Chapter 12: Kushina and Jiraiya (Please Subscribe and Follow)

Whether it is the Water Formation Wall, the Water Shockwave, or the Water Dragon Bullet, these three Water Release ninjutsu can all utilize the geographical advantages of the terrain. That is to say, in places where there is water, one can significantly conserve chakra when performing them.

However, the Water Severing Wave is different; it cannot rely on such environmental advantages. It is easy to imagine that condensing a high-lethality water gun consumes a vast amount of chakra. Genichi Shita is well aware of his own limitations, knowing that with his current level of chakra, he would likely be completely drained after using it.

"I can't say I lack ninjutsu anymore; instead, it is my chakra capacity that has become the key limiting factor in my growth," Genichi thought, putting away the scroll and walking home with a deep frown. Seeking to increase one's maximum chakra is far more difficult than seeking out new ninjutsu resources.

As he walked and pondered, by the time he arrived home, Genichi had identified three potential paths.

First, becoming a Jinchuriki of a Tailed Beast. Whether it is the Three-Tails or the Nine-Tails, there is a certain chance, but the prerequisite is being able to withstand the backlash of hosting a beast. Not just anyone can become a Jinchuriki. Setting aside the Nine-Tails for now, if he were to scheme for the Three-Tails, he would first need to master sealing techniques.

Second, Orochimaru. This involves human experimentation and cell transplantation, such as Hashirama cells. It is extremely dangerous, but because he has the ability to overdraw from his future, he effectively gains many opportunities for trial and error.

Third, Tsunade. This refers to the Strength of a Hundred Seal. However, Genichi cannot currently determine whether a male can cultivate this technique. Furthermore, he feels that obtaining the seal from Tsunade would be incredibly difficult.

"Effort, I must put in more effort!" Genichi mused to himself. "I need to maintain closer contact with Brother Minato. I'll likely have to find a way to learn sealing techniques from him." Minato Namikaze’s proficiency in sealing techniques largely comes from Kushina Uzumaki, as they are a couple. Genichi knows that his current level of friendship is far from enough to ask for such instruction. It must be a matter of mutual benefit!

Should he produce the Wind Style: Rasenshuriken? Genichi felt a headache coming on. Given his chakra levels, this technique... he shook his head inwardly. "The Wind Style: Rasenshuriken is not feasible. Let's take a step back: Wind Style: Rasengan or Water Style: Rasengan."

"I don't know Wind Style yet, so I can start with the Water Style: Rasengan. Besides, the concept of the Wind Style: Rasenshuriken can also be used as a bargaining chip." The applications for the Rasengan are vast; one can infuse anything into it. Wind Style, Lightning Style, Fire Style, or Water Style variations—Genichi felt that none of these were problems. This is all in preparation for learning sealing techniques.

As for Orochimaru, Genichi wondered, "What approach should I take?" He felt he could not be too passive. Even with the ability to overdraw from the future to learn from mistakes, he could not entrust his life and hope entirely to Orochimaru. "I must also possess the capability to conduct research myself."

The thought only made his headache worse, as it required too much knowledge. "One step at a time. I'll start by mastering the basics of medical and human biological knowledge; I can begin with Shizune." He refined his plan: "I must form a cooperative relationship with Orochimaru in the future and acquire knowledge from him through the exchange of intelligence."

As he pondered, the plan gradually took shape in his mind. Days passed, and soon the winter break arrived, marking the end of the year 41 of the Konoha era. Yet, Genichi remained busy. Aside from helping at his family’s dango shop, he spent most of his time studying. He learned medical and human biological knowledge from Shizune or from books. He also practiced his sword-drawing technique daily, along with the Water Style: Rasengan and the two new Water Release ninjutsu he had acquired.

Naturally, he often bothered Minato Namikaze, bringing his own analytical notes on the two Water Release ninjutsu to seek guidance. Unfortunately, Jiraiya had been away and had not yet returned. Amidst his busy schedule, sparring with Might Guy and Kakashi became a welcome respite from his monotonous training.

Winter passed and spring arrived. One day, Genichi brought his training notes and his family's five-colored dango to Minato's home. However, when the door opened, the person standing there left Genichi stunned.

Kushina Uzumaki! This was the first time Genichi had seen her.

"You're Genichi, right? Come on in!" Kushina was very enthusiastic, acting as if she were the lady of the house.

"Uh... yes!" Genichi followed her inside and saw Minato.

"Genichi, this is Kushina," Minato introduced with a smile.

Genichi immediately bowed. "Kushina-senpai!"

Kushina waved her hand. "No need to be so formal, just call me Sister Kushina."

Genichi quickly changed his address, calling her "Sister Kushina." The three sat in the living room, eating dango and chatting. After flipping through the notes Genichi brought, Minato remarked with emotion, "Genichi, your understanding of these Water Release ninjutsu has already surpassed mine."

Genichi smiled. "That is only because you haven't been focusing your efforts on Water Release, Brother Minato."

It was true; Minato's mind was currently occupied with sealing techniques. The Water Release he had mastered was sufficient for his needs, and there was no reason to waste time on it. Most importantly, water was not his innate chakra nature; it was a transformation he had cultivated later, and it was not one he excelled at.

"Brother Minato, have you had any breakthroughs in adding nature transformation to the Rasengan?" Genichi asked.

Minato shook his head. "Not yet; I've been focusing entirely on sealing techniques lately."

Sealing techniques! Genichi’s eyes lit up. Just as he was about to speak, there was a knock at the door. Kushina got up to answer it, and a voice drifted in: "Kushina, are you already living here?"

Blushing slightly, Kushina quickly changed the subject. "Master Jiraiya, you’re finally back. Minato has been waiting for you for a long time."

Jiraiya strolled into the living room and asked with a laugh, "Minato, have you encountered any problems with the development of the technique?" Only then did he notice the kid nearby. "Eh? Who is this brat?"

Genichi had already stood up. "Master Jiraiya, I am Genichi Shita."

Minato added, "Genichi is a genius student at the Ninja Academy."

Jiraiya smiled. "A genius student? How do you compare to Minato back in the day?"

Minato replied, "Genichi is far more impressive than I was. At five years old, he independently created an A-rank non-hand-seal ninjutsu—the very technique I mentioned to you before that I wanted to develop."

Jiraiya was stunned, his mind feeling a bit scrambled. Developing an A-rank non-hand-seal ninjutsu at five... that was indeed very talented. But what did he mean by the rest?

Minato raised his hand and performed the Rasengan. "This is the technique; Genichi named it the Rasengan."

Jiraiya’s eyes widened as he looked back and forth between the Rasengan and Genichi, muttering to himself, "He doesn't look that handsome, though."

Soon, with Minato and Kushina explaining, Jiraiya understood the whole story. As for taking on an apprentice... Jiraiya wasn't interested. "Water Release?" he said. "That isn't exactly my specialty."

In reality, he had mastered everything except Lightning Style nature transformation. However, saying he wasn't proficient in Water Release was technically true; compared to his Fire Release, his Water Release was indeed not his forte.

Genichi felt a pang of disappointment, though he had been mentally prepared for it. However, Jiraiya suddenly smiled. "Although I cannot take you as an apprentice, if you want to learn, I can teach you other ninjutsu." Having seen the Rasengan, he felt that the technique suited him quite well.

Genichi’s heart skipped a beat, and he quickly asked, "Master Jiraiya, may I learn sealing techniques from you?"

Sealing techniques? Jiraiya, Minato, and Kushina were all caught by surprise.