Chapter 122: Chakra induction test paper (part 2)
- This can't be possible….I have an affinity for wind release and…Lightning release?… Is that even possible?
Homura found it difficult to believe what had transpired just moments ago.
The chakra induction paper he had purchased not only tore in half but crumbled away in his hands.
To his astonishment, none of these outcomes were what he had expected.
Given his Uchiha heritage, he anticipated the paper to ignite instead, but the results far exceeded his expectations, leaving him momentarily dumbfounded.
He genuinely couldn't comprehend why Wind and Lightning were the chakra natures manifested on the paper.
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Homura tried to recall the exact details, but his memory failed him.
It was peculiar that he hadn't even thought to contemplate such matters.
Over the past year, he had been so engrossed in his pursuits that he had forgotten many of his plans and ideas.
-Can you provide statistics on the combinations most likely to produce Swift Release as a Kekkei Genkai?
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-How was I able to perform Fire jutsu before...? Does the chakra induction paper indicate an affinity for all natures or only those mastered or utilized for nature releases?
...
Homura expected an answer, but no matter how long he waited, none came.
-C, respond already!
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What!? Where did that come from?"
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-I understand... Wait, does paper even contain DNA? No, that's absurd. Aside from rocks and similar entities, nearly everything on this planet possesses DNA. Although processed paper may contain minimal amounts, from the trees which it originated would have it.
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-Would this not affect my body?
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-I see. And since this type of paper reacts to chakra, it may still retain some form of vitality, implying active cells. But how do you possess such knowledge about cells? You even knew that paper primarily consists of cellulose. I do not recall learning that.
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-Hmm... I suppose that is true. Lately, I have been so consumed by training and my inventions that I scarcely have time for anything else. However, it also reminds me... I believe... I may need to visit the public library soon.
Homura primarily utilized the academy's library, as it contained most materials pertinent to ninja training. However, for everything unrelated to ninja training or general records, he would have to turn to Konohagakure's public library.
-Although the most crucial books are generally inaccessible to non-shinobi, I should be able to find readily available information concerning Konohagakure and the Land of Fire that I require... before classes recommence once more.
Homura's current knowledge primarily revolves around archaic technologies, ninjutsu, and taijutsu. Other subjects have not been a priority for him.
However, it would be wasteful for him to simply focus on training during the free time he has been granted. He has nearly two months of free time, and apart from working to cover his expenses, there isn't much else that demands his attention. Therefore, he decides to reduce his training duration to less than nine hours a day.
-Nevertheless, if C's peculiar gamble pays off... Chakra induction paper is quite expensive, but I am also eager to experiment and verify its purported effects. C, how many chakra papers would I need to make it accessible?
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-That seems excessive. Students are not provided with enough resources to afford that quantity, especially considering our expenses for apartments and other necessities. If I tighten my current budget, I can manage two papers per month. Will that be sufficient for me to discern chakra?
Homura contemplated his final question. His curiosity overpowered his skepticism, and he couldn't let go of the opportunity to test the theory and determine if he truly had no affinity for fire. Was that the reason his fireball technique was so weak?
Nevertheless, he had been able to create a fireball, and fire had emerged from his mouth. After all, he had carried Uchiha DNA within his body for years. Could that be the reason behind his ability, or does chakra paper only reveal one's affinity?
-C, show me examples from the show where chakra induction paper was utilized.
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A window suddenly appeared in front of Homura, displaying Naruto's training scenes. Upon witnessing the struggles of an older-looking Naruto, different from the one he knew, Homura couldn't fully grasp the significance of it all.
Certainly, Naruto had been able to split the paper in two by infusing his chakra into it, indicating his affinity for Wind Release. However, this Naruto appeared to be far from the future version of Naruto, who possessed several Kekkei Genkai abilities during the war arc. He seemed quite limited, only able to perform a Rasengan or a slightly larger version of it. That was the truth Homura discerned from his observations.
-...If I could produce that many clones, I would be able to enhance my strength much more rapidly.
The clone training method—a technique that only someone with a substantial chakra pool could consider even attempting. It was devised by Hatake Kakashi, who realized that Naruto's immense chakra reserves could significantly reduce his training time if he utilized shadow clones. By sharing experiences and training with the clones, all the gained knowledge and skills would be transferred to the original Naruto, compressing years of training into mere months or days.
Such a concept was truly astonishing.
Insane even…
No normal shinobi could devise such a ridiculous method.
As it stood only an Uzumaki or a jinchuriki could attempt such a crazy phenomenon, not just because of the insane level of chakra needed but because being able to even make that many clones at once would require one's body to be used to performing such a technique and lack of self-restraint when it comes to dividing one's chakra equally between so many clones.
Which could only be accomplished by someone with a shared chakra pool or someone who had an immense chakra pool that they would not die so easily from chakra exhaustion or fall into a coma.
