By the time Yasu arrived at the battlefield, Enji was already practicing his hand signs for the jutsu Earth flow spears.
' Snake, Rat followed by Bird. Handsigns makes it easier for mobilizing chakra, changing its nature and shaping it to one's needs. As per what I have read, once you practice enough ,the chakra molding and transformation becomes an ingrained instinct, you can also reduce the hand seals required.
Once you master a chakra nature, you only need to focus on shaping the jutsu.'
"Let's start" Yasu got into position.
' Earth release: Earth flow spear! ' Enji's hands blurred as he performed hand signs in an instant .
The ground in front of Enji , shifted to form a cluster of sharp pointed stone .
' His chakra seems more potent, the jutsu more solid and covering a wider area. ' Yasu carefully noted.
Enji tried changing the orientation,sharpness and range of the stone spears.
His progress with shaping the jutsu , was getting smoother and faster as time went on.
His goal was to perform this jutsu with just one or two handsigns.
As days progressed , his proficiency with Earth flow spears got better and better.
After being able to form earth spears with just a single hand sign, he moved on to the next jutsu.
Earth release: inner decapitation technique ,was easier compared to earth flow spears.
He had to release his chakra underground and control the soil to hide inside, wait for the opponent to step into this area, and pull the opponent downwards while simultaneously hardening the ground.
Since he had already practiced earth flow spears, the process seemed easier for him.
Enji found his chakra, molding and merging into the earth with surprising ease.
Next Enji tried the water bullet jutsu.
He found it more cumbersome and chakra intensive compared to earth elemental jutsus.
As the training progressed Enji felt his jutsu was more potent and powerful compared to descriptions in the jutsu scroll.
He asked his teacher about this. Yasu pondered a bit and said -
" Cases like your's have been seen previously , even though rarely. People who have stronger bodies have stronger, more potent chakra.
Our first Hokage, Lord Hashirama is an example. Even among Senju clan, his physique and chakra were on another level. There has been others too, like lady Mito and her clansmen. This maybe also why clan ninjas are more powerful than majority of civilian ninjas.
You need not overthink, you just need to learn these basics, you'll know everything as you grow stronger."
Enji was surprised at how he had missed such an obvious point. More stronger the body, more potent the chakra. As he followed this logical train, his thoughts wandered to sage chakra and six paths chakra.
' According to what I remember, six paths chakra is a more potent chakra exclusive to otsusukis and their descendants. Maybe this six paths chakra is just a more potent chakra, which can only be handled by body as strong as that of an otsusuki.
The otsusukis, because of their various abilities and powerful body, never really thought of developing ninjutsu, even though they could obtain such strong chakra. While the descendants, whose bodies got weaker as generations passed developed ninjutsu to make up for the loss of special bloodline abilities. Maybe that's why every reincarnation of Indra and Ashura are way stronger than the rest of the ninja World. The Indra and Ashura chakra may have activated some dormant genes, or maybe a form of atavism, making them stronger than the rest of the humans. But their bloodline had diluted making them much less powerful than the aliens.'
As Enji was thinking, a sharp knock on his forehead woke him up.
" What are you spacing out for? Constant vigilance!" Yasu barked.
Sweeping aside his thoughts Enji continued his practice.
' No need to overthink. Take one step at a time.'
6 Weeks passed by.
Enji could perform all three jutsu with ease, even when distracted , that too in an instant.
His earth release jutsus were now just a single handsign away.
His water bullet took only 2 handsigns
Enji, as well as Yasu was very satisfied with the progress.
" You have done well, this phase of training is over.
Now you can start getting familiar with nature transformation; and improve it.
After 2 weeks, the Academy will reopen. You are to attend it. Till then you can continue with your usual training regimen."
Enji nodded. He was actually eager to attend the academy. He was sure that he would meet canon characters at the academy.
Seeing him calm and not reacting much Yasu cautioned - "Just because you are stronger than average, don't think that academy is a useless place. There are geniuses who can keep up with you, this year there is a special one, an Uchiha kid. So don't get complacent and slack off "
' Itachi!!' Enji guessed.
" I won't slack off, sensei "
Seeing his student nodding, Yasu was gratified, ruffled his hair and bid his goodbye.
Enji continued on with his training.
At the Hokage's Office -
The hokage as usual, garbed in his robe, with his smoking pipe in his hands was reading a file taken from the stack on his table.
He was jolted from his reading by the knocks on his door. He deactivated the seals and allowed the guest in.
Yasu saluted the Hokage and gave a detailed briefing on Enji's progress.
'" Potent chakra, stronger physique, higher chakra reserves.... Hmmm.
Good! Good! He will be a future pillar of Konoha.
If everything is as you said, and his growth is as expected , I think he has the potential to be a sage.
Guide him well Yasu.
We are in dire need of strong ninjas. The other villages are eyeing us like vultures , especially Iwa and Kumo. The Young fourth Raikage is waiting for an opportunity. With Minato gone, Ohnoki, too will be gearing up for revenge.
I will be able to manage for a few more years, but with this aging body , not much more.
I hope this coming generation can rise faster and to greater heights.
Teach them well."
"Yes, Hokage sama."
Hiruzen continued - " Regarding the reopening of the Academy, the list of students has been prepared. Inform the parents within 2 days.
Also send someone with the list of supplies required, to orphans and children with civilian parents."
Yasu bowed and left the office, busying himself with the tasks given.
Hiruzen slowly walked to the window overlooking the village, observing the bustling village, which had recently overcome a disaster, with various speculations and expectations running through his mind.