Chapter 23: The Flaming Fan of Destiny
FUUSSH
The roar of the waterfall echoed through the secluded valley, a symphony of nature's raw power. Mist swirled around the jagged rocks, catching the morning sun in a cascade of shimmering rainbows. Perched on a stone beneath the relentless torrent, Ryuuji sat, eyes closed, as torrents of water crashed over him, each droplet feeling like a hammer of ice. His breathing was calm, rhythmic—each exhale blending with the rush of water.
On a nearby ledge, Jima stood, arms crossed, his gaze fixed on his disciple. His sharp eyes glinted beneath his furrowed brows, a silent testament to years of wisdom.
'What incredible focus,' Jima thought, a flicker of pride dancing across his face.
'Among all my students, none have displayed such unyielding concentration. As expected of my lineage…' The pride in his thoughts was palpable, yet he remained silent, letting the moment be.
Meanwhile, beneath the veil of serenity, Ryuuji's mind danced to a different tune altogether.
'Xue Hua Piao Piao Bei Feng Xiao Xiao~' he sang inwardly, a mischievous smile threatening to break his tranquil facade. 'Fei Yu-ching's masterpiece never fails to hit. I should thank WeTube Shorts for helping me find this masterpiece.' The absurdity of his inner monologue against the gravity of his training brought him an odd sense of joy.
Suddenly, his eyes snapped open, revealing two tomoe spinning in unison, their hypnotic dance painting the world around him in stark clarity. Every leaf, every ripple in the water, seemed to pulse with a newfound vibrancy.
He was quite happy right now because...
A familiar chime echoed in his mind.
[Congratulations! You've reached Peak-level Chunin-stage in Body Cultivation! Rewards will be given out!]
The system's voice was mechanical, yet each word held an undeniable promise of power.
[Rewards: 1. Painful Sky Leg, 2. Lion Combo, 3. Leaf Great Flash, 4. Increased Stamina, 5. Increased Durability, 6. Increased Agility, 7. Increased Strength.]
The list unfurled before him like a scroll of ancient secrets. Power, tangible and overwhelming, seeped into his veins, igniting a fire within.
[Congratulations! You've reached Peak-level Chunin-stage in Energy Cultivation!]
Another wave of exhilaration coursed through him.
[Rewards: 1. Fire Dragon Flame Bullet, 2. Great Flame Technique, 3. Great Flame Flower, 4. Cloud Thunder, 5. Increased Chakra Capacity, 6. Increased Chakra Reserves.]
Ryuuji's grin widened. 'Huhuhu! This system is a goldmine! So many jutsu, even ones from the Cloud Village! Soon, I'll be unstoppable!' Muhahaha! His internal monologue erupted into maniacal laughter.
Hmm... although I know their origins, I don't exactly remember what they all do. System give me the descriptions of all these Jutsu.' Ryuuji inwardly commanded, his curiosity palpable.
[Understood.] The System answered in its usual mechanical voice.
A blue screen appeared in front of Ryuuji with information regarding the jutsu.
The holographic blue screen materialized, each description a promise of devastating potential.
[Painful Sky Leg
Rank: A-rank
Description: A downward kick that creates a shockwave.]
[Lion Combo
Rank: C-rank
Description: A series of mid-air strikes and kicks after knocking an opponent upwards.]
[Leaf Great Flash
Rank: C-rank
Description: A powerful mid-air kick.]
[Fire Dragon Flame Bullet
Rank: B-rank
Description: The user exhales a powerful stream of fire in the shape of a dragon, creating a massive and highly destructive fireball. This technique is primarily used for offensive attacks, capable of incinerating large areas or multiple opponents. It is particularly powerful in close combat, as it can cause severe damage over a wide range.]
[Great Flame Technique
Rank: B-rank
Description: This technique allows the user to release a large, continuous stream of fire in a wide arc, engulfing a broad area. The flames are intense and can cause massive destruction. It is typically used for sweeping large sections of the battlefield, making it useful for crowd control and overwhelming opponents with a powerful, unrelenting attack. The technique is effective at mid-to-close range and is noted for its power and range.]
[Great Flame Flower
Rank: B-rank
Description: This jutsu allows the user to produce an expansive and powerful fire attack, creating a large, fiery explosion or wave that spreads outward in a fan-shaped pattern. The technique's intensity can vary, but it is generally used to overwhelm or damage multiple targets in a wide area. The Great Flame Flower is typically used in close to mid-range combat and is a more concentrated version of the standard Fireball Jutsu, capable of causing more widespread destruction.]
[Cloud Thunder
Rank: A-rank
Description: This jutsu involves the user generating a large-scale lightning attack by manipulating clouds, which then disperses multiple lightning strikes across a wide area. The technique is highly effective for overwhelming multiple opponents or creating chaos on the battlefield. By utilizing the sky and manipulating natural lightning patterns, it allows the user to control the flow of the storm, striking with precision and intensity.] (A/N: This took time to make.)
'Aaah, now I remember.' Ryuuji thought to himself after he read the descriptions.
He read each entry, absorbing their essence, already envisioning their devastating impact on the battlefield.
***
The next day, dawn's first light painted the training ground in hues of gold.
Jima stood opposite Ryuuji, his imposing figure framed by the rising sun. His expression was unreadable, eyes locked onto his grandson with an intensity that spoke volumes.
"Today," Jima's voice cut through the silence like a blade, "I will teach you something new."
Ryuuji's heart quickened. He nodded, his usual exuberance tempered by reverence.
"Bukijutsu." With a flick of his wrist, Jima unfurled a scroll. In an instant, an arsenal of weapons materialized, each landing with a resonant thud or clang. Swords gleamed under the morning light, tonfas lay in silent promise, along with daggers, knuckles, spears, staffs, batons, sais, clubs, maces, each one looked more dangerous than the other and a... crimson-and-black fan rested among them all, catching Ryuuji's eye.
His breath caught. 'That fan…' The unmistakable design, so similar to the legendary Gunbai wielded by the Ghost of the Uchiha, Madara Uchiha himself.
The Gunbai symbolized leadership and command, which reflected Madara's status as a powerful and authoritative figure in the Uchiha clan and the shinobi world.
The wooden fan in front of him had the same design but different colors. While Madara's fan was purple, black and brown in color, this one was crimson, black and white.
Ryuuji turned to look at his Grandfather, his eyes wide as he spoke.
"Hey... Grandpa? Who did you say was your... teacher again?"
'Please don't let it be who I think it is...' Ryuuji inwardly said with trepidation.
***