The graduation exam finally concluded, but the impact of the battle continued to ripple through the entire village. In just a few days, nearly every villager was discussing the intense graduation match.
Yukigetsu was not particularly high-profile at the ninja academy. He might not have attracted much attention if it weren’t for his fight with Rock Lee. Even though he was the brother of Konoha’s elite Jonin Kakashi and had a respectable background, he was not as renowned as Uchiha Sasuke, who belonged to a prestigious clan. Therefore, not many would have bet on him before his confrontation with Sasuke.
But surprises often happen under one’s nose.
The seemingly low-key Yukigetsu triumphed over the newly empowered Sasuke dramatically during the graduation exam, securing the top honor and successfully becoming a Genin, ultimately becoming Jonin Kurenai Yuhi’s subordinate.
It was clear to everyone that, with the strength he displayed that day, few opponents among Konoha’s Genin could match him.
His resilience, in particular, was awe-inspiring. While talent is a gift from one’s parents, a resilient mindset is essential for the path to greatness. Yukigetsu’s refusal to give up or retreat in the face of adversity left many in silent admiration.
In addition to the annual graduation exam, the topic of whether one can fight against destiny, as expected by the Third Hokage, spread rapidly. In just a few days, it erupted into a massive storm, engulfing the entire village of Konoha, with fierce debates heard everywhere.
“Destiny is determined at birth. Otherwise, why are some destined to be civilians while others become ninjas?”
“No, that’s not true. Yukigetsu is right. Regardless of our starting point, effort does matter. It might not help us reach the peak, but at least it can help us surpass our current selves!”
“Maybe your efforts were your destiny all along.”
“That’s just sophistry. At least now I see that choices are in front of me. Whether to waste my life or strive hard is a different path altogether!”
“Destiny can’t be fought. We should just live a stable and ordinary life.”
“Wrong. I believe destiny can be fought, and at least, Yukigetsu can do it!”
“But that’s Hyuga Neji, the top genius of the Hyuga clan…”
Konoha’s first ideological liberation movement officially began at this moment…
But Yukigetsu had expected all this. He didn’t pay much attention to others’ opinions, knowing that if he could surpass Neji in the end, he would naturally gain immense prestige.
At this moment, in the dead of night, he sat alone on his soft bed in his room, pondering with his chin in his hand.
Since the end of the graduation exam, he hadn’t had a chance to organize his gains from the battle. The changes in his ninjutsu and the tactics he used all needed summarizing. The most crucial was his growth direction.
During the fight with Sasuke, he realized a problem: his direction was off. No matter how proficient he became with Water Release, if Sasuke activated his Sharingan, Yukigetsu might not even be able to hit him. There was something wrong with his ninjutsu. His proficiency in Taijutsu was an advantage, and Genjutsu had the development of Spirit Release. The Heart Soul Prison Technique’s limitations and uncontrollable consequences were the only issue. For example, in the battle with Sasuke, he almost lost control at the end…
Yukigetsu sighed. Without organizing, he felt strong, but after organizing, he found his skills scattered and lacking a coherent system. Learning too many things without focus was a big taboo, especially since he had the Spirit River, akin to a ninjutsu library, where countless techniques were readily available. He needed to choose carefully and not be overwhelmed.
Thinking about this, he formed hand seals rapidly, and the next moment, he whispered, “Spirit Release: Spirit River Space!”
Rich spiritual light enveloped his body, and his consciousness seemed to detach from it, gradually drifting farther away.
When Yukigetsu opened his eyes again, he found himself back on the Chakra Bridge, gazing at the vast and magnificent Spirit River flowing with spiritual light.
In the middle of the Spirit River were clusters of information flows, like different sections of a library, which Yukigetsu needed permission to access. The only connected area was Water Release; the rest remained inaccessible.
It felt like lighting up a skill tree, Yukigetsu thought to himself.
Stepping forward, he found a cluster of moon-colored energy on the Chakra Bridge, the result of using the Heart Soul Prison Technique on Sasuke.
He summoned it and integrated it into the Spirit River, heading toward the Water Release section, observing closely.
The distance from the riverbank to this point was the longest, exhausting all the reincarnation power he had last time. Although he had less this time, he estimated it would be enough to connect one of Fire, Wind, Lightning, or Earth Release.
Last time, he chose Water Release because it was the closest. This time, he intended to explore thoroughly.
Rubbing his chin, he noticed the information flows arranged Water, Fire, Wind, Lightning, and Earth in the nearest positions, extending outward with related Kekkei Genkai like Wood Release for Water and Earth and Ice Release for Water and Wind.
Further out were Kekkei Tota-like Dust Release, and even farther were special abilities like Sage Mode and Space-Time Ninjutsu.
Yukigetsu didn’t look farther, knowing it was beyond his reach for now. Instead, he focused on something interesting nearby in the Spirit River.
Precise Chakra Control Methods, Origins, and Creation of Ninjutsu…
He furrowed his brows, feeling these were most suited for him. However, choosing these meant forgoing something as significant as Wood Release, the First Hokage’s Kekkei Genkai!
Yukigetsu closed his eyes. He had two choices: connect Earth Release to Wood Release or Wind Release to Ice Release, along with Precise Chakra Control Methods and Ninjutsu Origins and Creation. Which should he choose?
If he chose Wood Release, how much power could he wield with his limited Chakra? Could he even use Wood Release openly at his current weak state?
That would be suicidal!
Not to mention Danzo; even other villages might send assassins. Would he ever step outside the village again?!
It seemed safer to choose Ice Release, gaining two more benefits.
Having decided, Yukigetsu formed hand seals.
“Spirit Release: Soul Purification Bridge!”
The moonlit bridge appeared, connecting Wind and Water Release. Information surged into his mind, along with intense pain in his physical body.
“Ugh…”
In the outside world, Yukigetsu braced himself on his bed, sweat pouring down like rain. Awakening Wind Release felt vastly different from Water Release…
After a while.
Yukigetsu exhaled deeply. It was over. Without time to digest the new information, he returned to the Spirit River Space.
He saw the lit-up Water and Wind Release glowing together, linking to Ice Release.
Buzzing.
Yukigetsu’s eyes lit up. Could it connect automatically?
He moved to the Ice Release information flow, reaching out.
Boom!
His right hand was repelled. Yukigetsu frowned. A transparent barrier protects the information flow of the ice release.
What’s going on?
He tried several times but couldn’t access Ice Release. Frustrated, he gave up and decided to try again later.
He used the remaining reincarnation power to connect to the Precise Chakra Control Methods and Ninjutsu Origins and Creation information flows.
The discomfort was familiar during each memory reception, but Yukigetsu had grown accustomed to it…
After a while, he opened his eyes, his gaze filled with surprise.
Unexpectedly, these two information flows were the most significant gains this time!
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