NOVEL NEXT Chapter 5: Chapter:5
Shake the entire ninja world?
That might happen in the future, but for now, Gekkō Ishisaki decided to focus on experimenting with his skill bar. He had just noticed an intriguing side effect after equipping the Clone Technique: his seals felt smoother, and his body seemed to develop a sort of muscle memory. Even the clone he summoned looked more refined than before.
The Clone Technique wasn't an offensive move like the Shadow Clone Jutsu, but rather a basic trick for deception. Despite its utility, it was easy to see through. Unlike Shadow Clones, which are corporeal copies created from chakra, regular clones are illusory projections based on the user's imagination.
For instance, if the caster is injured but fails to incorporate their injuries into the clone, the discrepancy makes it glaringly obvious. Even ninjas without advanced dojutsu like the Sharingan can spot such flaws.
Looking at his improved clone, Ishisaki began to understand the impact of putting techniques into the passive skill bar. It's not just refining the skill itself—it's increasing my proficiency, my experience, and even upgrading the skill's overall quality.
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Passive Skill Bar Enhancements
"Chakra Refining Technique increases my chakra reserves," Ishisaki muttered, pacing around his room. "But a ninja can't rely solely on chakra."
Chakra, while vital, wasn't enough on its own. Early Naruto was a prime example: despite having massive chakra reserves thanks to Kurama, he relied on thousands of Shadow Clones to compensate for his lack of skill. Against true masters, such a strategy wasn't enough.
But what about other techniques? Ishisaki considered. The Clone Technique didn't just improve the clone's quality. It also increased the speed of his hand seals, refined his muscle memory, and enhanced his ninjutsu overall. The passive skill bar seemed to simulate training in the most optimal conditions, every single time it ran.
"So, if I put an offensive technique into the bar, its power would increase over time too," Ishisaki realized. "The system's effects extend to every aspect of my ninja toolkit."
He stared at the interface, debating his next move. "But ninjas aren't just about chakra and ninjutsu. If I want to be versatile, I need to improve my taijutsu as well."
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Testing Taijutsu
Scrolling through his list of skills, Ishisaki's eyes landed on School-Level Taijutsu—a basic set of moves taught at the Academy. Though far from advanced, it represented the foundation of all physical combat.
"What happens if I put this into the skill bar?"
With a quick command, he replaced the Clone Technique in the seventh slot with School-Level Taijutsu.
[Passive Skill 7: School-Level Taijutsu]
[Passive Skills 1–6: Chakra Refining Technique]
[Running...]
Just seconds after equipping the new skill, the system chimed.
[Passive Skill 7 completed a run.]
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A sudden, fiery sensation surged through Ishisaki's body, fleeting but unmistakable. He recognized it immediately—it was the same feeling he experienced when pushing his body to its limits during intense training.
"This… this is the feeling of breaking through!" Ishisaki exclaimed, his eyes wide. Every time this sensation occurred during traditional training, it signified an increase in strength, speed, or stamina.
But this time, it wasn't from actual training—it was the system's effect!
Taijutsu was far harder to improve than chakra. Yet in just ten seconds, Ishisaki's body had surpassed a limit it would have taken days or weeks of practice to achieve.
"Taijutsu improves my physical fitness, which directly affects my strength, speed, and stamina," Ishisaki murmured, pacing. "And with better physical fitness, my chakra refinement will become even more efficient."
He grinned, clenching his fists. "If this keeps up, catching up to someone like Rock Lee won't be impossible at all!"
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Planning the Next Step
After confirming the system's benefits for both ninjutsu and taijutsu, Ishisaki turned his attention to another critical aspect of ninja combat: mental energy. The mind was just as important as the body, especially when it came to genjutsu.
"How do I improve my mental energy?" Ishisaki pondered. "Genjutsu would be the obvious answer… but I don't know any genjutsu techniques."
Though he could dispel genjutsu, learning to cast one was another matter entirely. Simple illusions weren't part of the Academy curriculum, and Ishisaki's own clan, the Gekkō, wasn't known for expertise in this area.
"Maybe I can ask my teacher on Monday… or one of the uncles in my clan might know a simple genjutsu," Ishisaki thought. "I don't need anything advanced—just something basic to test my theory."
Determined, he decided to visit one of his clan members. It was still Saturday, and most of the Gekkō Clan members would likely be home. Ishisaki quickly changed into fresh clothes and left his house, excitement brimming in his chest.
The Gekkō Clan wasn't large enough to have its own district, but the homes of its members were clustered in the same area. Ishisaki's house was only a short walk away from his relatives.
He originally planned to visit a Chūnin uncle who had always been kind to him. But as he passed by another house, its door swung open, revealing a familiar face.
"Ishisaki," the man called out, his tone curious. "Where are you off to in such a hurry?"
End of the Chapter.
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