You can read up to 10 chapters ahead on my patréon:
"https://www.patréon.com/MoneyBall683"
Please change the 'é' in the link with 'e' to get the correct address.
___________________________
Rai sat cross-legged in his backyard, a feather in one hand and his other hand cupped beneath it. He focused his chakra, feeling the energy flow from his core and into his fingertips. With a steady hand, he released a small amount of chakra from each finger, aiming to maintain an even flow.
As he released the chakra, the feather began to lift off his hand, hovering just inches above his palm. He adjusted the flow of chakra in his fingers, tilting his hand slightly to keep the feather from falling or flying away. It required constant concentration and adjustment to maintain the feather's height and stability, as even the slightest fluctuation in chakra flow could cause the feather to become unbalanced.
He had been practicing the Feather Floatation Exercise for a week and a half, and he could already see the progress he had made. With each passing day, he had been able to release a more even flow of chakra from his fingertips, and the feather would stay afloat for longer periods of time.
Having devoted ample time to the exercise, Rai felt it was time to conclude the day's practice. He handled the feather with the utmost care, placing it back into the pouch. Following this, he allowed himself to sink into a state of serene meditation, his focus shifting to the rhythm of his breathing, allowing his chakra to replenish itself. Once he felt ready, he made his way towards the kitchen where his mother was preparing dinner.
"Hey, Mom," Rai greeted as he stepped into the kitchen. "I've been practicing the chakra control exercises from the scrolls you gave me. I believe I've managed to grasp the rudimentary stages of the Feather Floatation Exercise, although I am fully aware that my control needs more refinement."
His mother glanced at him, His mother glanced at him, "That's great to hear, Rai. But what about the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu?"
"That's precisely why I'm here," he responded, "I am certain that my hold over the jutsu has improved considerably. Can you help me out, Mom?"
She nodded, her hands busy giving the final touches to their meal. Once done, she turned to face her son fully, her focus shifting to his training. "Alright, let's do this. Show me what you've got."
Leading his mother into the spacious living room, Rai made sure to clear an adequate area for their practice session. "Alright, Mom, here it goes," Rai said, as he focused his gaze on his mother.
Rai took a deep breath and formed the Ne (rat) hand seal. "Shadow Paralysis Jutsu!" he exclaimed. His shadow surged forth, intertwining seamlessly with his mother's, rendering her immobile.
With a laser-focused concentration, Rai channeled his chakra, striving to sustain the jutsu as long as his energy would permit. His mother was now frozen in place, her expression stoic, her gaze unblinking as she willingly submitted to the effects of Rai's technique.
Rai felt the drain of his chakra, each passing second seemed to leech more energy from his body, yet he clung stubbornly to the jutsu. His teeth were clenched tightly, sweat accumulating on his brow, as he called upon every ounce of his strength.
Ultimately, the inevitability of his exhaustion couldn't be denied. As his chakra reserves hit a critical low, Rai was forced to release the jutsu. He sank to the floor, chest heaving as he attempted to regain his breath. "Held it... for 28 seconds," he said amidst labored breaths.
Even amidst the exhilaration of his efforts, the shadow of disappointment loomed large, as he had aspired to maintain the jutsu for a full 30 seconds. He cast his gaze downwards momentarily, letting himself feel the sting of disappointment. Regaining his composure after a few restorative breaths, he raised his eyes to meet his mother's, "Mom, would it be alright if I asked you for a favor?"
His mother regarded him with a raised eyebrow, interest piqued. "Absolutely, Rai. What do you need?"
Rai hesitated for a moment before speaking. "I was hoping for your permission to study the third scroll."
His mother regarded him with a contemplative gaze, taking a moment to ponder his request before giving her consent. "Very well, but I must insist on one condition. You must promise to abstain from practicing any technique from the scroll until you've sufficiently bolstered your chakra control. Rai, while I have faith in your judgement, I want to make sure that you understand the potential dangers of rushing into something you're not ready for."
Rai nodded eagerly. "I understand, Mom. I promise I won't try to practice the technique until I am ready. I just want to study the scroll and learn more about the techniques of our clan."
His mother's lips curled into a smile, her hand gently ruffling his hair. "Well then, let me retrieve the scroll for you." She then proceeded to fetch the scroll from a cabinet nearby and handed it over to Rai.
Rai took the scroll with a grateful smile and thanked his mother before making his way to the study. He settled himself at his desk in the study and eagerly began to read the contents of the third scroll.
*
Unfurling the scroll, Rai was greeted with the title of the technique: "Shadow Possession Jutsu." Yet, it wasn't this title that intrigued him. Rather, it was the verse inscribed just beneath it that held his attention.
"Much like a puppeteer with invisible threads,
Begins the master of shadowy dread.
He bends and twists, he breaks and shakes,
All within the shadow's dusky wake."
