Gengetsu had never expected that the Ice Release development that had plagued him for so long would find a direction because of an offhand remark from Kanzuki Chiba.
It was like an epiphany. Inspiration suddenly burst forth, as though he had entered that state of Unity of Heaven and Man that both fascinated and intimidated him.
He could not even be bothered with the hot spring anymore. How could a hot spring be more fun than Ice Release?
So, outside the hot spring, amid the ice and snow, Gengetsu sat cross-legged with his eyes slightly closed, immersing himself in the freezing wind.
"Staying outside like that, he'll get frostbite easily. Gengetsu is being way too reckless!"
Kanzuki Chiba had not expected Gengetsu to still be there when she came out of the hot spring. Snow had nearly covered his body. However, she knew that Gengetsu often came up with startling ideas and did startling things, so she did not rashly approach and disturb him.
"Maybe he's developing some new technique again? After all, your Waterless World Technique was completed in a hot spring!"
Uchiha Shinsui said.
At the mention of that, Kanzuki Chiba could not help blushing. To master the Waterless World Technique, she and Gengetsu had soaked in the same hot spring, claiming it was so she could experience the circulation and flow of Chakra up close.
"But what technique is Gengetsu developing?"
Kanzuki Chiba wondered silently. Neither she nor Uchiha Shinsui considered the possibility of a Kekkei Genkai.
Just like that, another hour passed. Gengetsu's body was now completely covered in snow. Just as even Uchiha Shinsui was about to go over and wake him, Gengetsu abruptly opened his eyes. Looking down at the thin shard of ice in his hand, a brilliant smile spread across his face.