Fire Release · Azure Flame!
A flame once said to have belonged to the dragon that shaped the real world itself—
a beautiful yet violent azure fire that envelops its target and incinerates everything within.
At times, it even forces the enemy into a continuous burn state.
Calling it a Fire Release technique was almost misleading. Rather than a conventional ninjutsu, it was closer to a unique azure-flame attack, one that possessed terrifying corrosive heat. The flames were dazzling to behold—brilliant, almost elegant—yet carried overwhelming destructive power.
That single description—the fire of the dragon that forged reality—clearly hinted that Azure Flame carried hidden properties far beyond ordinary fire.
A flicker of blue fire danced at Shiraishi's fingertips.
The moment it manifested, his eyelids twitched violently.
This flame was devouring surrounding energy—chakra, ambient heat, even residual elemental traces—and growing stronger as it burned. Compared to ordinary Fire Release, this azure flame was notoriously difficult to extinguish.
Shiraishi instantly sensed danger.
Without hesitation, he formed seals and summoned a miniature Triangular Sand Tower, sealing the remaining azure fire within it. The ground split open into a small sand pit, and the sand tower was guided deep underground.
Only after activating a specialized sealing formation did the violent energy finally stabilize.
This was Shiraishi's first time using Azure Flame.
Even in its weakest state, his chakra felt as though a floodgate had burst open—pouring out uncontrollably. Sweat rolled down his forehead as his breathing grew heavier.
Azure Flame could certainly serve as a trump card.
But to wield it properly…
His chakra reserves would need to reach an entirely different level.
In his current state, even a single casual use drained him brutally. This was a technique he simply could not afford to use freely.
Its proficiency sat at a mere 1%.
Based on prior system patterns, once mastery reached 100%, the destructive potential of this Fire Release would likely be unimaginable.
This was also the first gold-grade offensive ninjutsu Shiraishi had ever obtained.
"What are you thinking about, Shiraishi?"
Maki had finished cleaning the kitchen and noticed him standing still, lost in thought. Seeing his expression earlier had made her uneasy—she worried he might be distracted by… certain rumors involving Tsunade.
"I'm thinking about Training," Shiraishi replied calmly. "Maki, have you developed a second chakra nature yet?"
"…Yes. Water Release."
Under his gaze, she answered softly, her cheeks faintly warm.
Before leaving Kikyo Pass, Maki had finally awakened her second elemental nature through relentless training.
"Then these two Water Release techniques are yours."
Shiraishi was genuinely concerned for her safety. He handed over Water Release · Bubble Technique and Water Release · Flying Water Shuriken, emphasizing that she should prioritize mastering the latter.
Flying Water Shuriken was simple yet extremely practical on the battlefield. Its raw lethality rivaled that of standard shuriken, but its greatest advantage was convenience—no tools required, only direct chakra condensation.
Maki was already an outstanding sealing specialist. With these two techniques, her defensive and mid-range combat capability would improve significantly.
"As expected of a genius research-type ninja," Shikasa muttered, poking his head in. "Just casually handing out techniques like that…"
His tone carried a mix of envy and mild resentment.
Before Shiraishi could respond, Maki immediately snapped back, clearly protective.
"This is what Shiraishi prepared for you."
She produced an Electro-Light Talisman.
The Jogaki clan possessed a few, but they were rare. With this item, Shikasa's combat effectiveness would increase dramatically.
"I was just… admiring, that's all," Shikasa scratched his head awkwardly.
What he truly envied, however, was something else entirely—the Scarlet Control Mirror.
The fact that Shiraishi had repaired the Scarlet Control Mirror had caused a massive stir among puppet masters. It was nothing short of a divine artifact in their field—every puppet master's ultimate dream.
Yet Shikasa never once asked to borrow it.
The Scarlet Control Mirror symbolized Shiraishi's recognition by a previous Kazekage. As long as he possessed it, he would naturally command the support of most puppet-master factions.
As Shiraishi's former classmate, Shikasa supported him without reservation—and like Maki, he was silently pushing himself to grow stronger.
Shiraishi understood this.
So, beyond the Electro-Light Talisman, he had prepared something more.
He retrieved two scrolls.
With a puff of smoke, two small triangular mirror puppets appeared before Shikasa.
"These are…?"
The moment Shikasa touched them, his entire body tensed. As a puppet master, he instantly understood their purpose.
"They're similar to the Scarlet Control Mirror… aren't they?"
"Li-Huang Mirrors(scarlet control Mirror)," Shiraishi confirmed. "The principle is the same, but they're much weaker. Defense is minimal, and chakra-thread amplification is only about threefold."
Using the Scarlet Control Mirror as a reference, Shiraishi had created a mass-producible, downgraded version.
The Scarlet Control Mirror lacked defensive durability entirely. Once discovered and targeted, it could be destroyed with ease.
However—
A threefold amplification of chakra-thread control was still staggering.
With two Scarlet Control Mirrors, Shikasa could control six puppets simultaneously—effectively commanding a small puppet squad. His combat lethality would skyrocket.
Even these two units alone had nearly pushed Shiraishi's current resources to their limit.
Giving such items to his companions marked a clear shift in his mindset.
Last month, news arrived that the Aida brothers—and their father—had fallen at Kikyo Pass. The already-thin Aida clan was erased overnight, despite its former prestige within Sunagakure.
Their deaths struck Shiraishi deeply.
Life was fragile—far more fragile than he liked to admit.
The two standing before him were people he truly cared about. He did not want them to meet the same fate as the Aida brothers… or Kitajima's fallen senior.
While Shiraishi's home was filled with warmth, Sunagakure's upper ranks were anything but calm.
At the Revelation Mountain Range, the Kazekage and the Tsuchikage had successfully met. Compared to the old fox Ōnoki, Rasa still appeared inexperienced—outmaneuvered in conversation and strategy alike.
Fortunately, during the first round of examinations, thirty-nine out of Sunagakure's ninety candidates advanced, compared to Iwagakure's twenty-four.
The results shocked the Stone Village.
"Wasn't it said that Sunagakure's academy brats were all useless?"
"Why do they look better than our own?"
Ōnoki's expression darkened.
Iwagakure had thoroughly investigated Sunagakure's candidates—by all accounts, they were supposed to be mediocre.
And yet…
Kitsuchi, Ōnoki's son, stepped forward and handed his father a cup of water.
"Don't worry, Father. My three disciples are also participating. They'll make sure to teach those Sand brats a lesson."
"Hmph. Those three…"
Their personalities were atrocious—but among Iwagakure's genin, their strength was top-tier.
They should be more than capable of grinding down Sunagakure's momentum.
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