Chapter 20: Taming the Electrified Bird

[Shinji's Perspective]

After countless races with Guy-sensei, I finally found a secluded training ground hidden deep within the forest, far from prying eyes. The area was perfect—an open space surrounded by towering trees that blocked out the sun except when it was directly overhead. A serene lake reflected the scattered rays of light, creating a picturesque scene that was about to be utterly demolished by my actions.

Ignoring the beauty of my surroundings, I formed the Demon Dogs hand sign, summoning Shiro and Kuro first, followed by the Rabbit Swarm. Then, I created five Shadow Clones and two Curse Clones, all preparing for what was about to happen.

Four of my Shadow Clones dashed in separate directions, placing the Five-Seal Barrier I had recently mastered. Once the seals were activated and everyone was gathered at the center, I finally took a deep breath and made the summoning sign for my next challenge.

Nue.

The moment I completed the sequence, my shadow spread unnaturally, morphing into a massive dark mass. From within, something emerged—a monstrous avian beast, its enormous wings covered in orange and red fur, with a white mask adorning its face. Sparks of electricity crackled across its body as it let out a thunderous screech, its wingspan easily stretching over ten meters.

The instant its piercing gaze locked onto me, it dove at me with terrifying speed, its entire body coated in electricity.

I reacted instantly—grabbing my blade in one hand while preparing a Rasengan in the other. At the same time, my Rabbit Swarm formed a defensive dome between us. The moment Nue crashed into the dome, it shattered, giving me just enough time to escape. I dived into my shadow, reappearing behind the beast in mid-air and slamming my Rasengan onto its back.

Nue howled in pain, its body thrashing wildly, crushing countless rabbits beneath it. Before it could regain control, Shiro and Kuro lunged at its wings, attempting to keep it grounded. But Nue had other plans. Its wings pulsed with electricity before slamming into the ground, unleashing a devastating shockwave that spread across the battlefield.

The impact dispelled all my clones, leaving me momentarily stunned.

'Great. It can do that.'

I forced myself up, my body spasming slightly from the lingering electricity. Nue, now bleeding, attempted to escape—only to collide with my barrier.

From its position in the air, it stared at me with burning intensity, charging its body once more with crackling energy.

'It's hesitating. It doesn't want to get hit by another Rasengan.'

Instead of attacking immediately, I waited.

Lightning arced wildly around Nue's form, illuminating the battlefield with chaotic streaks of light. The beast was building up something massive, releasing violent surges in all directions. I took this moment to swap places with a Shadow Clone discreetly while simultaneously using Shadow Dive, reemerging just below Nue.

Without hesitation, I summoned two clones, each charging their chakra for our final attack.

I formed the Water Dragon Jutsu.

Both clones unleashed Lightning Dragon Jutsu.

A moment later, Nue unleashed its attack, reducing my clone to nothing with an earth-shattering pillar of lightning.

The moment I saw what it could do, I knew—I never wanted to be on the receiving end of that again.

But it was already too late.

The second its attack landed, my Combination Jutsu was unleashed—a colossal Lightning-Water Dragon erupted from the ground, twisting through the air like an ascending serpent before clamping its massive jaws around Nue's wings.

With an earsplitting roar, the dragon slammed Nue into my barrier once more, sending it crashing to the ground.

As I exhaled sharply, I sprinted toward where it had landed, finding it barely standing, covered in wounds but still sparking with raw electricity.

"You're one tough Shikigami," I muttered, walking toward it cautiously.

Nue's glowing eyes locked onto mine. Without words, I could feel its intent—this was a challenge. It wanted to fight me one-on-one.

I dispelled all my remaining clones, regaining some chakra, then immediately hurled a massive fireball at it.

Nue attempted to dodge, but its injured wing slowed its movements, resulting in a direct hit. Not wasting the opportunity, I charged forward, Nue released another electric shockwave but I ignored the electric pulses running through my body, and slammed another Rasengan directly into its mask.

As the mask shattered, Nue let out a final cry before dissolving into the shadows, the battle finally over.

I collapsed onto my back, panting heavily, running through the fight in my mind.

'I need to fight more real opponents—without summons.'

Despite winning, I had relied too much on my summons and clones. The final moments were too reckless, too predictable—charging straight at Nue with a Rasengan like Naruto. That kind of approach wouldn't always work.

'I have the skills—I just need to refine my combat sense. I need real battles, not just sparring or training.'

As I lay there, contemplating my future fighting style, I suddenly sensed someone approaching.

A familiar voice broke the silence. "What the hell are you doing all the way out here, Shinji? I had to break through a Five-Seal Barrier just to find you."

I turned my head to see Jiraiya-sensei, sitting beside me with his usual lazy grin.

"Just training," I said, still catching my breath. "You're finally back?"

"Yeah," he said, stretching. "And this time, I'll be staying for a while. You can enjoy my legendary teachings more now."

I raised an eyebrow. "Enjoy? More like suffer through them."

He grinned smugly. "Well, I've made sure you'll be around to suffer longer."

Something about the way he said that put me on edge. "…What do you mean?"

Jiraiya clapped his hands together. "I convinced the Hokage to keep you in the Academy for one more year."

I sat up, eyes wide with shock. "You did what?!"

He smirked, clearly proud of himself. "I thought you should enjoy more time with your friends and have them in your genin team. Building lifelong bonds is part of the Academy curriculum, after all."

I glared at him. "You mean to tell me I fought a giant electrified bird thinking I'd graduate next week… for nothing?!"

Jiraiya rubbed his chin. "What do you mean?"

I groaned, flopping back onto the ground. "What am I even supposed to do for another year? I already know everything the Academy teaches."

Jiraiya grinned. "Well, since you can already manipulate shadows, I asked Shinzo Nara to teach you his clan's Shadow Possession Jutsu."

I blinked. "…That's actually a really good idea."

Jiraiya smirked. "And in return, you're going to learn more Fūinjutsu from me."

I sighed, finally relenting. "Fine."

Maybe this year wouldn't be so bad after all.