"Lightning Release Chakra Mode uses a special form of Lightning Release chakra to stimulate the body's nerves, increasing the user's speed. At the same time, Lightning Release chakra can be wrapped around the body for offense or defense."
Uchiha Yoichi read the training scroll more than a dozen times. Only after every word was etched firmly into his memory—so thoroughly that he could practically recite it backward—did he finally destroy the scroll.
The first step was to master Lightning nature transformation, which was the prerequisite for using Lightning Release ninjutsu.
Nature transformation, put simply, was making chakra simulate elemental properties. It didn't mean that chakra literally became lightning or water. The reason Wind Release could cut and Fire Release could burn was because chakra mimicked the sharpness of wind and the heat of fire, producing those effects.
Uchiha Yoichi clearly remembered how Sarutobi Asuma, when teaching Naruto Wind nature transformation, had explained it: divide chakra into two masses and continuously rub them together until they became thinner and sharper—that was Wind nature transformation.
There were many ways to achieve Lightning nature transformation, but for Lightning Release Chakra Mode, Yoichi felt that he should first master two key aspects: stimulation and conductivity.
"If I accelerate the flow of chakra through my meridians and simulate the effect of an electric current, I can activate my physical body. Even ordinary chakra would be able to boost speed and strength. Lightning Release Chakra Mode, though, is more complex than that."
Uchiha Yoichi was already a Chunin, so he naturally had mastery over tree-climbing and water-walking techniques. Concentrating chakra in his feet could already increase his movement speed.
"This afternoon, I'll find an electrician and see if they can make me a transformer that releases an electric current. It might help with my training."
The ninja world's everyday technology was actually quite advanced—electrical appliances already existed at this point.
Soon, Uchiha Yoichi began using chakra to simulate Lightning nature transformation. One unexpected advantage was that while looking into a mirror, his ability suddenly activated, allowing him to see through his own body. This helped him prevent overtraining and internal damage.
This might be the only real use of that ability.
Training while directly observing his internal meridians also reduced the risks involved.
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"Yoichi, you're training?"
When Uchiha Mabayashi arrived at the training ground and saw Uchiha Yoichi sitting on the ground, drenched in sweat, he couldn't help but nod in approval.
This was how a genius of the Uchiha clan should be—talent and hard work advancing hand in hand.
Slightly out of breath, Yoichi replied, "I wanted to train Lightning nature transformation. After a week of training, I've finally managed to activate my cells."
Mabayashi nodded. "Cell activation in just one week? Yoichi, your talent really is impressive. Reaching this level with Lightning nature transformation already counts as entry-level mastery. Once you gain control over a second chakra nature transformation, you won't be far from becoming a Jonin."
Once strength was attained, what remained was experience. And in that regard, the Uchiha clan, as a major clan, had the means to help its members quickly accumulate experience.
"Let's not dwell on that," Mabayashi continued. "The clan head wants you to visit his house. It seems the village has finally reached a decision."
"It's already been a week," Yoichi said. "I thought it would be shelved until next year."
"Yoichi, I know you've made contributions but were treated coldly—it feels unfair. But sometimes the clan head has no choice but to compromise. When the time comes, you'll have to understand him."
Mabayashi sighed.
Uchiha Fugaku wasn't satisfied with the Uchiha clan being confined solely to the Police Force. He wanted the Uchiha to integrate more deeply into Konoha—into the ANBU, mission teams, and other core structures. As a result, on certain matters, Fugaku would yield to Konoha's higher-ups in exchange for the clan's gradual advancement.
Mabayashi understood this clearly, and he believed that Fugaku's decision was the correct one. To gain something, one must give something up. The clan members should understand that.
However, Uchiha Yoichi was an exception.
He was not a pure-blooded Uchiha.
"I'll go back and change clothes first, Mabayashi-senpai," Yoichi said.
"Alright, I'll go with you."
After saying that, the two of them returned home first. They had trained all morning and were covered in sweat, still somewhat dirty. It was best to shower and change before visiting the clan head.
"Mabayashi-senpai, I haven't eaten yet," Yoichi added.
Mabayashi shook his head. "Let's talk about that after we leave the clan head's place. It'll probably only take a few words."
The two then headed toward Uchiha Fugaku's residence. Before long, they arrived at the gates of a large estate.
They rang the doorbell, and soon the door opened. A young woman with a mature and graceful aura smiled as she spoke.
"Mabayashi-kun, this must be Yoichi-kun. Fugaku is already waiting for you."
"Sorry for the disturbance."
Mabayashi and Yoichi bowed slightly, changed their shoes at the entryway, and went inside.
This must be Uchiha Mikoto.
Judging by the timeline, in two years, the Uchiha clan's most famously filial son would be born. Thinking of Uchiha Itachi, Yoichi couldn't help but feel the urge to find an opportunity to drown him.
After entering the house, they were led by Mikoto into the reception room.
Uchiha Fugaku was already waiting inside. When he saw the two of them, he nodded expressionlessly and spoke.
"Mabayashi-senpai, Yoichi—you're here. Please, have a seat."
"Clan head."
After they sat down, Fugaku didn't beat around the bush and went straight to the point.
"Yoichi-kun, the Konoha leadership has reached a conclusion regarding the previous incident. The Iwa ninja head you brought back was of great help to the village, and Konoha has already dispatched personnel to thwart Iwagakure's plans."
"However, the interrogation unit also questioned the surviving teammate from your squad, as well as the intelligence extracted from the Iwa ninja's head. The village believes that you showed a tendency to exploit your teammates during missions. Although you achieved merit this time by sheer coincidence, the village leadership does not recommend that you continue to form or participate in mission teams."
"Mabayashi has also told me about your intentions. So today, I want to ask you personally—are you still willing to join the Police Force?"
Hearing this, Uchiha Yoichi fell silent for a moment before speaking.
"Clan head, I don't quite understand. A Chunin and three Genin ran into a Jonin, a Chunin, and two Genin on the opposing side. Surviving at all was already a miracle. Why do they believe I exploited my teammates?"
"The teammate who survived from your squad can no longer serve as a ninja," Fugaku replied. "According to him, you should have had an opportunity to save him."
"With no chakra, how was I supposed to save him?" Yoichi shot back. "With the Will of Fire? Or by talking? Clan head, then why didn't Konoha's leadership back then save the Second Hokage? Weren't they supposed to be the Hokage's Guard?"
"Yoichi," Fugaku said, his tone sharpening slightly, "this is the village's recommendation. As clan head, I have accepted it. I hope you can understand."
This was the result of negotiations between the Uchiha clan and the village. Although it was phrased as a recommendation, it was already set in stone.
Still, knowing that Yoichi felt wronged, Fugaku softened his tone somewhat and continued.
"The clan recognizes your contributions, so we can compensate you."
"No need. Anyway—"
"Fugaku, I've prepared tea and snacks."
Just as Yoichi was about to say something, he heard Uchiha Mikoto's gentle voice from outside the room, and he stopped himself.
At that moment, however, Yoichi felt a slight itch in his eyes.
It wasn't the Sharingan—he had long since learned to control that freely.
Damn it.
That useless ability.
From Uchiha Yoichi's perspective, someone walked in carrying a tea tray.
"Fugaku, I'll put the tea and snacks here fir—eh?!"
Before Mikoto could finish her sentence, her eyes widened instantly. Her mind struggled to comprehend what she was seeing.
Why… why was there a completely naked boy standing right in front of her?