-No, even if I were capable of creating that many clones, it would be an impossibility," Homura concluded. He acknowledged that Kage Bunshin (Shadow Clone) was a challenging jutsu to perform and master.
Theoretically, it should not be overly difficult to generate numerous clones, especially considering that even filler characters were capable of creating a multitude of them. Additionally, data from the records indicated that even a fatigued Kakashi was able to execute several dozens of clones effortlessly.
However, sustaining a large number of clones was undoubtedly impossible for ordinary individuals. And outright suicidal in a fight, thus why so few use clones even if they provide such a tactical advantage. Only Naruto is truly seen fighting using such a method for a long time, if experience is shared between the original and its clones, that also meant the negative effects such as fatigue and other similar effects are too.
If a typical ninja were to divide their chakra to create 100 shadow clones, not only would the clones face a high risk of perishing or being left severely depleted due to the sudden lack of chakra, but they would also likely struggle to move or disappear shortly afterward.
Nonetheless, a ninja like the future Naruto would likely not encounter significant issues. Even if Naruto were to produce 100 clones and divide his chakra among them, the impact on each clone would be minimal, especially when compared to the average shinobi. This was primarily because 1 percent of Naruto's chakra could equal the entire chakra reserves of a regular shinobi.
However, even if Homura possessed the same chakra capacity as future Naruto, his body might not be able to handle it. Specific techniques involved in creating clones was not a simple task. Merely forming a basic clone at the academy, at least in Homura's class, demonstrated exceptional talent. Children generally struggled with chakra control and lacked the necessary vigor to execute the clone jutsu effectively. Furthermore, most clone jutsu variants required the user to possess considerable physical prowess, something Homura doubted he could achieve, especially with the additional challenges he faced.
-C, show me the next video- Homura requested.
As he watched the following individual using chakra induction paper, Homura was astounded by what he witnessed. The person performing the seemingly simple act of infusing chakra into the paper turned out to be none other than Hatake Kakashi.
When Kakashi infused his chakra into the paper, causing it to crinkle, it indicated his affinity for lightning release. This mirrored what had happened to Homura's paper before it split in two and disintegrated.
However, Homura understood that this was not the crux of his predicament. Kakashi, a skilled jōnin, had mastered all five chakra natures. He hailed from the Hatake clan, a clan that did not possess any kekkei genkai, let alone one involving the manipulation of two major chakra elements.
This realization led Homura to contemplate further. "Hatake's natural affinity should be lightning, so that's expected. Could it be that I didn't infuse my chakra into the paper properly? Was using only one hand the better choice? Kekkei genkai? If fire is not my affinity, how was I able to use it? It pains me to admit, but I am not naturally gifted. Having access to three chakra natures while not even being a genin should be impossible, as far as I know. Hatake mentioned that Uchihas are inclined toward fire release, not merely an affinity. C, do you possess any insights on this matter?"
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-...
Homura didn't truly believed C's non-answer but Hatake Kakashi from the footage he had seen was certainly not the best teacher, especially when it came to explaining things concisely enough. He was a genius that hardly faced the same struggles as the average shinobi.
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- Stop! Just stop! I…I understand the gist of it…stop showing me information on the current state of my body or data on the topic. When you start that procedure of explaining and showing I feel like I am forced to remember things in avid derails. (It's worse than the sharingan I almost feel like I am forced to live through thoughts and memories not my own, being forcefully implanted inside my mind....giving me a splitting headache.) Just give me the information while I sleep.
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Homura sensed that he was about to endure yet another distressing night, bombarded with copious amounts of information streaming directly from his subconscious to the forefront of his mind. Even after several years of this experience, he had never managed to become accustomed to the entire process.
-...What should I do now? Perhaps I should focus my efforts on further developing my fire release... It may not be the most productive use of my time at the moment...
Homura contemplated the insights that C had previously provided on the matter.
It seemed that injecting himself with the blood of numerous Uchiha individuals might have influenced his ability to utilize fire release to some extent. If Uchihas were naturally inclined toward fire release, it would explain how even someone like Homura, who struggled with chakra control, was able to produce flames roughly 30 inches wide, a rather insignificant display. Even children younger than himself could likely achieve far better results, elucidating why Fugaku's sons found it relatively effortless. However, it might not have been as effortless for Sasuke, as his affinity for lightning release might have overshadowed his fire release.
- Uchiha bloodline...?! The scrolls!
Homura swiftly directed his attention toward a desk adorned with numerous scrolls and books.
Although his search would not last long, he decided to approach the table and sift through the pile of items placed upon it.
-It should be somewhere here; I never used it.
Why were there so many scrolls?
Shinobi often concealed or passed down techniques and secrets through scrolls to their descendants. Many of these scrolls were sealed or blank through specific methods to ensure they reached their rightful owners. It was a common practice, considering that most individuals would either perish before passing on their techniques or were too occupied to devote time to teaching.
