Chapter 14: You've Got Some Talent
The general-issue textbooks at the Shinobi Academy naturally wouldn't contain any particularly valuable knowledge. They were just filled with the basics: Chakra refinement methods, physical training tutorials, and shuriken-throwing techniques.
Don't even think about elemental ninjutsu (Doton). After all, the final graduation exam from the Academy only covered the Three Basic Jutsu (Sanmi-ittai no Jutsu)—the collective term for the three E-Rank supplementary techniques: Transformation Jutsu (Henge no Jutsu), Clone Jutsu (Bunshin no Jutsu), and Body Replacement Jutsu (Kawarimi no Jutsu).
Almost every student who has never encountered ninjutsu before will feel dissatisfied with this.
What these young kids want are the cool-looking, powerful jutsu, so their interest in the Three Basics is naturally low.
But the children from shinobi clans, or even just those whose parents are shinobi, know before they even enroll that these Three Basic Jutsu are the most valuable things they can learn at the Academy.
The Transformation Jutsu, which covers the body in an illusory form to mimic something else; the Clone Jutsu, which creates non-solid phantoms; and the Body Replacement Jutsu, which instantly swaps one's position with a prepared object. Although these three jutsu sound pathetic, in essence, they are the most fundamental applications of Chakra control for three different purposes.
The secret to the Transformation Jutsu is maintaining an even and continuous output of Chakra from every tenketsu (Chakra point) in the body. If you can't do this, the transformed shape will be unstable.
The secret to the Clone Jutsu is the fine control and shaping of Chakra released outside the body. Even if it's just an intangible illusion, making it lifelike is not simple.
The secret to the Body Replacement Jutsu is using Chakra to reinforce the body, relying on that instantaneous burst of speed to complete the switch with the substitute.
From a principles standpoint, the process of practicing these three jutsu is simply the process of simplifying the abstract and complex ability of Chakra control into three steps. In a situation where one-on-one instruction isn't possible, this is indeed an extremely efficient teaching method.
In terms of tactical value, although the Clone Jutsu is later replaced by various solid clones (like the Shadow Clone Jutsu), the Body Replacement Jutsu and Transformation Jutsu are jutsu you can use for your entire life.
The former can almost be seen as the best substitute for all Shunshin no Jutsu (Body Flicker Technique). Yes, all of them.
In truth, Shunshin no Jutsu isn't a single jutsu, but a catch-all term for techniques that achieve instantaneous movement or high-speed displacement via Chakra, Space-Time manipulation, or Kekkei Genkai.
And the Body Replacement Jutsu can certainly achieve the goal of 'high-speed displacement.' If you can't maintain continuous super-speed, just use Kawarimi a few more times.
As one of the legendary Sannin was fond of saying, it all depends on how you use an ability.
After hitting someone with a Rasengan, then appearing somewhere else and yelling "Here I am!", isn't that just another form of movement? (Self-mockery.)
As for the latter, once your Chakra control has reached a certain level of precision, the Transformation Jutsu is an essential ninjutsu for infiltration and disguise missions.
Makeup has flaws, and props can be seen through. So, why not just use all of them at once?
In short, Hiiro Rinko truly valued the Three Basic Jutsu.
Even though the original boy had never received shinobi training from his parents, Rinko's own experience with Black Flash (a high-level Cursed Energy phenomenon) and his grasp of its core principles, not to mention his parents' ninjutsu scrolls, were not just for show.
He had long since memorized those scrolls. His real reason for accepting Yūsa's old textbooks was to compare the two sets of notes—though he wasn't holding out much hope.
And in that regard, Yūsa's notes truly did not disappoint Rinko… in their mediocrity.
"Heh… As I thought, I expected too much."
Even if Yūsa was already a Chūnin who had mastered various elemental jutsu and Puppet Techniques, these notes were, after all, written before his graduation. It was hard to expect any real insight from them.
Boring. Ah, boring was the only word for it.
They were in no way comparable to the original owner's parents' notes. In fact, Yūsa's views on Chakra refinement and circulation were even less detailed than the key points Rinko had summarized over the past month.
The experience of a First War veteran (deserter) really was on another level.
"But his handwriting is quite good. Such a steady hand. He's definitely good material for a Puppet Master…"
Hand deformities are common among shinobi who specialize in certain elemental jutsu. From forming the same specific hand seals for years, their hands can easily become misshapen. But since this deformation also helps them form seals faster, most shinobi won't bother to correct it as long as it doesn't affect their daily lives.
Slap. Rinko closed the textbook. His expression was normal as he neatly placed the book back into his bag.
Even if it was useless, it was still a kind gesture from Yūsa. Besides, Rinko had always cherished books and would never intentionally damage them.
Well, unless he was forced to.
Just as Rinko was getting so bored he started fiddling with the pendant on his chest, Chiyo finally finished the troublesome procedures. A man who looked very much like a Sunagakure shinobi then led him toward a classroom.
"Everyone, quiet down! We have a new transfer student joining our class today."
Following the Sensei into the room, Rinko scanned the students. At the teacher's call, all forty or so pairs of eyes focused on him.
Some were curious, some were indifferent, and there were even a few inexplicable, challenging glares.
The minds of children. So hard to fathom.
Thinking this, Rinko took the chalk and casually wrote his name on the blackboard.
"My name is Hiiro Rinko. Hmm…"
Staring with dead, emotionless fish-eyes, he raised a hand to scratch his fluffy red hair, trying to remember what else you were supposed to say in a self-introduction.
The last time he'd done this was when he enrolled in the Jujutsu High in his previous life. After that, anyone who met him and was going to interact with him already knew who he was.
"Ah, right. My likes are 'gijutsu' (techniques/technology). My dislikes are 'mendōkusai' (troublesome things). My dream… is none of your business."
"What's with this guy? Who's he trying to scare with that sour face!"
"Yeah, yeah!"
Hearing this, a kid in the class immediately shouted, expressing his displeasure, and was quickly followed by a few other kids who were clearly in his clique.
"This, too, is a necessary part of school life, I suppose…"
Muttering to himself, Rinko completely ignored the kids' voices and, slinging his bag, walked leisurely to an empty seat.
Two months was more than enough time for these children to form their little cliques. And children, well, they always like to be the center of attention. Nothing to worry about.
"H-Hello? My name is Karura. It's nice to meet you."
Seeing Rinko's "do not approach" aura, the girl at his new desk timidly greeted him.
"Ah, hello."
He turned his head. His eyes met a cute girl with sand-brown, shoulder-length hair, her face still holding a bit of baby fat. At this moment, her grayish-purple eyes held a trace of anxiety, as if she was worried about whether she could get along with him.
Rinko looked the girl beside him up and down, raised an eyebrow, and let out a subtle smile.
"You've got some real talent. Your Chakra flow is the smoothest in the entire class."
"Eh?"