Although I won the finals, the victory left a bitter taste in my mouth. I knew deep down it wasn't solely my skill that had secured the win—it was Tsunade's exhaustion after her intense match with Hana. The gap in our abilities was clear as day. Ninjutsu, the backbone of a shinobi's arsenal, was where I lacked the most. But, there was a glimmer of hope. My recent reward had granted me increased creativity, and with it, a chance to level the playing field. My plan was straightforward: find out my chakra nature and use it to create new ninjutsu, ones that would give me an edge in future battles.
I made my way through the village, the familiar sights and sounds of Konoha buzzing around me. The ninja tools shop wasn't far. It was an unassuming place, a small storefront tucked between larger buildings, easy to overlook if you didn't know it was there. The inside was dimly lit, with rows of kunai, short swords, and scrolls lining the walls. Behind the counter sat an old man, his expression as tired as the faded wooden sign above the door. He barely glanced up as I entered.
"Hey, old man, give me a piece of chakra test paper," I said, trying to sound casual despite the anticipation bubbling inside me.
The old man finally looked at me, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Huh, a ninja school brat. Here, 500 ryo a piece."
I winced inwardly. Ninja tools were expensive, and considering my monthly subsidy from the Hokage—barely 5000 ryo—it felt like a small fortune. But I needed this. I handed over the money, taking the small slip of paper with careful hands, and quickly made my way back to my room.
Sitting on the floor of my room, I held the chakra paper in my palm. The room was quiet, save for the faint rustling of leaves outside the window. My heart pounded in my chest as I concentrated, channeling chakra into the paper. For a moment, nothing happened. Then, the paper split cleanly into two. One half turned wet and wrinkled, while the other half crumbled and caught fire.
I stared at it, my breath caught in my throat. This was extraordinary. My mind raced with memories of the original work—having multiple chakra natures was not unheard of, but what I had was beyond that. An all-attribute chakra nature. I could manipulate fire, water, earth, wind, and lightning. Only a few legendary shinobi like the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Kakashi Hatake had such an ability.
This was a gift. No, this was an opportunity.
I spent the next few days honing my basic skills, practicing the seals I had learned at the Academy, and mentally preparing myself for the challenge ahead. Then, on the weekend, I decided it was time to test my newfound creativity. If I could create my own ninjutsu, it would not only prove my abilities but also give me the versatility I desperately needed.
I chose a secluded spot by the river, far from the prying eyes of others. The sun hung high in the sky, casting shimmering reflections on the water's surface. I focused on the task at hand—creating a Water Style jutsu. The goal was simple, in theory: to create a water wave that I could control at will.
Standing by the riverbank, I gathered my chakra, feeling it flow through me like a current. My first few attempts were frustratingly weak. The water barely rippled, and my control wavered. Sweat trickled down my brow as I adjusted my hand seals, refining the flow of chakra with each attempt. I was determined, pushing myself to focus solely on the jutsu, shutting out everything else.
Hours passed, the sun inching closer to the horizon, but I barely noticed. Each failed attempt was a lesson, a step closer to success. And then, finally, it happened.
I formed the hand seals—Tiger, Ox, Monkey, Rabbit—and felt the chakra gather in my stomach. I visualized the water rising, swelling, and then, with a deep breath, I unleashed it.
"Water Style: Water Wave Jutsu!"
A surge of water rose from the river, sweeping across the surface in a controlled wave, crashing onto the opposite bank with a satisfying splash. I stood there, panting slightly, watching the water recede. It wasn't a massive tsunami, but it was a start. A D-rank jutsu, perhaps, but with potential. If I could channel more chakra, this wave could become something much more powerful, capable of devastating any opponent in its path.
Pleased with my progress, I knew I had to take the next step—trading this jutsu for something more lethal. I carefully wrote down the hand seals and the technique's details on a scroll. Holding it in my hands, I focused, feeling the familiar tingle of my unique ability activating.
[Trade Initiated: Water Style: Water Wave Jutsu Scroll]
Options appeared before my eyes:
1. Wind Style: Wind Wave Jutsu Scroll
2. Fire Style: Flame Wave Jutsu Scroll
3. Water Style: Water Ball Jutsu Scroll
I considered the choices carefully. Wind Style would be useful, but at this stage, I needed something with more raw power. Fire Style had the potential for greater destruction, the kind of lethality that could turn the tide in a fight. With that in mind, I selected the Fire Style option.
As soon as I made my choice, the knowledge of the Flame Wave Jutsu flowed into my mind, as if I had always known it. It was a C-rank jutsu, more advanced and dangerous than the Water Wave I had created. I could feel the difference immediately—the sheer intensity of the chakra required, the heat that would blaze from my mouth. This was a technique that could change the outcome of any battle.
I returned to the river, eager to see the results. The sky was tinged with the colors of dusk, casting long shadows across the water. I formed the hand seals—Horse, Tiger, Serpent—and felt the chakra ignite within me, a burning heat that surged through my veins. With a deep breath, I unleashed it.
"Fire Style: Flame Wave Jutsu!"
Flames erupted from my mouth, spreading out in a wave that scorched the ground and the river in front of me. The fire roared as it traveled, covering everything in its path, reaching a distance of about seven or eight meters before dissipating. I stood there, watching the smoldering embers left in its wake, a smile spreading across my face. This was power. This was what I needed. Against genins, this jutsu would be deadly, and it would only grow stronger as I did.
Satisfied with my progress, I finally decided to call it a day. The adrenaline that had kept me going began to fade, replaced by a deep sense of accomplishment. I returned home, eager to clean up and relax. I had promised to spend the evening with Tsunade, and after a day of intense training and experimentation, I was looking forward to some downtime.
As I prepared for the evening, my mind was already racing with possibilities. The chakra paper's results had opened a door to endless potential. With my creativity and all-attribute chakra, I could forge my own path, develop unique techniques, and trade them for even more powerful abilities. The road ahead was filled with challenges, but I knew I had the tools to overcome them.
For now, though, it was time to enjoy the evening. Tomorrow would bring new opportunities, new challenges, and new ways to grow even stronger.
---