"What an impressive display of Yin nature transformation," Minato Namikaze remarked, his eyes fixed on Kagetsu's shadow techniques with genuine admiration.
There are seven chakra natures, each with unique characteristics. The better a ninja masters the nature transformation of a specific chakra type, the greater the boost in the power of their corresponding jutsus.
Take Wind, for example: some ninjas focus on making it as sharp and thin as possible, increasing its cutting power and penetration.
This is why the same jutsu, when used by different ninjas, can vary wildly in its destructive force. The difference lies in how deeply each ninja has refined their chakra nature transformation. A higher mastery results in more powerful and efficient jutsus.
So, what does Yin nature transformation represent?
"Creation from nothingness."
It symbolizes the mind's creativity and the ability to give form to imagination.
The Mangekyō Sharingan's Susano'o is a prime example—a manifestation of Yin Release taken to extraordinary heights.
Before Minato's eyes, Kagetsu's shadows seemed almost alive, constantly shifting and changing shape along the ground. It was mesmerizing to watch.
Among all the Nara clan members Minato knew, none had ever manipulated shadows so vividly—it was as if they had gained life.
This showed how exceptional Kagetsu's mastery over Yin Release had become. Furthermore, he also demonstrated great skill in shape transformation, which served as vessels for these nature transformations.
The power and efficiency of Kagetsu's shadow techniques were remarkable, earning the praise they deserved.
"The most amazing thing about Yin Release is its limitless creativity. There's virtually nothing it can't achieve, as long as you find the right path. Your progress in Yin nature transformation and shape transformation will make learning Yin Release techniques much easier for you."
Minato pulled out a scroll and gently placed it in Kagetsu's hands.
"This is a compilation of sealing techniques and rune combinations Kushina and I prepared for you. If you can integrate them into your new technique, it will mean your concept is fully realized. You'll have created a new Yin Release jutsu for the Nara clan."
Kagetsu accepted the scroll with a small bow. "Thank you, Minato-senpai and Kushina-senpai, for your help."
Minato smiled warmly. "You have a real talent for sealing techniques. If Orochimaru-sama hadn't recruited you first, Kushina might've tried to steal you away from the Nara clan herself."
He waved a hand in farewell, his cheerful smile still in place. "That's all for today's lesson, but if you have any more questions about sealing techniques, feel free to drop by anytime."
Minato added with a playful grin, "Oh, and congratulations to you and your team for passing the Chūnin Exams. Who knows? You might soon be promoted to Chūnin!"
"Are you leaving the village, Minato-senpai?" Kagetsu asked as he watched Namikaze Minato saying his goodbyes.
"Yeah! The Chūnin Exams are nearly over, so it's time for me to head out on missions again," Minato replied with a warm smile. "I hope that by the time I return, I'll hear good news from you. I really want to see how your technique turns out."
"You will! When the time comes, I'll personally demonstrate it for you, Minato-senpai," Kagetsu said confidently.
Even if there is no so-called recognition from the system, the time and effort Minato had invested in him made Kagetsu more than willing to deliver on his promise and show him his jutsu.
After all, Minato's charisma was truly inspiring.
---
At Konoha's Barbecue Restaurant.
Inside a semi-private booth, Anko stuffed grilled meat into her mouth enthusiastically. Sitting on either side of her were Kagetsu and Shisui, both diligently passing her more grilled meat from the table.
Orochimaru sat across from them, arms crossed, observing the three with a nostalgic glint in his eyes.
"Orochimaru-sensei, do you think the three of us will become Chūnin?" Anko asked, her glossy, grease-covered lips forming an eager smile as she looked at him.
"That depends on the evaluations from the other villages' jōnin and the Hokage's final decision," Orochimaru answered calmly, concealing the faint stir of emotion in his heart. "I was only an examiner, after all."
Anko's face fell instantly, her mood plummeting.
"But your performance was excellent. I believe you have a good chance of making it," Orochimaru added after a pause, causing Anko's gloomy expression to light up in an instant.
After the simple meal, the group split up. Shisui and Anko headed to the training grounds together. During this period, whenever Orochimaru and Kagetsu were occupied in the lab, Shisui had taken it upon himself to train with Anko as her sparring partner.
As Orochimaru and Kagetsu walked back to the Technology Development Department, they resumed their earlier conversation.
"Using clan funds to support our research is indeed a viable approach," Orochimaru mused. "The Uchiha have set a good example in this regard."
"So, are more clans joining us?" Kagetsu asked, catching the implication in Orochimaru's words. He knew that aside from the Uchiha, other clans were starting to align with their efforts.
Currently, the Uchiha were the largest contributors to the department. The Ino-Shika-Cho alliance had also pooled some funds and resources, but they hadn't committed as deeply as the Uchiha.
"Have you heard of the Kurama clan?" Orochimaru asked, glancing toward Kagetsu.
"Of course. During Konoha's founding, they were a powerful clan, known for their mastery of genjutsu. It's said their skill could rival, or even surpass, that of the Uchiha. The clan provided many jōnin and chūnin, and their reputation was once comparable to that of the Uchiha and Hyūga," Kagetsu explained, sharing what he knew.
"The Kurama clan's genjutsu manipulates all five senses—a rare Yin Release-based kekkei genkai. In the shinobi world, such abilities are extremely uncommon. Any Kurama clan member who awakens this kekkei genkai can wield genjutsu with skill and lethality on par with, or greater than, an Uchiha with the three-tomoe Sharingan," Orochimaru elaborated, providing Kagetsu with a deeper understanding of the Kurama clan's bloodline power.
"Are they doing this for their kekkei genkai?" Kagetsu asked.
"Yes. The people of the Kurama clan have lost too many members in the war. What's worse, the new generation that awakens the kekkei genkai is very few. If this continues for another ten or twenty years, the Kurama clan might become extinct.
The elders of the Kurama clan foresee this possibility. After hearing about the Uchiha, they took the initiative to come to me, offering money and the bodies of their clan members for my research." Orochimaru squinted.
"Offering clan members' bodies?" Kagetsu was slightly taken aback.
"Yes, but the ones that can be used for extensive research are mostly the Kurama clan members who haven't awakened their kekkei genkai." Orochimaru replied.
Kagetsu fell silent.
"So you see, anything can fade away in this ninja world. Whether it's people or clans. To maintain their kekkei genkai, those who still bear the Senju name are willing to take risks under the influence of others. The Kurama clan is the same."
****
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