Konoha's lexicon of ninjas

Chapter 96 Raven Clone! (10,000-word update, please subscribe and vote!)

Returning home as quickly as possible, Hoshino Shuichi took out a blank scroll and wrote down the incomplete spell formula he had seen earlier.

Then he pondered it repeatedly.

Hmm... I can understand a little bit, it's the part about fire jutsu.

"Natural energy is a completely unfamiliar area for me; I have to take it slowly."

Hoshino Shuichi did not lose heart.

If that doesn't work now, then we'll acquire the [Sealing Master] skill, or even the annual "Flash of Inspiration," and eventually we'll be able to thoroughly research it.

After putting away the scroll and thinking for a moment, Hoshino Hideaki got up and went to Orochimaru's experimental base.

Time flies and the holiday is over.

Hoshino Shuichi rejoins the team, continuing his fast-paced missions in the Anbu.

However, although the pace of the Anbu is fast, there is actually quite a bit of rest time, allowing Hoshino Shuichi to sometimes train on his own or go to Orochimaru's experimental base.

After acquiring the title of "Master of Swordsmanship," Hoshino Shuichi's focus began to shift.

The term "[Instantaneous Movement Expert]" has been given the highest priority.

Entry: [Instantaneous Movement Expert]

Acquisition Requirements: Proficiency in at least five different types of teleportation techniques.

Effects: Increases the talent for Instantaneous Movement by 100%, increases Cellular Activation by 100%, and allows the casting of any Instantaneous Movement technique without hand seals.

The battle against the AB duo made Hoshino Shuichi realize that quick reaction ability alone is not enough; a sufficiently fast attack speed is also required.

Or rather, the reaction speed of motor modules such as muscles.

This requires either talent or, like Kai, years of rigorous training to develop muscle memory and achieve rapid reactions.

Another one is the Cloud Ninja's Lightning Release cell activation.

Kakashi's Chidori Stream can also activate cells, but it's far less effective than Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

If it weren't for the fact that he's still missing one space-time ninjutsu, Hoshino Shuichi would have focused all his efforts on mastering the "Space-Time Messenger" skill.

However, if he can't find a suitable space-time ninjutsu, he will rely on his talent to master the Flying Thunder God Technique.

The talent boost is 50% for the [Konoha Genius], 100% for the [Ninjutsu Master], and 100% for the [Body Flicker Technique Expert], plus 10 minutes of "Inspiration".

With thorough preparation, Hoshino Shuichi is confident he can defeat the Flying Thunder God.

Once you've mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, as long as he doesn't court death, the entire ninja world is yours to roam!

……

Time flew by, and it was December of Konoha Year 42.

The eating contest, which the Akimichi clan had been preparing for for more than three months, has become a huge hit after a few days of warm-up, and everyone in Konoha Village knows about it.

Even when Hoshino Shuichi and Shizune were out for a walk on the street, they could hear people talking about them.

Even outside of Konoha, many "good-for-nothings" from the Land of Fire came upon hearing the news, intending to participate in the competition.

As they strolled along the road to the Akimichi clan's newly opened udon noodle shop, Hoshino Shuichi and Shizune saw that the shop was already packed with people.

"Wow, so many people have signed up!"

Even though she already knew that the competitive eating contest was popular, Shizune still couldn't help but exclaim in surprise when she saw so many people.

Hoshino Hideichi smiled and said, "It seems this will be a very successful event."

Shizune nodded and smiled, "If it's held every year, it might gradually develop into a festival!"

Hoshino Hideichi stroked his chin and thought for a moment, then smiled and said, "I think we could hold a competitive eating contest with the allied ninja villages of Konoha."

"Yes, we can set up branch venues in each ninja village first, and have the top ten from each village gather in Konoha to compete for first place."

Silently listened, dumbfounded: "This...isn't this a bit too much?"

Shuichi Hoshishita couldn't help but chuckle, "Haha, that's definitely a bit of an exaggeration."

"Of course, if it's profitable, I think some people will still participate."

Shizune asked doubtfully, "But if we're going to hold this event, there should be some profit to be made, right?"

As she spoke, her sharp eyes spotted a familiar figure, and she exclaimed, "Shuichi, it looks like Lord Jiraiya!"

Jiraiya?

Hoshita Shuichi looked in the direction Shizune pointed and indeed saw that familiar white hair. He couldn't help but mutter to himself, "He's actually back... but why did he come here instead of going to the hot spring town for research?"

"You're not going to participate too, are you?"

Shuichi Hoshino felt that he was about to have another formidable opponent.

At that moment, Jiraiya pushed his way out of the crowd and saw Hoshino and Shuichi. He immediately walked up to them and asked with a smile, "Are you here to sign up too?"

"Lord Jiraiya!"

Hoshita Shuichi and Shizune greeted him politely, and Hoshita Shuichi replied, "Yes, we came to register together. I didn't expect to see you here, Jiraiya-sama."

Shizune quickly replied, "This competition was also suggested by Shuichi!"

"Oh?"

Jiraiya looked at Hoshino Shuichi, gave him a thumbs up, and smiled, "That is indeed a very good idea, but I won't let you win during the match."

Hoshita Shuichi immediately retorted without backing down: "Lord Jiraiya, I won't give way just because you're one of the legendary Sannin."

