Chapter 15: A First Taste of Skill!

Hokage Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat smoking, gazing silently at the scroll in his hands. He had known about the Rasengan since last year, and he had also learned from Ryusei Nimoku that Genichi Shimota possessed exceptional talent for Water Release.

However, after examining the ninjutsu techniques on the scroll, Hiruzen felt he had still underestimated Genichi. In particular, the simplified hand seals for those Water Release techniques brought his teacher, Tobirama Senju, to mind once again.

The resemblance! It was uncanny. If they shared any physical likeness, he might have suspected that Genichi was a descendant of Tobirama himself.

Slowly raising his head, Hiruzen asked, "Has the boy submitted his graduation application?"

Ryusei Nimoku looked slightly awkward. "Well... Genichi has not yet indicated any desire to graduate early."

Hiruzen was surprised, then asked, "Then what ninjutsu does the boy wish to exchange for?"

Ryusei Nimoku quickly replied, "The Four-Corner Sealing Barrier and the Konoha-style swordsmanship. And, if possible, a genjutsu as well. Genichi also has a great talent for illusions; I tested him with the Temple of Nirvana Technique, and it had absolutely no effect on him."

Hiruzen was astonished again. "The Four-Corner Sealing Barrier?"

Ryusei Nimoku gave a wry smile. "Genichi learned sealing techniques from Lord Jiraiya; he says he has already mastered the Evil Sealing Method."

This was something Hiruzen truly did not know. While he kept an eye on Genichi, it was impossible to monitor him constantly. Jiraiya did not need to report to him whenever he taught Genichi sealing arts. As for Genichi’s interactions with Kushina Uzumaki, Minato Namikaze was almost always present, and the Anbu responsible for security would never eavesdrop on their conversations.

After a moment of contemplation, Hiruzen said, "Both the sealing techniques and the swordsmanship are acceptable. As for the genjutsu, let it be the Binding Technique. Additionally, you may teach him the Temple of Nirvana Technique."

Ryusei Nimoku was delighted. "Understood! I thank the Hokage on Genichi's behalf."

Hiruzen added, "Genichi is a sensible and self-disciplined child; there is no need to rush him."

Ryusei Nimoku understood the implication and nodded in agreement.

***

On the afternoon of the first day of school, Genichi received several new ninjutsu from Ryusei Nimoku. He had traded the Rasengan for the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier. He had intended to use that trade for the Shadow Clone Technique and genjutsu last year, but he hadn't actually handed it over then—yet he had still "traded" it in a future he had already overdrawn. It was essentially薅 (harvesting) a benefit in advance. This time, he had truly offered it to acquire the Four-Corner Sealing Barrier. As for the Konoha-style swordsmanship and a C-rank genjutsu, they were exchanged for his simplified Water Release seals. The nine-character incantation seals were not easy to learn; otherwise, Tobirama's version of the Water Severing Wave would not have remained so obscure.

Genichi wasn't worried about losing his advantage by sharing them.

"Genichi, you can come to me if you have any questions regarding the Konoha-style swordsmanship or the Temple of Nirvana Technique," Ryusei Nimoku said with a smile after handing over the scrolls. He held very high hopes for Genichi. If Genichi became an outstanding ninja, he would benefit from the reflected glory. As for Kakashi... that was not his achievement.

"Yes, Sensei Nimoku. Thank you for your guidance!" Genichi bowed.

Ryusei Nimoku nodded and said, "Class is about to start. Go and get ready!"

Ten minutes later, the afternoon's first class began. It was a combat session, so the entire class gathered at the training ground. Genichi had no interest in the other students' bouts; he kept whispering to Shizune, discussing medical knowledge. Unfortunately, having "overdrawn" his future again, his knowledge in this field had already surpassed hers. This left Shizune gasping in awe, her eyes filled with admiration as she looked at him. Genichi-kun was simply too amazing!

"Genichi Shimota!"

Hearing his name, Genichi looked toward the center of the field and saw his opponent waiting. Oh, it was Obito Uchiha!

Genichi walked over and, following the protocol, performed the sign of confrontation with Obito.

Obito Uchiha declared, "Genichi, I will beat you this time. Watch out!"

Ever since Kakashi graduated, Genichi had become the undisputed number one in the class, making him the primary target for Obito to defeat. Furthermore, Obito had trained diligently during the holidays and was certain he could win.

Genichi raised an eyebrow slightly and smiled. "Then I look forward to it."

The two stepped back, and at Ryusei Nimoku's command, they engaged. Obito charged forward, while Genichi retreated a short distance and began forming seals. First, the "Zai" seal, followed immediately by bringing his hands together.

The next moment, moisture condensed around Genichi, forming a spiraling stream of water.

"Incredible!" A chorus of gasps erupted; Asuma Sarutobi and the others watched with wide eyes.

Obito was startled, his forward momentum faltering, and he scrambled back. By then, the rising water had surged toward him like a river.

Water Release: Water Severing Wave!

Of course, the volume of water was not massive. Obito easily vaulted over the spray to avoid the impact. But immediately, Genichi crossed his hands and swept them, causing the surging water to whip back around. Obito was taken aback but managed to leap aside, landing in the water.

Under the gaze of his peers, Genichi began forming seals again. He started with the unique "Zai" seal, then pulled his hands back to form the "Si" seal, followed by the "Yin" seal. Genichi’s seal speed was not fast; everyone could see it clearly.

As the three seals were completed, the water beneath Obito's feet surged upward instantly.

"What's going on?" Obito panicked, quickly dashing to the side, only to see the water coalesce into a small water dragon that roared toward him. Obito dodged, narrowly missing the dragon. But the next moment, the water dragon made a sharp turn and slammed into him from behind, knocking him flying to the ground.

Two Water Release techniques, and the fight was over.

At that moment, Ryusei Nimoku was both shocked and delighted. "Genichi is definitely the most talented water user the village has ever seen!" The Water Release technique he had just witnessed was stunning. Although it wasn't a massive display of power—he could have countered it with taijutsu alone—he knew Genichi had held back. What amazed him was the efficiency of the seals and the flexible control over the ninjutsu itself; it was unprecedented. At the very least, this shouldn't be possible for a student at the Ninja Academy. He had seen Genichi's performance last year, but this was clearly a step further. The Water Dragon Bullet Technique was a B-rank challenge, yet Genichi had performed it with such ease and fluidity.

At that moment, Ryusei Nimoku became a total fan of Genichi.

On the other side, Asuma Sarutobi was stunned and disbelieving. "This guy... just how does he do it?"

Genichi walked over to Obito and extended his right hand, pulling the dazed boy up.

"How... how did you do that?" Obito couldn't help but ask.

Genichi smiled and said, "Hard work!"

He added silently in his heart: And cheating!

One percent hard work plus ninety-nine percent cheating!