Chương 63: First Step to learning Ninjutsu

Choza looked at the three young genins standing before him with a serious expression. He cleared his throat and spoke, "Now that we know your chakra affinities, we will start you on the first step to learn how to mold your chakra into that affinity." His gaze shifted specifically to Guy and Genma.

"For fire nature, the first step is learning to make chakra hot and combustible. By doing this, you would complete one of the most important things to learn how to blow fire from your mouth." Shunsui stood quietly and thought to himself, 'Most of the fire jutsus are used through the mouth. Probably because we keep oxygen in our lungs and we use it for combustion in our fire jutsu.'

He found the idea interesting because it made sense why so many powerful fire techniques came out as big flames or fireballs from a ninja's mouth. The oxygen helped with the burning process after all.

"So how are we going to learn it?" Genma asked. Choza reached into a pouch and took out some dry leaves. He held them up for everyone to see. Shunsui had a strong feeling of deja vu wash over him.

'Jeez, don't they have better ideas than just putting chakra into a leaf and hoping it would work? Get some new exercises,' Shunsui thought with a mental sigh. Choza continued explaining without noticing Shunsui's inner complaint.

"You would be putting chakra into the leaf and trying to make it hotter and burn the leaf like you burned the chakra paper. But the leaf will not easily react to your chakra like the chakra paper did." He handed one leaf each to Guy and Genma.

"And how would we make our chakra hotter?" Genma asked, holding the leaf between his fingers and staring at it as if it might give him answers on its own. He turned the leaf over, looking for any clues on where to start.

"That is for you to figure out, my dear genins. Everyone has their own way of doing it," Choza said with a small smile. He stepped back to give them space to practice. Shunsui was pretty sure that Guy was thinking of burning the leaf by his burning youth. He imagined Guy yelling about the power of youth making his chakra so hot that the leaf would turn to ash in seconds. If you discover this narrative on Amazon, be aware that it has been stolen. Please report the violation.

Choza then turned his attention fully to Shunsui.

"As for you, I might not know any water release jutsus, but luckily for you, Konoha keeps basic training methods for all five chakra natures." Shunsui listened attentively. Choza went on, "The first step to learning how to mold water release jutsu is learning to make chakra fluid and water-like." Shunsui thought inwardly, 'Yeah no kidding sensei. I thought I would have to make it solid.'

"Water users learn to change chakra into a flowing, cohesive liquid-like form," Choza explained further.

"Your task would be to put chakra into your feet and try to slide on solid ground."

'Well at least it is a new and better innovative method,' Shunsui thought. This exercise seemed more practical than just staring at a leaf.

"After you have learned this, we would be focusing on teaching you ninjutsu. With the success of the A rank mission, the Hokage had decided to allow you three access to Konoha's jutsu library. You can each pick two jutsus of your chakra affinity," Choza said. His tone showed how big this opportunity was for the young team. Shunsui's eyes lit up at that news. He felt a spark of excitement inside his chest.

'Hiruzen is not as bad as I thought him to be. Sure he is a manipulative Danzo cock sucker but he is generous,' he thought.

"This is especially very important for you, Shunsui. Make sure to make good choices because unlike others I can't teach you jutsus of water nature myself," Choza said as Shunsui nodded in understanding.

"Now let's begin the training," Choza said, clapping his hands together to get everyone started. The genins began their training right away. Guy and Genma sat down with their leaves, concentrating hard on pushing chakra into them. Shunsui stood a short distance away and channeled chakra to his feet as instructed. He took a deep breath and tried to make the energy feel smooth and watery. At first, his feet just stuck to the ground normally when he tried to slide.

But after a few attempts, he felt a slight slickness under his soles. He pushed off gently and managed a short slide across the dirt, almost like skating on ice but much rougher. Guy continued his fiery practice with loud shouts.

"This leaf will burn with the power of my burning youth!" he yelled, and soon enough his leaf actually caught a small flame. Choza praised him for the quick result while reminding him to control it safely. Genma finally got his leaf to burn too after focusing on steady heat instead of forcing it. Both boys looked proud as they showed their burned leaves to their teacher. Meanwhile, Shunsui improved his sliding. He could now glide a few feet without stumbling, feeling the chakra flow like liquid under his feet.

The training went on for some time with small breaks in between. By the end of this session, all three had made noticeable improvements. As they were training, an Anbu appeared suddenly on the field.

"The Hokage has summoned Shunsui to his residence at Sarutobi clan ground," the Anbu announced in a clear, official tone. Choza looked at the Anbu and then at Shunsui with a serious expression.

"Come, Shunsui. I will accompany you," he said. The Anbu shook his head slightly.

"He has summoned only him." Shunsui stepped forward confidently.

"Don't worry, sensei. I can take care of myself," he said, trying to reassure his teacher. Choza crossed his arms and replied, "I was not worried about you taking care of yourself. I was worried about you offending the Hokage with the lack of your manners."

"Hey, I am mannerful," Shunsui retorted with a playful grin spreading across his face.