Into the Unknown

As Natsuki settled into the quiet clearing that had become his usual training ground, his mind replayed the recent, almost surreal encounter with Ren Uchiha. The gravity of being summoned by the clan leader himself, and the subsequent gifting of knowledge through the Sharingan, was overwhelming. To think that Ren Uchiha sees potential in me... A mix of pride and pressure settled in his chest. He had always been the Screw Up to his family but, if the clan leader saw something in him, perhaps it was not true? He gripped tightly at the new sword on his hip, eager to try it out, but there was something else he wanted to try first.

He focused on one of the new techniques Ren had imparted: Seismic Sense. It was a sensory technique of impressive scope, requiring a deep connection with the earth. Natsuki positioned himself firmly on the ground, feeling the cool dirt under his palms and feet. He formed the Ox, then the Snake, and finally the Dragon seal with his hands, attempting to channel his chakra downward.

At first, all he felt was the subtle, natural shift of the earth- a far cry from the vivid sensory map he was supposed to conjure. His concentration deepened, his brow furrowing as he strained to push his chakra further into the ground. Come on, feel it... Just feel it... But the earth remained stubbornly silent, his efforts yielding nothing more than a slight tingling in his feet.

Frustrated, Natsuki let out a sigh and flopped back onto the ground, staring up at the scattering of leaves above him. As he lay there, his body relaxed, and his mind drifted from the intensity of his failed attempts. In that moment of unintentional surrender, a subtle shift occurred. Lying on his back, his connection to the earth unchanged, he felt a faint vibration- a whisper of movement through the ground.

Startled, Natsuki’s eyes widened as he lifted his foot and slammed it down impulsively. The ground responded like a drum to his touch, sending out a pulse of chakra that echoed back to him with a flood of information. Suddenly, the area around him snapped into focus in his mind’s eye. He could sense the scurry of small animals, the soft tread of a villager walking nearby, even the gentle sway of trees as their branches brushed against one another, each touch sending vibrations through the earth.

He shot up to a sitting position, his heart racing with the realization. I can see... everything. Every step, every touch on the earth... It’s all clear to me now. The scope of it was astounding- every detail within a 500 meter radius registered in his mind as if he was viewing a detailed map.

This sudden epiphany was exhilarating. Seeing without seeing... Weird. Natsuki felt a surge of gratitude for the clan leader’s faith in him, mixed with excitement for the potential this technique held. This gift was truly a marvel. It wasn’t just a tool for sensing- it was a new way to connect with the world around him, offering insights he could never have perceived through sight alone.

Sitting there, amidst the vibrations of life all around him, Natsuki felt a profound sense of capability and readiness. The Chuunin Exams no longer seemed like a looming threat but an opportunity to showcase this newfound ability, to prove not just to Ren, his peers, or his mother, but to himself, that he was capable of mastering even the most challenging techniques.

The training ahead would be rigorous, of that he was certain. But with each pulse of the earth beneath him, Natsuki felt a strengthening resolve to push forward, to turn this rare gift into a strength that would define his path as a shinobi. With a newfound confidence, he rose to his feet, ready to delve deeper into the unknown realms of what he could achieve and, most importantly, into the new techniques that Ren had offered.

His mind swirled with the possibilities of what he could learn next. It was the Doton techniques that called to him most vividly, though the Suiton techniques had a certain appeal as well. There was no shortage of options, but a shortage of time. The exams were close and these techniques were many. For now, however, he was satisfied with progress. One at a time!

[Learned Techniques]
Seismic Sense - S rank - 730/700 words - 1 CP

259/260 CP

Natsuki stood alone in the clearing that had become his makeshift dojo, his brow furrowed in concentration. Next, he tasked himself with mastering three new techniques that Ren Uchiha had shared, each manipulating the earth's gravity in unique ways. It was a daunting task, yet the idea that these techniques seemed interlinked made the challenge seem more approachable.

First, he attempted the technique that increased gravity. Interestingly, this seemed to be the only one that required hand seals for whatever reason. As he formed the Snake seal, Natsuki directed his chakra into his very being, feeling the immediate weight upon his shoulders. It was a strange sensation, as if the earth itself was pulling him closer, making his movements sluggish. This pressure... it's like being pushed down by the weight of the mountain. He moved slowly around the clearing, each step more laborious than the last. Experimenting further, he concentrated the technique on a large rock nearby, watching as it sank slightly into the soil, its surface beginning to harden and take on a petrified appearance.

Next, he shifted to the technique that lightened gravity. Releasing the previous chakra flow, he noticed the sudden lightness in his limbs. As mentioned, there were no hand seals this time; it was all about intention and chakra control. As he activated the technique, he felt as though he could dance upon the wind. His movements became quicker, more agile, and he leaped high into the air with ease. I'm nearly flying... Ren knew these techniques? He must've mastered earth release to a degree I can hardly imagine.

