Chapter 172: Barrier Technique: Phantom Sealing Chains
The Hyuga Clan.
"Neji-niisan, you're so amazing," Hinata said softly as she finished her sparring session with Neji.
There was only a one-year age difference between them, yet Neji was already so formidable. With a simple feint, he had completely deceived and defeated her. She had no room to fight back at all. Over the past month, this gap had become increasingly apparent. One could clearly feel Neji's rapid improvement.
"You aren't suited to be a ninja. You lack the conviction," Neji said bluntly, his words striking at her confidence.
In his heart, he felt the injustice of fate. A person with great talent must submit to the branch house system, while someone like Hinata, who lacked a ninja's resolve, became a member of the head house simply because of lineage. The "fate" theory that Tonbo Tobitake had challenged previously had crept back into his mind at this moment.
"Neji-niisan..." Hinata's face flushed. She was already trying her best to change, but... but...
"Neji, do what you are supposed to do. Do not meddle in other affairs," Hiashi Hyuga intervened from the side.
Even Hiashi was surprised. Because Neji was a Genin, he hadn't shown his strength in front of the clan head for quite some time. He didn't expect that after not seeing him for just a month, Neji's strength would grow so rapidly. Had becoming a Genin completely unlocked his potential?
Hiashi possessed the Byakugan and vast experience; he could tell at a glance that Neji's combat intuition was incomparable to what it was a month ago. His handling of the fight was already on par with an average Chunin—and that was considering Hinata hadn't even been strong enough to force Neji to use his full power.
Neji hadn't been a Genin for long. Theoretically, he should be performing D-rank missions that don't involve actual combat. Even with the Hyuga clan's private training, this was a massive leap.
According to the records, Neji's instructor, Might Guy, was a specially promoted Jonin and a representative of Konoha's Strong Fist style. Does he truly possess such teaching ability? Hiashi wondered.
Neji didn't say anything more. The Caged Bird seal restricted what he could say, and there was no point in continuing. He remained silent. Hinata watched him, her emotions in constant flux.
The Koizumi Residence.
"Tenten, incredible! To think you've improved this fast and even developed your own ninja tool!"
Koizumi Yoshibei looked at Tenten's new creation, his eyes full of admiration. Having risen to political power in the Land of Fire through the arms trade, he felt a genuine sense of pride in Tenten's talent for weaponry. Having rebuilt his family from a single destitute branch through military supplies, he was deeply satisfied with her. As his daughter, she had truly inherited his gifts. He had started the same way, dealing in small-scale tools and making special contributions to weapon applications before becoming successful. Now that he had an heir, he was profoundly satisfied.
"Ah~ there's still room for improvement on this 'Rapid Lasso.' The speed only reached 90 meters per second. For a ninja, it can only be effective at short to medium range!"
Despite her father's praise, Tenten was unsatisfied with her work. The Rapid Lasso.
She had found the inspiration in Tonbo Tobitake's Genjutsu space. By adding weights to both ends of a cord, the centrifugal force upon impact would wrap it around the opponent—whether it hit an arm or a leg, it would bind them. The reason she had this idea was thanks to Tonbo's guidance.
In the Land of Rain, special ninja tools were highly developed. There were many unique weapons forged by individuals, including devices that could launch kunai at ultra-high speeds. She had asked her father to import one for research. While that tool was limited in its original environment, it gave her a breakthrough.
The device in her hand now was only the size of a palm with two holes at the front. By pressing a button, the tool would launch the lasso at 90 meters per second. The weights at the ends were shaped like grappling hooks to snag the enemy's body. It was vital for specific situations, but the speed was nowhere near her target of 195 meters per second. Furthermore, the fact that a "Rapid Lasso" could only be fired once also left her dissatisfied.
"Hahaha, take it step by step. I believe my daughter's talent will surpass mine. One day you'll develop a tool that rivals those created by the Sage of Six Paths. When that time comes, it will be our family's greatest treasure," Yoshibei laughed.
"My dream is to become a powerful kunoichi like Lady Tsunade! I'm not interested in developing tools that rival the Sage of Six Paths!" Tenten pouted. Developing tools was her hobby, but becoming a ninja like Tsunade was her dream.
Rock Lee.
At the training ground, Lee had finally accepted Guy's teaching and put on the breathable green jumpsuit. After wearing it, Lee found it very airy and useful for training. He felt more energetic than ever.
"Guy-sensei, I feel our strength is already quite high. Can we participate in the Chunin Exams in the second half of the year?"
Between Tonbo's training and Guy's ideological education, Lee was currently overflowing with confidence.
"No, you are still far from ready. Starting tomorrow, I will teach the three of you my ultimate technique. Only after you master it will you have the chance to take the Chunin Exams." Guy looked at the eager Lee. After some thought, he decided not to let them take the exams this year. The Chunin Exams didn't just test combat power, but comprehensive ability across various fields. The three of them weren't there yet. Even Neji, despite being a genius, had personality flaws due to the Hyuga clan situation that made him unready for leadership.
Lee's eyes sparkled. "An ultimate technique? Is it a powerful ninjutsu like Tonbo-sensei's?"
Guy replied, "No, it is an ultimate move even more powerful than his. It is a technique that can only be used when protecting someone precious."
"Really? That sounds so cool!" Lee's eyes burned with intensity. Guy flashed a blindingly white grin.
Barrier Technique: Phantom Sealing Chains.
Inside the Inverted Golden Bell Barrier, several figures were suddenly bound by chains emerging from thin air, unable to move.
Poof! Poof!
Once the technique was confirmed successful, the members of the Barrier Division released their Shadow Clones.
"Great! It's been refined further. Perfect!" Every member of the Barrier Division present erupted into cheers.
Tonbo Tobitake watched from the sidelines. The Barrier Division's task was complete. Surely the Third Hokage couldn't ask him to refine it any further now. He had finally extricated himself from another post, gaining a bit more free time.
Once the Inverted Golden Bell Barrier is established, the members maintaining it can use their remaining chakra to perform a lockdown on enemies still within the barrier. The sealing strength is equivalent to the combined power of the entire Barrier Division. However, it can only be used against a single target.
Support me on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/c/MistaQuartz
On Patreon, you can explore Extra Chapters in advance!