Shiki was deep in thought.
First, this technique couldn't consume too much chakra. It couldn't even exceed the chakra consumption of an ordinary D-rank ninjutsu.
Unless it was like the Shadow Clone, a technique not closely related to his chakra pathways. Otherwise, even the Grand Fireball would be more than enough to trouble Shiki himself.
Second, this ninjutsu's power couldn't be too weak. Otherwise, developing a new technique would become meaningless. If the technique wasn't stronger than his fists, he'd just stick with using his fists.
Third, this ninjutsu should preferably help him move or increase his attack range. This was currently Shiki's biggest weakness. Having lost one leg, even if he could barely dodge attacks several times using arm strength and hopping, in actual battle, it was completely useless. Dying sooner or later made no difference at all.
After establishing these three limitations, Shiki began considering how to achieve his goal.
Generally speaking, modifying the Chakra Scalpel (a sharp, precise chakra-based blade), which he had altered many times before, seemed most appropriate.
One reason was because of his experience with it, and another was that the Chakra Scalpel's power also met his requirements.
However, the actual amount of chakra consumed by this technique wasn't small either.
As for other techniques, Shiki had even fewer ideas. Even weakened, the Great Fireball Jutsu was still beyond what his current chakra pathways could handle.
And regarding Ichiyōjin, since receiving it from Iruka, Shiki hadn't managed to use it even once.
At times, Shiki even questioned whether his initial excitement about obtaining this technique had been mistaken?
Then there was only the [Three Body Techniques] left—basic but versatile ninja techniques often used for evasion and movement.
"Is there really no solution at all?"
Shiki rubbed his chin, deep in thought.
"I wonder what you're thinking about?" A crisp voice interrupted Shiki's thoughts.
What appeared before his eyes was Tenten holding a lunchbox.
A warm feeling filled him.
After accepting the meal from Tenten's hands, Shiki started eating heartily while openly sharing his dilemma.
He didn't expect Tenten to offer any particularly good suggestions at first.
However, Tenten listened very attentively, her big eyes blinking continuously.
"Shiki, you're saying you want to develop a ninjutsu that consumes less chakra, but your most familiar Chakra Scalpel consumes too much?"
"Yeah, exactly." Shiki mumbled while continuing to eat the delicious meal.
"I remember the clerk at the Ninja Tools Shop once said that because metal capable of conducting chakra is too expensive, knives and swords made from this kind of metal usually adopt a hollow design. This method can maintain effectiveness while significantly reducing costs. So, could you do something similar with your Chakra Scalpel?"
Initially, Shiki didn't take Tenten's suggestion seriously, treating it merely as casual conversation.
However, unexpectedly, Tenten had truly given him an excellent idea.
Previously, due to his abundant chakra, he often formed the Chakra Scalpel with massive amounts of chakra accumulation without caring about its consumption.
What if I could eliminate every bit of unnecessary chakra from the Scalpel?
Would this make it possible to use my most familiar jutsu again?!
Chapter 64: Hope for the Leg Injury
Boom!
The chakra scalpel that had been painstakingly formed in his hand dissipated once again.
"No good. Because of the meridians, the supply of chakra is too limited. At this rate, I definitely won't be able to form a stable Scalpel."
Shiki sighed slightly but showed an even more eager expression.
Precisely controlling every bit of chakra is extremely important for any ninja. And if Shiki could master this ability,
it would represent a tremendous improvement, even with his meridians still damaged.
"Shadow Clone Jutsu!"
As Shiki's words fell, two identical shadow clones appeared beside him.
Since the shadow clones shared Shiki's memories, he didn't need to say anything before both clones had already begun training.
Dim, pale-white scalpels continuously formed and then exploded apart in the hands of the three Shikis.
Hardly any progress came from these attempts, but Shiki didn't care. If one attempt failed, he'd simply try again!
Forming hand seals, concentrating chakra, then watching it dissipate.
Chakra continuously transformed like this in Shiki's hands, repeating the cycle over and over.
Thus began round after round of failure. But unconsciously, Shiki could feel his chakra control gradually improving.
He gained many insights and experiences as well. For example, some chakra got wasted during the hand seal process. By getting that part right, he could conserve a lot of chakra.
Additionally, he realized the chakra gathered in his hands could achieve dynamic balance—using chakra lost from one area to compensate for deficiencies in another.
Ultimately creating a cycle that maintained relative stability in the Scalpel.
Through countless failures, experiences like these accumulated more and more.
At times, using chakra in this manner had become almost instinctive.
Unconsciously, a month had already passed like this. Shiki's chakra control had improved dramatically compared to before.
Moreover, he could now remove unnecessary components from the Scalpel, conserving a large portion of chakra and reducing it to a level his damaged meridians could handle.
Shiki had already managed to barely use a simplified version of the Scalpel.
However, other improved ninjutsu techniques, such as [Scalpel Ethereal Blade] and [Chakra Scalpel: Needle Rain], were still beyond his reach.
As for the Empty Sword technique, Shiki didn't even bother thinking about it.
[Scalpel]
Shiki calmly looked at the blue chakra blade forming in front of his hand before slashing forward with lightning speed.
Tearing sound!
With a sharp tearing sound, a tree toppled over. Snowflakes clinging to its branches scattered into the air.
Come to think of it, this year seemed to have an unusually long winter—like his very own personal season of cold.
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