CHAPTER 53
New Ability
"I just figured this out yesterday. I didn't mean to hide it from you."
Bai Ye shifted uncomfortably under Yue's sharp gaze, rubbing the back of his neck. He had to explain—it was his first time testing this new ability, and the dramatic display during the match had been deliberate.
"Bai Ye, the real issue now is whether you can get rid of this ice. We still need this arena this afternoon."
The proctor knocked on the thick wall of ice. After gauging its density, he let out a sigh. Clearly, he didn't know Fire Release and had no idea how to deal with the aftermath.
"Uh... this might be a problem."
Bai Ye had been caught up in the excitement of the battle and hadn't considered the cleanup. Unfortunately, he couldn't make the ice vanish—it wasn't like chakra-based ninjutsu that could be dispelled.
"Fire Style: Great Fireball Jutsu!"
Yue, noticing Bai Ye's dilemma, gave a sweet smile before forming a familiar hand seal. She expelled a large fireball, aiming it at the frozen terrain.
"Hadō #31: Shakkahō!"
Bai Ye snapped back to attention. Of course—he didn't need to suppress the ice with control, just melt it. He raised his palm and released a sphere of red energy forward, his Kidō flaring brightly.
With twin attacks from both sides, the massive ice formation quickly melted, leaving only puddles behind as proof of its prior existence.
"When I think about fighting you freaks this afternoon, I lose all will to live..."
Anko, who had stayed behind after winning her own match easily, shook her head in disbelief. She had wanted to gauge Bai Ye and his teammates—maybe find a way to beat them. But what she saw only confirmed her worst fears. Bai Ye had ended the match in an instant.
Yue and Yuyan exchanged looks. Honestly, they wanted to assure her that they weren't that terrifying. It was just Bai Ye who was utterly absurd. They, at least, were still within the bounds of normal shinobi standards.
Afterward, the four teammates left the field chatting and laughing, planning to grab dinner together. Bai Ye, being the only boy, mostly kept quiet, spending the walk reviewing his Zanpakutō's abilities.
---
Current Abilities
Zanpakutō:
Kamishini no Yari (God Spear)
Senbonzakura
Hyorinmaru
(Progress: 20/5000 XP)
Hadō (Destructive Spells):
#1: Shō
#4: Byakurai
#11: Tsuzuri Raiden
#31: Shakkahō (Red Fire Cannon)
#33: Sōkatsui (Blue Fire Crash)
(Progress: 23/5000 XP)
Bakudō (Binding Spells):
#1: Sai
#4: Hainawa
#8: Seki
#30: Shitotsu Sansen
#39: Enkōsen
(Progress: 25/5000 XP)
Hakuda (Hand-to-Hand Combat):
Mastery: 5 Stages
(Progress: 18/5000 XP)
Shunpo (Flash Step):
Mastery: 5 Stages
(Progress: 21/5000 XP)
High-Speed Regeneration:
Mastery: 5 Stages
---
Skill Highlights:
Senbonzakura: The blade scatters into countless petal-like fragments of invisible blades. When lit, they resemble cherry blossoms—a graceful but deadly form of area control.
Hyorinmaru: The strongest ice-type Zanpakutō. Forms a massive ice dragon from spiritual energy and chakra, freezing everything it touches. A chain connects the hilt to the user's arm for better control.
Hadō #31: Shakkahō: A red fireball released from the palm, versatile for offense and utility (such as lighting).
Hadō #33: Sōkatsui: A blue flame shot with wide spread and destructive power. Fired from the fingertips and palm at high speed, difficult to evade.
Bakudō #30: Shitotsu Sansen: Three triangle-shaped beams pin the opponent by the wrists and abdomen to a surface, immobilizing them.
Bakudō #39: Enkōsen: Forms a circular energy shield that rotates to deflect attacks.
---
With no major missions recently, Bai Ye had progressed steadily. His Zanpakutō had undergone a second evolution just yesterday—two evolutions in only three months. The skills from the last upgrade were now second nature.
However, progress had begun to slow. Physical training alone no longer gave the sharp increases it used to. Only through real insight and experience could he now grow stronger.
There was some good news though—his Zanpakutō could evolve as long as the experience meter filled, without any apparent bottleneck.
---
Yue had trained alongside Bai Ye when they learned Bakudō #30: Shitotsu Sansen, hoping to expand her tactical versatility.
As for Hadō #31: Shakkahō, while powerful, it was too similar in function to her clan's Fire Style jutsu, so she didn't see much benefit in learning it.
Yuyan, though quietly envious, had chosen not to pursue Kidō or spiritual arts. Her Hyūga training and commitment to medical ninjutsu already pushed her to the limit. Her time was better spent honing the Gentle Fist and improving chakra control.
---
Meanwhile...
On a rooftop overlooking the academy training grounds, Jiraiya leaned on the railing, watching Bai Ye and his team pass below.
"Orochimaru, you called us back... for these kids?"
"If you want Bai Ye as your apprentice, just ask. What, you want us to throw you a party? When we became your teammates, you didn't even bother to show up."
Tsunade was leaning beside him, cheeks flushed from alcohol, her balance slightly off. She eyed Orochimaru with a mix of suspicion and disinterest.
"Don't be so cold, Tsunade. That Hyūga girl down there—she has potential. Wouldn't you say she's worth mentoring?"
Orochimaru clearly anticipated Bai Ye might refuse him, so he was already laying the groundwork for the others. Yue, for instance, was someone he planned to push toward Jiraiya.
"You're acting strange. You never care about things like this," Jiraiya muttered, narrowing his eyes.
He knew Orochimaru too well. If he'd called them here personally, it meant something serious. And recommending disciples? That was not typical behavior.
"It's rare for a Hyūga to learn medical ninjutsu. I'm not recommending her on a whim."
Ignoring Jiraiya's retort, Orochimaru focused on Tsunade. She was the tougher nut to crack. Ever since she lost her brother and lover in the war, she hadn't been the same—withdrawn, bitter, unwilling to get attached.
"I'm going for a drink. Don't bother me unless it's urgent."
Tsunade said nothing more. She turned and vanished from the rooftop, waving without looking back.
"She didn't say yes."
"She didn't say no, either." Orochimaru smirked, casually draping an arm around Jiraiya's neck. "That's a win."
"I swear, I've never seen you care this much."
Jiraiya slapped his arm away, visibly unsettled. Orochimaru's rare enthusiasm gave him chills. Before Orochimaru could say more, Jiraiya disappeared in a flicker of movement—fleeing before things got even weirder.