Developing Shinichi's Ice Release

Some time ago, when he proposed developing Ice Release to Tobirama Senju, the system, which had not issued a mission in ages, unexpectedly chimed with its familiar electronic voice again.

[Ding! Host detected preparing to unlock a new kekkei genkai. Special mission triggered—Icebound Pinnacle!]

[Mission objective: Successfully develop your own Ice Release and complete a live combat test. Time limit: one year.]

[Mission reward: ??? (Determined by degree of development)]

[Failure penalty: Remain at your current height forever.]

When he saw the mission pop up, he was quite interested at first. Then his gaze fell on the "failure penalty" field, and his mouth twitched violently.

"...Remain at my current height forever?!"

"What kind of ridiculous punishment is that?! That's going too far!" Shinichi could not help complaining. He stared at the mission interface with mixed feelings, a trace of speechless disbelief in his eyes.

He was only nine years old. Although he was a little taller than other children his age, he was nowhere near "tall." If he really remained at his current height forever, wouldn't people be calling him "kid" for the rest of his life?!

At the thought of becoming "the shortest genius in the Shinobi World," Shinichi's mouth twitched violently. He even pictured Tsunade standing before him, looking down as she patted his head and mocked him...

"No way. I absolutely refuse to accept that punishment!"

Shinichi immediately perked up. Looking at the mission interface, he raised the corners of his mouth into a faint smile, excitement shining in his eyes.

"Still, Ice Release... That's a worthwhile challenge," he murmured, his gaze gradually sharpening.

His mother came from the Yuki Clan. Although not everyone in the Yuki Clan necessarily awakened Ice Release, they did possess an innate bloodline affinity. In theory, he should also have the potential to wield it.

But how could he develop his own Ice Release?

Ordinary Ice Release could be formed by combining wind- and water-nature chakra, but Shinichi clearly wanted more than an ordinary kekkei genkai.

"If I'm going to create it, I'll create the strongest Ice Release."

His goal was not merely to replicate the Yuki Clan's Ice Release. He wanted to create a unique power of ice that belonged to him alone, making his kekkei genkai one of the greatest powers in the Shinobi World!

But... where should he begin?

Shinichi pondered for a moment, and a general direction took shape in his mind.

"Looks like I'll have to talk to old man Tobirama," he murmured, a playful smile curling his lips. "After all, if there's anyone in the Shinobi World who excels at researching kekkei genkai... it's probably that old man."

Beneath the night sky, Shinichi's gaze grew deeper and sharper.

"This year certainly won't be quiet..."

Ever since the system had rewarded him with the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, Shinichi had realized that it did not merely offer low-level missions. As he grew, it would give him increasingly difficult challenges.

"Ice Release... That's a kekkei genkai."

He pondered as he faced the lake, considering how to develop Ice Release more efficiently.

In theory, Ice Release was a fusion of Water Release and Wind Release. That meant it required extremely precise chakra control, as well as the ability to manipulate the surrounding temperature.

He had inherited his mother's Yuki Clan bloodline, so he should have the potential to awaken Ice Release. But the real question was how to break through the constraints of his bloodline and create his own unique Ice Release techniques through training.

If I combine it with Sealing Jutsu... I might get some unexpected results, Shinichi quietly considered.

And so, he began another round of experiments.

Outside Konoha, on the banks of the Naka River.

The lake was as still as a mirror. A gentle breeze swept across it, stirring ripples.

Shinichi sat cross-legged at the water's edge, his fingers forming hand seals as he slowly released his chakra—

Water Release: Flowing Palm!

Lake water slowly gathered in his palm, forming a crystal-clear ball of water that rotated gently like a floating crystal orb.

Wind Release: Gentle Breeze Palm!

He slowly mobilized his Wind Release chakra as well. Threads of cold flowed with the chakra into the water ball. The flowing droplets gradually stilled, and a layer of frost began to coat its surface.

"It worked!"

Shinichi's eyes brightened slightly. The water ball in his hand had frozen completely, giving off pale blue wisps of cold.

But before he could celebrate for long, the ice ball shattered with a crack, scattering countless tiny ice crystals across the lake.

"My control still isn't good enough... I can't rely on chakra alone. I need to adjust how I release it."

He rubbed his chin and decided to try another approach—using Sealing Jutsu to stabilize his chakra and achieve a more perfect fusion of Water Release and Wind Release.

"If I use Sealing Jutsu to compress the cold air from Wind Release, then wrap the Wind Release chakra in Water Release... that should create a more stable Ice Release structure."

