Second's Water Release: Water Formation Wall

Ever since I got the "Increased Chakra Reserves" quest last time, Fate Grid had been generous again.

I'd just gotten back from a mission. I'd woken up late today, grabbed a quick bite, and headed straight to work at the Ninja Academy.

He didn't have a Ninja Sword, but there were some in the storeroom.

There were all sorts of Ninja Swords in different styles, too.

On the way, he'd bought two skewers of dango and taken over three thousand ryō from the corpses of the Anteater Bounty Group ninjas. That had temporarily eased his empty purse.

Fortunately, they'd hidden their money well. It hadn't been destroyed by the Explosive Tags.

"How am I supposed to learn the Summoning Technique? I don't even have a suitable Summoning Beast to sign a contract with."

"If only I could sign a contract with one of the Three Great Sage Regions' Summoning Beasts. I once slightly improved my Sage Art Talent, so maybe I could try learning Senjutsu."

There was no doubt about the power of Senjutsu.

Jiraiya, one of Konoha's Legendary Sannin, knew Mount Myoboku's Senjutsu. Later on, he could hold his own against Pain. He'd only lost because he didn't know Pain's abilities.

If he'd known all the abilities of the Six Paths of Pain, Jiraiya might have done even better than Naruto in Sage Mode.

Byakuya suddenly realized that the Summoning Technique had become something of a dead end. Though that wasn't entirely true—he could store Ninja Tools in a Space-Time Scroll and use them to give his enemies a "surprise" in battle.

He opened the storeroom's three heavy doors.

Then he picked out a Ninja Sword that felt right in his hand.

Just as he did when practicing swordsmanship, he cleared his mind and focused completely as he swung the blade.

This kind of training, where effort brought a clear reward, was especially addictive. After all, in this world, people could pour in endless effort and still end up with nothing.

"Byakuya, practicing with your sword?"

Hiroya appeared from who knew where and smiled kindly. "Seeing how diligent you are makes me happy for your parents."

He stopped swinging, put on his black shirt, and bowed. "Greetings, Headmaster."

"No need for formalities. You and I don't have to stand on ceremony. I've come to tell you some wonderful news!"

"What good news?"

"Well, the mission to eliminate the rogue ninja went wrong, didn't it? To make it up to you, you can choose a Ninjutsu."

"Do you mean I can choose any Ninjutsu I want, Headmaster?"

Byakuya emphasized the word "any."

Hiroya thought it over. Lord Danzo didn't seem to have set any restrictions, so he nodded. "I suppose so."

Byakuya's heart gave a sudden lurch.

His body was young, but his soul was mature. He'd actually sensed that someone behind the scenes had directed Hiroya to say this. Who could it be?

"This is a rare opportunity. You won't get another chance like this."

"Can I really choose any Ninjutsu?"

"Mm-hmm." A sudden sense of foreboding rose in Hiroya's heart.

"Water Release: Water Formation Wall."

"Huh? Water Formation Wall?"

Hiroya knew this defensive Water Release Ninjutsu. After the user formed Hand Seals, a vertical wall of water rose from the ground to block attacks.

"Headmaster, I want to learn the Water Release: Water Formation Wall developed by the Second."

"What's the difference?" Hiroya asked, puzzled.

"I only heard about it by chance," Byakuya said. "The person I heard it from said that the Second's Water Formation Wall had an unexpected effect."

Hiroya had no idea what was different about Senju Tobirama's Water Formation Wall. But since Lord Danzo had given the order and Senkaku Byakuya had made his request, Hiroya would simply run the errand.

"I'll be upfront: I might not be able to get you the Second's Water Release Ninjutsu. Be prepared for that... How about this? Name another Ninjutsu. If the request is denied, I'll get you something else instead."

This really was a good chance to take advantage of Root Organization. After much deliberation, Byakuya still decided to learn a Water Release Ninjutsu. Triple Rashomon was out of the question; it consumed far too much chakra.

"Then I'll take Water Release: Hidden Mist Technique."

The Hidden Mist Technique was only a D-rank Water Release Ninjutsu. It created a dense fog to obstruct the enemy's vision, and it was a mandatory subject for the Anbu of Kirigakure.

