"Theoretically, Bloodline Limits can be engineered," Kiyohara stroked his chin, pacing behind the ruined wall.
Kekkei Genkai (Bloodline Limits) are typically the result of genetic mutation or the forced fusion of two fundamental Chakra Natures.
* Wood Release: Earth + Water.
* Scorch Release: Fire + Wind.
Once a ninja successfully merges two natures, their DNA is altered, allowing the trait to be passed down. This is the origin of the noble clans. It separates the elites from the commoners.
There are exceptions, of course. Dust Release (Particle Style) is a Bloodline Selection—a fusion of Earth, Wind, and Fire—taught from master to student without blood relation.
"What natures make up Magnet Release?" Kiyohara asked the Radical Spirit, who was leaning against a phantom pillar, arms crossed.
"Wind and Earth," the Sand Ninja replied flatly.
"Wind and Earth?" Kiyohara's eyes lit up. "Not Wind and Lightning?"
It made sense. If he recalled the official databooks from his past life—the Jin no Sho—Gaara's affinities were Wind, Earth, and Lightning. His father, Rasa, had Wind, Water, Earth, and Yin. Rasa didn't possess Lightning at all. The common denominators were Wind and Earth.
Kiyohara ended the mental link and returned to reinforcing the perimeter. But his mind was racing.
'I need an alibi.'
If he suddenly started throwing iron sand around, Orochimaru would strap him to a dissection table. He needed to plant a seed. He needed people to see him struggling to learn Earth and Wind manipulation. That way, when he "accidentally" fused them under pressure, he could claim a spontaneous genetic mutation.
He already had a Wind affinity. He lacked Earth.
Fortunately, he had looted a scroll from the Iwa ninja Oishi during the Kannabi Bridge mission: Earth Release: Earth Submergence Technique (Hiding like a Mole).
During his rotation break, Kiyohara found a secluded corner of the ruins.
"What affinities do you have?" Kiyohara asked the Spirit.
"Earth, Lightning, and Wind," the Radical said proudly.
"I only have Wind, Lightning, Yin, and Yang," Kiyohara admitted. "I don't have Earth. My progress with this scroll is terrible."
Learning a jutsu without the corresponding affinity was like swimming upstream. You could do it, but it was incredibly inefficient.
The Radical sighed, looking at Kiyohara's messy attempts to mold earth chakra. "Your conversion rate is pathetic. You have zero talent for this. Forget it. Let me guide you manually. Memorize the feeling."
The Spirit overlaid his phantom arm over Kiyohara's.
Instantly, Kiyohara felt chakra route through tenketsu (nodes) and meridians he had never utilized before. It was an uncomfortable, grinding sensation, but he memorized the pathway.
For the next three days, Kiyohara brutalized himself.
Earth Submergence was a dangerous jutsu. If your chakra faltered while underground, the earth would crush you to death.
On the third evening, Kiyohara breached the surface, gasping for air.
His uniform top was completely shredded by the abrasive soil. He stripped it off, tossing the ruined fabric aside, and stood in just his ninja pants, drenched in sweat and dirt.
"Hoo..."
He looked down at his body.
Months of intense sword training had carved away any remaining baby fat. His muscles weren't bulky, but they were incredibly dense, defined like coiled steel cables.
He needed this physical mass. His Spiritual Energy (Yin) was so massive from the urn fusions that if he didn't constantly upgrade his Physical Energy (Yang), his body would tear itself apart.
Sweat trickled down his chest. He wiped his face with a damp cloth.
'It's clumsy, but I can finally swim through the dirt,' he thought. 'This gives me a massive tactical advantage for infiltration and escape.'
"Kiyohara!"
He turned. Rin Nohara and Kakashi were walking through the ruins toward him.
Rin stopped. She saw Kiyohara standing shirtless in the fading light, his chest heaving, sweat gleaming on his defined core.
Her face flushed crimson. She quickly averted her eyes, though she couldn't help but steal another glance. 'He works so hard...'
Kakashi's dead-fish eye scanned Kiyohara's physique. He noted the increased muscle density and the residual earth chakra clinging to his skin.
'He's not just resting,' Kakashi thought with grudging respect. 'He's preparing.'
"Don't push yourself to death," Kakashi said dryly.
"Just trying to master a new trick," Kiyohara grabbed a spare tunic from his bag and pulled it over his head. 'Boys must protect themselves when out and about,' he joked internally, noting Rin's flustered state. It was the Kurenai situation all over again.
"Save your energy," Kakashi's tone shifted to business. "The Byakugan scouts just reported back."
Kakashi looked out toward the dark, churning ocean.
"There are signatures a few kilometers out. The Mist is making their move. This defensive line is about to be tested."
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