Chapter 195: The Fourth Hokage is Slandering Me!
Genichi had clearly given Kakashi the data for Magnet Release, the Lightning + Earth version. However, this time after his 'cheat', the future Kakashi had instead mastered… Storm Release!
Yes, the Kekkei Genkai formed from the fusion of Water + Lightning.
In the original timeline, in the entire ninja world, only Darui of the Fifth generation of the Cloud Village and Madara Uchiha had mastered it. Now, only the Cloud Village had the legacy of Storm Release, but it was unknown if Darui had mastered it yet.
Genichi wasn't surprised that Kakashi had mastered it. After all, his talent was undeniable. In the original timeline, he had completed the A-rank Lightning Release at the age of 13, a testament to his talent. It was a pity that he had been hit by one blow after another and had been in a slump for too long. Before he had taken on Naruto's team, it could be said that he had been resting on his laurels. Oh, except for perfecting the Chidori into the Raikiri and copying over a thousand ninjutsu with the Sharingan, earning him the title of "The Copy Ninja of the Leaf."
But even so, when he got serious, he had quickly developed S-rank lightning jutsu like Lightning Tiger Killer and Lightning Transmission. His talent was evident.
And the current Kakashi, who had not lost his father, had even more astonishing swordsmanship and Lightning Release. Even without the Sharingan, he was far superior to his original timeline counterpart at the same age. Genichi had seen his Lightning Tiger Killer and Chidori Shunshin last time.
When he had teased him at the hospital for being idle, it was really only in comparison to a grinder king like himself. Kakashi usually trained very hard. And his strength, among his peers, apart from Genichi, was also in a league of its own. That is, Genichi was in one tier, Kakashi was in another, and then there were people like Asuma Sarutobi and Kurenai Yūhi.
"Sigh, with more and more Kekkei Genkai, it's getting a bit troublesome. I don't have enough time."
Genichi sighed, furiously writing down the contents of Storm Release on a scroll. And as for Kakashi, should he just hand this scroll to him directly? Or should he guide him?
He chewed on the end of his brush and thought for a moment. In the end, he decided to use a guiding method to have him gradually develop it. Who knew, that guy might have some surprises in store. After all, in his eyes, Kakashi and Ina were different. In terms of constitution, Ina was ten streets ahead of him. In terms of brains, he was ten streets ahead of her.
Putting away the scroll, he continued to write. Next was Steel Release, from Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Earth + Lightning. This son of the Third Hokage had lived up to his name, and his reputation as an Earth Release prodigy. In terms of fame, in the current Konoha, Shinnosuke was actually not as famous as a young genius like Kakashi. This son of the Hokage was relatively low-key and had been in the Anbu for a long time.
Steel Release was not bad either. Invincible defense. When hardened, it was definitely much stronger than Kakuzu's Earth Spear, and it wasn't countered by Lightning Release. If he could develop a secret technique similar to Hydrification or the Ice Body, and turn his whole body into steel… many thoughts appeared in Genichi's mind. For him, who possessed a vast amount of chakra, any Kekkei Genkai, if developed in depth, could unleash astonishing power.
So, the strong and the key was the person, not just the Kekkei Genkai itself.
After Steel Release was Pakura's Kekkei Tōta Scorch Release. And in the future, she had not only mastered the Kekkei Tōta, but also Magnet Release, the Gold Dust version, just like the Fourth Kazekage. He was not at all surprised by this. After all, she was a woman he had set his sights on.
Unfortunately, these were the only gains from the next ten years. Of all the jonin in Konoha, only Kakashi, Shinnosuke, and Ina, these three seeds, had sprouted and grown into leeks. Hiruzen and Minato had no new developments. Kushina hadn't even mastered Ice Release.
Genichi actually understood why Hiruzen hadn't made any progress. He was old, and his way of thinking had a great influence. As for Minato, he guessed he was on missions most of the time. And Kushina probably gave all her time to her child. So, youth was capital. The sooner a ninja made achievements, the better. Ina was already considered old, so he planned to push her hard to make up for lost time.
After sealing the scrolls, he got up and went out for a slow walk on the street. Looking at the ninja hurrying to and fro, or the ones talking loudly in the shops, he suddenly realized. Konoha was just a mercenary military organization. Perhaps many geniuses had appeared, successively developing all kinds of ninjutsu and secret techniques. However, those who would truly invest a large amount of time and energy into researching jutsu, like him, Orochimaru, and the Second Hokage, were an extremely small minority. Even for geniuses, most of them were busy with missions. And people like Jiraiya, who no longer needed to worry about missions, were already getting on in years, and their creativity had plummeted. Not to mention, he didn't put much thought into ninjutsu these days.
So, in the entire village, there was no atmosphere for researching and developing Kekkei Genkai. For three to emerge in the next ten years was already a rare thing.
"The further you go in your training, the lonelier it gets," he couldn't help but sigh, and then thought to himself, Can I issue some research-type missions?
He was lost in thought, and before he knew it, he had arrived at his teacher's house. But Sakumo wasn't there. Kakashi had finished his mission of protecting Kushina and was currently on leave. When he arrived, he was engrossed in studying the Magnet Release scroll.