That showed just how useful the Hidden Mist Technique was.

It wasn't purely a defensive Ninjutsu, but the fog could help him find an enemy's openings and decide whether to advance or retreat. It could also be used to coordinate tactics.

"Wait here in the storeroom. I'll be back as soon as I can."

"Sorry for the trouble, Headmaster."

Hiroya's sudden show of warmth set off alarm bells in Byakuya's mind.

He watched Hiroya hurry off.

Byakuya picked up his Ninja Sword, took a deep breath, and calmed his churning emotions. Whatever happened, he could only deal with it as it came.

The best thing to do was to improve his strength as quickly as possible.

He swung his blade!

With Lord Danzo's instructions, the cautious Hiroya treated Byakuya's request with the utmost care.

He normally wouldn't have needed to report it to Shimura Danzō, but since Byakuya had specifically asked to learn Senju Tobirama's Water Formation Wall, he decided to request an audience.

"I have something important to report to Lord Danzo."

"You again."

"Sorry for the trouble."

"Wait."

Less than ten minutes later:

"Come with me."

"Thank you."

Hiroya entered Shimura Danzō's room, trembling with nerves.

"Hiroya, what brings you to see me this time?"

Not daring to delay, he quickly repeated Byakuya's words exactly as he'd heard them.

Danzo said calmly, "I won't ask how he learned of Lord Tobirama's Water Formation Wall. But if he botches the next mission, I'll have no choice but to treat him as a worthless failure."

"Yes, sir."

"Wait here. I'll go get a copy of the Water Formation Wall."

Hiroya was deeply shocked. He hadn't expected Senju Tobirama's Water Release: Water Formation Wall to be so precious that Lord Danzo had to retrieve it in person.

It took more than half an hour for Danzo to return. He tossed the Ninjutsu scroll to Hiroya. "Tell Byakuya that once he's learned it, he must return the scroll. I only have this one copy."

"Yes, sir. I'll keep that in mind."

Hiroya waited for a while. Seeing Lord Danzo looking somewhat tired as he read through intelligence reports, he quietly left the room.

At the same time, he marveled inwardly. Lord Danzo truly was Konoha's pillar of stability. Without him, who knew how many people would run rampant and act with impunity? Alas, Lord Danzo was willing to work behind the scenes for Konoha and let the Third Hokage take the credit. It was truly a pity.

When Hiroya returned to the Ninja Academy storeroom,

Byakuya was still swinging his sword.

Hiroya simply stood to the side and watched, waiting for Byakuya to finish.

Every swing was focused, and his breathing was perfectly controlled.

Seeing him train so hard, Hiroya felt considerably more confident that Byakuya would successfully carry out his next mission.

He'd read the mission report. It was dangerous; the slightest mistake could cost Byakuya his life.

Hiroya had planned to wait until he finished training, but the sun was already high and it was nearly noon, while Byakuya still showed no intention of stopping.

"Ahem, Byakuya."

"Ah, Headmaster. I've been rude..."

"Not at all. Training with such concentration is a good thing. The stronger you become, the better you'll be able to carry out your missions."

"Yes." Byakuya cursed Hiroya inwardly. If that old schemer hadn't been involved, he wouldn't have to risk his life on missions.

"Here, take it. This is the Water Release: Water Formation Wall you asked for. I can't let you keep the scroll. Return it once you've learned the technique—as soon as possible."

"Thank you for your guidance, Headmaster!"

He put on an excited, surprised expression, but inside he shivered. Could the one who'd directed that old schemer Hiroya be Shimura Danzō, that old bastard?

He'd only asked for the Water Release: Water Formation Wall developed by Senju Tobirama because he had a suspicion and wanted to test it. That test had left his scalp tingling.

Danzo was Senju Tobirama's student, so it made perfect sense that he would have his Water Release Ninjutsu.

Hiroya patted Byakuya on the shoulder. "Your parents would be proud of you if they could see you now."

Byakuya lowered his head. You old schemer! I'd love to punch you twice!

"Yes."