The transition between heavy and light was disorienting yet exhilarating. Natsuki experimented with combining the two, attempting to find balance in the opposing forces. It was during these transitions he realized how refined these techniques were compared to regular earth release. To manipulate not just earth, but the way that matter itself was affected by gravity, was beyond incredible.

Finally, he prepared to try the most powerful technique, an enhanced version of the first. This time, as he activated the technique, the sensation was overwhelming. The gravity around him intensified so greatly that he could barely lift his feet. But as he directed it outward, targeting another boulder, it was encased in rock almost instantly, completely immobilized. So much power... it's almost terrifying.

Lying back, Natsuki stared up at the sky, letting the residual sensations wash over him. The power to affect gravity in this way was not just an offensive tool but a way to connect deeply with the earth. To think, Ren mastered this... and now, he's passed it on to me. The responsibility felt immense, yet it was tempered by an eager curiosity about the limits he could push with these new skills.

As he practiced, alternating between the three techniques, Natsuki found a rhythm. The third technique, although it was just a stronger version of the first, surprised him with its sheer force. It felt familiar yet vastly more potent. These techniques... they’re like different notes of the same tune, each resonating with a different strength.

Feeling the ground beneath him, sensing the life within the soil, Natsuki realized he was viewing the world in a way he never had before. Each vibration told a story, each shift in the earth a whisper of the hidden life all around him. It was a profound connection, granted by the legacy of a technique shared by a leader who saw potential where Natsuki had once only seen limits.

As the sun continued to rise in the morning sky, Natsuki rose from the ground, dusting himself off. The training had been intense, but the growth was palpable. With each technique, the weight of the upcoming Chuunin Exams seemed to lessen, as if by some sort of Light-Weight Rock Technique. What came next was a technique for which he was most excited. Thank you for this gift, Ren; I won’t waste it.

Spoiler:

With the morning sun casting long shadows across the training ground, Natsuki prepared himself for a new challenge. The Earth and Stone Dragon had been his favorite technique thus far, but the excitement of learning something potentially even more powerful was palpable in his eager stance. He focused on the details Ren Uchiha had imparted, envisioning the creation of a massive, humanoid golem made entirely of rock.

Natsuki took a deep breath and formed the Seal of Confrontation, a complex hand seal that felt oddly empowering as his chakra surged in response. Choosing to use the earth around him rather than the more strenuous method of expelling the golem from his mouth, he concentrated deeply, directing his will towards the ground in front of him.

The earth trembled, then split, as if obeying his silent command. Slowly, a large humanoid form began to rise from the fissure, its features rugged yet distinctly anthropomorphic. The golem’s form solidified, standing nearly three meters tall, its surface rough and impenetrable. Natsuki marveled at the creature’s imposing presence, feeling a connection to it through the flow of his chakra.

Experimenting with his control, he willed the golem to move. It responded sluggishly at first, its movements unrefined but undeniably powerful. Natsuki focused, refining his mental commands, and soon the golem began to move with more purpose. He tested its capabilities, morphing its hands into simple weapons—first a large mallet, then a broad shield, and finally a rudimentary sword.

The sensation of controlling such a powerful entity was exhilarating. Natsuki could feel the golem’s strength and durability as if they were extensions of his own body. He practiced maneuvers, using the golem as both a shield and a striking force, impressed by its ability to regenerate from any minor damage it sustained during their mock combat.

This... this is incredible. To think Ren knew such techniques, and now they’re mine to command, Natsuki thought, a rush of gratitude mingling with his excitement. The golem stood beside him, a towering testament to the possibilities that lay within his grasp. It’s like having a guardian giant at my beck and call.

Spoiler:

What struck Natsuki next was the sheer ease at which most of the techniques that Ren had gifted the boy could be learned. There were a few exceptions, including several sword techniques. Wanting to give his new sword a shot, the boy pulled it from its sheathe and observed it closely. It was of remarkable make and, despite its heft, felt quite light in his hands. Beyond the immaculate depiction of a starry night, it was the representation of the three tomoe on it that gave the boy pause. He had been gifted the "sword of the clan" but could not utilize the clan's most precious of abilities which those tomoe symbolized. He gripped the blade tightly, determined to show the world that even an Uchiha without the sharingan can still be a force.

Natsuki gave it a cursory swing to feel for its center of gravity and the way it cut through the air. It was the whistling that seemed most curious to him. It must be the holes. Taking on the sword with both hands, Natsuki focused himself and thought closely on the way that Ren demonstrated the technique that day. It was so simple, yet felt so effective.

He commanded the golem to rush forward, as if an attacking enemy and, in a flash, Natsuki swung the sword wide and a whistling crescent took shape that cut into the construct's stony exterior. Well god damn... It would be the perfect counterattack while utilizing his Dance of the Mudslide technique. Satisfied for now, having rapidly learned much from today already, the boy nodded at the golem which crumbled away. It was time to go home, there was much to prepare.