He immediately put the idea into practice, inscribing a tiny sealing formula on his palm and activating it with his own chakra.

When he used Ice Release: Frost Blossom Palm again, the water ball did not shatter immediately. Instead, it swiftly condensed into a perfect orb of crystalline ice.

"Finally!"

Shinichi looked at the ice ball in his palm, a smile lifting his lips.

But he was not satisfied. He did not want simple "ice," but a ninjutsu that would actually be useful in battle—

True "Ice Release"!

Of course, however important his research was, it could not interfere with his slacking-off routine.

That afternoon, Shinichi wandered over to the Senju Main Residence, yawning in "complete satisfaction."

As usual, he found a wicker chair and flopped down, leisurely basking in the sun while munching on the Senju Clan's fruit.

Just then, a familiar voice rang out.

"Well, well, Uchiha Heir. Have you started taking visits to our Senju Clan for granted?" Tsunade leaned against a doorpost with her arms crossed, watching him with a teasing expression.

Shinichi opened one eye and gave her a lazy smile. "What, Lady Senju? Are you planning to throw me out?"

Tsunade snorted, walked over, and casually picked up an apple, taking a bite. "You certainly make yourself comfortable. You've been acting so secretive these past few days. What are you researching?"

Shinichi waved a hand lazily. "It's a secret. I'll tell you when I've figured it out."

Tsunade rolled her eyes and mumbled around a mouthful of apple, "Tch. So mysterious..."

While the two bickered, a figure dressed in black stood silently in the distant woods.

Hidden in the darkness, his long hair stirred in the breeze. His eyes, as deep as an abyss, quietly watched everything unfold.

Madara Uchiha had arrived unnoticed.

He narrowed his eyes and murmured, "An interesting kid... Already developing a kekkei genkai?"

"He's even more exceptional than I expected."

He smiled faintly, a profound gleam passing through his eyes.

"The time is almost here..."

Madara Uchiha had decided to "formally meet" Shinichi.

Shinichi had no idea that his research had not only set him on the path of Ice Release, but had also made him a particular focus of a certain man lurking in the darkness.

The gears of fate had quietly begun to turn...

Time passed, and the one-year deadline drew near.

Shinichi stood in Tobirama Senju's laboratory, holding an ancient Ice Release Ninjutsu Scroll, his gaze flickering slightly.

Over the past year, he had not neglected his training in Sealing Jutsu, taijutsu, or the various elemental release techniques. But his greatest concern remained mastering Ice Release completely.

Ice Release—a kekkei genkai originating in the Land of Water—allowed its users to control ice and snow, fusing water and wind into a unique system of ninjutsu.

Only a very small number of people with Yuki Clan blood could truly awaken this ability in the Shinobi World.

But Shinichi was different. His mother had been a member of the Yuki Clan, which theoretically qualified him to master Ice Release as well.

At first, he could only combine Water Release and Wind Release through Sealing Jutsu and precise chakra control, forcibly creating ice. But the strength of that ice and the speed at which it froze fell far short of a kekkei genkai's standards.

And the system's criteria were an even greater unknown.

Shinichi had tried creating different Ice Release techniques, but he still could not determine how the system judged his mastery of Ice Release—

Was it based on power?

On the variety of his ninjutsu?

Or did the system want an entire Ice Release system that belonged to him alone?

If it was the last one, his mission would be anything but simple.

Yet just as Shinichi racked his brains, an offhand remark from Tobirama Senju suddenly brought him clarity.

Tobirama Senju's treasure trove of a laboratory.

"Your Ice Release is still missing a core."

Tobirama Senju stood at the other end of the laboratory, his head lowered as he leafed through an ancient scroll. His tone was as calm as ever.

Shinichi looked at him in confusion. "A core?"

Rather than answering directly, Tobirama gently pushed aside a concealed bookshelf, retrieved a long-neglected Ninjutsu Scroll, and handed it to Shinichi.

"These are Ice Release research materials collected from the Land of Water years ago. They should be useful to you," Tobirama said, a sharp gleam in his eyes.

Shinichi paused, then accepted the scroll and carefully unfurled it.

The writing on the scroll was archaic and mysterious, recording numerous research findings and formulas concerning Ice Release. It even included several unfinished high-level Ice Release techniques.

When his gaze fell on the description of one particular technique, his pupils contracted slightly.

—"Ice Release: Zero Realm Sealing."

"This is...?" Surprise colored Shinichi's voice.

Tobirama Senju explained evenly, "It's an Ice Release technique of absolute purity and extremity. It can instantly lower the temperature of everything around it to absolute zero, freezing enemies before their minds can even register the process."

