Morphological transformation and nature transformation, as the names suggest, refer to the changes in the shape and nature of a technique, allowing it to achieve greater power.
"In fact, every elemental technique contains both morphological and nature transformations," Junichi explained. "For example, the Great Fireball Technique—its nature transformation is fire, while its morphological transformation is its spherical shape."
Shimizu pondered this concept, analyzing it from a scientific perspective. To his understanding, nature transformation was akin to a chemical change, while morphological transformation resembled a physical change.
Junichi then posed a question. "Since all techniques inherently contain nature and morphological transformations, do you know what differentiates high-level techniques from lower-level ones?"
Shimizu answered softly, "Is it their unique characteristics?"
Junichi raised an eyebrow in mild surprise. "You know?"
Shimizu nodded slightly. "I've read about it in books."
"That's right!" Junichi smiled approvingly. "For instance, characteristics derived from morphological transformation include sharpness and rotation, while nature transformation can lead to properties such as hardness, penetration, extreme temperature, paralysis, corrosiveness, or vitality."
"Take the Fire Dragon Technique, a C-rank jutsu. It appears formidable because it takes the shape of a dragon, but its effectiveness is limited. On the other hand, a technique like the Roaring Flame Spear—though just a differently shaped fire technique—can be far more dangerous due to the compression and refinement of its chakra."
Kurenai interrupted, frowning. "But Sensei, isn't fire still just an intangible element? Even if you shape it like a spear, it can't truly function as one, right?"
"That's why an important step in high-level morphological transformation is chakra compression," Asuma interjected. "You've seen Shimizu's Rasengan, haven't you? The way it compresses chakra allows it to have tangible force."
"Exactly," Junichi agreed. "For example, the Third Raikage of the Cloud Village used his Lightning Release Armor not only to enhance his body but also to create an ultra-dense chakra cloak, giving him nearly impenetrable defense."
Noticing Kurenai's still somewhat confused expression, Junichi continued, "Nature transformation further amplifies this. For example, within Fire Release, attributes such as extreme heat, combustion, rupture, and luminosity all play a role. High-level techniques usually combine multiple characteristics or refine one to its peak. The Great Fireball Technique, for instance, has a standard flame temperature, but the Dust Concealment Jutsu used against Asuma earlier demonstrated fire at an extreme heat level."
"Of course, not all high-level techniques rely solely on transformation refinement," Junichi added. "Some are created through the fusion of multiple chakra natures."
He then turned to Shimizu. "By the way, have you tested your chakra affinities?"
Shimizu nodded. "Earth, Water, and Wind."
"Three elements? That's quite impressive!" Junichi smiled. "With your talent, you might one day master combination techniques like the Hokage."
Shimizu, intrigued, shifted the topic. "Speaking of combination techniques, Tsunade-sensei mentioned that when two chakra natures are fused, they can form entirely new elemental releases."
Junichi chuckled. "Ah, Tsunade-sama was probably referring to Wood Release. After all, the First Hokage—the most legendary ninja—used Wood Release to unify the Warring States era."
Hearing the mention of the First Hokage, Asuma and Kurenai grew excited. "Is it possible to learn Wood Release?"
Junichi laughed at their enthusiasm. "Wood Release is a combination of Water and Earth Release, so technically, Shimizu meets the requirements. However, developing a Kekkei Genkai is not as simple as just having the right elemental affinities. Otherwise, the Hokage would have created countless new bloodline limits by now."
Kurenai curiously asked, "Then who has successfully developed a new Kekkei Genkai?"
Junichi hesitated for a moment before answering, "In recent decades, no new bloodline limits have been recorded. However, there is one known case of something even rarer—Kekkei Tōta."
Kurenai tilted her head. "Kekkei Tōta? What's that?"
Junichi's expression grew serious. "Kekkei Tōta is a fusion of three elemental chakra natures, creating techniques far superior to regular Kekkei Genkai. The Third Tsuchikage is famous for wielding one—Dust Release."
Asuma was stunned. "The Third Tsuchikage actually developed a three-element fusion technique?"
He then scoffed. "That old man's still a disappointment compared to the Tsuchikage. He couldn't even create a two-element bloodline limit."
Junichi quickly clarified, "Actually, Dust Release was originally developed by the Second Tsuchikage. The Third Tsuchikage merely inherited it."
Not wanting Asuma to blurt out anything more controversial, he swiftly redirected the conversation. "Now, back to Wood Release!"
"Do you know why Wood Release is so powerful?"
"I have no idea," Kurenai admitted.
"Wood Release doesn't just combine the flexibility of Water Release with the sturdiness of Earth Release—it possesses a unique property that sets it apart: absorption."
Kurenai was puzzled. "Absorption?"
"Yes, it absorbs chakra."
Both Asuma and Kurenai were shocked. "It can drain chakra?! That's way too overpowered!"
They immediately grasped the implications—an elemental technique that could absorb the enemy's chakra mid-battle was terrifying.
Junichi chuckled. "While Wood Release is powerful, its true strength lay in the First Hokage himself. In the hands of others, it wouldn't necessarily be as effective. At most, it could disrupt an enemy's chakra flow or hinder weaker opponents, but it wouldn't be a game-changer in large-scale warfare."
Shimizu nodded in agreement. "Even within Wood Release users, there's a vast difference between someone like the First Hokage and others."
He pondered further. "If I view it from a scientific perspective, the key difference lies in chakra density. The First Hokage's immense life force and Yang Release mastery likely allowed him to draw out the full potential of Wood Release. For others, chakra quantity and quality might be insufficient."
Asuma and Kurenai, having calmed down, realized that even the strongest techniques depended on the user. A weak ninja wielding a powerful jutsu was still weak.
Junichi grinned. "Now, do you understand why I said your so-called high-level techniques earlier weren't all that impressive?"
Asuma nodded, lost in thought. Then, in a low voice, he muttered, "I still feel like you're looking down on the Great Fireball Technique a little too much..."
Junichi laughed. "Am I? Well, starting tomorrow, you'll have new assignments to prepare for!"