CHAPTER 53

Over the past month, everyone in the Third Squad had made significant progress.

Sarutobi Shuo had successfully learned Wind Release: Gale Palm, a mid-to-close-range attack ninjutsu.

Gale Palm was a technique that transformed chakra into wind and compressed it within the palm before releasing a violent gale. The most crucial part of mastering this jutsu was learning to alter chakra's form, as it required precise shape transformation. Since shape transformation didn't rely heavily on hand seals, Gale Palm typically required only three seals, and with enough practice, it could be performed with just one.

Shape transformation was one of the two fundamental chakra changes—the other being nature transformation.

Shape transformation referred to modifying chakra's form, whether compressing it into a sphere, rotating it rapidly, or altering it into natural elements such as wind or fire. It was distinct from nature transformation, which involved changing chakra's inherent properties.

Through rigorous training, ninja could refine their shape transformation. The Rasengan was the pinnacle of shape transformation, created by compressing and rotating chakra at high speeds to unleash destructive force.

Meanwhile, Nawaki Senju had made notable strides as well. His combat skills and battle instincts had improved considerably.

One key development was Uchiha Kiyo's recommendation to Orochimaru that Nawaki receive additional training on trap detection, particularly in identifying explosive tags and other hidden dangers.

Despite his immense talent, Nawaki had a reckless nature, which made him vulnerable to unforeseen threats. Concerned, Uchiha Kiyo further suggested that Orochimaru instill a heightened awareness of ninja survival principles in him—emphasizing that carelessness in battle could lead to death.

Orochimaru agreed and informed Tsunade, ensuring that Nawaki would receive the necessary guidance.

As for Uchiha Kiyo himself, his progress was even more pronounced.

His chakra reserves had surged to 500 units, placing him at the threshold of elite Chūnin level. His relentless physical training had significantly enhanced his endurance, speed, and strength, resulting in substantial improvements in his taijutsu.

According to Orochimaru, Uchiha Kiyo's current physical prowess had reached the level of an elite Chūnin. Once his other combat aspects caught up, he would be a fully-fledged elite Chūnin.

In this case, being "elite Chūnin level" referred specifically to taijutsu—an area where he was now comparable to other elite Chūnin.

Recognizing the steady improvement of his squad, Orochimaru opted against assigning missions immediately, preferring to let them continue training.

While Uchiha Kiyo and his teammates weren't aware of Orochimaru's reasoning, they had no objections—immersing themselves fully in their respective regimens.

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The Gravity Seal Request

"A sealing technique that affects gravity?"

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at Uchiha Kiyo's request.

At first, he didn't respond, but after recalling Uchiha Kiyo's recent training, he understood the reasoning. He nodded slightly and began contemplating whether any known fūinjutsu could manipulate gravity.

Even if such a seal existed, it likely wasn't practical for combat. Unlike ninjutsu-based gravity manipulation, sealing techniques often required significant preparation, making them inefficient for real-time use. Orochimaru himself had not encountered a widely used version, at least not off the top of his head.

"If there isn't one, a restrictive seal that hinders movement would also suffice," Uchiha Kiyo added, sensing that Orochimaru might not have a suitable technique readily available.

Orochimaru remained silent, lost in thought.

After a moment, his eyes gleamed. "There is a sealing technique that affects gravity. The difficulty level is comparable to a C-rank jutsu, but it requires considerable setup time. Because of that, it's not useful in battle. However, it could serve as a foundational exercise for fūinjutsu."

Uchiha Kiyo's eyes lit up in excitement. He had nearly given up hope, but Orochimaru had once again proven his worth.

The lengthy preparation time was irrelevant to Uchiha Kiyo—he intended to use it strictly for training, not combat.

"Sensei, do you have the scroll for it? I'd like to learn this technique."

Orochimaru didn't respond immediately. He observed Uchiha Kiyo with a calculating gaze, as if assessing something deeper. His stare sent an involuntary shiver down Kiyo's spine.

Finally, Orochimaru handed over a scroll. "You've followed your own training path without issue so far. Let's hope this choice doesn't lead you astray."

Without another word, Orochimaru turned and left, his cryptic remark lingering in the air.

Uchiha Kiyo frowned, unsure what his sensei had meant. He briefly considered it but ultimately set the thought aside. Whatever Orochimaru's concerns were, they didn't change the fact that he now had access to valuable knowledge.

Unrolling the scroll, he scanned the complex fūinjutsu instructions. The densely packed formulae and patterns didn't intimidate him—instead, they fascinated him.

"This combination forms a barrier… this one strengthens the structure… and this one isolates… Wait, isolates what? Never mind, I'll keep reading…"

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Deciphering the Gravity Seal

It took an hour for Uchiha Kiyo to fully digest the scroll's contents.

He could have skimmed it faster, but this was his first time acquiring an advanced fūinjutsu beyond the basics. Comparing it to his previous knowledge slowed him down, but the effort was well worth it.

"My initial theories were correct," he mused.

The scroll confirmed what he had suspected—sealing techniques relied on layering multiple formulae in precise sequences. A single technique could reuse specific patterns multiple times to amplify its effects.

Additionally, high-level fūinjutsu incorporated specialized formulas that weren't present in basic techniques. These advanced combinations were key to developing superior seals.

This explained why so few shinobi could create new high-level sealing techniques—without knowledge of these intricate formulae, it was nearly impossible to surpass existing methods.

Having mentally cataloged his insights, Uchiha Kiyo set his thoughts aside.

The immediate priority was practical application—testing the gravity seal for physical conditioning.

"These advanced formulae I haven't seen before must be the core of the seal," he noted. "They're likely responsible for the gravity-altering effect. I need to memorize them carefully."

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Practical Application

Once a ninja had mastered the basics of fūinjutsu, learning a new technique became a matter of precise execution. As long as the necessary scroll was available, one could follow the formulae like a blueprint—assuming they had the required chakra control.

However, unlike rote memorization, fūinjutsu required seamless execution. Once a seal was being inscribed, there could be no pauses or mistakes. A single lapse could render the entire formation useless.

Since Uchiha Kiyo had only grasped the fundamentals of the technique, he meticulously memorized the remaining details before attempting to inscribe it.

He moved to his usual training area and laid the scroll beside him. Taking a deep breath, he began the delicate process of inscribing the Gravity Ward.

Chakra flowed steadily from his hands as he carefully formed each symbol. He arranged them in precise configurations, anchoring them in their designated positions.

Constantly shifting his stance, he expanded the seal to encompass a ten-meter radius. Every inch of the ground within this boundary bore the intricate markings of the gravitational seal.

At last, he reached the core sequence—the most challenging part. These advanced formulas were as difficult as fundamental fūinjutsu techniques, and layering them increased the complexity exponentially.

Uchiha Kiyo maintained absolute focus. Any mistake here would mean starting over.

Thirty minutes later, the final symbol was completed.

He exhaled sharply. "No wonder Orochimaru said this was impractical for combat…"

A single C-rank seal had taken him over half an hour to inscribe. Even with experience, it would likely require at least ten minutes—far too long for battle.

Placing his hands together in a seal, he activated the Gravity Ward.

Immediately, he felt a pull—not simply added weight, but an all-encompassing increase in gravitational force pressing down on him.

Carefully, he adjusted the seal to test its limits.

After ten minutes, he deactivated it, drenched in sweat.

"The maximum effect is 1.3 times normal gravity," he analyzed. "But for now, 1.1 times is ideal—any higher could strain my body. Still, this will be invaluable for my training."