Steel Izumo

A few days later.

After returning to Konoha, Team 11 continued taking on simple D-Rank Missions.

The three of them were still performing steadily, but Kotetsu Hagane could tell that the white-haired boy seemed more quiet than usual.

It was as if a shadow that wouldn't lift had settled over his pure white eyes.

During a break in a mission to clear trash from a river, Kotetsu Hagane called Ning Xue aside.

"I examined the bandit's body from before. The wound went straight through his head. You don't get that kind of skill from practicing for just a few months. Tell me, why were you hiding it?"

(He hadn't seen the Ice Needle and thought Ning Xue had killed the bandit with an iron needle.)

Ning Xue's heart tightened. He knew he'd used an Ice Needle in the heat of the moment, but from Kotetsu Hagane's expression, it seemed he still hadn't realized it was Ice Release.

"Yes, Sensei. I've been practicing with needles since I was little. I was only hiding it because I didn't want to draw attention."

Ning Xue replied calmly, without batting an eye.

Kotetsu Hagane looked thoughtful.

It was true. If his talent had been discovered too early, he might have been sent to the Anbu for training long ago.

So this kid hiding his strength had actually worked out in his favor?

Thinking of this, Kotetsu Hagane praised Ning Xue.

"Having the resolve to use a lethal move to protect your teammates is rare."

Ning Xue remained silent, waiting for him to continue.

"You have a lot of talent. I hope you won't waste it."

"I also looked at your ninja graduation file. Your scores were average across the board. You're pretty good at hiding your abilities."

Kotetsu Hagane continued, though inwardly he thought:

Since you have this kind of talent, as your teacher, I ought to pass on some real skills to you. I hope you won't waste them.

"I also looked at your ninja registration form. Your chakra nature is Water."

"I specialize in Water Release, and there's a technique that might suit you."

"It doesn't require a huge amount of chakra, but it demands exceptional precision in shape transformation and control."

He began forming Hand Seals, moving slowly so Ning Xue could see each step.

When he finished the final seal, Kotetsu Hagane opened his mouth and spat out—not a raging torrent of water, but a large quantity of thick, gelatinous liquid that quickly spread over a small patch of ground ahead.

"Take off the iron weights on your feet and put them on top. See if you can pull them free."

"Okay."

Ning Xue agreed, unconcerned about how Kotetsu Hagane knew about the weights.

He removed the iron weights from his feet and placed them on the patch of thick, gelatinous liquid.

The moment they touched it, the weights were firmly stuck.

He tried pulling hard, but they didn't budge, as if they'd become one with the ground.

"This is..." A flicker of surprise crossed Ning Xue's eyes. This wasn't ordinary Water Release. It was more like flowing glue.

"Water Release: Water Taffy Capture."

Kotetsu Hagane explained, "It turns chakra into this highly adhesive water taffy, which is very effective for restricting an enemy's movements.

"The key is not to inflict damage, but to control."

He dispelled the technique, and the ground quickly returned to normal.

Ning Xue also tied the iron weights back around his legs.

"The key to this technique is shape transformation. You have to make it remain fluid while giving it incredible stickiness."

"What do you think? Want to learn it?"

Ning Xue looked at the patch of ground that had just been covered in goo, and a gleam appeared in his eyes.

This technique was great.

It really suited him.

If he used this technique at the same time as Ice Release... double control?

Thinking of this, he bowed to Kotetsu Hagane.

"I do. Please teach me, Sensei."

Kotetsu Hagane nodded and smiled, pleased.

"Good. Starting today, I'll teach you this technique in your spare time between missions. Remember to imagine how sticky it is. I'll personally guide you through its chakra shape transformation."

"Yes!" Ning Xue replied.

"Good."

Kotetsu Hagane clapped his hands together and smiled.

"Now, let's get to work. Oh, right—go call those other two over as well."

"Got it, Sensei." After replying, Ning Xue went back to carrying out their assignment.

Kotetsu Hagane always kept his word.

After one mission, he took the three of them to Training Ground 3.

"Starting today, I'll give each of you specialized training."

"Huh?"

The other two cried out in surprise.

Kotetsu Hagane looked at the three of them across from him, his tone serious.

"You've passed the basic requirements, but you still need to develop your own strengths and specialties."

"To train you, I've even brought in a helper."

He clapped his hands and called toward the woods.

"Kotetsu, stop hiding. It's your turn to come out."

"Haha, I'm coming, I'm coming!" Izumo Kamizuki laughed as he stepped out from behind a tree.

"Hey, brats! Long time no see."

Izumo Kamizuki was as boisterous as ever. He patted Kotetsu Hagane on the shoulder.

"Daisuke said you needed special training? Leave it to me!"

He sized up the three of them.

"Hmm... You. The Hyuga kid, you can learn Water Release from Daisuke."

"As for you two..."

He looked at Sugiyama Tetsu and Nakamura Daisuke.

"You'll train with me."

"I hear you like close combat, huh? Being fired up isn't enough." Izumo Kamizuki pointed at Sugiyama Tetsu.

"And your footing looks too unsteady. Train with me, and I'll make sure your lower body is as solid as a rock."

The moment Sugiyama Tetsu heard this, his face flushed with excitement.

"Yes, Sensei Izumo Kamizuki!"

"And you, Nakamura Daisuke..." Izumo Kamizuki turned to the boy, who was hunching his shoulders.

"Your chakra nature is Earth, right?"

"Come on, I'll teach you a few defensive moves. I don't know Earth Release myself, but I can still teach you."

When Nakamura Daisuke heard that it was defense, his eyes lit up. He wouldn't have to charge to the front? That sounded great!

"P-please take care of me, Sensei Izumo Kamizuki."

He'd thought he would have to train in Taijutsu like Sugiyama Tetsu. He couldn't handle that, but if it was this...

And so,

Team 11's special training began.