https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-316-Is-Mu-Yue-Warm-on-the-Outside-but-Cold-on-the-Inside-/12558415/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-318-New-Special-Training-Sprinting-Towards-Higher-Rewards/12558417/
Chapter 317: Sarutobi's Surprise, Mu Yue's Proficiency in the Five Nature Transformation Techniques
Chapter 317: Sarutobi's Surprise, Mu Yue's Proficiency in the Five Nature Transformation Techniques
Having already learned the basic breathing techniques several months in advance, Rin Nohara's progress with Water Style Breathing was swift. Within five days, she could utilize it in combat, and Mu Yue's appraisal showed that she had reached the beginner level of 20 points.
However, this rapid progress didn't last forever, and her advancement slowed down after surpassing the 20-point mark.
To enhance Nohara Rin's solo combat capabilities and make the most of the Water Style Breathing's boost to water-based jutsu, Mu Yue began teaching her water-style jutsu. Within the next month, he planned to instruct her in two such techniques: the defensive and offensive Water Prison Technique and the purely offensive Water Dragon Bullet Technique.
If it were solely for the Chunin Exams, the best course of action would be to teach her the Hiding in Mist Technique and then have her undergo special training in sound detection to compensate for the Shadow Imitation Technique's reliance on knowing the enemy's location.
However, the Hiding in Mist Technique was a secret technique unique to the Kirigakure Village, and using it would be difficult to explain.
Thus, after much deliberation, Mu Yue chose the Water Prison Technique and the Water Dragon Bullet Technique—both practical and relatively easy to learn.
The Chunin Exams entered a mid-term break, and the examinees from Konoha and Kirigakure alike were hard at work improving themselves.
With the Chunin Exams on hold, the first semester at the Ninja Academy was drawing to a close, with final exams and a long vacation on the horizon for the students.
Of course, for the graduating fourth-grade students, this vacation would be a short one. During this break, they would undergo a five-week special training program.
Mu Yue's original training plan was to replicate the first special training session, using large classes to quickly introduce various skills and expand their jutsu repertoire. With this approach, they could learn four jutsu in a day, amounting to a hundred jutsu in five weeks.
However, the unforeseen events in the Forest of Death prompted Mu Yue to modify his plan. He intended to build upon the original framework by incorporating more advanced teaching content, aiming for even better rewards.
In the original Naruto world, the God and Devil Bridge incident involving Obito occurred after Kakashi became a jounin at the age of 12. Currently, Kakashi was only 9 years old, theoretically giving them a three-year window.
But this world was no longer the original Naruto world; it was now the Naruto world with Mu Yue in it. Although he had always kept a low profile, Mu Yue had already made significant changes.
Compared to his counterpart in the original story, the current Obito was vastly different. He had awakened the Sharingan early on, learned powerful fire-style jutsu and breathing techniques from Mu Yue, and twice emerged victorious against jounin alongside his teammates.
Faced with such a capable Obito, Mu Yue dared not assume that Uchiha Madara would follow the same path as in the original story.
While Obito was still young, his strength was not to be underestimated, and his teammates were far more formidable than their original counterparts. This meant they would likely take on more challenging missions sooner, possibly prompting Madara to make his move earlier as well.
In the shadows, Madara and Black Zetsu were plotting, and although Mu Yue had his own secrets, he wanted to improve his odds by boosting his strength.
Even though Madara was old now, he was still the same Madara who had once fought Senju Hashirama tooth and nail, and he had the immortal Black Zetsu by his side. Mu Yue was highly vigilant of this formidable duo.
However, the summer training involved over three hundred graduating students, and as the person in charge, Mu Yue couldn't afford to be reckless with the curriculum. He needed to consult with the principal, Sarutobi, first.
After finishing dinner in the evening, Mu Yue paid a visit to Sarutobi's home.
Normally, it wouldn't be appropriate to bother Sarutobi with work-related matters after his work hours, as it would essentially be asking him to work overtime.
However, Mu Yue and Sarutobi had a decent relationship, and Mu Yue chose the evening time specifically to facilitate a demonstration later.
"Third Hokage-sama, I wish to make some changes to the summer training curriculum," Mu Yue said without preamble after a brief greeting.
Sarutobi set down his smoking pipe and turned to Mu Yue, asking, "Have you come up with some new and promising ideas?"
