Time flew by quickly.
Training in Wind Release under Kazama Koshī's guidance had unexpectedly brought some stability to Hikari's life.
Every morning after breakfast, she'd go find Might Guy to "farm gold coins" (i.e., spar for rewards). Then, she'd create two shadow clones:
"Hikari" attended classes, built relationships with heirs of major clans, occasionally teased Sasuke, encouraged Naruto, and pestered Ino. She also casually dropped hints about her "recent struggles" to her now well-established circle of friends. The training methods for Yin and Yang Release were crucial for her Reverse Eight Gates technique. The sooner she started, the more time she'd have for research. "Hikari" ventured out to find waterfalls and wild beasts, honing Water Release's nature transformation and shape transformation. Shape transformation was the top priority—though complex, it was universally applicable. Mastering one form meant all future nature transformations would benefit, making it highly efficient for someone like Hikari, who wielded all five chakra natures.
Meanwhile, the real Hikari took on the toughest challenges.
Every day, she'd grab a handful of leaves from the roadside and wait outside the hospital before 8 AM, staying until dinner. The doctors and nurses had grown familiar with the pretty blind girl, joking that she was more diligent than the staff. Hikari even chatted with them occasionally, making connections.
Medical ninjutsu was also a form of Yang Release. Who knows? She might end up working at the hospital someday—getting familiar with the environment early wasn't a bad idea.
Besides, it was a way to find some joy in the grind.
Wind Release's nature transformation was far harder than she'd imagined. Now she understood why the Hyūga clan in the original series never used elemental jutsu.
In theory, nature transformation was also a form of shape manipulation—but while shape transformation operated on a macro level, nature transformation was microscopic. The Byakugan's chakra control was unmatched in macro manipulation but faltered at the micro level. No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't find a shortcut.
After four or five days at the hospital, she still hadn't made progress. Frustrating, especially for someone used to breezing through training.
That said, struggling with Wind Release's nature transformation didn't mean she struggled with Wind Release jutsu. Born with an affinity for wind, she could easily perform wind-style techniques by following the hand seals. For most, that alone would make her a genius.
But Hikari wasn't satisfied.
In the chaos of battle, spending twenty-plus hand seals for a mediocre Wind Release jutsu was less efficient than a quick Ten-Finger Drilling Bullets. No matter how difficult, mastering Wind Release's nature transformation was a must.
Hospital Room
Kazama Koshī lounged on the hospital bed, sipping juice Hikari had bought him, occasionally offering guidance—utterly relaxed.
Finally, this monster's hit a wall.
If she'd cracked nature transformation as easily as shape manipulation, he might as well propose a new research topic to Konoha's jutsu development team:
"A Study on the Possible Bloodline Connection Between Hikari and the Sage of Six Paths."
"Again!" he called out. "Split your chakra into two perfectly balanced halves—no more, no less. Apply equal force in opposite directions for a clean cut."
Hikari held a leaf in her palm. Deep blue chakra crept along its central vein, turning transparent, as if about to dissolve into wind.
Ssskrt!
The leaf tore apart.
Hikari activated her Byakugan to inspect it.
"Failure." Kazama didn't even need to look.
A successful Wind Release nature transformation would've split the leaf silently, leaving a flawless edge. Instead, the torn edges were jagged, uneven—proof her chakra wasn't perfectly balanced.
"I did balance it," Hikari muttered, frustrated. After days of training, she had to have gotten the distribution right.
"Balanced wind pressure, balanced chakra volume, opposite directions—but the points of application must align," Kazama said, eyeing the ragged tear. Any misalignment caused jagged edges.
Hikari tossed the ruined leaf into the trash and pulled out another.
Wind Release demanded perfect equilibrium—like a high-wire act. The slightest deviation ruined everything.
Kazama watched her struggle, thoroughly pleased.
This is how it should be.
If training wasn't grueling, what was the point? Having suffered himself, he was determined to shred Hikari's umbrella too.
"Calm your mind. The more impatient you are, the harder it'll be to reach that state."
Hikari's eyelashes twitched. His tone was definitely smug.
Ssskrt!
Another failure.
"Not good enough~"
She sighed, reaching into her pocket. She had to master this before autumn—brittle fall leaves would only make it harder.
Evening – Hatake Compound
Exhausted, Hikari returned home. Though she hadn't succeeded yet, she'd grasped key points—it was only a matter of time.
"You're late. Your shadow clones are waiting in your room," Might Guy called from the kitchen, now surprisingly adept at cooking.
"Got it. Is Kakashi still not back?"
She'd been hoping to squeeze some Lightning Release insights out of him, but her Byakugan hadn't spotted his chakra signature earlier.
"ANBU's been swamped lately. He hasn't been home in days."
Hm.
This timing… it had to be related to the Uchiha.
The Uchiha massacre wasn't her problem, and she had no intention of getting involved. She'd need to come home earlier from now on—avoiding any unwanted sights was safer.
Resolved, she opened her bedroom door.
"Academy Hikari" and "Water Release Hikari" sat on the bed, expressions grim.
"What's wrong?" she asked, shutting the door behind her.
"Block the fatigue first. You'll understand when we dispel," Water Release Hikari said urgently.
Hikari closed her eyes.
"Body Domination."
Instantly, she numbed her exhaustion.
"Done."
"Release!"
Poof!
The clones vanished in twin smoke clouds, their memories flooding back.
For a split second, Hikari's body felt heavier, her mind overwhelmed by the influx of information—
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