Jiraiya laughed heartily: "Looks like you're quite confident!"

"Um……"

Jiraiya chuckled, rubbing his chin. "Shuichi, if you can beat me, I'll teach you an interesting ninjutsu. How about it?"

Interesting ninjutsu?

Hoshino Shizuka blinked.

Does Jiraiya have any interesting ninjutsu?

I don't think so?

However, since there was a ninjutsu to be had, Shuichi Hoshino certainly didn't refuse. After nodding in agreement, he smiled and said, "Lord Jiraiya, if you win, I'll also give you a very interesting ninjutsu."

After thinking for a moment, Hoshino Shuichi emphasized again, "Hmm... I'm sure you'll really like it, Jiraiya-sama."

Seeing Hoshino Shuichi's mysterious demeanor, Jiraiya felt a little itchy to try it out, but he restrained himself and waved goodbye with a smile: "Then I'll have to look forward to Shuichi's ninjutsu!"

Watching Jiraiya leave, Shizune couldn't help but ask curiously, "Shuichi, if you lose, what interesting ninjutsu will you give to Lord Jiraiya?"

"I remember that the ninjutsu you developed were all very practical, weren't they?"

Hoshino Hideichi quickly coughed twice: "It's just an idea right now, it hasn't been developed yet!"

Silently nodded, but did not ask any further questions.

Hoshino Shuichi secretly breathed a sigh of relief and made a decision.

If we really lose, we must keep it a secret from Jiraiya.

Before long, it was Hoshino Shuichi and Shizune's turn to sign up.

After writing his name, Hoshino Shuichi glanced to the side and paused, then exclaimed, "Eh, is Lady Tsunade participating too?"

After writing Tsunade's name, Shizune nodded and smiled, "Lady Tsunade also finds it very interesting."

Good heavens, another formidable rival!

Tsunade was so hungry that she even wanted to eat her pets.

After registering, Hoshino Shuichi and Shizune headed to Konoha Hospital.

The competitive eating contest officially begins in three days, but it will last not just a day or two, but until the last day of the year, so there is still plenty of time.

After spending two hours at Konoha Hospital, Hoshino Shuichi returned home and fed crows.

The fledglings have grown up, and just like with the White Tiger, Hoshino Shuichi feeds them secret medicines and injects chakra into their bodies.

However, Shuichi under these crows also created a summoning scroll for summoning spirits.

In addition, Hoshino Shuichi also attempted to develop the Crow Clone Technique based on this.

"The chakra residing in these crows has become accustomed to them, and their spirituality and tacit understanding have been cultivated quite well."

Looking at the dozen or so crows circling in the air, Hoshino Shuichi felt that it was about time.

Although these crows don't have much fighting power and can't speak, they can easily understand his commands through chakra and have developed a very close and tacit relationship with him.

This is not only because of the continuous feeding of the secret medicine, but also because the crow contains his chakra.

From raising the white tiger to these crows, Hoshino Shuichi also realized how difficult it is to raise a qualified summoning beast.

It's not just about the financial cost, but also the time, effort, and uncertainty.

So!

With a focused gaze, Hoshino Hideichi activated the chakra stored within the crow's body.

The crows circling in the air also received his command and immediately gathered together, forming a silhouette.

Looking at his other self floating in the air, Hoshino Shuichi smiled.

Crow Clone Technique, complete!

clap clap clap...

The clones in the air dispersed, transforming back into crows flapping their wings, and then reassembled into clones on the other side.

Next, Hoshino Shuichi tested his clones by performing various ninjutsu techniques in the air, including Fire Release, Wind Release, and Genjutsu.

Once the energy was nearly depleted, the clone technique was dispelled.

"The strength of the crow clone depends on the amount of chakra stored in the crow's body. If combat power is not taken into account, the chakra consumed when using it is far less than that of shadow clones or even fire-style clones."

"However, crows can't store too much chakra, but since it's a clone, it's meant to play a supporting role, so that's not a drawback."

Hoshino Shuichi silently assessed: "And another, even bigger advantage, is air superiority!"

Although he possessed the ability to walk on lotus blossoms, this technique actually consumed a considerable amount of energy.

If you're going to use clones, crow clones are better.

"Furthermore, crows, or crow clones, can conduct reconnaissance over extremely long distances."

"While the Listening Technique is powerful, it consumes a lot of energy and is limited to chakra-based sensations."

Looking at the crows perched on the wooden frame, Hoshino Shuichi pondered to himself, "Another drawback is that these crows aren't true summoning beasts. They can't even refine chakra, let alone be intelligent or speak. So the chakra I store in them will gradually dissipate over time."

"While it's perfectly acceptable to temporarily supply them with chakra when needed, it would be much more convenient if chakra could be stored for a longer period of time."

"Hmm, we can try sealing techniques to slow down the loss of chakra."

"It doesn't need to be too high-end."

Having determined the next direction for development, Hoshino Hideichi had a sudden thought, and the crows on the wooden frame immediately flapped their wings and took flight, heading towards the Uchiha clan in a flock.

He wanted to give Uchiha Shisui a little surprise.

This kind of clone technique is more suitable for Shisui, who is proficient in genjutsu, especially for the Uchiha who has the Sharingan.

(End of this chapter)