Spoiler:

Just as Natsuki turned to leave the clearing, a sudden realization halted his steps. There were still a few techniques he hadn’t practiced today. With a thoughtful nod, he decided to make use of a few more techniques.

Facing the center of the clearing once more, Natsuki positioned himself and quickly formed the necessary hand seals. He focused his chakra, feeling it surge through him and into the earth beneath. The ground trembled slightly as he initiated the Moving Earth Core technique, a square portion of the earth within the clearing suddenly sank, creating a deep, clean-cut pit. The earth descended silently, leaving a stark, open gap in the serene landscape of the training ground.

Not wanting to leave such a hazard open, Natsuki prepared to close it up. He transitioned into another sequence of hand seals: Hare, Snake, then Bird. As he released his chakra, he guided a large slab of earth from the side of the pit, moving it laterally to slide over and neatly cover the opening. The slab fit perfectly, sealing the pit with precision, its edges aligning seamlessly with the surrounding ground.

As the dust settled, Natsuki observed his handiwork. The once evident pit was now covered, the ground looking almost as if it had never been disturbed, save for the fresher soil marking the slab. This simple yet effective manipulation of the earth not only demonstrated his growing control over Doton techniques but also reflected his strategic thinking in utilizing his environment.

Satisfied with the smooth execution and the restored state of the clearing, Natsuki allowed himself a small smile. Perfect for covering tracks or setting traps... I’m getting the hang of this!

[Learned Techniques]
Earth Release: Moving Earth Awning - B rank Custom - 279/250 words - 5 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Reduction)

Natsuki stood beside the freshly covered pit, his mind already plotting the next step in his rigorous training session. He focused once more, initiating the Moving Earth Core technique again, but this time to raise rather than lower. The earth trembled and groaned as a large pillar of stone began to rise adjacent to the covered hole, its mass pushing upward until it towered impressively over the clearing.

Before testing his next technique, Natsuki activated the Earth Release: Stonehide Skin, feeling his skin and musculature harden into stone-like plates. This transformation brought a profound sense of durability and power. Armed with his new sword and this enhanced defense, Natsuki prepared to trial the technique designed to work in tandem with this formidable armor.

As he readied himself, Natsuki did not need hand seals; his focus was internal, on the peculiar ability of his muscles to interlock and enhance a strike. He swung his sword against the air, the whistling growing more intense as his interlocking musculature pulled the blade into position. He continued these strikes as he rose atop the pillar, high into the air.

With the pillar now standing tall in its full height, Natsuki stepped forward, the way down towards where he had previously covered the hole. It was a long way down, but he'd get there. For now, he would focus on his newly developed swordsmanship and how this sword represented such a mighty addition to his arsenal. In tandem with his Stonehide Skin, he felt almost invincible.

[Learned Techniques]
Earth Release: Stonehide Plate Shift - B rank Custom - 251/250 words - 5 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Reduction)

Standing atop the newly raised stone pillar, Natsuki peered down at the earth 50 meters below. He felt the weight of his Stonehide Skin and knew it was time to test his limits with a daring maneuver. With a deep breath, he stepped off the edge, surrendering to gravity as he initiated the Earth Release technique that would transform him into a living weapon.

As he fell, Natsuki manipulated the stone plates of his armor, refining their alignment to streamline his body for maximum impact. The air rushed past him, a loud whistle echoing around him as he shaped himself into a human spear. He focused his chakra, feeling the intense power building within, ready to unleash upon impact.

The ground approached rapidly, and with precise control, Natsuki directed his descent straight towards the stone covering he had placed over the pit earlier. His body hit the slab with the force of a meteorite, the stone plates of his armor ensuring he was immune to the impact- and that impact was cataclysmic, sending stone and debris flying in all directions, yet cleverly directed to smash harmlessly against the sides of the hole.

Beneath the broken slab, Natsuki crashed into the bottom of the pit, a cloud of dust billowing around him. The collision had created a spectacular burst, echoing through the clearing with the sound of shattering rock. After a moment of stillness, he climbed out of the debris, unscathed and exhilarated by the success of his dramatic descent.

With a grin of satisfaction, Natsuki dusted himself off. The power of both his own and the techniques that Ren imparted were immense. As he walked away from the training ground, the satisfaction of mastering such a dynamic and potent technique filled him with confidence. Today's training had pushed his boundaries and expanded his understanding of what he could achieve with his earth manipulation skills. With the Chuunin Exams on the horizon, he felt more prepared than ever.


[Learned Techniques]
Earth Release: Autokinetic Energy Weapon - A rank Custom - 327/300 words - 10 CP (Earth Ninjutsu Reduction)