While it was a prevailing misconception, not all of Konoha's shinobi resided within the village for extended periods. The Land of Fire encompassed vast territories, and it was not unusual for certain clans to establish outposts outside the village or assume guardianship over major cities, reside in their ancestral homelands, or engage in similar endeavors. Such arrangements were customary to prevent leaving vital infrastructure unguarded or relying solely on regular guards rather than powerful shinobi. Even the daimyo himself had a select few elite ninja assigned as his personal guards at one point.
However, most shinobi were typically not subjected to constant mission pressure. Many of them held the rank of genin or lower-ranked chunin, with limited authority.
Consequently, they often had the freedom to choose a job within the village that aligned with their expertise rather than being constantly sent into battle as ninjas.
Furthermore, the option to resign or retire was always available.
-Got it... And there's also a lightning release jutsu scroll in this one...
Although Homura was initially filled with excitement, he soon realized that impatience might not serve him well.
Even if he happened to possess two affinities, what Homura possessed was simply a mutation that allowed him to combine two different chakra natures.
This did not necessarily imply that he would be able to independently utilize those chakra natures.
However, if it meant that he could somehow assist in gaining control over his swift release, it would still be a victory even if he couldn't use it.
-Perhaps I should focus on the wind release one first... Wait... This used to belong to that old man. Tch! That's a thing of the past now."
Homura untied the knot securing the scroll and carefully unraveled it, causing a small piece of paper to fall out.
-What is this?
He picked up the paper, unfolded it, and began to read the message written on it.
"To my son."
As soon as Homura read the first three words, he immediately closed it and placed it inside a drawer.
-He had a son? To think... there would be a letter inside... although it is not addressed to me...He lived alone…it doesn't matter, I can't give it to him, nor can I erase my actions of that day.
Was it an act of respect? Or perhaps shame?
Sadly, even Homura himself did not fully understand why he had taken that action. While he was not above theft or inflicting harm on others to advance his own interests, these days Homura struggled to comprehend his actions or process the events of that fateful night.
He stole from a dying man and other dead people's belongings.
It was a shameful action.
Not even Homura was above feeling guilty over his actions, as his head cooled off he wanted to give it all back but it would only put him in more danger.
Nevertheless, the deed had already been done.
The lives lost on that day would never return.
Their memories would only endure as long as someone was willing to remember them.
Although Sasuke had assumed the responsibility of carrying on the once prestigious Uchiha lineage, Homura, despite having their blood coursing through his veins and inheriting their powers, remained a nobody in the eyes of most.
Just another orphaned child.
Seeking revenge was not his tale, even though a part of him desired it above all else.
Those feelings of guilt and hatred were suppressed as much as he could, for he knew the future events that would unfold.
If not for that knowledge, he might have completely lost himself.
However, that did not make the deaths of those he considered family any easier... The haunting scene he had witnessed that day was etched into his memory forever.
Sadly, it did not prevent him from honing his blade to strike against those responsible for the crimes committed that night.
If Sasuke failed or hesitated... he would ensure the task was carried out.
-(...Now let's uncover the secrets concealed within this scroll.) - Homura thought to himself as he prepared to delve into the knowledge contained within.
He spent several minutes reading the scroll.
Detailed explanations were provided on how to mold chakra in order to harness wind release and accomplish various feats.
Instructions included visualizing tiny sharp blades to enhance the sharpness of an attack or properly manipulating wind within oneself.
Typically, in-depth information was not necessary when teaching a specific chakra nature. Individuals from certain villages usually exhibited a predisposition toward specific chakra natures. For instance, residents of Konohagakure were more inclined to employ fire release, while those from Iwagakure struggled with earth release.
There is little doubt in the minds of those instructing children in specific chakra nature jutsus that these children would not be able to master the fundamental nature release jutsus of their village if they were not taught the proper hand seals.
In most cases, mastery is not immediate; it may take several years for individuals to become adept at transforming their chakra into the appropriate chakra nature.
However, those few who are unable to alter their chakra to the desired chakra nature may indicate that their affinity lies elsewhere or that they lack the talent to manipulate their chakra into any of the five nature releases.
The meticulous level of detail within the scroll suggests that it was intended for either a beginner, such as an academy student, or someone with a close personal connection to the writer of the text.
It is possible that the scroll was originally penned by a father addressing his son, as mentioned in the letter.
Ironically, this may not be the complete truth.
The handwriting on the scroll does not perfectly match the handwriting in the letter.
This discrepancy could imply that two different individuals wrote the contents of these two objects.
It is somewhat peculiar since someone with the Sharingan should be able to flawlessly replicate another person's handwriting without difficulty.
