Shinna's Choice

"Thinking."

"Okay.

"First, Rock Lee is a pure taijutsu ninja, theoretically completely countered by genjutsu... but you leaked the information that you're good at genjutsu."

"But it's common knowledge that the Sharingan excels at genjutsu," Shinna retorted.

"Not everyone knows all common knowledge.

"The second point is the choice of tactics," Shinmoku continued. "Do you know the story of Might Dai fighting the Seven Ninja Swordsmen alone?"

"I do."

"Then do you think Guy can use the Eight Inner Gates?"

"Yes."

"Did you consider the possibility of Guy's personal disciple learning this technique?"

"...Yes."

"Then why did you still engage in a drawn-out battle? Why not finish him off with Majestic Destroyer Flame? It's a high-damage, area-of-effect ninjutsu, and it's information they already know about you."

"..."

"As a result, several more water ninjutsu were exposed..."

As the two spoke, the others listened intently.

So, the battle that seemed spectacular in their eyes was full of flaws in Shinmoku's eyes?

At a certain moment, everyone's eyes swept over in unison.

"What is it?"

"Look over there."

Shino Aburame pointed to the display screen, which showed the match-ups for the formal exam.

His opponent was none other than Shinna.

This time, it was Shinmoku's turn to fall silent.

After a while, he tentatively said:

"Let's discuss something. How about we use large-scale ninjutsu to clash when the time comes, focusing on the performance?"

The [Return] mission was currently stuck at 95%. He speculated that the reason it was stuck was that people didn't understand their strength, only knowing that these two people existed. The final battle was an excellent platform for publicity.

"I refuse," Shinna said coldly.

"...If I spoke too harshly, I apologize."

"No, you're absolutely right. I just wanted to prove that I, who wasn't taught by anyone, am not inferior to you, who had all of someone's effort poured into you, with constant guidance."

"Hmm?"

"Isn't that right?" Shinna asked back. "Your Lightning Release is guided by the Raikage, your swordsmanship by Yugito, and your Fire Release and Sharingan usage by my father."

"Didn't Uncle teach you?"

"No. I haven't seen him once in six years. Or rather, ever since I can remember, his entire focus has been on you."

Shinna's tone was devoid of emotion, as if she wasn't talking about herself.

"..."

Shinmoku's mouth opened slightly, but he couldn't say anything.

Shinna turned and left. The match-ups had all been released, and she needed to go prepare.

"Oh! I get it!" Tenten leaned in. "No wonder when I asked about your abilities that day, she couldn't explain them clearly!"

Shinmoku didn't speak. He formed the Tiger hand seal, then the One Thousand Years of Death seal.

"I'm sorry!"

Tenten ran away, clutching her backside.

The adults nearby looked away, unable to bear watching. Kakashi covered his face even more. Did everyone in Konoha know he developed this technique?

"Goodbye, everyone."

With that, Shinmoku also walked out.

The Uchiha's unique psychological issues, he couldn't solve them for now, but one thing was certain: this battle was unavoidable.

In the battles of the past few days, he had also exposed some problems.

When he was in the Cloud Village, the main attacker in the team was Yugito. His role was perception and control, specializing in the Spider Web technique and the Four-Pillar Bind.

When he was alone, he more often used the Lightning Release Chakra Mode and the Super Vibration Lightning Blade.

The problem was that these two combat modes couldn't be integrated into the same system. This led to him having already restrained Tenten, yet still needing to engage in close combat to finish her off.

Of course, he could now use Fire Release and Water Release, but that would require forming another hand seal. Therefore, he wanted to modify and upgrade the ninjutsu he already knew, and he already had ideas.

As for the second combat mode, he had decided on it long ago—the Flying Raijin Jutsu!

He had obtained the scroll quite some time ago, but with one thing and another occupying his time, he hadn't been able to formally begin practicing. With a month of preparation time between the preliminaries and the main tournament, it was the perfect opportunity for him to train.

Both evolutionary paths required precise chakra control, which was also the current focus of his cultivation.

Tree climbing and water walking were standard methods for chakra control training, but he had already mastered those by the age of three. During his time in Kumogakure, he had even undergone various training exercises like balancing on yoga balls, so he couldn't immediately think of any better methods.

He racked his brains for half the night and finally found inspiration in a dream.

Early the next morning, Shinna walked out of her bedroom fully dressed. It seemed she was heading out as well; he nodded to her and walked in the opposite direction.

Destination: Konoha Village Library.

Following the signs, he passed through rows of bookshelves and walked to the very last aisle of the library.

Suddenly, his chest jolted as he bumped into something.

"Cough, cough!"

"Eh? Hinata? How are your injuries?"

"Much better." Hinata's voice was still a bit weak.

"Sorry about that, I wasn't looking where I was going."

"It's alright. Are you here to look for books too?"

"Yeah."

"What are you looking for? I'm quite familiar with this place."

"Hmm..." Shinmoku looked around and spotted the book in Hinata's hands. "That one."

The Art of Textile

"Eh?" Hinata's large eyes were filled with confusion. "This one?"

"Yes."

"Are you planning to learn weaving?"

"That's right."

This was the method Shinmoku had come up with: using chakra control to manipulate knitting needles. Just thinking about it felt like torture, and he needed that kind of torture.

But there was a prerequisite—you had to know how weaving worked first—that shouldn't be too hard, right?

"Alright then." Hinata didn't understand, but she showed her respect and handed the book to Shinmoku.

"If you want to read it..."

"No, no need." Hinata waved her hands repeatedly. She had already mastered the technical parts; she was only looking at it this time to find some inspiration.

"Thank you."

After expressing his thanks, Shinmoku found a seat and sat down.

However, after reading for only a short while, his brain went numb. Knit stitches, purl stitches, plain stitches, rib stitches... and this was just the basics; he didn't even dare to look at what came after!

"Heehee..."

Out of curiosity, Hinata had walked over to Shinmoku's side. Seeing him scratching his head in frustration, she couldn't help but let out a laugh.

The sound wasn't loud, but Shinmoku heard it and his gaze drifted over.

"I'm sorry..." Hinata immediately bowed her head.

"It's fine."

As expected of a young lady from a prominent clan, her manners were excellent.

"Um..." Hinata suggested in a low voice, "Would you like me to teach you?"

"Would that be alright?"

"Shh—" Hinata gestured with her index finger and said, "Keep your voice down, this isn't the place to talk. Let's head out; we can pick up some yarn while we're at it. You can't learn weaving just by reading books—practice is much more important."

"Oh, oh, alright."