Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 73: Hit Me!

No one knew exactly how the Daimyo of Bird Country managed it, but in the end, the four of them stayed another night.

Despite having a bird as their national symbol, Bird Country had no qualms about eating flightless birds—chicken wings, to be precise.

While chicken wings might not be considered a delicacy elsewhere, Bird Country had perfected their preparation, making them one of its most famous local specialties.

But what stood out the most was a dish called Chicken Wing Tofu Wraps.

Contrary to its name, Chicken Wing Tofu Wraps contained neither chicken nor tofu; instead, it was entirely made of flour. Its name came from its resemblance to a chicken wing, earning it its peculiar title.

This culinary gem was discovered by Raitō after an entire afternoon of exploring. When the three others first heard about it, they wore expressions of doubt and skepticism. But in the end, they were won over by the fragrant aroma and crispy texture.

Once everyone had stocked up on Chicken Wing Tofu Wraps, they happily set off on their journey back to Konoha.

This mission had once again been thrilling but ultimately uneventful. However, Genma knew it was far from over.

As they departed Bird Country, he cast one last deep glance back before jogging forward to catch up with the others.

Upon returning to Konoha, the three of them were granted a short break.

Perhaps the previous training, where he had fought multiple grown men at once, had not been challenging enough. This time, Sturt brought him to a place with a massive waterfall.

Looking at the towering cascade, easily several dozen meters high, and listening to the thunderous roar of water crashing down, Genma couldn't shake a feeling of déjà vu.

He had a strong suspicion—he was about to train under the waterfall.

Why? He could only assume it was due to the unique nature of Tai Chi. However, there were still things he didn't quite understand, so he turned to Sturt.

"Master, did you also train under waterfalls when you practiced martial arts?"

Sturt stopped in his tracks and gazed at the waterfall in the distance.

"Tai Chi is often called the foundation of all martial arts. Even though I practice Drunken Fist, I too had to train beneath a waterfall."

With that, Sturt quickened his pace, and Genma had no choice but to hurry after him.

Eventually, they both stood in front of the waterfall, and Genma made an unexpected discovery—Sturt had chakra.

Both of them were standing on water, but Sturt moved as effortlessly as if walking on solid ground. He had clearly been using this technique for quite some time.

Logically, this ancient celestial technique shouldn't have originated from the Sage of Six Paths or any of the three great Sage lands. It was created and passed down by powerful figures from an era before chakra existed.

Yet, Sturt apparently hadn't mastered it.

So how did he know how to use chakra?

Genma had previously asked Sturt if chakra and senjutsu (sage techniques) were connected.

Sturt had given him a simple answer: "No connection."

And yet, here he was, displaying an ability that clearly required chakra.

Just as Genma was lost in thought, Sturt was also looking at him with surprise.

"I didn't expect you to already know how to walk on water. It seems you have a natural talent for chakra control."

"Uh... Master, what about you? You can use chakra, but..." Genma hesitated, unsure if he should finish his sentence.

After all, calling out his teacher for not mastering sage techniques while still using chakra felt a bit tactless.

Though he was burning with curiosity, he held back from pressing too hard.

Sturt remained expressionless but crossed his arms and closed his eyes in contemplation.

"My master was worried I wouldn't succeed in mastering sage techniques, so he left me an alternative path.

Chakra and sage energy are both forms of power. In fact, my master hoped that after using chakra for long enough, I might accidentally awaken senjutsu."

For the first time, Sturt spoke about his own master, making Genma's eyes light up with curiosity.

"Wait, Master, does that mean your master knew sage techniques?"

Sturt scratched his chin.

"Not really… But he was strong enough that, with powerful enough jutsu, he could probably reach Jōnin level."

Genma: "..."

Now things were starting to make sense.

No wonder the original Genma, despite inheriting this powerful lineage, only ended up as a Tokubetsu Jōnin (Special Jōnin).

He must have spread himself too thin, learning too much without mastering anything.

In the original story, Genma used senbon needles, a weapon that required precise knowledge of human anatomy—something closely related to medical ninjutsu.

Lost in thought, Genma remained silent, prompting Sturt to continue speaking.

"While the Drunken Immortal lineage doesn't offer traditional sage techniques, it is considered the closest surviving style to the original founders of sage techniques. It has limitless potential.

Some temples still hold records of sage techniques, but those require a heart devoted to Buddhism. The restrictions are high, and the limitations are significant."

Hearing this, Genma suddenly perked up.

The most famous temple with sage techniques that he knew of was the Fire Temple.

Although no one in the Fire Temple had mastered sage techniques, they had developed powerful pseudo-sage techniques using chakra.

One such technique, "Raigō: Senjusatsu" (Welcoming Approach: Thousand-Armed Murder), was particularly impressive, resembling Hashirama Senju's "True Several Thousand Hands."

This made Genma wonder—had Hashirama learned his sage techniques from the Fire Temple, rather than Shikkotsu Forest?

Personally, while Genma was curious about the Fire Temple's sage techniques, he doubted he could stomach the Buddhist lifestyle required to learn them.

However, there were non-monks who had used "Raigō: Senjusatsu" before—like Asuma Sarutobi, the Third Hokage's son.

Currently, Asuma had graduated later than expected, which meant his future might have already changed.

Cough, cough. He had also ended up with a different girlfriend, but that was another matter entirely.

Regardless of Asuma's fate, Genma was no longer concerned. If history repeated itself, Asuma would likely die the same way as in the original timeline.

And since Genma had already taken his canonical girlfriend, maybe that was for the best.

In the original story, Asuma had no knowledge of the Akatsuki duo's abilities when he fought them. Facing Hidan without intel? He never stood a chance.

Pushing those thoughts aside, Genma looked at Sturt and noted something interesting—his master knew how to walk on water, a skill that many Chūnin hadn't even mastered.

Maybe… maybe he had one last trump card?

"Master, don't you have any self-created jutsu? You should pass down a few, so your legacy doesn't fade into obscurity!"

Sturt's lips twitched slightly, and he shook his head.

"No. Do you want shurikenjutsu? How about the Body Flicker Technique?

If not, then I have nothing else to teach you."

Genma blinked.

"Wait, is it really that bad? Master, at least figure out your chakra nature and develop some powerful jutsu!"

Annoyed, Sturt's expression darkened.

"Hit me."

Genma: "…?"

"I said, hit me."

"Uh… Master, I was just joking… How about teaching me the Body Flicker Technique instead? That sounds great!"

Sturt's eyes narrowed.

"I said… hit me."

This time, Genma knew—his master was serious.

Swallowing nervously, he hesitated before responding.

"Alright then, Master… be careful."

Despite his nerves, part of him was excited.

This was a chance to see how strong Sturt really was.

And so, Genma stepped forward, ready to strike.

"PA!"

His fist never connected.

Sturt caught it effortlessly.

"Again."

Genma's eyes widened in shock.

Then, he threw another punch.

"PA! PA! PA!"

No matter how many times he attacked…

Every single punch landed squarely in Sturt's palm.

End of Chapter 73