Chapter 96: Chapter 95: How long can It last?
The kneeling shinobi, clad in dark attire and a mask concealing their identity, replied with a respectful tone, "Yes, Lord Third. Our scouts have verified their presence somewhere in the land of frost. Our spies in the land of fire have also confirmed this."
A, the Third Raikage and chair of the meeting that was interrupted by the shinobi leaned back in his chair and sighed, before asking, "How long ago did this happen?"
The shinobi straightened and asked. "About two to three months ago, Kaori and her team had acquired a group and were on their way back to the village before they were intercepted by a team from Konoha."
A man sitting next to the Raikage looked visibly disturbed when he heard the news and could not help but ask, "She was a capable shinobi, so it doesn't make any sense why she did not make any attempt to reach the village or any of our bases in Shimogakure."
The shinobi replied, "The Konoha group that was pursuing her and her team was led by Uchiha Fugaku."
Immediately the name was uttered, the whole atmosphere of the room changed with everyone's faces darkening. A majority of them even felt a shiver pass through their spine.
This was the effect that Uchiha Fugaku had on his enemies. He was barely twenty but was regarded as one of the most fearsome shinobi to go up against.
This was more commendable considering the fact that he had yet to participate in any shinobi war. The only major fight he had under his name was when the Major shinobi was Keeping Konoha busy during the Siege of Uzushiogakure.
"But why would Hiruzen send him on such a mission?" Someone asked.
No one answered him, either because they did not know or because they were still processing the loss of Kaori and her team.
A knew that their plans were not foolproof but since they were desperate, they hoped that Kaori and her squad would succeed.
'She was a good shinobi, so it was good she died serving the village. I just hope that the other squads we sent to the other villages will succeed, especially the one in Kiri. Otherwise, I will have to figure out how to create another kekkei genkai that can be used by normal shinobi in the village.'
The Raikage gestured for the shinobi to leave so that they could resume the meeting.
With a swift bow, the shinobi flickered from the room, leaving A deep in thought,
'That was a show of force, so Hiruzen was sending a message.'
If the Third Hokage was to become aware of this he would be on cloud nine. He did not have to do much, but A already came to a favourable conclusion for him.
Back in Konoha, Renjiro was just beginning his day.
"Aaaah!" He yawned.
'Good things today I don't have a shift at the prisons, so after training I can go to Kushina. I need to ask her for pointers for the last Barrier.'
With a plan already in mind, Renjiro proceeded to his squad's training and immediately flickered to Kushina's place.
"Have you already mastered the Barrier Ninjutsu that I suggested?" She asked the minute Renjiro's visage was revealed.
"Yes, I did, except the final one," Renjiro replied.
"That was already fast. It would have been surprising if you mastered it in under two weeks."
'I don't know why I'm always shocked by his fast comprehension.' She thought before asking, "First, show me the other five techniques before we start working on the final one."
With that, Kushina guided Renjiro to the centre of the training area, where a designated spot had been marked out. Renjiro promptly did as asked as he demonstrated the required barriers. Kushina was nodding at his progress and she even gave guidance on ways that Renjiro could improve that subset of ninjutsu.
"So what exactly is the issue?" Kushina asked.
"I have been working on it for the last week or so, but I have only been able to flawlessly erect the barrier thrice or twice."
"What was the distance you had been practising on?"
"Around 160 meters," Renjiro answered.
"Were you using any shadow clones?" Kushina asked.
Renjiro's brows creased while he answered, "Yes, I have."
"That might be the issue?" she stated.
"Why? Don't they hasten the process of training?"
"They normally do so, but this ninjutsu requires more concentration, which using shadow clones chip away because you create versions of yourself that can think independently hence straining your mental strength. The barrier needs concentration as much as it needs chakra to run," she began,
"But that doesn't mean that you can't use it. Just try with three for a start. When you begin performing it regularly and feel comfortable, you can increase the number of clones used to hasten the process."
'I thought using the shadow clones was a cheat code in learning jutsus. I guess there were special cases.' Renjiro thought.
He took his position at the centre seal and performed the required hand signs. Yet the chakra failed to connect to the other four seals as he intended. This went on for some attempts before frustration gnawed at Renjiro's resolve.
"Focus your chakra, Renjiro. Don't worry about the four seals, just focus on the central one," Kushina recommended.
'That really isn't helping, but oh well.'
Renjiro thought as he closed his eyes, taking a deep breath to centre himself. He began the hand signs once more, channelling his chakra with unwavering focus.
At first, the results were no different than before, the barrier failing to materialize despite his efforts. But after repeated efforts, he showed progress.
'So that's what she meant?' Renjiro thought as he saw his progress.
'I know that these four seals are a system, but I thought breaking it down and taking the other four seals as components would work. Maybe I was wrong.'
Renjiro began channelling his chakra solely to the centre seal before it filled up and transmitted to the other seals.
In a magnificent display, a bluish barrier was erected around Renjiro. Its boundary was outlined by the position of the four seals, separating him and Kushina.
"You see? You just needed to focus," Kushina said.
Renjiro just marvelled at the sight.
'It is a bit see-through than I thought it would be. I wonder if it is strong? If it is, then I can consider using it while fighting.'
After the first successful try, Renjiro continued to work on it for the better part of the day until he mastered it. Since he had already performed it, things became progressively easier and Renjiro mastered it at the end of the day.
As he prepared to take his leave, Renjiro was interrupted by Kushina's words,
"Now that it looks like you have mastered it, let's see how long it can last."
'Wait, what?'
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