One Month Later

The sky was just beginning to pale. Faint hues of morning blue spread slowly across the horizon as Konoha stirred in its slumber.

Qingsi was already awake.

He pushed off his futon, washed up with cold water, and bit into a piece of dry bread—simple, fast, efficient. In truth, he would have preferred Bingliang Pills. They were more convenient and packed with nutrients.

And contrary to popular belief, they weren't even bad tasting—unless, of course, they were the monstrous kind made by Sakura.

Unfortunately, quality Bingliang Pills were expensive. Too expensive to be eaten like snacks.

And so, for now, dry bread and speed were enough.

Qingsi made his way to the riverside near the third training ground, where dew still clung to the blades of grass. He stepped out onto the calm water, chakra flowing steadily into the soles of his feet.

The ripples formed, but he stood tall, balanced.

An hour passed in silence—until it came.

"You have comprehended the entry: [Water Treader (White)]."

[Entry: Water Treader (White)]

Requirement Achieved: Walk on water as if on flat land.

Progress: Complete

Effect: In special terrain, chakra control becomes more proficient. Chakra sustainability increased by 5%.

Note: Can be advanced.

Advanced Route 1: Merge with "Tree Climber (White)" → "Lay the Foundation Seriously (White)"

Advanced Route 2: Merge with "Tree Climber (White)" + "Three Body Technique (White)" → "Solid Basic Skills (Green)"

"Two paths?" Qingsi muttered, scanning the glowing interface only he could see.

As expected, daily practice yielded results. Though the river's current was calm, the ability to walk upon it still required finesse—chakra must be tuned with the water's movement, balanced evenly through the soles.

"But this alone isn't enough for battle," Qingsi reminded himself. "True proficiency is when you can fight without falling."

When Chunin-level ninjas were caught off-guard on water, many scrambled to form hand seals and channel chakra just to stay afloat.

Seal mastery. That was the hidden skill being tested.

Seals weren't just about speed—they were about control. Every ninjutsu, no matter how basic, began with refining chakra and molding it into form through seals. In short: no seal, no ninjutsu.

Qingsi had no intention of advancing yet.

"If I wait and combine this with Three Body Techniques… I can get a green entry."

He turned back to the clearing and began again—now switching to clone jutsu.

He practiced the seals with quiet intensity, repeating the rhythm: Ram → Snake → Tiger.

The air shimmered faintly—his chakra forming pale afterimages.

Then came the notification.

[Entry: Three Body Technique (White)]

Requirement Achieved: Learn Clone, Transformation, and Substitution Techniques.

Progress: 1%

Effect: You understand Three Body Technique better than average. Effectiveness +5%.

Note: Can be advanced.

"Good," Qingsi whispered.

Just a few weeks ago, Nohara Rin had helped him learn rope-escape and concealment—two of the most basic E-rank techniques. She had also shared insights into the Clone Jutsu, laying the groundwork for the Three Body Technique.

With his chakra control, it was only a matter of time.

"If I develop the Transformation Jutsu far enough, maybe I can fool even sensory ninjas."

Normally, perception-type shinobi could instantly tell a clone from the real body. But if the technique evolved—if it grew like White Zetsu's transformation—then perhaps…

Qingsi's thoughts were interrupted by a distant voice.

"Hey, is that Uchiha Seiji?"

A pair of white-eyed shinobi stood more than fifty meters away, partially obscured by the foliage.

Hinata Xia squinted, her green-black hair brushing her shoulders in the morning breeze. She could see a lone figure moving through seals with precision.

"Let's not bother him," Hinata Tetsu said beside her. "Come on. We're here to train Byakugan, not spy on Uchiha."

They turned and left.

Qingsi turned his head slightly. His eyes narrowed, then relaxed.

"Hinata Natsu… Hinata Tetsu…"

Minor players in the grand scheme. Xia would one day serve Hinata Hanabi. Tetsu was even more obscure.

Qingsi let them go.

"No need to draw unnecessary attention."

A Month Later

Time passed in the blink of an eye.

Leaves fell in drifts across the village. The warm gold of autumn had faded into the chill gray of late season. The winds were sharper now, the mornings colder. The world prepared itself for winter.

Qingsi stood shirtless in front of the mirror.

A faint flicker of static danced across his shoulders—an electric pulse crawling under the skin.

He rotated one arm, watching the fine control of his muscles. Not bulky, but dense. Refined.

"My frame's finally coming together," he thought.

Yotsuki blood was awakening.

While other Uchiha boys his age were still gangly or soft, he was already putting on power. His body absorbed training faster. His recovery was quicker. And behind that, his chakra capacity—already far above average—was growing even further.

"If this keeps up, I'll be mistaken for a Kumogakure jonin by age sixteen."

He gave a small laugh.

His hair remained black. His skin—fairer than most Kumogakure natives. But under that pale surface, lightning stirred.

He pulled on his robe and checked the entry panel again.

[Three Body Technique (White)]

Progress: 81%

Substitution mastered.

Transformation nearing completion.

"A few more days. Then I'll synthesize it all."

Behind his eyes, the Sharingan pulsed briefly in the dark.

He would unlock more than any textbook could offer.

Not just ninjutsu—But the system beneath it.The logic of the chakra world itself.

Qingsi stepped away from the mirror and into the hallway, where the cold air met him with a bite.

The leaves were falling.

And he had no intention of slowing down.