Chapter 3: Ability Activation
"Lightning Release Chakra Mode uses special lightning-natured chakra to stimulate the body's nerves, boosting speed. It can also wrap the body surface for attack or defense..."
Uchiha Yoichi read the training scroll over a dozen times until he had every word memorized—practically able to recite it backward—before destroying it.
First step: master lightning nature transformation. That was the prerequisite for any Lightning Release ninjutsu.
Nature transformation basically meant making chakra mimic the properties of elements—not literally turning it into lightning or water. Wind Release cuts because chakra imitates wind's sharpness; Fire Release burns by mimicking heat.
Yoichi clearly remembered Asuma Sarutobi teaching Naruto wind nature: split chakra into two masses, rub them together to make it thinner and sharper—that's wind transformation.
Lightning had many aspects, but for Lightning Release Chakra Mode (a nin-taijutsu technique), Yoichi figured he should prioritize 'stimulation' and 'conductivity.'
"Speed up chakra flow through the meridians to simulate electrical current—activating the body like electrified nerves. Normal chakra can boost speed and strength by concentrating it in the feet, but Lightning Release Chakra Mode is more complex."
As a chunin, Yoichi had long mastered tree-climbing and water-walking. He could already accelerate by gathering chakra in his soles.
"This afternoon, I'll find an electrician and see if they can make me a current-releasing transformer. Might help with training."
The ninja world's tech was fairly advanced—electric appliances already existed.
Soon, Yoichi began simulating lightning nature with his chakra. One silver lining: while checking himself in the mirror, the ability suddenly activated. He could X-ray his own body to monitor internal changes and avoid overtraining injuries.
This might be the only useful thing about this trash ability—watching his meridians during practice reduced risks.
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"Yoichi, you're training?"
When Uchiha Inabi arrived at the training ground, he saw Yoichi sitting on the ground drenched in sweat and nodded approvingly inwardly. True Uchiha geniuses combined talent with hard work like this.
Yoichi panted lightly. "I want to master lightning nature transformation. After a week of training, I can finally achieve cellular activation."
Inabi nodded. "Cellular activation in just one week? Not bad, Yoichi. Your talent's solid. Reaching this level in lightning nature is basically entry-level. Once you master a second nature, jonin rank won't be far off."
At that strength level, the rest was just experience—and the Uchiha clan had ways to fast-track that for its members.
"Enough about that. The clan head wants you at his house. Seems the village's decision is out."
"It's been a whole week. I thought they'd shelve it until next year."
"Yoichi, I know it's frustrating to get merit but cold treatment. The clan head sometimes has to compromise. When you meet him, try to understand."
Inabi sighed.
Uchiha Fugaku wasn't content with the Uchiha being stuck in the police force. He wanted deeper integration into Konoha—ANBU, mission desks, etc. So in certain matters, Fugaku yielded to the higher-ups in exchange for advancing the clan a step forward.
Inabi understood this logic and thought the clan head's choice was reasonable: to gain something, you sacrifice a little. The clansmen should understand.
But Yoichi was an exception—he wasn't a pure-blooded Uchiha by birth.
"I'll go home and change first, Inabi-senpai."
"Alright, I'll come with you."
They headed back to Yoichi's house first. After a morning of training, he was sweaty and grimy—better to shower and change before meeting the clan head.
"Inabi-senpai, I haven't eaten yet..."
Inabi shook his head. "After we leave the clan head's place. It'll probably just be a quick talk."
Soon, the two arrived at Fugaku's residence.
After ringing the bell, the door opened quickly. A young woman with a mature, graceful charm smiled warmly. "Inabi-kun, and this must be Yoichi-kun. Fugaku's waiting for you."
"Pardon the intrusion."
Inabi and Yoichi bowed slightly, removed their shoes at the entrance, and stepped inside.
This was Uchiha Mikoto. By the timeline, in two more years, the Uchiha clan's biggest filial son would be born. Thinking of Itachi made Yoichi want to find a chance to drown the kid early.
Mikoto led them to the living room.
Uchiha Fugaku was already waiting inside. Seeing Inabi and Yoichi, he nodded expressionlessly. "Inabi-senpai, Yoichi. You've arrived. Please sit."
"Clan head."
Once seated, Fugaku got straight to business. "Yoichi-kun, the higher-ups have reached a decision on the last incident. The Iwa jonin head you brought back was very helpful to the village—they've already dispatched people to foil the plot."
"However, the interrogation unit questioned your surviving teammate and extracted intel from the head. The village believes you showed a tendency to use teammates as tools during the mission. Even though it accidentally led to merit this time, the higher-ups don't recommend you form or join mission teams anymore."
"Inabi told me your preferences, so I wanted to ask personally: are you still willing to join the police force now?"
Yoichi fell silent for a moment before speaking. "Clan head, I'm a bit confused. A chunin and three genin running into an enemy jonin, chunin, and two genin—surviving was already a fluke. How do they think I 'used' my teammates?"
"The surviving teammate can no longer be a ninja. According to him, you had a chance to save him."
"No chakra—how was I supposed to save him? With the Will of Fire or my mouth? Clan head, why didn't the higher-ups save the Second Hokage back then? Weren't they his bodyguards?"
"Yoichi, this is the village's suggestion. As clan head, I've accepted it. I hope you understand."
Fugaku's tone grew slightly heavier—this was the agreed result between the clan and village. It was phrased as a 'suggestion,' but it was final.
Knowing Yoichi felt wronged, he softened his voice a bit. "The clan acknowledges your contribution, so we can offer compensation."
"No need, anyway—"
"Fugaku, I've prepared tea and snacks."
Yoichi was about to say more when Mikoto's gentle voice came from outside. He swallowed his words.
But at that moment, Yoichi's eyes started itching slightly. Not the Sharingan—he could control that freely now.
Damn—it was that trash ability!
In Yoichi's view, a figure carrying a tea tray walked in.
"Fugaku, I'll set the tea and snacks here... Eh? Ehhh!?"
Mikoto's words cut off as her eyes widened in shock. Her mind blanked, unable to process the scene: Why was a naked young man suddenly appearing right in front of her?