The Idea Of A Lightning Style Ninjutsu
Xu Ming began his free and unrestricted self-learning journey.
Third Hokage's collection of books was incredibly vast, covering subjects ranging from astronomy and geography to history and legends. Xu Ming found great enjoyment in reading through them.
Of course, he also browsed through various ninjutsu techniques.
However, compared to the techniques from the original timeline, the ninjutsu of this era felt somewhat crude—most were just brute-force applications of chakra.
"Not interesting," Xu Ming muttered, flipping through a few before setting them aside, unimpressed.
This scene did not go unnoticed by Orochimaru.
Like Xu Ming, Orochimaru had unrestricted access to the library, and his thirst for knowledge often kept him there for days at a time. Watching Xu Ming casually dismiss several B-rank ninjutsu scrolls, his eyelid twitched involuntarily.
'That's a powerful B-rank technique, yet you're looking at it with such disdain?'
To an average shinobi, these techniques would be invaluable treasures. But after thinking it through, Orochimaru found it understandable.
After all, Xu Ming had already developed his own A-rank, seal-less ninjutsu. It was only natural for him to find these techniques dull.
Orochimaru secretly nodded to himself.
He could relate—after experiencing the high-level, seal-less Rasengan, these lower-tier techniques did feel somewhat mundane.
'It's like having tasted the finest gourmet meals and then being asked to eat plain pickled vegetables,' he mused.
Although learning these techniques would still be beneficial to him, what Orochimaru truly desired was something more innovative, something groundbreaking.
Then, an idea struck him.
His gaze instinctively fell on Xu Ming, who was engrossed in reading a journal about the Land of Fire.
'Perhaps Xu Ming can provide me with some inspiration?'
Determined, Orochimaru set down his scroll and walked over.
"What's wrong, Orochimaru?" Xu Ming asked, turning slightly. He had already recognized Orochimaru's footsteps before he even spoke.
Since they spent most of their time in the library together, Xu Ming had grown accustomed to his presence.
Orochimaru hesitated for a moment, then spoke with conviction.
"Xu Ming, I need some guidance."
"Guidance?" Xu Ming raised an eyebrow, confused.
Orochimaru continued, "The techniques in this library are too simple and uninspiring. I want to explore something more advanced—something as intricate and fascinating as Rasengan."
He paused before adding, "Of course, I'm not asking you to teach me a new ninjutsu. I just need inspiration—a direction to explore."
His eyes burned with anticipation.
Xu Ming scratched his head.
It felt like a high school student complaining that the textbook exercises were too easy and asking for more challenging problems to solve.
'As expected of Orochimaru,' Xu Ming thought, amused.
He had initially intended to give Orochimaru a break, but since he came asking for a challenge, there was no reason to hold back.
"I do have an idea, but it's still in its early stages," Xu Ming said, rubbing his chin.
Orochimaru's eyes lit up.
Xu Ming then explained his concept of a Lightning Style technique—what would later be known as Chidori.
"Chakra infused with Nature Transformation inherently becomes destructive," he began.
"Lightning Style, in particular, is volatile and difficult to control. That's why most Lightning-based techniques are projected outward—because even the slightest miscalculation can harm the user."
Orochimaru nodded in agreement.
"But what if we limit the direction and position of that transformation?" Xu Ming continued.
"By concentrating the Lightning Style energy within the palm and shaping it at the start, we can create a directional constraint. The chakra would expand and penetrate forward while ensuring the user's safety."
"This way, the palm itself acts as a continuous control mechanism, making it possible to maintain and manipulate the Lightning Chakra for longer durations."
Orochimaru's eyes widened in shock.
"Incredible! Xu Ming, your ideas are always beyond imagination!"
"Haha, it's just a theory. If you're interested, give it a shot," Xu Ming said modestly.
"Of course I'm interested!" Orochimaru exclaimed, his excitement barely contained. "I knew coming to you was the right choice!"
Xu Ming smiled and waved him off.
He had merely provided an idea for what would eventually become Chidori.
Since he had never actually learned the technique himself, his explanation was purely theoretical. But that didn't stop him from enjoying the moment.
"I'll start experimenting right away!" Orochimaru declared, before hurrying off.
Xu Ming watched him go before picking up his book again, a smirk playing on his lips.
'I wonder… how far can you take this, Orochimaru?'
Orochimaru rushed back to his home, his entire body trembling with excitement.
With Rasengan, Xu Ming had provided a step-by-step training method, making it easier to grasp. But this time, he had only offered an idea—a blank slate for experimentation.
This filled Orochimaru with a sense of exhilaration, as if he were stepping into an unknown world of discovery.
"Lightning Style, especially high-intensity Lightning Style, is naturally wild and difficult to control. Otherwise, the Cloud Shinobi's Lightning Armor wouldn't be such an exclusive secret technique."
"The stronger the Lightning Style, the harder it is to stabilize and ensure the user's safety."
"That's why most Lightning Style techniques are capped at C-rank."
He muttered to himself, deep in thought.
"But what if, as Xu Ming suggested, we focus the Lightning Chakra within the palm?"
"It remains slightly away from the body—just enough to prevent self-injury—but close enough to allow continuous control."
"This would allow the user to shape and refine the Lightning Style, concentrating its power in one direction while keeping themselves protected!"
Orochimaru's voice grew more excited as he spoke, his mind racing with possibilities.
If he could make this work, he would create an astonishingly powerful Lightning Style ninjutsu!
Sizzle…
Without hesitation, he began experimenting, initiating the Lightning Style Nature Transformation.
Small sparks of electricity flickered and danced across his palm.
The first step of a revolutionary technique had begun.