"Not bad, Kakashi," he said.
"You actually have time?" Kakashi was startled. He knew that before, Genichi had been immersed in his lab, and the ones training outside were all shadow clones.
"You have to change your mindset every now and then." He smiled and sat down opposite him, poured himself a cup of tea, and after a sip, asked, "How's it going?"
"The feeling of magnetic force is still too…" Kakashi said after a moment of thought.
"Too abstract?" he smiled.
Kakashi nodded. It was indeed. It was even more abstract than the so-called Yin and Yang Release. Because Yin and Yang were very familiar to ninja; refining chakra required the use of spiritual and physical energy. But magnetic force… you couldn't see it, you couldn't touch it. You could only observe it through some phenomena.
"In that case, let's go out and clear our heads," he stood up.
Kakashi looked up, puzzled.
"How about you give me some pointers on Lightning Release?" he smiled. "I'm planning to develop the Storm Release Kekkei Genkai recently."
"Your Lightning Release should be pretty good already, right?" Kakashi said, putting away the scroll. He remembered that he had instantly mastered his Raikiri with his Mirror Eye. That was an S-rank jutsu. To have mastered it, in Konoha, he was already among the best.
"It's not enough to use for training a Kekkei Genkai," Genichi shrugged. This was naturally a lie.
Kakashi took him at his word, stood up, and went out with him.
On a barren plain below a cliff, Kakashi looked at him, then scratched his head in embarrassment. How… how do I teach him? He had already mastered the Raikiri.
"Um, how about you just use your Mirror Eye to mirror my lightning ninjutsu," he said after a moment's thought.
Seeing his embarrassment, he held back a laugh and nodded. "No problem." He immediately activated his Mirror Eye.
Kakashi created a clone. "This is a Lightning Shadow Clone."
Genichi nodded slightly. This was something he hadn't mastered. Or rather, he hadn't mastered many lightning jutsu. And the Lightning Shadow Clone was different from a Wood Clone. A Wood Clone possessed all of its original's abilities, while a Lightning Clone only had lightning abilities. The actual principle was to, on the basis of the Shadow Clone Technique, make all the clone's chakra lightning-natured. In other words, when casting the jutsu, the chakra that was split off directly underwent the lightning nature transformation and then formed the clone.
For him, under the Mirror Eye, this jutsu had no secrets or difficulty.
Seeing him nod, Kakashi raised his hand, and his clone also raised its hand. Then, a flash of lightning appeared in their palms. The lightning from the main body and the clone linked, forming a chain of lightning.
"This is Lightning Release: Lightning Transmission."
Genichi's eyes lit up. This jutsu had also been developed.
"I actually just developed this last night," Kakashi said.
"Because of the Six-Tails?" he understood immediately.
Kakashi nodded. Although he hadn't participated in the battle, he had seen the terror of the Six-Tails from a distance and had thought about how he would deal with such an opponent if he were in that situation. The Raikiri was not enough. A simple Chidori Shunshin plus lightning-style swordsmanship also didn't seem to be enough. And so, the Lightning Transmission was born.
"Let's test its power, Kakashi."
With that, thick ice pillars rose from the ground between them.
Kakashi nodded. The next moment, he and his clone were covered in lightning, the sound of the Chidori chirping. The Chidori Shunshin, Genichi raised an eyebrow. Using lightning-natured chakra to enhance reaction and speed, while also providing some defense.
The next moment, the two Kakashis charged forward. The chain of lightning also moved forward, cutting into the thick ice pillars.
Boom!
The ice pillars broke, and ice shards flew everywhere. The -100°C hard ice couldn't stop it at all.
"Not bad, not bad," he leaped back. "Again!"
More hard ice rose from the ground. Kakashi's gaze hardened. The size of these ice pillars was about the same as before, but their color had become a deeper ice-blue.
Lower temperature, harder? he guessed, and then charged again.
This time, he clearly felt a much greater resistance. He immediately increased his output and, with a great effort, he and his clone swung their arms, cutting through the three ice pillars that were lined up. The -150°C hard ice also couldn't stop it.
If it were Storm Release, he thought, with a more highly condensed lightning, I'm afraid even my -200°C hard ice couldn't stop it. Plus Sage Mode… no wonder Madara's Storm Release: Light Fang cut through the Truth-Seeking Orbs' black rods.
The potential was promising. And so, he looked at this seedling, Kakashi, with growing fondness.
Kakashi dispelled his clone. "Hey," he said, feeling his strange gaze, "although this ninjutsu is good, you don't have to look at me like that. Otherwise, I'll start to question your orientation."
As expected of the sharp-tongued Kakashi.
Genichi's face twitched, and then he smiled. "Kakashi, although we are fellow disciples, we should also exchange gifts. I've learned your Lightning Release. In return, I will teach you Water Release."
"Water Release?" Kakashi had a question mark on his face.
"It's my best ninjutsu," he spread his hands.
Kakashi hesitated a little. His mind was on Magnet Release right now.
"Kakashi," he coughed lightly, "is it possible that you are not suitable for Magnet Release? I think Storm Release is more suitable for you. For you, it might also be easier to develop."
