Meanwhile...
Lin Chuan and Maruboshi Kosuke had arrived at a seaside town in the southern Land of Fire and settled there temporarily.
Since they were both Water Release ninja, the seaside environment suited them perfectly. It also amplified the power of their Water Release, leaving them both more comfortable than they had ever felt before.
"Little Chuan, aside from your weaker taijutsu, swordsmanship, and actual combat skills, you're already at Chunin level in every other area," Maruboshi Kosuke said, standing on the sea. Their taijutsu spar just now had given him a clear picture of Lin Chuan's shortcomings.
"Next, you just need to shore up your taijutsu, swordsmanship, and actual combat skills. Once you're a little older, becoming a Jonin won't be difficult..."
"I understand, Grandpa Kosuke." Lin Chuan nodded lightly. For now, his taijutsu was limited to techniques for hitting a punching bag and attacks powered by the explosive speed of the Body Flicker Technique.
"Shall we test your ninjutsu? Attack me with the techniques you've learned." Maruboshi Kosuke stood empty-handed, confident in Lin Chuan's ninjutsu. After all, Lin Chuan had already mastered the Shadow Clone and killed so many Grass Ninja. His proficiency was more than adequate.
"Grandpa Kosuke, why don't you test this water sphere's defenses?" Lin Chuan slowly formed hand seals, drawing on the seawater beneath him to create a sphere of water that gradually enveloped him.
"Is this... the Water Prison Technique?" Watching the hand seals, Maruboshi Kosuke immediately recognized the ninjutsu. He knew it himself. He raised his fist and stepped forward to attack. His fist entered the water sphere but met considerable resistance. Since he hadn't used his full strength, the strike failed to punch through.
When Lin Chuan saw Maruboshi Kosuke reach into the sphere, he grabbed his fist and pulled hard.