Sunlight filtered through the treetops and fell upon a tranquil waterfall outside Konoha. Water sprayed everywhere, a rainbow hung above it, and the scenery was pleasant.
Uchiha Yu stood beneath the waterfall, letting the icy current pound against his body.
He was trying to control Chakra and learn the basics of Water Release ninjutsu.
Amid the waterfall's roar, Uchiha Yu formed Hand Seals with both hands. His eyes were shut as he felt the power and rhythm of the flowing water.
His Sharingan slowly turned beneath his closed eyelids, as though simulating the movement of water.
A faint blue glow began to spread over his palms as the connection between Chakra and water gradually formed.
He tried to release Chakra into the current, allowing his body to blend into the flow of water.
On a tree not far away, Kakashi Hatake lounged on a thick branch.
He held a copy of "Icha Icha Paradise" in his hand, occasionally turning a page as he immersed himself in its world.
Yet his gaze would occasionally leave the book and drift toward Uchiha Yu beneath the waterfall, a hint of appreciation flashing through his eyes.
Whenever Uchiha Yu successfully guided the water, or failed during an attempt, Kakashi would either nod slightly or let out a soft sigh.
He did not immediately intervene. Instead, he gave Uchiha Yu enough room to explore and learn, offering appropriate guidance only at crucial moments.
As time passed, Uchiha Yu gradually grasped the essentials of Water Release ninjutsu. His Chakra control became increasingly proficient, and the currents he guided grew stronger and stronger.
Kakashi closed "Icha Icha Paradise" and lightly leaped down from the tree, ready to give Uchiha Yu further instruction.
"Not bad, Uchiha Yu. You're improving faster than I expected."
A trace of amusement entered Kakashi's voice. "Next, we can try some more complicated Water Release ninjutsu."
"What is it?" Uchiha Yu was unusually excited!
This was the second proper ninjutsu he had learned, aside from the Three Body Technique!
Amid the waterfall's thunderous roar, Kakashi stood with his hands behind his back, lightly stepping upon the water's surface as if he had become one with nature.
His voice was calm and profound, cutting through the sound of the water and reaching Uchiha Yu's ears clearly. "Before learning it, you must first understand one thing."
His gaze pierced through layers of mist and settled on Uchiha Yu.
"Water Release techniques stem from exquisite control over Water Nature Chakra." Kakashi's tone carried a hint of seriousness as he continued, "They are not merely offensive ninjutsu. Compared to Fire Release, they are more often used as defensive ninjutsu."
"Usually," Kakashi slowly paced across the water's surface, ripples gently spreading beneath his feet, "ninjas use the moisture around them to perform Water Release techniques."
His hands moved gently, as though drawing invisible Talismans in the air. The water molecules around him seemed to answer his call, forming thin streams of water.
"However," Kakashi said, a trace of reminiscence in his voice, "truly outstanding Water Release ninjas can use the power of Chakra to summon water even in places without any."
"Water Release without water... the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju?" Uchiha Yu answered.
"Yes and no. The Second Hokage was one of the best-known examples. There were also the Second Mizukage and the Fourth Mizukage."
"But actually," Kakashi shamelessly pointed at himself, "I can do it too."
Uchiha Yu rolled his eyes. "Alright, alright, I know you're amazing, Teacher Kakashi. So which technique are you teaching me?"
"Watch closely!"
As Kakashi's voice fell, he lightly tapped the water's surface and leaped backward, opening some distance between himself and Uchiha Yu.
His hands rapidly formed Hand Seals at a speed that was almost impossible to follow!
His movements were so fast that Uchiha Yu did not even see how many seals he had formed before Kakashi's ninjutsu was complete!
When Kakashi finished forming the seals, a powerful surge of Chakra burst from his body and shot toward the water beneath the waterfall.
That Chakra seemed alive as it swiftly merged with the current, unleashing astonishing power.
The water's surface began to churn violently, as if drawn by an invisible force, forming an enormous Water Wall.
The Water Wall rapidly rose, like a crystalline barrier shooting from the lakebed into the sky, gleaming brilliantly beneath the sunlight.
Its surface shimmered with ripples, yet it was extraordinarily sturdy, as though it could withstand any attack.
This was it! Water Release: Water Wall!
A B-rank Defensive Ninjutsu created by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju! It was renowned for its powerful defense and spectacular visual effect!
Uchiha Yu stood where he was, staring dumbfoundedly at the magnificent sight before him.
He had not expected Kakashi to start by teaching him such an advanced ninjutsu.
The scale and visual impact of this technique far exceeded his expectations, raising his understanding of Water Release ninjutsu to a whole new level.
"Th-this is Water Release ninjutsu?" Uchiha Yu's voice trembled slightly, while excitement and longing shone in his eyes.
Kakashi stood on the other side of the Water Wall, his figure appearing even more mysterious and powerful against the watery barrier.
His voice passed through the wall and clearly reached Uchiha Yu's ears. "That's right. This is Water Wall. It can not only defend against physical attacks, but also withstand some ninjutsu attacks. Come on, use your Great Fireball."
Before Kakashi had even finished speaking, Uchiha Yu's hands flew through Hand Seals!
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
The Great Fireball was like a burning comet, tearing through the air and crashing into the Water Wall with a scorching trail behind it.
Ripples spread across the water barrier under the fireball's impact. Flames and water collided with a hissing sound, and steam spread outward, forming a hazy mist!
However, despite the Great Fireball's immense power, the Water Wall stood firm like an impregnable fortress, steadily blocking the attack.
The fireball's flames dispersed against the water barrier, turning into wisps of green smoke, while the Water Wall remained standing.
Kakashi stood on the other side of the Water Wall, a satisfied smile appearing on his face.
Even a Uchiha Clan ninja who had used Great Fireball year-round would find it difficult to easily break through this Water Release defensive ninjutsu cast by him.
Not to mention that the caster was only a child.
Just as Kakashi prepared to continue his lesson, Uchiha Yu showed no intention of stopping.
His hands formed seals rapidly again, three times in succession. Each time was accompanied by a low shout, and three Great Fireballs crashed into the Water Wall one after another.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
Each fireball impact made the ripples on the Water Wall more violent and the steam thicker.
Kakashi's brow lifted slightly. He was surprised by Uchiha Yu's Chakra control and the speed at which he cast ninjutsu.
Under the fierce barrage of three consecutive Great Fireballs, the Water Wall finally reached its limit.
The water barrier collapsed with a boom beneath the final impact, turning into countless droplets that scattered in every direction and gleamed under the sunlight.
Uchiha Yu watched the collapsing Water Wall, a proud smile appearing on his face.
However, before his smile could fully spread, a figure appeared behind him in an instant like a ghost.
Kakashi grabbed Uchiha Yu and lifted him upside down, a hint of reproach in his voice. "Brat, are you really hitting your teacher that hard?"
Hanging upside down, Uchiha Yu looked somewhat awkward, but he still forced out a smile. "N-no, Teacher Kakashi. I was only testing how many Great Fireballs this technique could defend against."
"Defend against Great Fireballs?" Kakashi narrowed his eyes and quietly wondered.
Just how had that eyebrowless genin provoked this exceptionally gifted child?
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