"So that's how it is… I don't have the Sharingan, so I guess this technique isn't meant for me after all."
Tsukikage Kaza sighed in disappointment.
She had recently learned Lightning Release and could already channel lightning chakra to stimulate her body, so she understood well what it felt like to move at high speed. But without the Sharingan, perfectly controlling that state was almost impossible.
Once she lost the boost from speed, Chidori became rather useless for her, given how little chakra she had to begin with.
"It doesn't have to be copied exactly. What Kakashi-sensei calls Raikiri—Lightning Cutter—is basically a combination of nature transformation with shape transformation," Chiba said as he packed up the ninja tools and erased traces of the battle. "And shape transformation isn't as restrictive as it sounds."
"Do you have a way around it?" Tsukikage Kaza's eyes lit up.
Kakashi smiled. He himself had a few versions of the technique, some even developing into entirely new ninjutsu forms, but he was curious about what kind of idea Chiba could come up with.
What sort of solution would this kid think of?
"For instance, you could merge the Chidori with a blade or kunai—maybe form it into needles, a spear, or even coat your entire body with it."
Chiba paused for a moment before continuing. "You could also speed up the release—activate Lightning Release at the moment of attack, kind of like…"
He flicked his hand, and a Rasengan formed instantly.
"Seal-less ninjutsu… that's definitely a direction," Kakashi said with approval.
That was something he'd considered himself, though he hadn't yet found a satisfactory method.
"Other than that, there's always body training. kid can still react with lightning-fast reflexes even while moving at extreme speeds."
"True, but that kind of training requires constant battle. In peaceful times like these, it's not exactly easy to achieve."
Kakashi shoved his hands into his pockets and glanced over at Tenten. "Tenten, you've got a sealing scroll, right?"
"You want me to seal the ninja tools? Got it…"
"Yeah. Since we're supposed to escort a batch of tools back anyway, you can just pack them into the scroll for now."
"Huh?"
Tenten watched Kakashi walk away, then clenched her fist and punched the air.
Kankurō's definitely taking revenge!
So petty!
She grumbled as she began sealing four sets of ninja tools into the scroll.
"Oh, right—Tenten, are you interested in sealing techniques?"
"Sealing jutsu? Of course I am—but it doesn't seem very interested in me," Tenten said jokingly.
Sealing techniques were famously hard to learn. She had spent an enormous amount of effort just mastering sealing scrolls, which ironically made her scores in academic subjects shoot up during her time at the academy.
Still… she felt she'd already hit her limit.
Chiba shook his head. "I don't mean high-level sealing arts. I mean the ones you can learn now—like the Binding Formation or the Three-Way Seal."
"Really?"
Tenten thought about it as they walked.
Now that she considered it, what Chiba said made sense.
She'd already built up a foundation of sealing knowledge—if she worked hard, she might really master one or two new techniques. Learning a couple more definitely wouldn't hurt.
After all, during the last mission, hadn't Chiba used the Binding Formation together with an Absorption Barrier to defeat multiple enemies?
There were no weak techniques—only weak shinobi.
Tenten's eyes brightened. "Chiba-kun, you're really something!"
Wait a minute…
She suddenly felt something was off.
Now that she thought about it, ever since she'd joined Chiba's team, her study schedule had been packed.
At first, it was just ninja tools.
Now it was forging, ninjutsu, and sealing arts.
???
Tsukikage Kaza was the same way.
She'd started out only wanting to train swordsmanship, assassination, and stealth…
Now she was doing swordsmanship and Lightning Release.
Hold on—why does she have less to study than I do?
Tenten tilted her head toward Chiba. "Why do I have to learn more stuff than Tsukikage Kaza?"
"…Is that the point?"
"Isn't it?"
Tenten put her hands on her hips.
"It's because your knowledge base is stronger and your talent's higher. Becoming a jōnin isn't just about mastering ninja tools," Chiba said, sounding like an earnest instructor.
"Then shouldn't we make her feel ashamed and motivated to catch up?"
"…You've got a point."
Never try reasoning with anyone—even in the shinobi world.
Chiba sighed inwardly.
Still, Tenten's mood came and went quickly. She was just venting. Deep down, she knew Chiba's advice was for her own good.
Tired as she was, her improvement was undeniable.
"Ah, that mission was a breeze."
"Yeah, practically free credit. You think the Hokage just tossed it to us to keep us busy?"
"Don't worry about it, huh—?"
Just as Kakashi was about to reassure her, he stopped at the mission desk, suddenly sensing someone's gaze.
He looked up—and recognized the familiar attire.
"Shibi-senpai, you're waiting for us?"
Kakashi spoke casually, though he discreetly glanced toward Chiba.
He had already stepped down as the captain of the ANBU, so Aburame Shibi likely wasn't there for him. Which meant… he was probably waiting for his student.
But why?
Could it be… something to do with insects?
Kakashi silently wondered what Shibi's intentions were.
Shibi looked at Chiba, paused for a moment, then opened his mouth—only for Chiba to speak first.
"Shibi-senpai, you were looking for me?"
"…Yes. I have something I'd like your help with."
Shibi nodded.
"Kakashi-sensei."
"Go on with him," Kakashi said. "I'll handle the report and paperwork."
"Thanks a lot."
Chiba thanked him in advance, then followed Shibi to a secluded corner outside the gate.
Shibi released a few kikaichū.
Only after several seconds did he begin to speak.
"Some time ago, a member of my clan was poisoned during a mission."
"I heard kikaichū can neutralize most toxins. Normally poison shouldn't be lethal to your clan. Was this poison specifically made to target them?"
"Exactly."
Shibi's tone remained calm, but there was a faint gleam of satisfaction in his eyes.
This boy really was brilliant.
After steadying his mood, he continued. "The toxin spreads through the kikaichū, infecting others. It's clearly designed st us."
A poison aimed at kikaichū…
Could it be the Kamizuru Clan?
No—that was unlikely. The Kamizuru were long-time rivals of the Aburame, but after their defeat, they'd fallen out of favor in Iwagakure. Their numbers had dwindled to almost nothing.
Chiba frowned, then quickly shook his head.
Why was he even speculating?
Clearly, this poisoning incident wasn't part of the original timeline. Whatever knowledge he had from his previous life wouldn't help identify the culprit here.
And besides, no one else knew he was a transmigrant—so there was no reason for them to ask him about the culprit.
"You want me to help develop an antidote?"
"Yes." Shibi nodded.
"Do you still have a sample of the toxin? If so, I can give it a try. But I've been busy lately, so it might take some time."
"I understand."
Shibi wasn't surprised. Antidote research wasn't something that could be done overnight.
Chiba paused for a moment, then said, "Actually… I just thought of a solution. Not exactly a proper one, but still."
"What kind of solution?"
"…Have you ever considered poisoning yourself on purpose?"
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