A New Training Method

Early the next morning, Kiyomi was called to the Training Ground by Sasuke.

"Starting today, you're going to learn something new," Sasuke said.

"Something new?" Kiyomi asked.

"That's right," Sasuke said. "You've almost mastered Chidori Stream."

Kiyomi blinked.

"What am I learning next?"

"Lightning Armor," Sasuke said.

Kiyomi froze.

"Lightning Armor?"

"That's right," Sasuke said. "You wrap your whole body in Lightning Release Chakra to form a defense."

"That sounds amazing," Kiyomi said.

"But it's difficult, too," Sasuke said. "You need to control the Chakra throughout your entire body with precision."

Kiyomi nodded.

"I'll give it a try."

She began gathering Lightning Release Chakra.

Blue sparks flickered over her body.

But they quickly faded.

"This is hard," Kiyomi said. "My Chakra keeps getting unstable."

"Because your control isn't precise enough yet," Sasuke said. "You need to distribute your Chakra evenly over your whole body."

Kiyomi gritted her teeth.

"Again."

She tried once more.

This time, the sparks lasted for three seconds.

But then they faded again.

"Damn it," Kiyomi said.

"Don't rush," Sasuke said. "Take it slow."

Kiyomi kept practicing.

Once, twice, three times...

By noon, she could hold it for ten seconds.

"Not bad," Sasuke said. "Take a break."

Kiyomi collapsed onto the ground.

"I'm exhausted."

"Have some water," Sasuke said, handing her a canteen.

Kiyomi took a sip.

"Teacher Sasuke," she said.

"Hmm?"

"The battle at Kirigakure..." Kiyomi said. "Is the Kara Organization really that strong?"

Sasuke fell silent for a moment.

"They're strong," he said. "Stronger than you imagine."

Kiyomi clenched her fists.

"When will I be able to catch up to them?"

"I don't know," Sasuke said. "But you're making progress."

Kiyomi lowered her head.

"But I'm progressing too slowly."

"You're not," Sasuke said. "You've been working very hard."

Kiyomi lifted her head.

"But it's still