Konoha's streets were bustling with people. The narrow roads were packed, and even the smaller side paths had plenty of pedestrians.
As another busy day began, Rakawa emerged from the Hyuga Estate and followed a small path towards the Ninja Academy.
The Ninja Academy was merely a temporary transit point, a place every proper ninja had to pass through.
Graduating from the Ninja Academy meant becoming a Genin. Regardless of how fast or slow one's progress was, the Ninja Academy was where all aspiring Konoha ninjas had to be.
The path leading to the training ground remained heavily trafficked. It was flanked by low walls, behind which flowers and trees were planted. Most residents' homes featured large green spaces, reflecting the excellent living conditions in Konoha.
Rakawa walked along the path, head slightly bowed, contemplating the Elemental Release he had been researching these past few days.
Elemental Release research was an extremely arduous task. In the current Shinobi World, while there were numerous Elemental Release, new ones rarely appeared.
The Hyuga Clan primarily focused on Taijutsu. While the Gentle Fist was indeed powerful, there was another Taijutsu that was truly formidable: the Eight Gates Formation.
That kind of Taijutsu, which pushed the body beyond its limits, was not something ordinary people could learn. If he could obtain it, his Taijutsu would see even greater improvement.
The Byakugan, a Kekkei Genkai, could be used at any time and assisted many techniques.
In terms of Elemental Release, the Hyuga Clan offered very little assistance, far less than other clans. Therefore, creating his own Elemental Release had become an urgent matter.
Creating three Elemental Release was certainly not something that could be accomplished overnight.
'If I use Fire Release Nature Transformation and combine it with Shape Transformation, I could create various forms of attacks, achieving different effects. However, if I combine two Nature Transformations, that should lead to even more unique changes. For example, using Fire Release as propulsion and Wind Release as traction, could I achieve flight?'
His mind was filled with countless, jumbled thoughts.
As he walked, he suddenly stopped and looked around.
It was still a lively path. Some pedestrians were chatting, some hurried on their way, some laughed, some looked dejected – a true tapestry of life's experiences.
He gazed down the path, and the two rows of low walls seemed to stretch endlessly into the distance.
'Enemy attack!' Rakawa thought to himself. Normally, it took about an hour to get to the training ground via this path, but he had been walking for over an hour now and still hadn't reached the end.
Concluding he was under attack, Rakawa formed the Ram Seal and whispered, "Release!"
As his voice fell, the walls on both sides rapidly dissipated. The path and pedestrians vanished completely, and the scene transformed into a lakeside road.
"You've used a Genjutsu to lead me here. You can show yourself now, can't you?"
There was no need to check the enemy's location; their objective had been achieved, so they would naturally reveal themselves.
However, there was no response for a long time, as if no one was there.
"You won't come out? Then I'll have to invite you out myself."
Rakawa said, then immediately activated his Byakugan. Everything around him was now within his perception.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Just as he activated his Byakugan, a sharp whooshing sound came from behind him.
Bang!
Without thinking, Rakawa used the Body Replacement Technique. Several Kunai struck 'his' body, but in the next instant, the body transformed into a log and fell to the ground.
"I found you."
Rakawa didn't hesitate after using the Body Replacement Technique but instead charged directly towards the enemy's position. He could already see the opponent's Chakra, and pinpoint their exact location.
The person who had thrown the Kunai immediately changed positions upon seeing their attack fail. However, Rakawa was already upon them, striking down with a palm.
"Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
As Rakawa's palm struck, the person directly spewed a Great Fireball, which instantly engulfed his body.
Bang!
Another soft sound and a puff of white smoke appeared. He had once again used the Body Replacement Technique to evade the enemy's attack.
Bang!
Immediately after, the person who had used the Great Fireball Technique was kicked from behind, causing them to stumble forward and crash heavily to the ground.
Rakawa kicked the opponent then charged forward again. In his Byakugan state, the Gentle Fist could be used at any moment.
However, the instant he rushed forward, the kicked person sprang up, facing Rakawa directly.
Rakawa's attack halted. Facing this assailant, his eyes seemed to be covered in a layer of ice crystals, cold and sharp.
The person opposite him made no attempt to hide their identity. They stood brazenly, wearing a Konoha forehead protector and a ninja vest adorned with a fan-shaped clan crest.
"Uchiha Clan."
Their identity was obvious without needing to be stated. It was clearly someone from the Uchiha Clan coming to cause trouble.
The Uchiha ninja sneered upon hearing this. "Kid, you're unlucky to have run into me today. Go repent in the underworld. Remember my name, Uchiha Sōden."
"Just a Chunin."
Whoosh!
Uchiha Sōden immediately charged forward, unleashing several Shuriken. At the same time, his eyes rapidly changed, transforming into a one-tomoe Sharingan. He was an Uchiha ninja who had awakened his Sharingan, no wonder Rakawa hadn't detected the Genjutsu immediately.
"Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!"
He continuously spat out fireballs, like the Phoenix Sage Fire, covering a wide area.
Chunin from the Uchiha Clan were skilled enough to master such Elemental Release, a feat other ninjas couldn't compare to.
Rakawa observed the Fire Release attack with his Byakugan. In his vision, the trajectories of the fireballs were crystal clear, and their Chakra composition was distinctly discernible.
Boom!
The fireballs flew past him, barely grazing his body, and none of the Shuriken managed to hit him.
"Hm?"
Uchiha Sōden stopped abruptly, observing cautiously.
The moment he paused, Rakawa launched his attack. "Wind Release: Great Breakthrough!"
He exhaled, and a whirlwind erupted from his mouth, simultaneously throwing two Kunai.
"Oh? You can indeed use offensive Elemental Release. Too bad, you're just a kid."