The academy library was as silent as ever when Ren entered. Shizuka-san barely looked up from her register, her gnarled hands continuing to catalogue scrolls with mechanical precision.
"Sections E and D, as always," she said before Ren could ask. "And remember..."
"...no techniques above D-rank for first-year students," he finished with a small smile. Over the past few months, this conversation had become almost a ritual between them.
'After the exams,' he thought as he headed for the shelves, 'it's clear that I need to expand my arsenal. But instead of looking for powerful techniques, I should focus on the basic ones and perfect them.'
Ren methodically examined the first scroll: the Bunshin no Jutsu (Illusionary Clone). 'An E-rank technique that creates illusory copies through basic chakra manipulation. The clone has no physical substance, but if executed correctly it can perfectly replicate the user's appearance and movements.'
He studied the chakra flow diagrams carefully. 'The key is the even distribution of energy... interesting how the chakra is 'unfurled' in a thin layer to create the illusion.'
Next to it he found the D-rank Mizukage Bunshin (Water Clone Technique). 'This is more complex - it requires not only molding the chakra, but combining it with the element of water to create semi-solid clones. The clones have a tenth of the original's strength and dissolve after a significant hit, but can physically interact with the environment.'
'The progression is logical,' he noted mentally. 'From the purely illusory Bunshin to the physical Mizukage Bunshin, to the Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone) that creates completely solid copies with their own chakra. Studying this progression will help me better understand the principles of the Kage Bunshin.'
Moving on to the earth element section, he examined the Doton: Tsuchi no Seigyo (Doton: Earth's Power). 'An E-rank jutsu that applies the principles of tree climbing to the earth. Instead of adhering to the surface, the chakra must "penetrate" the ground and interact with it. The difficulty is maintaining a constant flow through a medium denser than water or wood.'
The Doton: Tsuchi no Kankaku (Doton: Earth's sensation) particularly caught his attention. 'This technique is fascinating - not only does it manipulate the earth, but it uses chakra to sense vibrations through it. It's similar to what Dad taught me with the rocks, but on a larger scale. It could be instrumental in further developing your sensory abilities.'
It was the last scroll that sent a wave of excitement through him: the Mist Body Flicker.
'A Kirigakure variation of the Body Flicker Jutsu, adapted specifically for Kirigakure. Instead of simply accelerating, this technique uses the village's natural mist to mask one's movements. The user infuses their chakra into the surrounding fog, creating temporary "anchor points" for high-speed transportation, briefly simulating teleportation, though different from actual teleportation.'
'Shisui managed to bring the basic version to legendary levels,' he thought, studying the chakra flow diagrams. 'This variant offers even more possibilities. The mist not only hides one's movements, but can be used to confuse enemy sensors and create false chakra signatures.' He noted how the Tora seal in the sequence was slightly modified from the standard version. 'The chakra is "dispersed" rather than concentrated, allowing for a more natural fusion with the mist… this could integrate perfectly with the Kirigakure no Jutsu.'
"An interesting selection," Shizuka-san's voice almost made him jump. He hadn't heard her approach. "Most students only seek offensive techniques."
"Basics are important," Ren replied, keeping his tone respectful.
"Hmm," Shizuka studied the titles as she registered the loan. "Cloning, earth, and movement... you're building something interesting, young Mizutani."
Ren tilted his head slightly, surprised by her insight. The old librarian smiled slightly.
"I've seen many young ninja pass through this library," she said as she handed him the scrolls.
"Those who seek the quickest path to power rarely survive long enough to return what they borrow."
'This woman sees more than she lets on,' Ren thought as he stepped out into the morning mist, the scrolls safely tucked into his bag. 'But she's right - true strength lies not in learning many techniques, but in completely mastering the ones you know.'
Back home, Ren retreated to his room, methodically arranging the scrolls on the floor.
'I have to organize all this efficiently,' he thought, taking out his notebook. 'My days are becoming more and more complex.'
He began to write down a detailed schedule:
04:00 - Wake up
04:15-06:15 - Physical training
- Weight running (17kg)
- Swimming
- Hand walking
- Strength exercises
06:15-08:15 - Jutsu practice
- Bunshin/Mizukage Bunshin
- Doton techniques
- Mist Body Flicker (when I have the basics)
08:15-09:00 - Preparation and breakfast
[Space for lab/personal projects]
Afternoon - Variable:
- Takeshi (days TBD)
- Tatsumi (Sundays)
- Academy (when it resumes)
Evening:
19:00-20:00 - Kenjutsu
20:00-21:30 - Fuinjutsu and studying
Looking at the schedule, his mind went back to the lab plan. 'The basement would be perfect,' he mused. 'Spacious enough to expand, already partially sealed off, and close to the shop.'
He stood up, starting to sketch a rough sketch:
-Main compound synthesis area
-Seal development and testing section
-Ingredient storage space
-Hidden ventilation system
-Seals on every wall
'I'll have to talk to Kaa-san about this,' he thought. 'I'll tell her I want to create a space to develop containment scrolls and explosive seals. That's not a lie - it's just... a partial truth. The lab will also be used for medical research, but that will remain my secret.'
He estimated that the project would take at least three months to complete, considering the expansion work and the installation of security systems. 'I'll have to find a way to account for certain... special equipment. Perhaps I could suggest that they're for the creation of special sealing inks.'
He returned to the scrolls, examining the techniques again. 'The Bunshin no Jutsu will be the first step. Once I master that, I'll move on to the Mizukage Bunshin. The Doton techniques will take longer—I still have my affinity for the earth to develop.'
The Mist Body Flicker was left for last—the most complex technique but potentially the most useful. 'This one will take months of practice, but it will be worth it. The ability to move instantly through the fog will completely change my tactical options.'
He paused, staring out the window at the fog. 'Time is the most precious resource I have,' he mused. 'I must use it wisely. Every minute wasted is a minute that will not return, and the events that are moving in the village will not wait for me to be ready.'