However, if they did not do so, it could indicate that the elderly man who wrote the letter may have altered his handwriting due to an injury or some other reason, or that the person who wrote the scroll was someone else who was trusted by the person in question or it was simply acquired by the man from some sort of exchange.
This possibility is not implausible.
Individuals with wind-release abilities are a rare sight in Konohagakure.
It is arguably one of the rarest nature releases to be found within the village.
Even those with an affinity for water release are more prevalent.
Therefore, it is reasonable for the scroll to possess different handwriting, particularly considering that its previous owner was an Uchiha known for their proficiency in fire release.
Especially since the acquisition of ninjutsu is quite…difficult, to say the least.
The distribution of ninjutsu was overall quite a complex and difficult matter. It was defined by history, laws, and overall politics.
Ninjutsu could be considered to be in a legal and peculiar gray line.
In most countries, they could not technically be sold and could not be bought at stores. No matter how many games may indicate.
Those were after all, at the end of the day, military assets of the country…more or less.
As stated prior the situation was complicated.
They could not be sold or bought but they could be gifted.
Such as passed down to family members, offered or taught, unless one was especially given orders not to.
Though such restrictions were dependent on the country, village, or even clan.
Not all regulations applied in every country.
Some were dependent on politics while others depended more on availability.
Ninja corpses usually provided people with information about the types of techniques one would use as well as genetic oddities, or even the types of drugs that a country may or not use.
Thus why it was imperative to retrieve or destroy the bodies of those who died on the battlefield.
Avoiding that others discover the jutsus that belong to a specific clan or to the village they come from or now serve.
Due to those risks, nations usually comply with the normal regulations of hiding their more powerful jutsus or the ones that other countries do not have access to.
Limiting the amount of available jutsus to the ones that do not come from prominent clans or those who do not come from a family with a wide array of jutsus being passed down to often lack any real combat capacity beyond the norm.
Which was very much understandable to some extent.
One thing that most shinobi ignore, is that knowing a jutsu and being able to use it are completely separate matters.
Some people cannot simply perform certain types of ninjutsus, sometimes due to inexperience and sometimes due to them simply not being compatible with the jutsu at a fundamental level.
Explaining why very few use the flying raijin.
Very few shinobi have the talent to use space-time ninjutsu to that level.
Even though they may be able to use more simple space-time ninjutsu such as the summoning technique.
However, the level of difficulty between that two jutsus may as well make them different altogether.
This is explained by the fact that the higher the difficulty and the rank of ninjutsu, the higher the likelihood most will be able to learn it or even spend years mastering something that they would not likely use.
So the systems currently implemented to centralize, gather, and hide the most possible amounts of jutsus available were understandable.
Though it is not a perfect system.
It may not look like it on the surface, but conflict in the ninja world is always brewing.
Having strong regulations on which individuals are allowed to learn or use what their respective villages allows them to, ultimately, leads to a more concrete balance of power.
Though those same regulations, also create many rogues shinobi who are willing to sacrifice their place and relationships within the village to obtain a power they have always longed for; or are angry with their village for denying access to a certain technique.
It is due to that very fact that most authorities cannot limit the passing down of jutsus to others.
To most, the passing down of one's ninjutsu is the same as passing down one's legacy.
The current ninja system adopted in most villages promotes a master-and-pupil relationship, thus a master passing down one's special techniques to their pupil is seen as normal.
Not only that, but new types of ninjutsus are being invented all the time and everywhere. Making it to be strictly regulated almost impossible.
Thus ninjas had more or less free reign to pass down jutsus to whomever they ultimately choose to take as a pupil.
So taking a random child as their pupil and teaching them to use certain specific ninjutsu is not against the rules in most cases.
Though one of those cases may apply when the jutsu in question is considered to be forbidden, or has some intricate value to the village and cannot be allowed to be leaked outside the village.
Fortunately, that is rarely the case. It is rare to observe shinobi who are not fiercely loyal to their village to a fault, but loyalty to oneself is harder to circumvent; no matter the number of years dedicated to training and missions completed for their village.
However, none of these details matter to Homura because as he read the scroll in his hands, he had given up thinking about the legality of his actions or the fact that he was trying to learn a jutsu that was not originally assigned to him.
He could always lie about how he acquired the jutsu, if someone performed the jutsu in front of him and he properly remembered the hand seals.
It was not unthinkable that he could not learn it from himself with a lot of hard work.
Not for Homura at the very least, the boy deemed as a genius.
Someone taking him as an apprentice outside the academy was not an impossibility.
He was an orphan living on his lonesome.
He was more or less free to do as he pleased.
Nobody would do otherwise.
So as he scrolls down through the list of information written on it, Homura encounters the name of the jutsu that was used to describe the extensive information he had just recognized.
-...Futon Toppa... Th-that's Orochimaru's jutsu.
End of the chapter.