"Storm Release?" Kakashi was thoughtful. "So that's why you came today."
"Was it that obvious?" he sighed. "But you can seriously consider it, Kakashi. Storm Release is mainly based on Lightning Release, making the lightning more condensed and easier to control. The power of that jutsu just now would be multiplied. And the change in your constitution, plus the fact that you've fused with the First's cells… Kakashi, you've heard of Sage Mode, right?"
"I've heard about it from Minato-sensei," Kakashi nodded.
"Kakashi," he said, his hands crossed over his chest, "let me give you a mission. Develop Storm Release. As for the reward… how about Sage Mode?"
"Eh?" Kakashi was stunned. "You've mastered… Sage Mode?"
"What, are you surprised?" he chuckled. "It wasn't that difficult for me."
Before, Kakashi would not have been qualified to learn Sage Mode, but now, his chakra shortcoming had been filled. The next step was to see if he could sense natural energy. If he could, then there would be absolutely no problem. If not… then he would be like Tsunade.
"No problem," Kakashi nodded, then said sincerely, "Thank you."
"There's no need for that between us," he smiled. "Then let's begin. Water Release is actually very simple. In terms of shape transformation, it's not hard to master."
The lesson began.
At the same time, in the Hokage's office, three heads were huddled together, looking at the scroll he had sent with Ina.
"That guy… when did he research this so clearly?" Tsunade's face was full of doubt. She knew he was busy with research and training every day, but the Strength of a Hundred Seal was not on the list.
"Perhaps he thought of these things while he was researching something else," Shizune guessed.
"Genichi is a genius, after all," Ina nodded in agreement.
Tsunade was frustrated. He had solved eight or nine-tenths of the most difficult problems. Her sense of achievement had plummeted by ninety percent.
That guy… she muttered, but her heart was also happy.
"Lady Tsunade," Shizune said, "with this, then the jutsu can be completed soon, right?"
"About a year, I think," Tsunade's expression became serious. She was, after all, the Hokage, and had to spend a lot of time on official duties.
"Looks like I have to work even harder," Shizune said, a little troubled.
"Don't worry too much," Tsunade said. "Everyone's talent is different. Perhaps you're not very suitable for the Yin Seal, Shizune."
Her face grew even more troubled.
"She's right," Ina quickly comforted her. "You're more skilled in using poison, Shizune. Why don't you try to develop a Kekkei Genkai related to poison?"
"Eh?" Shizune was taken aback. "Did Genichi say that?"
"He said you have to make full use of your own talents," Ina smiled. "Compared to talent, hard work is not worth mentioning."
"That self-righteous guy," Tsunade pursed her lips. "He probably wouldn't say that to other people, would he?"
Ina couldn't help but giggle. She thought of Might Guy. Indeed, her Lord Genichi always tailored his words to the person.
Three days passed in the blink of an eye. After completing his beginner's guide mission, Genichi was just about to continue holing up in his lab when he was summoned to the Hokage's office.
"An envoy from Kirigakure has arrived. They want to retrieve the Six-Tails jinchuriki," Tsunade said, getting straight to the point when he arrived. "What do you think?"
I'll watch with my eyes. He吐槽ed to himself, but on his face, he smiled. "They're quite fast. It seems they've been keeping a close eye on us. What is the opinion of the advisors?"
"Kirigakure has given us good terms," Tsunade said. "The Third and the others are inclined to hold peace talks and try to get them to join us against Madara in the future. By the way, regarding the Six-Tails attack on the village, Kirigakure says that the Fourth Mizukage was being controlled by Madara. Do you think that's credible?"
"It's probably true," he nodded. "Most likely, the Fourth, as a jinchuriki, was controlled by Uchiha Tekka's Sharingan." If Yagura hadn't been a jinchuriki, he probably wouldn't have been so easy to control. But precisely because he was, and an imperfect one at that, he had become easier to control. And Tekka had surely been taught by Madara.
Tsunade's expression was grave. She finally understood why the Second Hokage, and Danzō before him, had been so wary of the Uchiha. An Uchiha with a Sharingan was too dangerous. If it weren't for Genichi holding down the fort, she would probably be on guard against them at all times too.
"Who is the envoy?" he asked curiously.
"A jonin named Ao," she said, her thoughts returning to the present. "And an even younger jonin, named Mei Terumī."
Mei Terumī? He raised an eyebrow.
Noticing this, she asked, "Is there anything special about this Mei?"
"A Kekkei Genkai user," he smiled. The future Fifth Mizukage. She should be about the same age as him. In the original timeline, she was one of the few who possessed two Kekkei Genkai. And she was the mature older sister type he liked. Of course, that was in the future.
"Just a Kekkei Genkai user, is that all?" Tsunade looked at him with suspicion. "You little pervert, don't tell me you've taken a liking to her."
Shizune and Ina, who were busy at their desks, both looked up at the same time.
"Slander! Libel!" Genichi was immediately indignant. "Shizune! Ina! The Fourth Hokage is slandering me!"
Tsunade pursed her lips.
Shizune and Ina couldn't help but giggle softly.
(End of Chapter)
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