New Technique

"Chiba, don't you run! If you've got the guts, stand your ground!"

Yahiko chased after Chiba frantically, itching to pin him down and give him a sound beating.

Chiba, meanwhile, was fleeing wildly with a mischievous smirk.

At this moment, Yahiko was covered in piles of black, rotting mud, looking as if he had just crawled out of a mud pit.

As time passed, the mud on his body grew increasingly sticky and dry, causing Yahiko immense discomfort.

Seeing that Yahiko was about to catch up, Chiba secretly formed hand seals behind his back.

"Earth Style: Mud Ball Technique!"

In an instant, a massive ball of mud shot toward Yahiko.

Yahiko hurriedly raised his hands to block it, but there was no doubt that this thing couldn't be stopped; in a flash, Yahiko was plastered with it all over again.

Well, this technique was a product of Chiba's painstaking development.

In fact, Chiba had originally wanted to develop the Rasengan.

To be serious, this technique was simple to learn and powerful, and since he knew the detailed training method, it was absolutely the best choice for development.

Although it might not be as combat-effective in his hands as it was for the Fourth or Naruto, it was still an A-rank ninjutsu, and a rare one that required no hand seals at all.

As of now, it was definitely the highest-level ninjutsu Chiba could hope to access.

Especially since, in the later stages, this technique could be fused with nature transformations of any attribute to create unique, specialized Rasengans, and could even be mixed with Sage Art chakra and other special chakras—it was practically a signature technique suited for everyone.

After all, it was Naruto's exclusive cheat code; its various strengths needed no explanation, and it was absolutely a technique one could use for a lifetime.

Even without considering the future, just looking at the present, once developed, he could coordinate with Yahiko's Water Style to develop something like a Hurricane Water Vortex Technique, much like Yamato and Naruto.

For a group currently stuck using C-rank ninjutsu, such an A+-rank technique would be an exceptionally precious addition to their combat strength.

However, considering a few issues, Chiba had temporarily delayed the development of this technique.

The reason was simple: at present, he lacked the qualifications to develop such a technique.

Chiba undoubtedly didn't understand the specific principles of the Rasengan; even if he knew roughly how to train for it, if he actually developed it and Jiraiya asked how he did it, he would be left speechless.

The Fourth was able to develop it because he possessed rich experience, a deep theoretical foundation, and superb talent.

He even referenced the flow of Tailed Beast chakra.

Even then, it took the Fourth three years to create it.

Yet, for a child who hadn't even seen the shadow of a B-rank ninjutsu and lacked any theoretical knowledge to quietly develop such a high-end A-rank ninjutsu in a few months—and a seal-less one at that—it was impossible by any stretch of the imagination.

Although, given Jiraiya's personality, even if he couldn't explain how he developed it, it was unlikely he would force an answer, but Chiba at least wanted to avoid such suspicion.

Of course, this didn't mean Chiba had given up on the technique.

According to Chiba's plan, there was still a need to "register the copyright," but the timing would have to be pushed back.

In any case, Jiraiya would be staying for another year and a half, so waiting a year to accumulate more knowledge and experience before bringing out the technique would undoubtedly be much more reasonable.

And the Mud Ball Technique Chiba was currently developing could be considered preparation for that.

When the time came, he would just say he got the inspiration from rolling mud balls; as for how exactly he got that inspiration, he could make up whatever nonsense he wanted.

Of course, the development of this technique wasn't entirely for that reason.

According to Chiba's vision, the simple technique of rolling mud balls actually had significant development value.

After all, unlike other hard Earth Style ninjutsu, this technique wasn't easily defended against or deflected by weapons.

Once he increased the stickiness of this technique in the future, it would be incredibly useful for both fighting and escaping.

No matter what kind of opponent he encountered, he could just shoot it in their face at the slightest disagreement, directly restricting their speed.

It would be especially effective against masters of taijutsu.

If he could mix in some poison or acid in the future, it would be even more satisfying.

Beyond that, Chiba had also combined some knowledge Jiraiya had intentionally or unintentionally revealed to develop another application of Mud Style.

That was to create a swamp-like technique on the ground, similar to Jiraiya's Swamp of the Underworld.

However, his version was likely a weakened one, with very little power and range.

Of course, this didn't mean the technique was useless.

For instance, during a battle or while being chased, he could silently create such a mud pit under one of the opponent's feet.

Moving at such high speeds, one careless step could result in a broken leg.

It could be said that this was also a rather insidious technique.

Only...

Chiba suddenly wondered if he had gone down the wrong path.

What happened to the Earth Style that was supposed to be fierce in combat and invincible in defense? How did it end up being played so despicably by him?

The Rock Pillar Spear that poked at people's crotches, the Foot-Trapping Pit that ensnared ankles, and the Mud Ball Technique specifically designed to disgust people.

Chiba was speechless for a moment.

I had originally intended to specialize in defense, but now...

This—this is absolutely not my style. How could I possibly be such a devious person?

Just as Chiba and Yahiko were chasing each other around, Jiraiya suddenly appeared before them.

"Alright, stop messing around. I have something to announce."

"Something to announce?"

Chiwa and Yahiko stopped at the same time.

Not far away, Konan and Nagato were also filled with confusion.

Jiraiya nodded. "Mm, after such a long period of training, I have seen your progress with my own eyes. I believe it is time for us to move on to more advanced training."

"More advanced training? What is that? Are you going to teach us new jutsu, Jiraiya-sensei?"

Shaking his head slightly, Jiraiya said calmly, "Not exactly. Although your strength is indeed impressive and I am satisfied with your progress in all areas, you are still lacking one very important thing."

"An important thing? What is it?"

The faces of Yahiko and the others were full of bewilderment.

"Experience. You lack real combat experience."

Jiraiya looked at them with a grave expression. "I will be finding opponents suitable for your skill levels. You must be careful this time, because this will be different from the drills I usually put you through. This will be... a battle of life and death."