LIGHTNOVELSTORY Chapter 7: Chapter 6
"Your chakra attributes are fire, lightning, and earth. Coupled with the Yin Release of the Sharingan, you're naturally attuned to four chakra natures," Uchiha Shenhuo said, examining the chakra test paper in his hand. "Perfectly suited for mastering our clan's techniques."
---
In the spiritual space, Sukuna's voice echoed derisively.
"This guy is probably at the level of a top-tier sorcerer," Sukuna said.
"Like you?" Kagami asked, his tone dry.
Sukuna scoffed. "Little brat, I was rated as a special-grade curse only because 'special' was the highest grade they had. If there were levels beyond that—"
"How many fingers of yours would he equate to?" Kagami interrupted, using Sukuna as his metric for strength.
The curse grumbled at the indignity. "Three, maybe. But let me remind you, I've surpassed my prime. My power isn't bound by those twenty fingers anymore. I've already—"
Kagami ignored him, turning his attention back to Shenhuo. Sukuna's ramblings had become a familiar background noise over the years.
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Shenhuo gestured for Kagami to step forward. "Fire and the Sharingan are the cornerstones of our clan's legacy. You already know the Great Fireball Jutsu. Now I'll teach you its next evolution—the Dragon Fire Jutsu."
Shenhuo performed the hand seals slowly. "The Fireball Jutsu serves to block vision and manipulate positioning. The Dragon Fire Jutsu is a precision strike, designed to end fights quickly. Watch closely."
With a blur of hand signs—**Ram → Horse → Snake → Hare**—a fiery dragon erupted from his mouth, speeding toward the lake. It collided with the surface, detonating into a massive fireball that lit up the surroundings.
"Memorize the sequence and observe the chakra flow through your Sharingan. This technique demands speed and accuracy, traits I see in you."
Kagami's Sharingan spun as he mirrored the hand seals, channeling his chakra. A fiery dragon shot forward, albeit smaller than Shenhuo's, exploding just above the lake.
"Excellent," Shenhuo praised, his stern demeanor softening. "With practice, your control will refine itself. But don't rush to learn the next technique before mastering this one fully."
Kagami nodded. "Agreed. Rushing will only slow my progress."
"Wise words," Shenhuo said, impressed. "Focus on mastering the Dragon Fire Jutsu. When you're ready, come to me for the next technique."
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"Then," Kagami said, drawing the blade given to him by Shenhuo, **Sode no Shirayuki**, "can you teach me swordsmanship, Elder Shenhuo?"
"Swordsmanship, eh? A wise choice. Your potential in this area surpasses even your ninjutsu. Very well," Shenhuo said, unsheathing his own long sword. "Attack me whenever you're ready."
---
Kagami lunged forward, his blade flashing in the moonlight. The clash of steel rang out as Shenhuo parried the strike with ease.
"Your timing and speed are impressive," Shenhuo said, deflecting another attack. "You're on par with most Chunin in the clan."
"I won't settle for comparison," Kagami thought, the Sharingan in his eyes glowing brighter. "I will surpass even our ancestors."
Sode no Shirayuki darted toward Shenhuo's throat in a calculated strike, but the elder sidestepped effortlessly, his own blade slashing toward Kagami's arm.
Kagami barely blocked in time. Sparks flew as the two swords collided, Kagami's attacks growing faster, more relentless.
When Shenhuo's guard dropped for a split second, Kagami freed his left hand, forming a strange sign with his fingers. A pulse of invisible energy tore through the air.
---
Shenhuo's battle instincts screamed. His Sharingan flared as he narrowly dodged, but a shallow cut appeared on his cheek, blood dripping slowly.
"What... was that?" Shenhuo asked, touching the wound.
Kagami, panting from exertion, smirked. "A secret slashing technique I developed."
"Borrowed," Sukuna scoffed in the spiritual space.
"Whatever works," Kagami retorted mentally.
Shenhuo examined the wound again, his expression grim. "That wasn't chakra-enhanced steel or wind chakra. It was... something else."
"It's a trump card," Kagami said nonchalantly. "Effective, isn't it?"
Shenhuo let out a bitter laugh. "If I didn't have my Sharingan, that technique might have killed me outright."
"Exactly why it's reserved for emergencies," Kagami replied.
"Good. Keep it secret. A technique like this could kill even a Special Jonin if they're unprepared," Shenhuo warned.
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Kagami slumped to the ground, his energy spent. "My body's still too weak. Elder Shenhuo, I want to start a regimen of medicinal baths."
Shenhuo frowned. "The clan's supply of medicinal herbs is limited. Even Fugaku only underwent them briefly. Are you certain you can commit to the process?"
Kagami smirked. "With three years of training ahead, I'd be a fool to graduate early and waste time on low-level missions."
Shenhuo stared at him for a moment before chuckling. "You're quite the cunning strategist, Jing. Fine, I'll arrange it. But remember, the baths require daily discipline. Miss a day, and the effects will diminish."
"I won't miss a single day," Kagami promised, determination burning in his crimson eyes.
---
Under the pale moonlight, Kagami walked through the Uchiha district.
"Kagami! How's school going?" a shopkeeper asked.
"Ah, you beat Hatake's genius, didn't you? Keep making us proud!" another chimed in.
"Come by tomorrow morning, dear. I've made some red bean soup for you," an elderly woman called out.
Kagami responded to each with a smile, his cold demeanor reserved only for battle.
He thought about the warmth of his clan—their trust, their support. These were the people he vowed to protect.
"The Uchiha will never fall," Kagami swore silently. "I'll make sure of it."
At home, his grandmother was coaxing little Shisui to sleep. Watching them, Kagami felt a surge of determination.
"The Uchiha don't need to fight for Hokage. We'll prove our worth in our own way," he thought.
"The fate of this clan rests with me."
"Grandma, I'm home."