Another new day.
After his usual lavish breakfast, Umino Yoru summoned nine shadow clones and began his training.
The C-rank Water Clone Technique was mastered instantly—no challenge at all.
The C-rank Water Whip took slightly longer but was still easily conquered.
The real hurdle was the B-rank Water Dragon Bullet. Despite rapid progress, mastering its water-nature chakra transformation required more time.
The Clunky Original
Standing on the river's surface, Yoru formed 44 hand seals at a speed of five per second. Nearly nine seconds later, the technique finally activated.
"In real combat, I'd be dead ten times over before finishing this."
He scowled. This standardized version was clearly designed for large-scale warfare, not individual combat.
Konoha's greed was shameless.
Monopolizing jutsu was bad enough, but handing out nerfed versions even after payment? He wasn't asking for the Second Hokage's three-seal variant—just a six-seal version would suffice.
At his current speed, nine seconds was unacceptable. Most shinobi would take even longer—enough time for a hail of kunai to turn them into pincushions.
Still, even a gimped technique had to be practiced.
Unexpected Mentors
Midway through training, Akimichi Chōza arrived—this time with his entire squad in tow for a free meal.
"Senior! Long time no see!"
Sarutobi Shinnosuke sprinted ahead of Chōza, grinning. After pleasantries, he sniffed the air and gaped at the feast.
"Mmm! This smells even better than Jii-chan's cooking!" he mumbled through a full mouth.
"Indeed, it surpasses mine," admitted Mitokado Gen, nodding approvingly.
Seizing the opportunity, Yoru engaged Gen in a culinary discussion—which smoothly transitioned to water-style techniques.
Where cooking tips flowed from Yoru , water-nature insights now poured from Gen. A few pointers from the Second Hokage's unofficial disciple resolved Yoru 's lingering questions, elevating his mastery exponentially.
By meal's end, Yoru 's understanding had leaped tiers. Developing his starch syrup technique now seemed within reach.
The Six-Seal Revelation
As Chōza prepared to leave, Yoru voiced his burning question:
"Gen-san, can the Water Dragon Bullet's seals be simplified?"
Gen paused, then nodded solemnly. "Watch closely."
Leaping onto the river, he formed six deliberate seals:
Boar → Ram → Tiger → Snake → Horse → Bird
"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!"
A colossal water dragon erupted, its power bordering on A-rank.
Yoru 's eyes widened.
Same chakra, ten times the force.
The difference between shape manipulation and true nature transformation was staggering. And six seals versus forty-four? A matter of life and death.
Tomorrow's Feast (And Training)
"Don't slack off, Yoru ! We'll check your progress tomorrow!" Chōza called over his shoulder—though his licked lips betrayed his true motive: another free meal.
Yoru grinned. More chances to learn from Gen? Perfect.
"Today was just an appetizer! Tomorrow's menu will be legendary!" he shouted after them.
Laughter echoed through the trees—a promise of their return.
Replication
Once alone, Yoru summoned nine more clones. On the riverbank, his true body slowly mimicked Gen's seals.
"Suiton: Suiryūdan no Jutsu!"
A paler, smaller dragon surged forth—proof the technique had been copied. Only his inferior chakra nature control held it back from perfection.
As the dragon collapsed, a screech pierced the air.
"Kreee!"
His sand falcon, Shiro, swooped down, snatching a 10-pound fish churned up by the jutsu. Dinner was served.