Wok Shadow Ninja

Chapter 103: A Graceful Figure Under the Moonlight

Strictly speaking, the Steam Danger Explosion is a water-release ninjutsu. The foundation of this technique lies in the Water Clone Jutsu.

However, much like Sasuke's Kirin, which is undeniably a lightning-release ninjutsu but doesn't carry the "lightning-release" prefix like Chidori or Raikiri, the Steam Danger Explosion involves a more complex process. Sasuke uses the Great Dragon Fire Jutsu to create thunderclouds, observes the speed and direction of the lightning with his Sharingan, and finally guides the lightning to strike his enemy using Chidori or another lightning-release technique.

This technique involves the Sharingan, which, in theory, makes it impossible for outsiders to learn. However, the reality is that this technique is rated as an S-rank, meaning it falls within the realm of learnable techniques.

Even without the Sharingan, one can substitute it with sensory abilities or other skills. In this technique, the Sharingan isn't an absolute necessity.

The same applies to the Steam Danger Explosion. The first step in this three-part technique is creating a water clone, which is no challenge for Ino.

When it comes to clone techniques, the Shadow Clone Jutsu developed by the Second Hokage far surpasses the Water Clone Jutsu.

Separating one's chakra and transferring it into a water clone is something Ino can also do with ease.

The second step, however, is more difficult: infusing the water clone with water-transformed chakra.

Chakra infused with water-nature transformation is the foundation of many water-release techniques, but it cannot be maintained for long. Once used, it's gone. For example, Ino's Water Dragon Bullet is a one-time attack. She can hold the final hand seal to maintain the water dragon with her chakra, but this method is rather clumsy and was something the old man, Gen, came up with on his own.

Water-nature chakra cannot exist within a water clone for long, so the chakra must be liquefied.

This involves a secret water-transformation technique, which is difficult to master. Fortunately, Ino's proficiency in water-release and her "ninja" level are both sufficiently high. The mustached man had explained the water-transformation aspects of the Steam Danger Explosion in great detail, and after making some adjustments herself, Ino has now achieved partial water transformation.

Ino stretched out her arms and slowly submerged herself into the pond.

The cold water enveloped her as she channeled her chakra, liquefying it first before transforming her own body.

Ino's left arm merged with the water, the dissolution process taking about forty-five seconds. She then reverted back and raised her left hand to examine it.

The palm that had been pierced by Haku is katana originally bore a rather gruesome scar. Even after applying the Yamanaka clan's secret medicine, the scar was still visible. Now, after partial water transformation, the injured area had undergone a cellular-level restructuring.

To Ino, it seemed as though the scar was gradually fading. She performed the water transformation two more times, but when her left hand began to ache slightly, she knew her cells had temporarily reached their limit and needed rest.

Under the moonlight, she examined her palm.

She estimated that after a couple more sessions, or once she fully mastered water transformation, the scar would disappear completely.

Ino submerged herself entirely into the pond, focusing on repairing the scars on her abdomen and back.

The scar on her abdomen wasn't too bad, but the one on her back, left by Chōjūrō's Hiramekarei, was quite large. She had originally thought she'd never be able to wear backless outfits again.

Though the water was cold, it gave her a profound sense of comfort. The entire pond felt like an extension of her own body. Ino closed her eyes, feeling as though she had returned to the womb, attuning herself to the unique rhythm of the water.

Tonight's experience was incredibly soothing. Ino didn't need to breathe or think. The surroundings were utterly silent, as if nothing existed in the world except herself. The damage inside and outside her body was slowly repairing itself, her cells humming with joy. She felt an overwhelming sense of relief and drifted into a light sleep within the water.

She had no idea how much time had passed when a disruptive splashing sound interrupted her state of harmony. Annoyed, she wondered who could be out here in the middle of the night, playing in the water.

Ino's gaze pierced through the pond's surface, and she saw a girl standing on a large rock, practicing her punches.

The moonlight was bright, and the girl's expression was determined. Her movements were precise and deliberate, but her attire was far too skimpy for the environment.

Ino was speechless. Hinata, aren't you supposed to be on duty? 

She guessed that Kurenai must have gone to closely monitor Hanare, leaving Hinata with some free time. Kurenai had been exceptionally proactive lately, throwing herself into her work with fiery enthusiasm, so it wasn't surprising that she'd given Hinata the night off.

Ino sighed inwardly. You get a night off, and instead of resting, you come out here to practice punches in the middle of the night? You're really dedicated... but aren't you worried about catching a cold? 

From her position in the water, Ino had a unique vantage point, seeing things she normally wouldn't.

Should she go out and say hello? As fellow girls, meeting in this situation would probably be awkward for Hinata.

But if she stayed in the pond and kept watching... that didn't seem entirely appropriate either.

Torn, Ino ultimately decided to maintain her water-transformed state and continue observing.

Big this, white that... She wasn't particularly concerned.

Her perspective had been refined by the Steam Danger Explosion, and she now had a high standard when it came to ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu. While these techniques are categorized separately, there are still some overlapping principles.

She could tell that Hinata was practicing her clan's Gentle Fist. The reason she was dressed so lightly was likely to allow her chakra to flow more freely through the various chakra points in her body, enabling her to release chakra from these points and create the unique defensive effect of the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven.

Too much clothing would weaken the ability to release chakra, or so she assumed.

The young girl was drenched in sweat, spinning rapidly in the Gentle Fist stance while channeling chakra throughout her body for defense. Her determination was evident, but the Eight Trigrams Palms Revolving Heaven was simply too difficult for her.

Neji Hyūga had mastered this technique without any guidance, but Hinata, despite having her father's teachings and the experience of her predecessors to draw from, still struggled to grasp it. It had to be said that her talent simply didn't measure up to Neji's.

But as anyone familiar with the ninja world knows, talent is cheap what really matters is having a cheat ability!

Without one, you wouldn't even qualify to be a background character in the final battle.

Ino observed from the water.

Hinata continued practicing the Eight Trigrams Palms, spinning relentlessly. The constant motion made Ino dizzy. She didn't believe Hinata had what it took to participate in the final battle, but for now, she could lend a hand.

A stream of water suddenly appeared beneath Hinata's feet, wrapping around her ankle like a hand and pulling her down. The rock, already smooth from the constant flow of water, caused Hinata to lose her balance, and she tumbled into the pond with a splash.

Assuming she had simply slipped, Hinata didn't think much of it and reached for the rock to pull herself up.

Two seconds later, she noticed something unusual.

The pond was cold, but not bone-chillingly so. In fact, it felt quite comfortable, and there seemed to be something akin to chakra in the water.

What was it?

"Byakugan!"

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