Chakra exists within every human body, but it reacts differently to different elemental natures.
It's like a person's appearance—unique in countless ways.
Seiji and Rin Nohara discussed this, gaining a lot from their exchange. It was a way to explore the possibilities of new ninjutsu.
Many jutsus were still evolving.
The ninja world was facing unprecedented changes unseen in a millennium.
New techniques sprang up like bamboo shoots after rain.
During the long, thousands-of-years Warring States era, major powers constantly clashed.
Ninjas had an average lifespan of only thirty years. Upon waking each day, the first question was whether they would survive, and all training was family-based. Some commoner ninjas could only self-learn whatever scraps they could.
Outside of Kekkei Genkai and secret techniques, other ninjutsu were rare.
From armored shoulder pads to today's light chainmail outfits, it was clear that the era of cold weapons supplemented by ninjutsu had passed. Now, mobility and agility were prioritized.
With stronger and more powerful ninjutsu developed as primary offensive tools, dodging became the correct strategy, while enduring attacks was the worst choice.
Tobirama Senju could be seen as a representative figure. Many forbidden techniques were pioneered by him: Flying Thunder God Technique, Shadow Clone Technique, Edo Tensei, and even Naruto's commonly used Rasengan, which only appeared in recent times.
Seiji probably hadn't even created the Rasengan yet.
Kushina, no longer able to endure being confined within a sealing barrier, broke free despite restrictions.
The Nine-Tails took this opportunity to rebel within her body.
On that day, the Rasengan had only just begun to take shape.
"Thank you, Seiji."
Rin Nohara expressed her gratitude. She had learned a lot today, and Kakashi would surely be interested.
Seiji was truly a good person, taking so much time to help her.
When Seiji had just transferred in, Rin had only a short window for explanations.
Much of what Seiji said, she understood immediately, and it didn't take long to learn.
But the changes involving the Lightning attribute were endless.
After all, they were exploring future developments, not learning step by step from a single jutsu.
"You're welcome."
Seiji shook his head.
He would have many more opportunities to use Rin in the future—whether for medical ninjutsu or restraining Obito.
Rin was a valuable asset.
After Rin left, Seiji also stepped out of his home.
He needed to buy food for the coming week.
Seiji wasn't picky about food; as long as it provided enough nutrition, it was fine.
The Uchiha compound was like a city within a city, inhabited by many ordinary Uchiha who were not ninjas.
They ran small businesses to earn a bit of money. Most customers were Uchiha, with outsiders rarely visiting.
"Seiji, Elder Setsuna is looking for you."
After paying a Uchiha vendor for vegetables, someone called out to Seiji.
He turned to see a short-haired ninja with a black mole in the center of his forehead, wearing a deep blue robe, and a Uchiha fan tattoo on his back.
"You are…?"
Seiji recognized him by the black mole: Uchiha Tekka. One of the three who had interrogated Itachi.
So far, Seiji had never met Tekka.
"I'm Uchiha Tekka. Follow me."
Tekka briefly introduced himself and told Seiji to follow.
Seiji picked up his vegetable bag and followed.
Soon, they arrived at a quiet residence.
"Are you adjusting well to life among the Uchiha?"
The one asking was an elderly man with graying hair and deep wrinkles.
A half-face mask covered part of his left cheek, seemingly hiding something.
"Elder Setsuna, I'm very comfortable here. Being here, I feel the Uchiha are truly my first home."
Seiji spoke confidently.
Information about Uchiha Setsuna flashed through his mind.
During Tobirama Senju's governance, Setsuna opposed the clan's policies, claiming to inherit Madara's will, seeking to reclaim authority from the Senju.
He even led a group of radical Uchiha in causing disturbances, ultimately suppressed by Senju's ANBU.
Years after Tobirama's death, the Third Hokage, considering the growing friction with the Uchiha, released Setsuna and his faction.
In short, Uchiha Setsuna was a hawkish leader, second only to Fugaku—heading the largest faction within the Uchiha.
"How do you feel the Land of Lightning differs from here?"
Setsuna asked in a hoarse voice.
He looked at the robust Seiji, who towered half a head above Tekka.
Unlike most clan members, Setsuna had deeply studied Uchiha history.
The Uchiha had definite ties to the Land of Lightning, where Seiji had carried out a long-term mission: eliminating the Chinoike clan with "Blood Dragon Eyes," driving them into the current Land of Hot Water and restricting their movement.
So it wasn't surprising Seiji was born in the Land of Lightning.
Seiji opened his vegetable bag and picked out the best-looking cabbage.
"I come from a small place called Mizukumo Gorge. The environment was harsh, with little fruit or vegetables. Coming to Konoha, the greatest impression was how kind the people were, especially the Uchiha.
"Even a simple cabbage here tastes far better than anything in the Land of Lightning. The vendor treated me kindly and even gave a discount. Thinking back, every day in the Land of Lightning felt like torment."
Seiji said, visibly "excited."
Having been born and lived several years in the Land of Lightning, Seiji had often been asked by classmates and even some Jonin instructors about his impressions.
Whenever he praised Konoha, they were pleased—a cultural identification.
Land of Lightning doesn't work, Land of Fire does!
Konoha is truly amazing!
"Heh, your determination is impressive."
Tekka patted Seiji's shoulder.
A poor backwater like the Land of Lightning could never compare to the Land of Fire, or to Konoha.
And the Uchiha were the largest clan in Konoha!
"In a few months, the Chunin Exams will take place. Interested in participating?"
Elder Setsuna nodded, satisfied with Seiji's performance.
"Yes, I intend to contribute to the Uchiha as soon as possible."
Seiji's reply pleased Setsuna. He considered bringing Seiji into his faction.
Unlike Fugaku's pacifist approach, dealing with Konoha's masses was more manageable through a strong Uchiha faction.
"I have high expectations for you, junior."
Setsuna extended his aged hand from his sleeve, producing a scroll and handing it to Seiji.
(End of Chapter)