Shinichi drew a deep breath, his gaze burning as he stared at the words on the scroll.

This was precisely the key he had been missing—

The lowest possible temperature!

Although his Ice Release could already form sturdy ice shields, ice spears, and even ice-crystal attacks, it still lacked a truly ultimate technique that surpassed conventional limits.

And this "Zero Realm Seal" might be his chance to break those shackles!

With less than a month remaining before the mission deadline, Shinichi began developing the technique without a moment's hesitation.

He spent long hours in Tobirama Senju's laboratory studying how to maximize Ice Release's cooling effect. Drawing on his knowledge of Sealing Jutsu, he constantly adjusted the flow of chakra to give his Ice Release greater instantaneous cooling power.

During this time, Tsunade and Orochimaru occasionally came to check on his progress.

"Shinichi, can you really master this technique?" Tsunade stood to one side, her arms crossed, a hint of worry in her eyes.

Shinichi chuckled and shrugged. "Who knows unless I try?"

Tsunade and Orochimaru exchanged a glance, then both sighed helplessly.

But Shinichi's efforts were not in vain.

With each attempt, his Ice Release techniques grew more refined and his chakra control more precise. At last, a prototype of Zero Realm Seal took shape in the laboratory!

But the system's mission clearly required more than simply mastering a technique. He still needed to test it in live combat!

Shinichi knew that only a real battle could prove the technique's practical value. The system's criteria were probably based on its performance in combat as well.

"Then... where can I find a strong opponent?" Shinichi rubbed his chin in thought.

Standing in the courtyard of the Senju Main Residence, Shinichi gazed at Konoha bathed in the setting sun, countless thoughts running through his mind.

"Old man Tobirama?"

He frowned slightly, then shook his head. "No, no. He's already old."

Ever since the battle against Kinkaku and Ginkaku that had nearly cost Tobirama his life, the years had left their mark on him.

Shinichi could tell that Tobirama's body was nowhere near what it had once been. Even when playing board games, he noticeably took longer to think through his moves.

At that thought, Shinichi could not help smiling, a playful glint flashing in his eyes.

"If the old man knew I was thinking that about him, though, he'd definitely scowl and lecture me again, wouldn't he?"

"What about Hiruzen Sarutobi?"

Shinichi narrowed his eyes, carefully considering his senior fellow student, the Hokage.

Strictly speaking, Hiruzen Sarutobi was his "senior fellow student," since they were both disciples of Tobirama Senju.

The difference was that Hiruzen Sarutobi was Tobirama's formal successor, while Shinichi was a special case who had been "taken in halfway through."

"Come to think of it, I really haven't had much contact with my senior fellow student, the Hokage."

Shinichi considered that getting to know this senior fellow student might help him in the future.

After all, Hiruzen Sarutobi would control all of Konoha in the future, and the allocation of power among its leadership would also be decided by him.

Shinichi was already the Uchiha Heir. Although he personally had no interest in that status, if he wanted to change the Uchiha Clan's fate, he had to consider Konoha's political landscape.

"Perhaps..."

Shinichi's lips curled slightly, a thoughtful glint passing through his eyes. "I could give it a try."

Approaching Hiruzen Sarutobi and probing the depths of this future Third Hokage might be the next move he needed to plan.

The sun sank in the west, and the evening glow dyed the sky above the Senju Main Residence red. Its light fell across the training grounds, lending the place a tense, martial air.

That day, Shinichi had personally challenged Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the news spread throughout Konoha High Command.

Upon hearing of it, Tobirama Senju showed a rare look of keen interest and decided to oversee the battle himself.

The "Hokage battle" would take place at the Senju Main Residence's training grounds!

This time, the spectators were not ordinary shinobi, but Konoha's true leaders.

Tobirama Senju, Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Shimura Danzō, Uchiha Raishin, and others had all come to watch. Even some elite ANBU members quietly stopped by, hoping to witness the outcome.

"The Senju Main Residence's training grounds... It seems Teacher Tobirama is taking this match quite seriously."

Shimura Danzō narrowed his eyes and spoke softly.

His gaze swept over Hiruzen Sarutobi, then turned to Uchiha Shinichi opposite him, countless thoughts stirring in his mind.

He really doesn't know his limits... some members of Konoha High Command thought.

Although they knew Shinichi's strength was considerable, challenging a powerful Kage-level fighter was still far too bold.

Yet neither of the two standing in the arena showed the slightest hesitation.

"Have you really decided to use only Ice Release?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood in the center of the arena, watching Shinichi steadily, a hint of scrutiny in his voice.