Sarutobi knew that this would be a significant change, as minor issues could be left to Mu Yue, the person in charge of the training plan, to decide.
"I want to include Chakra Nature Transformation in the curriculum," Mu Yue stated.
Chakra Nature Transformation wasn't exactly advanced knowledge. If one came from a shinobi clan or had shinobi parents, they would likely start learning it even before enrolling in the academy.
However, for most academy students, it was considered advanced knowledge because it wasn't taught at the academy. Graduates were usually instructed in this area by their assigned mentors.
It wasn't that the Ninja Academy didn't want to teach it; there were two main difficulties. First, with students having a variety of chakra natures, including rare ones like Wind Release, it wasn't guaranteed that there would be a teacher capable of teaching every nature. It wouldn't do to leave some students without instruction.
Second, and more importantly, the academy teachers' abilities weren't up to par. Chakra Nature Transformation training could be dangerous, so even the higher-grade classes at the academy didn't include it in their curriculum.
The second point was the primary concern. While the academy's teachers, mostly chuunin-level shinobi, were adequate for most lessons, their own mastery of Chakra Nature Transformation was lacking. It would be a disservice to the students to have them teach such a complex and dangerous technique.
"Chakra Nature Transformation... Why do you wish to teach this? With so many students, there will undoubtedly be all five chakra natures represented, and accidents are more likely to occur during training," Sarutobi said, not outright rejecting Mu Yue's proposal but instead pointing out the challenges of implementing it.
In Sarutobi's eyes, Mu Yue had always been a humble and diligent individual. Since Mu Yue had the courage to bring this up with him, Sarutobi believed that he must have a solid plan in place.
"I have already mastered the nature transformation for all five basic chakra natures," Mu Yue said. "Although I'm not exceptionally proficient with Earth Release, I can still teach it at a basic level without issue.
Mu Yue could already use B-rank and below jutsus at will, and he was no longer an unknown novice. Using a C-rank jutsu wouldn't raise any eyebrows, and as long as it wasn't a unique jutsu like the Hiding in Mist Technique, no one would question its origin.
"You've mastered all five nature transformations? Could you give me a little demonstration?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, his eyes gleaming with interest.
Learning one's own innate nature transformation wasn't particularly difficult, and learning a second nature of one's choice was also manageable. Most jonin-level ninjas in Konoha had mastered at least two nature transformations.
However, mastering all five nature transformations was incredibly challenging, and being able to use them effectively in combat was even more so.
While it was difficult, mastering the five nature transformations offered a significant boost to a ninja's capabilities. It meant that regardless of the jutsu used by an opponent, one could counter with a jutsu that had a type advantage, gaining the upper hand. Additionally, combining jutsus of different natures could increase their power exponentially.
Hiruzen Sarutobi had earned the title of "Professor of Ninjutsu" because he had mastered over a thousand jutsus, including the five basic natures as well as genjutsu and secret techniques. No matter what jutsu his opponent used, he could always counter it.
Unfortunately, none of his three disciples followed in his footsteps. Tsunade specialized in medical ninjutsu and taijutsu, Jiraiya excelled in fire-style jutsu and senjutsu, and Orochimaru developed his own snake-style jutsu.
Mu Yue nodded, indicating that he was ready to showcase his skills. This was his intention all along, and it would have been difficult to demonstrate his abilities during the day at the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen led Mu Yue to the backyard, where Asuma was preparing to practice his wind-style jutsu. Upon seeing Mu Yue, Asuma greeted him happily.
"Come over here, so you don't get accidentally injured by Mu Yue's jutsu," Hiruzen called out to Asuma, inviting him to join them.
"Impossible," Asuma rebutted. "With Mu Yue-sensei's control, there's no way he'd hurt me."
However, Asuma obediently moved to the side, not because he doubted Mu Yue but because he wanted to observe Mu Yue's jutsu.
"Fire Style: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!"
Mu Yue chose to start with a fire-style jutsu and, after some thought, decided to demonstrate the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, a technique renowned for its power and difficulty. It was a true test of a ninja's prowess.
As Mu Yue performed the hand seals, a massive amount of fire erupted from his mouth, instantly creating a small but ferocious inferno. Under Mu Yue's control, the flames split into three directions—front, left, and right—while not a single spark touched Hiruzen's house.
"Impressive control of the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet," Hiruzen praised, stroking his small beard as he nodded in approval.
