The moment the idea formed, the Great Sage began its analysis and calculations.
As expected, it barely took three seconds.
[Calculation Complete]
[Congratulations, host, on acquiring a new skill: Somersault Cloud]
As soon as Shigure saw the words "Somersault Cloud," his eyes widened in surprise, and joy immediately overflowed.
Without hesitation, he raised his hand and formed a seal.
With a surge of chakra, a cloud resembling soft, white cotton candy appeared before him.
Shigure leapt onto the cloud.
Effortlessly, he controlled it and began soaring through the sky. The speed of the Somersault Cloud even surprised him—it was fast.
Although this wasn't flight through wings or levitation by chakra, the feeling of freely riding the skies on a cloud was exhilarating.
He pondered: if the density of Cloud Release could be increased, then the clouds might gain strong buoyancy—enough to lift objects.
A new idea sparked.
"Flame Cloud!"
Though named Flame Cloud, it didn't literally mean infusing flames into the cloud. Instead, it was inspired by the Four Emperors' Kaido, who could conjure clouds that lifted entire islands.
"Great Sage, begin analysis!"
[Analysis Complete]
[Theoretically, the host's Flame Cloud can be developed, but chakra consumption will be immense. With the host's current reserves, it cannot be sustained—unless the passive skill bar is used.]
That was fine by Shigure. Even if he couldn't sustain it now, that didn't mean he wouldn't be able to in the future.
The important part was mastering the technique. If chakra was an issue, he could rely on the passive skill bar to cast Cloud Release without draining energy.
[Calculating...]
[10%...]
Finally, a progress percentage appeared. He thought it might be instant, but it still only took a dozen seconds or so.
[Congratulations, host, on acquiring a new skill: Cloud Release ~ Flame Cloud]
Shigure activated the technique.
A cloud formed—but it was black.
He didn't care about the color. What mattered was that it could lift unimaginably heavy things.
Controlling the Flame Cloud, Shigure directed it toward the ground. As his chakra surged, about one-tenth of his reserves were depleted in moments.
In exchange, a fifteen-meter-wide section of earth was pulled up into the sky.
So lifting an island or mountain wasn't impossible. The only issue was the chakra consumption.
Temporarily, that could be managed using the skill bar.
The successful development of Flame Cloud only deepened Shigure's interest in refining Cloud Release.
Previously, it was noted that Cloud Release possessed many of the traits of Boil Release and Ice Release.
So what if he increased the density of the clouds—could he make them take shape and not disperse?
His inspiration came from two people in his memory who fought using smoke: Smoker from One Piece, and Morel from Hunter x Hunter.
Both had combat styles based on manipulating smoke.
Although Shigure's technique was called Cloud, it could function similarly. Especially after he had successfully condensed the Somersault Cloud—the gas forming the cloud could be solidified.
If condensed further, the cloud's hardness might rival metal. It could even become Cloud Iron!
"Great Sage, analyze and calculate!"
[Analysis in progress... The host's concept is feasible. However, the power of Cloud Release must be strengthened further.]
To increase its power?
Simple—slot it into the skill bar and train relentlessly.
He was confident that even if it didn't reach the level of iron, achieving the durability of wood wouldn't be a problem. And with enough effort, maybe even Cloud Iron could be real.
[Calculating...]
[Congratulations, host, on mastering a new skill: Cloud Release ~ Cloud and Mist Solidification Technique]
[Cloud Release ~ Cloud Solidification Technique]: A variation that sacrifices the vaporization and freezing traits of Boil Release and Ice Release. Instead, it enhances the cloud's durability and toughness, creating forms that cannot be cut or dispersed. Highly effective in both defense and trapping enemies.
[Calculating...]
[Congratulations, host, on acquiring a derivative ninjutsu: Cloud Release ~ Cloud Prison]
[Cloud Release – Cloud Cage]: Condenses a durable and resilient cloud barrier to trap the enemy. Although it lacks offensive capabilities, escaping from within the cage becomes extremely difficult once ensnared.
Having developed Cloud Release to this extent, Shigure still felt there was room for growth.
What surprised him most was that he didn't even have to actively come up with new ideas anymore—the Great Sage had begun independently calculating and evolving derivative Cloud Release ninjutsu.
That was… amazing.
If that's the case, then why not let the Great Sage take over?
Let it keep running calculations—analyzing and deriving new jutsu from his existing ninjutsu. Then, Shigure could simply review the results and select those with potential for further refinement.
Wasn't that the most efficient method?
"Great Sage, from now on, based on all the Cloud Release ninjutsu I've mastered, perform a comprehensive analysis."
"Calculate across all three categories—offensive, defensive, and support. Each time, I want at least ten results in one category. Also, make sure each jutsu differs from the others by at least 30%."
. . . . .
[Great Sage: Understood. Beginning calculations.]
[Estimated time for initial calculation: 6 hours per batch of 10 skills]
Six hours for ten jutsu? Not bad at all.
With three categories and one batch per direction, he could do four full rounds per day. That meant he'd get at least 40 ninjutsu daily—plenty to sift through and refine.
Let's wait and see how many useful techniques emerge after the first wave of analysis.
For now, the Cloud Release development could take a pause. The techniques he had were more than enough for Shigure to train and grow familiar with.
Next—rest.
Not because he was tired, but because today had been a big day. He and Shikamaru's squad had successfully completed their first mission as Genin.
They deserved some time to relax and celebrate together.
Plus, Uncle Masano and Shigure had been getting along better lately. The old man even wanted to throw a small celebration for Shigure's accomplishment.
Glancing at the time, Shigure realized it was about time to return to Konoha and join the others.
Perfect chance to test out the speed of the Somersault Cloud.
He hopped onto it, and in the next instant, he soared into the sky, rushing toward the Hidden Leaf.
—Meanwhile—
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage was issuing instructions to Kakashi.
"Shigure shows tremendous talent. This mission will serve as both a test and a stepping stone for him."
"Just take a look."
Kakashi scanned the documents, then looked up with a flicker of surprise in his eyes.
"Is the Third-sama planning to build up Shigure's reputation?"
Hiruzen gave a small, knowing smile.
But he didn't answer.
...
[email protected]/LordMerlin.