Shinichi loosened his wrists and smiled faintly. "Of course. If I'm challenging the Hokage, how could I not make things a little harder?"

Hearing that, Tsunade could not help rolling her eyes. "This guy has so many trump cards, yet he's only using Ice Release?"

Orochimaru narrowed his serpentine eyes, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly. "He's testing whether his Ice Release can contend with a Kage-level opponent... and showing us his new power."

Tobirama Senju sat upright to one side, his gaze deep and unreadable. He said nothing, but his eyes revealed keen interest.

"All right, then. Let me see just how far your Ice Release has come."

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, flicked his right hand, and drew a kunai as chakra erupted beneath his feet!

Bang!

Dust flew as Hiruzen Sarutobi abruptly vanished—he moved so fast that an ordinary person could barely follow him with the naked eye!

"Konoha-Style Taijutsu!"

Shinichi's pupils contracted. He instantly released his Ice Release chakra, spreading a thin layer of frost beneath his feet as he glided backward like a ghost, trying to put some distance between them.

"Think you can dodge?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice sounded beside Shinichi's ear. A moment later, the kunai sliced through the air, driving straight toward his shoulder!

"Ice Release: Frost Wall!"

At the last possible moment, Shinichi thrust up his hand. A thick wall of ice rose from the ground, planting itself squarely in front of him!

Bang!!

The kunai slammed into the ice wall, gouging a deep crack into it, but failed to pierce it completely.

Shinichi seized the opening to retreat, his hands rapidly forming hand seals as Ice Release chakra surged out like a tide—

"Ice Release: Frost Prison!"

The temperature plummeted. Thick ice instantly coated the ground, and sharp columns of ice burst upward, closing around Hiruzen Sarutobi like a frozen cage!

But—

"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi formed a seal with one hand and drew a deep breath, then spat out an enormous fireball. Blazing flames swept forth like the scorching sun, melting every column of ice!

"Just as I thought..."

Shinichi narrowed his eyes. His Ice Release still suffered a considerable disadvantage against high-temperature Fire Release.

Yet he did not retreat. Instead, he gave a low shout:

"Ice Release: Frost Domain!"

In an instant, the temperature across the entire training ground plunged to its limit. Cold winds howled, and fine ice crystals condensed in the air, turning the grounds into a world of ice and snow!

"Hmph. Interesting."

Hiruzen Sarutobi chuckled, chakra surging beneath his feet. The next instant—

Bang!

He charged straight through the frozen domain, becoming a blur as he appeared in front of Shinichi!

"Konoha Style: Taijutsu: Air-Splitting Fist!"

Boom!!!

His fist struck, detonating a terrifying blast of air. Shinichi barely managed to cross his arms in defense before he was hurled dozens of meters away and slammed into the training ground's fence!

"Shinichi!!"

Tsunade's eyes widened. She was about to rush forward when Tobirama Senju raised a hand to stop her.

"It isn't over yet."

Tobirama spoke calmly.

The violent impact left Shinichi's chest tight, and his chakra was draining rapidly.

He struggled to his feet, his gaze still sharp, but he knew full well—

My Ice Release... still isn't enough!

Hiruzen Sarutobi stood with his hands behind his back, watching the breathless Shinichi as he said evenly:

"If you used that special Fire Release of yours, or combined Ice Release with other jutsu, I might have a harder time dealing with you."

He paused, then chuckled. "But with Ice Release alone, you still have a long way to go."

Shinichi wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth with a bitter smile. He knew he had lost.

"As I thought... a Kage-level fighter isn't so easily shaken."

The cold over the training ground grew more intense. White, frosty mist filled the air, and the ground's temperature dropped sharply, forming a thin layer of ice crystals.

He had to see this fight through and prove that his Ice Release was not merely an ordinary kekkei genkai, but a genuine fighting power capable of challenging a Kage-level opponent!

"Ice Release: Zero Realm Sealing!!"

Shinichi rapidly formed hand seals, releasing the chakra within him all at once. The air around him seemed to freeze as the temperature plunged to its absolute limit!

Boom!

A violent current of freezing air spread outward. In an instant, the entire training ground became a subzero domain!

"What?!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned. He was about to retreat when he discovered that some invisible freezing force had immobilized his body!

His chakra flow was being restricted!

—This was the ultimate technique of Shinichi's Ice Release: Zero Realm Seal!

Once any living creature stepped into this frozen domain, its chakra would be severely suppressed, forcibly reducing its movement speed!

"It can actually restrict my chakra flow... this Ice Release is more troublesome than I imagined."