Just from this display, Hiruzen could tell that Mu Yue's fire-style jutsu surpassed that of most ninjas in the ninja world. Both the power and control he exhibited were exceptional.
Even Hiruzen himself, at Mu Yue's age, had been at a similar level.
"Amazing!" Asuma exclaimed, his knowledge limited but his admiration for Mu Yue's strength evident.
"Hey, Hiruzen!" Just then, Danzo Shimura's voice rang out.
"I'm in the backyard. Come over here," Hiruzen called out, amplifying his voice slightly.
Even before seeing Danzo, Hiruzen had guessed his purpose for coming.
It was regarding the compensation from Kirigakure for the incident involving Kaieda Shohou. Although Genbu Yuki insisted that Kaieda was a spy from another ninja village, the fact remained that he had come from Kirigakure, and thus, they demanded reparations.
Hiruzen and Danzo had differing opinions on the matter. Danzo believed they should demand a hefty compensation, be it money or ninja tools, as a strong punitive measure. He argued that if they didn't make an example out of this incident, Konoha would lose its deterrence.
On the other hand, Hiruzen thought that a symbolic gesture would suffice, mainly to make a statement. After all, they were already at odds with Iwagakure and Kumogakure, and if they asked for too much, Kirigakure might refuse and even go as far as to declare war on Konoha.
During the day, at the Hokage's office, Hiruzen had rejected Danzo's proposal, but he could sense Danzo's dissatisfaction. As he had expected, Danzo had come to him again after work.
"Hiruzen..." Danzo was just about to present the argument he had prepared all day when he saw the inferno in the backyard and Mu Yue maintaining his hand seals.
Although Danzo's strength wasn't on par with Hiruzen's, his insight into jutsus was sharp. At a glance, he could tell that Mu Yue's Fire Dragon Flame Bullet was no ordinary technique.
Danzo's expression immediately soured. The Fire Dragon Flame Bullet was the jutsu he had rewarded Mu Yue with, and now, Mu Yue was demonstrating it at Hiruzen's house, and Danzo had stumbled upon this scene by chance.
"Let's discuss your matter later. For now, let's observe Mu Yue's jutsu," Hiruzen suggested.
Danzo coldly nodded in agreement.
Although Mu Yue's previous actions had indicated that he still held allegiance to Danzo, the fact that he could only meet with Danzo in secret now irked him. Mu Yue was a powerful jonin who could be of great use in battles against tailed beasts, and Danzo was frustrated that he could no longer utilize him openly.
Mu Yue's expression remained unchanged as Danzo arrived, and he merely greeted him briefly. After all, they were both putting on an act, pretending that Mu Yue was no longer associated with the Root Organization.
After demonstrating his fire-style jutsu, Mu Yue moved on to water-style. He chose to use the Great Waterfall Technique, a jutsu that Hiruzen had once taught him.
"Water Style: Great Waterfall Technique!"
Mu Yue unleashed a torrent of water from his mouth, akin to a gigantic wave, instantly dousing the remaining flames on the ground.
Hiruzen's backyard was adjacent to a small grove, and under the impact of the massive water flow, many trees toppled, transforming the grove into a small lake.
"Thank you for your guidance, Third Hokage-sama," Mu Yue replied with a humble smile.
"My guidance was merely supplementary. Your talent and hard work are what truly matter," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, shaking his head with a smile.
"You're quite self-aware," Asuma acknowledged, agreeing with Sarutobi's assessment.
Sarutobi gave Asuma's head a playful ruffle, feeling a bit disheartened by his words. It was fine for him to admit it, but hearing it from Asuma stung a little.
Danzo, on the outside, wore a cold smile, but on the inside, he was brimming with pride.
"Even if you teach him well, Dayu, he won't return to us. He's still a member of my Root Organization," Danzo thought smugly.
In Danzo's eyes, Mu Yue's current strength was a result of either his innate talent or Sarutobi's mentorship, or perhaps both.
"Wind Release: Vacuum Jade!"
Without resting, Mu Yue immediately demonstrated another ninjutsu. With a series of hand seals, he unleashed a torrent of transparent chakra from his mouth.
Boom!
