The Truth of Hozuki Mangetsu (2)

"Both Hozuki Mangetsu are real bodies; this is the secret technique of the Hozuki Clan, the Hydrification Technique. No, it should be said that this belongs to Hozuki Mangetsu's own Kekkei Genkai."

Uesugi Shinji gazed down at Hozuki Mangetsu, who was sprawled on the ground in a rather unsightly defeat, his calm tone tinged with a hint of admiration.

Following this, Uesugi Shinji slowly voiced his deductions.

In truth, it all began with Hozuki Mangetsu's natural talent. Not only was his physical aptitude outstanding, but his mind was exceptionally sharp, displaying a maturity far beyond his peers from a very young age.

This was especially true in the study of ninjutsu, where Hozuki Mangetsu's growth rate was unprecedented.

As one of the most prestigious families in Kirigakure, the Hozuki Clan possessed extraordinary resources for cultivating ninjas. When Hozuki Mangetsu's father, the clan head, discovered his son's talent, he decided to pour the entire clan's resources into nurturing him.

Hozuki Mangetsu, who bore such high expectations, did not disappoint his father or his kin; by the age of seven or eight, he already possessed the strength to contend with jonin. Had it not been for his young age and insufficient chakra and physical power, defeating an ordinary jonin would not have been impossible.

It was during that period that Hozuki Mangetsu became obsessed with the development of ninjutsu, taking a particular interest in the clan's secret "Hydrification Technique."

The user of the Hydrification Technique can liquefy their body at will, rendering physical attacks ineffective. Beyond easily evading most types of attacks, one can also hide their tracks through the liquefied state, granting immense flexibility.

Furthermore, the Hydrification Technique places rigorous demands on the user's constitution. Since the invention of this secret technique, only a few Hozuki clansmen with special constitutions have been able to use it, and Hozuki Mangetsu's constitution met the requirements for its execution.

After long periods of research, Hozuki Mangetsu actually succeeded in pushing the Hydrification Technique to a new realm. It not only granted him the ability to liquefy his body but also allowed him to freely reorganize his liquefied form into tangible clones.

Each of these tangible clones is a true Hozuki Mangetsu; they can perform all the ninjutsu he has mastered and, unlike elemental clones, they do not dissipate upon impact.

If one wishes to kill Hozuki Mangetsu, they must kill every single one of his tangible clones. As long as a single clone survives, he can return to his peak state within a short amount of time!

The modified Hydrification Technique Hozuki Mangetsu created is not simply a type of ninjutsu; it requires coordination with physical modifications and certain special sealing techniques.

By the time he fully mastered this brand-new Hydrification Technique, the ability had transcended the category of a secret technique. The power of the Hydrification Technique had completely integrated into his body and genes, becoming a new Kekkei Genkai, with Hozuki Mangetsu as the first-generation possessor!

After Uesugi Shinji finished his explanation, Rin, Terumi Mei, and Hozuki Mangetsu all wore expressions of shock.

Rin was shocked by Hozuki Mangetsu's talent, while Terumi Mei and Hozuki Mangetsu were shocked that Uesugi Shinji's analysis was completely accurate.

"Then why did this kid sneak out to challenge you in the middle of the night?" Rin continued to press.

A flash of pity crossed Uesugi Shinji's eyes as he continued to explain: "As the saying goes, cleverness can be one's own undoing. This kid's days are numbered; he is already terminally ill."

"His liquefied body will gradually collapse, with his entire form slowly decomposing and liquefying at the cellular level, until eventually, he dissolves into a puddle of liquid and dies."

Rin was startled upon hearing this, then her expression turned to one of realization: "Could it be that your Ice Release ninjutsu can cure his Kekkei Genkai disease?"

Uesugi Shinji shook his head: "A cure is impossible, but Ice Release can help him stop his body's self-liquefaction, meaning the Kekkei Genkai disease will no longer pose any threat to him."

After saying this, Uesugi Shinji felt a bit parched; he had spoken more today than he usually did in an entire week.

He had already discerned that the relationship between Terumi Mei and Hozuki Mangetsu was likely quite deep, and perhaps this was the perfect opportunity to establish a cooperative relationship with Terumi Mei, the "rising star" of Kirigakure.

As her subordinate, his status was inherently unequal. If he wanted to avoid being the passive party in their cooperation, he had to employ some tactics.

Uesugi Shinji turned his gaze toward Terumi Mei and feigned a farewell: "The hour is late and the matter is settled, so we shall take our leave."

Without waiting for her reply, Uesugi Shinji turned to depart.

Rin, standing beside him, was still somewhat reluctant, thinking that they should at least demand some sort of explanation. Although it was pitiful that Hozuki Mangetsu suffered from a Kekkei Genkai disease at such a young age, the act of attacking a colleague in the middle of the night could not simply be brushed aside.

However, before Rin could speak, she caught a signal from Uesugi Shinji's eyes. She immediately understood and, cooperating, turned to follow behind him.

"Please, wait a moment, you two."

Before they had taken more than a few steps, Terumi Mei's voice rang out from behind them, just as expected.