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression shifted slightly. He could feel his chakra growing sluggish, a thin layer of ice already covered his clothes, and even his movements were slowing.

Now's my chance!

Shinichi's pupils contracted. He swung his hand, directing his Ice Release energy to conjure dozens of razor-sharp ice spikes out of thin air. Glinting with cold light, they shot toward Hiruzen Sarutobi with a terrifying shriek!

"Ice Release: Extreme Cold Ice Spikes!!"

Whoosh, whoosh, whoosh!

Although Hiruzen Sarutobi sensed the danger, the restrictions imposed by Zero Realm Seal left him unable to evade every spike!

Shhk!

An ice spike sliced across Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulder, sending blood spraying!

Tsunade clapped a hand over her mouth, her eyes filled with shock.

—Shinichi had actually wounded the Third Hokage!

"You actually managed to wound me..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked down at the wound on his shoulder, a flicker of disbelief crossing his eyes.

But a moment later, the corners of his mouth lifted slightly.

"Still, this level of restraint... isn't enough."

His chakra erupted, its violent force breaking through the frozen domain around him!

"Hah!!"

An enormous surge of chakra burst forth like an erupting volcano, shattering the restraints of his Ice Release!

Crack, crack!!!

The frozen space shattered inch by inch, sending chunks of ice flying!

Boom!

A powerful shock wave swept across the grounds. Shinichi was driven back several meters and nearly fell.

"Even Zero Realm Seal couldn't hold him..."

Shinichi cursed under his breath and forced himself to steady his body, defiance flickering in his eyes.

"My turn to strike back."

Hiruzen Sarutobi gently rolled his wrists, then formed hand seals, bit his thumb, and slammed his hand onto the ground!

"Summoning Technique!"

"Come forth, Adamantine Staff!"

Bang!!!

A huge cloud of smoke burst outward, and a jet-black Adamantine Staff appeared in Hiruzen Sarutobi's hand.

"Extend!"

Boom!!

The staff instantly lengthened, sweeping outward like a raging divine dragon!

Not good!

Shinichi hurriedly dodged, but the force of the staff's swing still clipped him, sending him flying. He slammed into the ground, blood spilling from the corner of his mouth once more.

This... can't go on!

Shinichi struggled to his feet and clenched his fists.

—I have to find a way to restrict Hiruzen Sarutobi's movements again!

"Ice Release: Adamantine Sealing Chains!!"

Whoosh!

In an instant, dozens of ice-blue chains materialized out of thin air. Like shackles formed from frost, they lashed toward Hiruzen Sarutobi's limbs!

"Oh?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes brightened slightly. He had not expected Shinichi to use Ice Release to replicate something akin to sealing jutsu!

The chains instantly wrapped around his hands and feet, restricting his movements once again!

Got him!

Shinichi gritted his teeth and clenched his fists, forcing his body to hold out as he prepared to launch one final attack!

But—

"A fine idea..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled slightly, and the chakra throughout his body surged!

Boom!!!

In the next instant, the chains shattered!

With a Body Flicker Technique, Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared before Shinichi and brought the staff crashing down—

Bang!!!

Shinichi was knocked flat, left with no strength to resist!

—Silence fell over the grounds.

Tobirama Senju stood with his hands behind his back, silently watching the scene with an unfathomable gaze.

Tsunade clenched her fists and was about to rush forward when she saw Shinichi slowly raise his hand. He paused to catch his breath, then said in a low voice, "...I lost."

—Shinichi had lost this battle!

But he had shown everyone a fighting style that was uniquely his own!

By combining Ice Release with sealing jutsu, his new fighting style had begun to take shape!

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded slightly and put away the Adamantine Staff, a trace of admiration in his voice. "You're already very strong, Shinichi. Far stronger than I was at your age."

Shinichi panted softly, but a smile appeared on his face.

—He had no regrets about this fight!

Unable to hold back any longer, Tsunade hurried over and pulled Shinichi to his feet, scolding him all the while:

"You idiot, Shinichi! Did you have to push yourself so hard?!"

Shinichi leaned against Tsunade, his eyes half-closed and a smile still on his lips. "Tsunade... are you angry again?"

Tsunade glared at him and gritted her teeth. "Of course I'm angry! If you dare die in front of me, I'll never forgive you!"

Shinichi blinked, then suddenly smiled. "Then I suppose I'd better stay alive... otherwise, wouldn't that be a shame?"

Tsunade froze for a moment, a barely perceptible blush rising to her cheeks.

Tobirama Senju watched them quietly, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.

"Uchiha Shinichi, your future... has only just begun."