Without wasting any more time, Rai continued to read the scroll. As He read on, he discovered that the Shadow Possession Jutsu was actually an advanced form of the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu.
The scroll mentioned that in order to learn the Shadow Possession Jutsu, a shinobi must first attain a certain degree of mastery in the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu. The Shadow Possession Jutsu requires a deeper level of chakra control and manipulation than its predecessor, and the user must be able to maintain the paralysis for an extended period of time.
It also explicitly warned of severe repercussions should the Shadow Possession Jutsu be attempted without achieving complete mastery over the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu.
The Shadow Possession Jutsu, as it turned out, imposed a significant chakra expenditure that was much higher than that of its predecessor, the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu. It was clear that without meticulous chakra control, a user could easily exhaust their entire chakra reserve, resulting in severe physical debilitation.
As Rai delved deeper into the text, he found a comprehensive explanation of the Shadow Possession Jutsu. The manuscript indicated that this technique granted the user the ability to manipulate and elongate their shadow, allowing them to control an adversary's movements by forging a connection between their own shadow and that of their target.
Upon establishment of this connection, the target becomes entirely immobilized, forcibly mirroring the user's movements. The text went on to explain the tactical advantage of this, making it an exceptional technique for apprehending or restraining opponents.
The scroll underlined the necessity of mastering the Shadow Paralysis Jutsu as a prerequisite to learning the Shadow Possession Jutsu, given the similarity in their initial stages.
Moving forward, Rai found an intricate depiction of the procedure to enact the Shadow Possession Jutsu. The script described a precise order of three hand seals – Tatsu (Dragon), Hitsuji (Ram), and Ne (Rat) – that were integral to the successful execution of the technique. Any deviation from this sequence could result in either an unsuccessful attempt or unintended consequences.
The combination of these three hand seals - Tatsu, Hitsuji, and Ne - enabled the user to modify the properties of their extended shadow. The nature of the shadow would evolve from confining to imitating, thereby granting the user the ability to control their adversary's actions by mirroring their own movements.
Finally, it was mentioned that proficiency in the Shadow Possession Jutsu could pave the way for more sophisticated shadow techniques. This mastery would enable the practitioner to explore the myriad possibilities of shadow manipulation and uncover its secrets.
Upon concluding his reading, Rai rolled up the scroll and sunk into a moment of introspective silence, meditating upon the profound implications of the Shadow Possession Jutsu. An unease crept within him as he pondered the potential misuse of such a potent technique for malicious intent.
Exhaling deeply, Rai stood up from his desk and walked out of the study. He made his way towards the living room with a lost expression, still contemplating the potential uses and consequences of the Shadow Possession Jutsu. His mother, noticing his contemplative state, asked him about his thoughts.
Rai hesitated for a moment before answering, " "I can't help but think about what could go wrong with this jutsu," he finally admitted to his mother. "It's a powerful technique, but it could also be used for some horrendous things."
He met his mother's gaze, his eyes filled with a hint of unease, "And this is just one jutsu among many. What about the other clans? They must have their own techniques that are equally or even more hazardous." he continued, his tone carrying a sense of concern.
Yoshino nodded understandingly. "You're absolutely correct, Rai. The Shadow Possession Jutsu is just one of many techniques within our clan's repertoire, and the other clans undoubtedly possess their own formidable techniques. However, it is our responsibility as shinobi to wield our abilities with caution, always mindful of the consequences and the impact we have on others."
Placing a reassuring hand on his shoulder, She continued. "I know it can be overwhelming, but you know what..." She paused for a moment before continuing. "I originally didn't want to go, but the Chunin Exams are coming up and they will be held in the village arena.
Even though you are young, I believe it would be beneficial for you to witness the Chunin Exams. It is an opportunity to broaden your horizons and gain insight into the vast array of techniques and abilities possessed by other shinobi."
Rai's brow furrowed in confusion, " "What exactly are the Chunin Exams?" he asked, not quite sure what she was talking about.
Yoshino smiled at her son's curiosity and explained, "In the shinobi world, there exists a hierarchy based on three ranks: genin, chunin, and jonin. Upon graduating from the academy, shinobi are initially classified as genin. However, to ascend to the next rank of chunin, they must successfully navigate a rigorous examination known as the Chunin Exam. This test serves as a comprehensive evaluation of their skills, knowledge, and overall capabilities as a shinobi. As for jonin, you'll learn about that when the time comes."
Yoshino continued, "The Chunin Exams offer a great opportunity to witness the skills and talents of fellow shinobi from our village. It's going to be held three days from now, and we will attend as spectators. It will be a good chance for you to learn more about the different techniques and abilities used by other shinobi."
Yoshino smiled at Rai and said, "But for now, let's rest and get ready for dinner. It's almost time." She ruffled his hair affectionately before turning to leave the room.