"The technique I'll be teaching you," Sengoku began, eyes locked on Raito, "is Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique. It's a B-rank jutsu, hard to master, but when executed properly, the dragon can be maneuvered mid-flight, perfect for striking aerial targets. It's also wide and powerful enough to conceal another jutsu inside it if you supercharge the flames."
He stepped forward, forming a rapid series of hand seals.
"Watch closely."
Sengoku inhaled.
A monstrous dragon of roaring flames surged from his mouth, spiraling across the field before crashing into the trees. The ground trembled from the impact. A swath of the forest vanished—reduced to scorched earth. Ash drifted around.
Such overwhelming power… Raito thought, stunned. If that hit me directly, even my bones might not be left .
"This jutsu has a minor area-of-effect," Sengoku continued casually, as if he hadn't just incinerated half a training field. "Even if the dragon misses its primary mark, unless the opponent evades with absolute precision, they'll still suffer damage. Its temperature is exceptionally high."
Then his expression hardened.
"But understand this, Raito, never use it against an ally or in a spar. This isn't a technique you 'hold back.' It's lethal."
Raito nodded solemnly.
"Good. Now, focus. Compress your chakra in your stomach, apply fire-nature transformation, and expel it through your mouth."
Raito inhaled, did exactly as instructed, nothing came out.
"Don't be discouraged," Sengoku said, patting his back. "It took me four attempts before I managed even an ember."
Raito tried again. This time, a weak gout of flame dribbled forward before fading into smoke.
Sengoku's eyes narrowed slightly. Curious… His flames feel completely Yin. There's no trace of Yang energy at all. How is that possible?
After several failed attempts, Sengoku intervened. "Hold your chakra in your stomach a little longer, then shape the jutsu."
Raito repeated the process.
FWOOOM—
A small fire dragon roared forward, not even a tenth the size of Sengoku's, but unmistakably a proper form. Rough, unstable, but real.
He exhaled, panting.
"Don't let this go to your head," Sengoku said bluntly. "That worked only because of your flawed chakra circulation. It's a dangerous habit, allows enemies to read your chakra build-up before you release the jutsu. They'll counter you easily. It's also terrible for long-term chakra refinement."
"If it's that bad," Raito frowned, "why tell me to do it?"
Sengoku smirked. "Because I wanted to test something. My instinct was right."
He glanced at the sky. "Keep practicing. I'm going to check on the other two, then call it a day. If you're planning to train late, make sure you leave before 11 p.m. I'm not paying extra for facility use."
Raito blinked. What a cheapskate.
Once Sengoku was gone, Raito resumed training, this time without the "shortcut." Every attempt failed. The flames dispersed too soon. He could produce the fire dragon only when holding chakra longer in his gut.
That's… a serious problem.
After several more tries, all he could muster were a few sparks flickering past his lips.
Better than nothing, he thought, slumping onto a rock and wiping sweat from his forehead.
I'll rest. Let my chakra replenish, then try again.
His gaze darkened.
I have to get stronger. Strong enough to tame all shikigami especially Nue.
But another thought chilled him.
If I accidentally summon the Nue Sukuna used instead of Megumi's version… I'm finished.
He remembered its sheer scale, standing atop a skyscraper like a living storm. Its presence alone oppressive.
I could handle the normal Nue… but that one?
He looked at his scorched training field.
How would I even explain suddenly fighting a creature like that?
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire!"
A stream of flames burst from Raito's mouth, forming a small dragon that roared forward before crashing into a tree. The bark blackened instantly, the entire trunk consumed in fire, but the jutsu dissipated before extending further.
Not perfect…but a success.
Three hours had passed.
He could finally execute it consistently. Not mastered by any stretch, but usable.
The sky had darkened. It was nearing ten.
One hour remained.
Raito watched Kuro and Ryuma limp away from the training grounds, battered from Sengoku's regimen. He exhaled, muscles still aching.
Perfect timing.
Even if I'm nowhere near peak condition… I'm confident I can take down Nue.
He stepped forward, forming the shadowgraphy hand sign.
His voice resonated within the clearing.
"I hence commence the exorcism ritual of shadows.
I implore you—reveal yourself."
His shadow stretched unnaturally, twisting and expanding as if something massive lurked within. A blur shot forward.
Raito substituted instantly with a log.
The worst thing about exorcism rituals, it always attacks from behind.
An owl-like creature soared overhead, masked in white, wings crackling with electricity. It screeched and dove.
Too slow.
"Wind Release: Gale Jutsu!"
Streams of air shot forward, disrupting the charge.
Even if it can fly… its attacks rely on physical impact.
Nue flared its wings and dove again.
"Wind Release: Breakthrough!"
A violent gust collided with the creature mid-flight, tearing into its wings and spraying blood.
Raito didn't hesitate.
"Now to finish this!"
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire!"
The flame dragon roared from his mouth, hurling itself into Nue and engulfing the shikigami completely.
There was a crackle of energy—and then silence.
A whisper echoed within his mind.
[Exorcism completed. Shikigami tamed.]
[Template Progression: 30%]
[Chakra reserves increased.]
Raito wiped sweat from his brow.
Huh. That was easier than expected.
He clapped his hands.
Nue materialized again from his shadow, completely restored.
Fully recovered upon submission. Useful.
But I can't rely on letting it die in battle.
The creature met his gaze, no longer a hostile opponent, but a slave.
Raito reached out, ruffling the feathers atop its head.
One step closer to power.
He glanced at the timer on the training post.
His eyes widened.
"OH CRAP, IT'S 11:20! I WENT OVER! SENGOKU'S GONNA KILL ME!"
The shikigami dispersed in panic as Raito sprinted off the training grounds at full speed.