The ground shattered under the impact of the transparent chakra, sending shards of rock and dust flying in all directions. The entire backyard was left in disarray, with not a single intact patch of earth to be found.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a few puffs on his pipe, his gaze fixed on Mu Yue with utmost satisfaction. The Vacuum Jade was another jutsu he had given Mu Yue, especially after hearing about Asuma's improvements under Mu Yue's tutelage and his pursuit of Wind Release.
Undoubtedly, Mu Yue's mastery of Water, Fire, and Wind releases far surpassed that of a typical Jonin, with Fire being his most impressive element, followed by Water and Wind, which were still remarkably strong.
Witnessing Mu Yue's display of the Vacuum Jade, Danzo Shimura nodded in approval. While he might be average in other attributes, Danzo considered himself to be the strongest in Wind Release among the Leaf Ninjas. Yet, after witnessing Mu Yue's prowess, he knew that Mu Yue's Wind Release was on a level that ordinary Jonin couldn't match.
"To have mastered Water, Fire, and Wind to such an extent, it's no wonder you were able to assist Jiraiya in fighting against the tailed beasts on the battlefield," Danzo mused, having gained a clear understanding of Mu Yue's capabilities.
Although Mu Yue's current strength didn't quite match his own, Danzo acknowledged that with these three nature transformations, Mu Yue was among the elite Jonin, capable of easily defeating ordinary Jonin.
What was even more valuable was Mu Yue's youth; at only nineteen years old, he had ample time for further growth.
"Why don't we assign him as Orochimaru's assistant? That way, he can help Orochimaru establish military exploits, and at the same time, he'll be able to grow faster on the battlefield," Danzo suggested, feeling that Mu Yue's talents were being wasted as a teacher.
Any basic content could be taught by a Chunin; there was no need for a Jonin of Mu Yue's caliber.
Asuma's thoughts weren't as complex as Sarutobi's or Danzo's. His mind was occupied by just six words—'Teacher Mu Yue is amazing!'
After demonstrating the Wind Release, Mu Yue paused to catch his breath. He then used Earth Release to repair the ravaged ground before proceeding to showcase another Earth Release ninjutsu.
"Earth Release: Mud Flow River!"
Under Mu Yue's control, the earth before him transformed into a muddy river that surged forward.
Mu Yue's proficiency in Earth Release Nature Transformation was only at the Skilled level of 1,800 points, so he didn't hold back. He channeled a large amount of chakra to enhance the power of the ninjutsu.
"You're too modest, Mu Yue. Your level of Earth Release is far beyond just being able to teach it to others," Sarutobi remarked, recalling Mu Yue's earlier words.
Initially, he had assumed that Mu Yue wasn't particularly skilled in Earth Release, as he had never seen him use it.
But now, witnessing his display, Sarutobi realized that Mu Yue's Earth Release was on par with an ordinary Jonin, or even a Jonin with Earth as their main attribute. If this was considered merely 'able to teach others,' then many ninjas wouldn't qualify as instructors.
"Compared to the other attributes, it's still lacking. I need to work harder," Mu Yue said with a smile.
"Lightning Release: Purple Lightning!"
Without performing any hand seals, Mu Yue raised his arm, and brilliant purple lightning crackled over his right hand.
Crackle! Crackle!
Mu Yue controlled the purple lightning, directing it to strike the ground and creating charred pits.
"Is this Sealess Lightning Release your own creation?" Sarutobi asked, observing the extensive charred marks on the ground.
Having learned all the ninjutsu of Konoha, Sarutobi was certain he would know of any such powerful Sealess Lightning Release if it existed.
"Yes, this jutsu is called Purple Lightning," Mu Yue replied, silently apologizing to Kakashi in his heart before nodding.
Sarutobi looked at Mu Yue with astonishment. While Mu Yue's display of Lightning Release wasn't as impressive as his Fire, Water, and Wind Releases, the fact that he had independently developed a high-level Lightning Release jutsu further demonstrated his exceptional talent in ninjutsu.
"Danzo, you almost ruined a genius!" Sarutobi exclaimed, grateful that he had discovered Mu Yue's potential.
He dared not imagine what Mu Yue's strength would be like if he had been solely under Danzo's mentorship, possibly even rivaling his own at that age. Sarutobi's desire to take on Mu Yue as his disciple intensified. There was no doubt that Mu Yue was the most suitable candidate.
5k, there will be another chapter coming up shortly, but it won't be as long, probably around 3k words.
(End of Chapter)
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