Today's training was exhausting, leaving my body sprawled on the ground after a series of exercises. Even though I was tired, I remembered I still had to attend fuuinjutsu class. Fortunately, there wasn't anything too important today. Back home, I took a quick shower and threw myself onto the bed, falling asleep almost instantly due to the fatigue. I didn't wake up until the next morning.
Is it already morning? I got up feeling refreshed, with my energy fully recovered. Instead of my usual morning exercises, I decided to refine my chakra as soon as I woke up. Today, I wanted to practice one of the three academy jutsus. I grabbed a bucket that I would use for the substitution technique.
I had already mapped out the steps for today's training. I converted my chakra to the earth attribute, feeling the solid properties of earth chakra. I filled every part of the water in the bucket with this chakra, noticing that it became heavier. Once I felt the feedback, I made the hand seals for the substitution technique without hesitation.
In the next instant, I was in the bucket's position, while the water inside took on my appearance. The substitution technique was incredibly fast, nearly instant, allowing for a swift escape. It's similar to the transformation jutsu, except that the substitute can't perform complex actions. I've been training my acting skills, especially expressions of fear, because the better I can deceive, the higher my chances of fooling an opponent.
Now that my body appeared beside the bucket thanks to ninjutsu, I raised my hand and threw the stone I had prepared, aiming precisely at the "abdomen" of the substitute that bore my appearance. The stone hit exactly where I had planned.
Unlike others, my substitute collapsed from the abdomen, scattering water droplets everywhere. Normally, when using this technique, users employ solid objects, like wood, which revert to their original form when struck. In my case, since I used water imbued with earth chakra, it dispersed when hit, returning to its liquid form.
Watching the scene, I put my hand on my head and began analyzing the situation. It seems I discovered a new trait for the substitution jutsu. By using water with earth chakra, it has this effect. Should I give this modification a special name? Maybe "water substitute"? Nah, that might confuse it with a water element jutsu.
Anyway, I'm the one who developed it; the name doesn't matter much. I'll just call it "water substitute."
After this successful experiment, I decided not to try it again. My remaining chakra was only enough for one more attempt, and since I'd need it to train my body throughout the day, I stopped there.
I took another quick shower and rushed to the canteen as fast as I could. The chakra refinement had delayed me a bit, but nothing I couldn't fix with a bit of haste.
The water substitute episode was just one part of my training. Thanks to the magical effects of Training Field No. 9, I didn't lose as much time as I thought.
My life returned to normal after that, and every day I practiced the Three-Body Technique. Naturally, my focus was on the Wood Stand and Water Stand, essential skills for keeping myself alive.
The boring physical training and taijutsu continued, along with the barrier classes, where I took the opportunity to read books and pass the time.
I thought this routine would continue for a while until my chakra was ready for C-rank ninjutsu. But surprisingly, after only two months, the captain came to find me again at the branch temple. He tested my knowledge and asked about my chakra growth.
By some luck, I met the minimum standards. For this reason, the branch temple entrusted me with the task of guarding the data room and led me to the practice room.
In the barrier class practice room, there were none of the usual physical props, like wooden stakes, dummies, or targets. There was only raw material for training scrolls and paper for making talismans.
This time, I was taken to the scroll-making practice room. I had never worked with these materials before, but I knew every detail from the books.
When I saw the material up close, I felt a slight curiosity, but I kept my excitement in check and waited for instructions from the branch temple.
There were few people in the room, just four. Two were training alone, while one taught and another learned.
Bundera led me to the two who were teaching, pointed at an old ninja who was explaining how to make scrolls, and said, "This elder is named Mingshe, and he's the best scroll-maker in our village."
Almost all of us in the sealing class learned to make scrolls under his guidance. From now on, he will be your mentor.
I greeted the old ninja quickly. "Senior Mingshe."
I already knew the old chunin by name. He was one of the people who had asked me to copy books before.
At that moment, Mingshe had finished teaching and waved to Bundera, saying, "Leave him to me." With that, Bundera left without hesitation.
When we were alone, Mingshe looked at me and said, "Masumi, right? I didn't expect you to pass the theory so quickly. I've seen the books you copied before. Your handwriting is steady, and your chakra control must be good. Take this knife and cut this material along the line."
I took the knife with curiosity and realized it was made of a special metal that could conduct chakra.
My first reaction was to wonder how much it would be worth if I sold it. How many medicinal materials could I trade it for? This lack of money is really getting to me.
I pushed those thoughts aside, gripped the handle firmly, and started channeling chakra into it.
Despite it being my first time manipulating metal with chakra, I managed to make the connection successfully.
Holding the knife, I carefully slid it along the marked paper, cutting it into two precise parts.
Mingshe watched, and I saw the surprised look on his face as he examined the cut. The incision was so smooth and precise that there were no visible ripples, something uncommon. Normally, flaws could be seen even with a ruler and close inspection.
This control comes from my strong spirit, reflected in the physical training I've done so far.
In fact, I know ninjas from other clans with Yin attributes also have this talent. The Uchihas, for example, use their mental power for advanced kunai techniques, while the Hyuga developed the gentle fist.
Although Mingshe knew a bit about me, he seemed surprised by my level of control.
He hadn't expected someone newly exposed to chakra metal to control it so well right from the start.
I noticed that others in the room were watching me, especially a young ninja who was already training with Mingshe. He looked shocked at what I had just done.
Ninjas with good chakra control are valuable in many areas: combat, genjutsu, medical ninjutsu, sealing techniques. Making scrolls and talismans is yet another of these delicate skills.
"Masumi, your chakra control is excellent," Mingshe said, leading me to a larger table. "We can skip the preliminary training and go straight to creating blank scrolls."
He then began explaining how to make blank scrolls.
"There are different scroll sizes. Each ninja's needs determine the type and size of the scroll. The most skilled can make smaller scrolls, but just as effective."
"The scrolls we're making now are the most common, used to seal items ninjas carry, like kunai and shuriken."
I watched as he demonstrated the steps, and although most didn't require much chakra, I realized that only ninjas could do the job with the same precision.
Following the instructions, I managed to make an acceptable blank scroll after a few attempts.
Mingshe took the scroll I made, examined it closely, and said, "Although there are still small details that can improve, this scroll is functional and can be used for sealing techniques."
He paused and continued, "But your chakra control could still improve in some areas. This scroll will be less durable than the ones I make."
He handed me one of his scrolls, and I began comparing, analyzing every point where the paper and the wooden shaft connected.
I wanted to understand the differences and asked Mingshe about the details. He seemed surprised by my question and sighed, "Your perception is amazing for someone so young."
He took the scroll from my hands and calmly started explaining each detail.
I absorbed every word as time slipped by unnoticed. The others in the room watched in silence, surprised by my progress.
It was only when a ninja notified us that we realized it was already night, and time to wrap up.
I was thrilled. I learned so much today. It was the first time I received practical teachings from someone so experienced.
Although not directly related to combat, I feel this is a big step in my growth.
(End of Chapter)