercepting them," Kurenai replied.
"To put it simply," he said, "it is to kill all threatening targets. So, for now, treat me as an enemy who is going to assassinate the Fourth, and use every means at your disposal to kill me."
"With all due respect," Genma's gaze hardened. The moment his hand left his pocket, he flicked his wrist, and a shuriken shot toward Genichi. He then vanished.
Kurenai's form scattered into cherry blossoms and disappeared.
Obito formed hand seals, his attack following Genma's. He spat out a giant fireball.
Genichi had already opened his Mirror Eye. He flicked his finger, knocking the shuriken away. Then, a pillar of water condensed in front of him. Obito's fireball crashed into it with a boom, and a rolling cloud of steam billowed up.
Swoosh! Swoosh! Swoosh!
Genma appeared in the air, spitting out a mouthful of senbon that multiplied into a dense cloud and rained down on Genichi. This move was clearly the Shadow Shuriken Clone Technique created by Hiruzen.
At the same time, Kurenai, who had circled around behind him, activated a genjutsu.
Demonic Illusion: Tree Binding Death!
Genichi's body was immediately bound by an non-existent tree. And by now, Aoba had already summoned a flock of crows, and Raidō had summoned his black-bladed tantō.
Genichi raised his hand, easily breaking the illusion. Then, a gust of wind erupted, blowing away all the falling senbon and also blowing the airborne Genma away. Just then, a flock of crows whistled toward him, obscuring his vision. Under their cover, Raidō suddenly appeared from the side, his black blade slashing at him.
Genichi raised his hand and directly caught the blade.
Raidō's face changed. "The blade is poisoned!" he warned subconsciously. But the next moment, the sword was snatched from his hand, and a foot came up.
Thump!
Raidō took a solid kick and was sent flying.
But at this moment, Obito attacked from behind, locking his limbs in a close-quarters hold. "Got him!"
The crows vanished. Aoba and Kurenai appeared on either side, their kunai aimed straight for his neck.
So cold! Obito suddenly shivered. A terrifying cold made his body stiffen, and he could no longer hold on.
Genichi broke free from his hold, his body launching into an airborne split, sending Kurenai and Aoba flying.
Genma, who had been blown away, charged out again, aiming for the opportunity while he was in the air, and launched a flying kick.
Smack!
Genichi, having thrown away the black blade, pressed his hand against Genma's kicking foot. His body floated up, easily neutralizing the attack. As for the poison, his hand was covered in an armor of ice; he was not afraid.
Genma landed on the ground, and just as he was about to fire more senbon, the earth beneath his feet turned into a swamp.
Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!
When did he form the hand seals… Genma's face changed. He hadn't noticed him setting up this jutsu at all.
"Not bad coordination," Genichi landed lightly. "But you're a little lacking in strength."
"You're just too strong," Genma said helplessly. The swamp beneath him had already dried up. He gritted his teeth and pulled himself out.
Obito's teeth were still chattering. Kurenai's and Aoba's arms were red and swollen. And Raidō's chest hurt; he almost thought his sternum had been broken by that one kick. The force was too strong; a single blow had temporarily taken him out of the fight.
Genichi looked at the five of them, thinking about how to quickly improve their strength. The easiest to teach should be Kurenai and Obito. The former specialized in genjutsu, and the latter had the Sharingan. He could start with that. He also didn't need to worry about Obito's Fire Release and taijutsu. The other three… were a bit of a problem.
He thought for a moment and asked, "Genma, is there any ninjutsu you want to learn?"
"Huh?" Genma didn't react for a moment.
"You use taijutsu and senbon… hmm, is that the Third Hokage's Shadow Shuriken Clone Technique?"
"Yes," Genma nodded. "The Third taught it to me when I was promoted to chūnin. As for other ninjutsu…" he was a little embarrassed. "To be honest, I don't have a very good plan for now. My current idea is to be able to better use the Shadow Shuriken Clone Technique."
With proficiency, that technique plus senbon was indeed enough to be a Special Jōnin. Most ninja battles were not ninjutsu duels. They were taijutsu-first, with ninjutsu used when an opportunity arose. For a chūnin to have mastered a B-rank ninjutsu was already very impressive. And Genma was not from a ninja clan. Although his father was a ninja, he was only a chūnin and hadn't left him any legacy, such as training in nature transformation. His team leader hadn't taught him either. So he hadn't mastered any other nature transformations. He had been on a team with Guy and Ebisu before, and they could even be called a taijutsu squad.
"I've read your file. You have Fire and Wind affinities," Genichi said. "Try Wind Release."
Iron Sand floated up from the ground and condensed into a senbon in front of him. This scene shocked the five of them.
"Is that… the legendary Magnet Release that only the Third Kazekage mastered, the secret technique to control Iron Sand?" Kurenai said in shock.
Genichi didn't answer. He touched the Iron Sand senbon, and wind chakra coated it.
Swoosh!
It shot out, easily piercing through a large tree.
"So strong!" Genma was secretly shocked. His own senbon couldn't do that.
"Putting other wind jutsu aside," Genichi said, "just by adding wind-natured chakra, you can multiply your attack power." He then bent down, plucked a blade of wild grass from the ground, and held it between two fingers. "The key to practicing Wind Release nature transformation is to make the chakra thin and sharp." He released his fingers, and the blade of grass fell in two.
"Genma, go under a tree. Hold a leaf in your palm and, as I just said, use your chakra to cut it in half," he said, pointing to a tree at the edge of the training ground.
"Yes, Instructor!" Genma bowed gravely and then turned to go and practice. Such an opportunity was too rare. Such guidance, even if it was just a few words, was like a rebirth. If he didn't know the story of Lu Bu, he would have kowtowed to him and called him 'godfather.'
Genichi then looked at Raidō Namiashi. His situation was similar to Genma's, even worse. He hadn't even mastered the Shadow Clone Technique. His fighting style was just taijutsu and swordsmanship. If he hadn't had his 'cheat,' Raidō would have been a true reflection of him, at most having mastered a water jutsu left by his grandfather.
This was actually the situation for most of Konoha's chūnin and genin. The jutsu they had mastered were the three basic techniques and the Body Flicker. They fought with taijutsu, ninja tools, and swords. This was also why the throwing of ninja tools was a heavy component of the academy's curriculum.
(End of Chapter)
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