Over the next few days, Yechen continued training to his limit every day.
He now had three Shadow Clones: one practiced Fire Release, another practiced the Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique, and the last diligently cultivated the Primordial Chaos Devouring Heaven Technique. This kept his energy at its peak at all times.
His original body, meanwhile, studied the hidden affairs of the various nations.
Yechen also discovered that he could practice ninjutsu of every element-metal, wood, water, fire, and earth-as well as special elements such as wind, lightning, ice, and mist.
Other shinobi could usually master only two elements, or three or four at most. Very few could master more than five, and that depended on their innate talent.
In other words, it depended on their chakra affinities. Yechen had no such concern, which meant he could practice ninjutsu of every element.
He could even practice Wood Release ninjutsu.
Wood Release was the signature ability of Hashirama Senju, the God of Shinobi, and an element every shinobi in Konoha wished to possess.
Unfortunately, in all the years since, no one other than Hashirama Senju had been able to wield Wood Release.
Of course, in Yechen's eyes, there was no strongest ninjutsu in the world. What mattered was the person using it.
It wasn't Wood Release that was powerful, but Hashirama Senju. He had developed his physique to an unimaginable level, which was why his Wood Release was so strong.
Conversely, if Madara Uchiha had raised his physique to Hashirama Senju's level, his Fire Release would likewise have been the strongest in the world.
That was why Yechen prioritized himself rather than ninjutsu. Naturally, he would still learn ninjutsu of every element. Having more skills never hurt, and there was no downside to learning a few more.
But ninjutsu scrolls weren't so easy to obtain. Although the mission hall sold them, they were all low-grade techniques. Rather than waste money on those, he was better off practicing the Advanced Three Body Technique.
As for requesting high-level ninjutsu from his clan, Yechen hadn't considered it. If he revealed that he had awakened his Sharingan, he might receive the clan's support.
But Yechen didn't want to lose his freedom over it, and his current Fire Release and Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique were enough for now.
What he wanted most at the moment was to raise the Great Fireball Technique to level 10. Not only would its power increase severalfold, it might even evolve, just as the Three Body Technique had.
"Ding! Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique has reached the maximum beginner level. Evolve?"
After several days of uninterrupted training, Yechen had finally raised the Great Fireball Technique to level 10.
"Evolve..."
"Ding! Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique successfully evolved into Fire Release: Wildfire: Flame Waves Soaring to the Heavens. Current level: 11." Evolution focus: expanded range and added sustained burning capability.
After reading the description, Yechen was delighted. Just as he had expected, the Great Fireball had evolved. Not only had its power increased, it had also gained the ability to burn continuously.
Tiger-Rat-Dog-Ox-Hare-Tiger. Yechen rapidly formed hand seals, and the energy inside him turned into flames that erupted from his mouth. They quickly expanded into a huge fireball eleven meters in diameter and hurtled toward the center of the lake.
The enormous fireball didn't explode when it struck the water. Instead, it turned into liquid lava, changing at Yechen's will.
Within a dozen or so breaths, a huge depression formed in the water at the lake's center. Only after a full minute did the lake return to calm.
"This..." Yechen was dumbfounded by the sight.
Wildfire: Flame Waves Soaring to the Heavens didn't look as powerful as the Great Fireball, but it was actually far more terrifying.
Although it wouldn't explode upon hitting an enemy, Yechen could make it contract, expand, and change shape at will. Combined with its sustained burning ability, its power once it trapped an enemy was plain to see.
Character panel: Host: Uchiha Ye Chen Rank: Chunin Cultivation technique: Primordial Chaos Devouring Heaven Technique Combat power: 10.7 Strength: 34 Constitution: 35 Spirit: 38 Energy: 380 Bloodlines: Sharingan (one-tomoe), Byakugan (first stage) Talents: Energy Conversion, Amaterasu (level 1), Space Compression (level 1) Skills: Advanced Three Body Technique (level 3), Fire Release: Wildfire: Flame Waves Soaring to the Heavens (level 11), Demonic Illusion: Shackling Stakes Technique (level 3) Evolution points: 0
Half a month passed in a flash.
That morning, Yechen dressed neatly, equipped his ninja tool pouch, tied on his forehead protector, and shouldered his backpack. He stepped outside and closed the door behind him.
Yechen made his way through the streets and alleys toward the gathering point.
Along the way, he kept spotting shinobi laden with bags of all sizes heading toward the Konoha Gate.
Today was the day they would leave for the battlefield in the Land of Rain.
Konoha's shinobi had to assemble at the Konoha Gate before heading to the battlefield. After a head count, they would depart together.
Ten minutes later, Yechen arrived at the Konoha Gate, where quite a crowd had already gathered. More than a dozen wagons stood in a row, some loaded with food and others with ninja tools and equipment. All in all, it was an impressive sight.
"Yechen, over here..."
Just as Yechen was looking around, Abe Rō's voice rang out from the crowd.
Yechen looked toward the voice and saw Abe Rō, Ito Miyuki, and Nakagawa Ichirō standing together, looking his way.
"Yechen, you're the most punctual one again."
As Yechen approached, Abe Rō teased him.
"Even Teacher Nakagawa got here before you today."
Yechen gave him a helpless look. This guy was really asking for it, daring to tease even their teacher.
Sure enough, Abe Rō paid for it. He hopped around clutching his backside, leaving everyone stunned.
"Pfft!"
At the sight, Ito Miyuki couldn't hold back her laughter.
She wore a fitted blue-green outfit that day, with light makeup on her face and soft, flowing short hair to complete the look. When Yechen glanced at her, he froze for a moment before quickly looking away.
"Dummy." A smile tugged at Ito Miyuki's lips, though it was unclear whom she meant.