"Water Release chakra nature transformation can be divided into three stages."

Nawaki paused. "For now, mastering the first stage is enough."

Natsuki immediately recalled the plot in the original story where Uzumaki Naruto learned Wind Release transformation from Sarutobi Asuma.

Like Water Release, it had also been divided into three stages.

The first stage was using Wind Release to cut a leaf.

The second stage required increasing Wind Release chakra input to slice through a waterfall.

The third stage was combining nature transformation with ninjutsu—freely using or creating Wind Release techniques.

"What do you think is Water Release’s greatest characteristic?"

Nawaki produced a piece of paper.

"Flow."

Natsuki considered for a moment.

"It’s moisture."

Nawaki corrected. "Our first stage is to completely saturate this paper using Water Release chakra."

Water Release chakra flowed from his palm.

In moments, the paper in his hand was thoroughly soaked.

"Here."

Nawaki handed him a dry sheet.

Natsuki nodded and began training alongside him.

Although he possessed the Water affinity, his training didn’t proceed smoothly.

Meanwhile, Orochimaru arrived at the Hokage’s office.

He reported the two shadow techniques Natsuki had created.

"Truly remarkable."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed. "I look forward to seeing what ninjutsu he creates in the future."

"Natsuki is still young. I hope you can restrict information about him as much as possible, Teacher."

Orochimaru reminded him.

"Rest assured. I won’t let other villages notice him prematurely."

Sarutobi Hiruzen understood immediately and gave a direct promise.

Natsuki was not only a ninja of the Hokage’s faction—he was an inheritor of the Will of Fire.

"If the Nara clan finds out about these two shadow techniques, they definitely won’t be able to sit still."

Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly laughed.

Both Shadow Space and Shadow Assassin were extremely practical.

But since they were high-difficulty Yin Release ninjutsu, very few ninjas could learn them.

The Nara clan was different. Shadow techniques were their specialty.

If they could acquire these two jutsu, it was no exaggeration to say the entire clan’s strength would rise to another level.

"Then it depends on whether they can offer a price that satisfies Natsuki."

Orochimaru said calmly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, having no intention of helping the Nara clan.

As Hokage, he wouldn’t openly show favoritism.

Besides, Natsuki was his grand-disciple. If he were to favor anyone, it wouldn’t be the Nara clan first.

Time passed slowly.

After a full day, Natsuki had made no progress.

But he wasn’t anxious.

In the original story, it had taken Uzumaki Naruto about a month to complete Wind Release chakra nature transformation training.

And that was with the cheat of the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.

At that point, Naruto could easily create thousands of clones.

Natsuki thought of his Uzumaki Naruto template.

At this moment, he almost wished Kumogakure would kidnap Uzumaki Kushina sooner—so he could acquire the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.

But that was just a thought. He had no way to influence when that event occurred.

Natsuki stroked his chin.

He could learn the standard Shadow Clone Jutsu first.

With the chakra reserves of four Kakashis, he had enough to support it.

Most importantly, he had too many responsibilities. One person simply wasn’t enough.

With Shadow Clones, he could send duplicates to class and work as the izakaya’s chef while he focused on training.

"Guess who I am?"

A sudden voice rang out behind him.

"Nonou."

Natsuki said casually.

"Wrong!"

Uzumaki Kushina blocked his path, looking dissatisfied.

She puffed out her cheeks—like a hamster storing food.

"Kushina, when did you get back?"

Natsuki asked with a smile.

After the academy went on break, she and Tsunade had returned to the Uzumaki clan to visit relatives.

Although it was called visiting relatives, Kushina was actually an orphan.

If her parents were alive, forcing a young girl to relocate to Konoha would have been too inhumane.

Moreover, once she became the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, she wouldn’t be permitted to leave the village.

From a practical standpoint, Konoha didn’t want a Jinchuriki with strong ties to the Uzumaki clan.

"Just got back."

Kushina pouted. "Why didn’t you recognize my voice?"

"Sorry. I was thinking about how to create a Water Release technique."

Natsuki had actually guessed it was her—but he’d answered wrong on purpose.

Seeing her cute reaction was worth it.

Kushina wasn’t actually angry. She immediately forgot the matter entirely.

"When did you start researching Water Release? What about your shadow techniques?"

Because Natsuki frequently studied Yin Release books and materials, Kushina had seen him working on it. She knew he’d been creating shadow jutsu.

"I’ve already succeeded with the shadow techniques. But the next steps require a higher level of Yin Release that I temporarily can’t achieve."

Natsuki explained.

"That fast?"

Kushina asked curiously. "What kind of shadow techniques are they?"

Natsuki demonstrated Shadow Space and Shadow Assassin.

"Wow!"

Kushina’s eyes lit up. "I want a convenient Shadow Space too!"

She had taken an instant liking to it.

"This is Yin Release ninjutsu. You might not be able to learn it."

Natsuki shook his head. "But if you want to try, I’ll definitely teach you."

"Then I’ll learn it when I have time."

Kushina sighed. "Right now I have to focus on sealing techniques."

Learning sealing jutsu was preparation for becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

The urgency was because Uzumaki Mito’s life was nearing its end.

"Mm."

Natsuki understood her situation. He didn’t press further.

"Let’s go eat!"

Kushina grabbed his wrist and headed toward the Konoha Orphanage.

She hadn’t tasted Natsuki’s cooking in so long. She was genuinely craving it.

"Wait."

Natsuki pulled her back. "Let’s pick up Nonou from the hospital first."

Kushina finally remembered Yakushi Nonou.

She immediately changed direction toward Konoha Hospital.

Once all three were together, they returned to the orphanage.

"I want tempura!"

Kushina announced as she entered.

Nonou followed behind her.

Natsuki closed the door and headed for the kitchen.

He didn’t start cooking immediately.

Instead, he took a deep breath—and activated Water Breathing.

During the day, he’d been focused on Water Release nature transformation training. He hadn’t yet tried using Water Breathing.

Natsuki immediately heard a strong, powerful heartbeat. An astonishing change swept through his body.

Power surged forth. He felt stronger than ever before.

Natsuki clenched his fists.

For him right now, Water Breathing’s greatest enhancement was to kenjutsu and taijutsu.

If he were to fight Nawaki, Uchiha Mikoto, Namikaze Minato, or any of the others again—he could defeat them using kenjutsu and taijutsu alone.

<><><><><><>

Read Advanced Chapters on : patreon.com/Kaizo247

~ Every 150 PS = Bonus Chapter!

~ Push the Story forward with your [Power Stones]