Chapter 10: Murloc Karate vs. Shadow Clone Technique

The fact that Senju Hashirama had taken on a disciple was not exactly a secret, but the specific list of names had not been circulated.

Therefore, the clansmen had only just learned that Chuyang was the clan leader’s disciple.

"Up until now, I hadn't heard of anyone successfully learning Wood Release. Yang is the first!"

"Not only that, his Wood Release is incredibly powerful. So many Uchiha elites suffered heavy losses just now."

"Yang is a genius when it comes to Wood Release! He can definitely carry on the clan leader's Wood Release legacy!"

The group that had finished their mission returned to the clan.

The news that Chuyang’s squad had been ambushed and then counter-killed the enemy spread throughout the entire Senju clan in an instant.

What truly shocked people was not how many Uchiha clansmen he had taken down, but that he had mastered Wood Release.

No one understood the power of Wood Release better than the Senju clan, and the fact that Chuyang was the second clansman to master this Kekkei Genkai was destined to draw the attention of the entire clan.

Not long after the news spread, Chuyang received a summons from Senju Hashirama.

He followed the guards all the way to the clan leader’s residence.

The always magnanimous Senju Hashirama did not keep Chuyang waiting long and soon appeared before him. By Senju Hashirama’s side was always his younger brother, Senju Tobirama.

The Second Hokage.

Senju Hashirama wore a smile as he led Chuyang into the courtyard and said to him, "Show me your Wood Release."

Chuyang complied, performing a few of the most basic techniques—all of which had been taught to him by Senju Hashirama.

Watching Chuyang manipulate the trees freely and flexibly, without the slightest hesitation, Senju Hashirama’s eyes filled with admiration.

One could judge the whole by a glance; this was enough to demonstrate Chuyang’s talent for Wood Release.

Kekkei Genkai were different from ordinary ninjutsu; the difficulty and risks of training them were immense.

If one failed, the fusion of different chakra natures would leave indelible sequelae on the ninja at the bloodline level.

Only those with similar bloodlines could minimize this risk to the greatest extent.

Originally, Senju Hashirama hadn't held much hope for finding a successor, at least not until Chuyang appeared.

The domineering nature of Wood Release was something most Kekkei Genkai could not compare to, and failure during training was a common occurrence.

Failure in Wood Release training would drain the practitioner's vitality to varying degrees.

Even with the same bloodline exempting them from most of the backlash, most of the young people Senju Hashirama had chosen had ended up bedridden for a long time.

This showed just how precious Chuyang was.

Senju Hashirama vaguely felt that there would not be a second clansman in the clan capable of inheriting his Wood Release.

As soon as Senju Tobirama entered, he began to size Chuyang up. Unlike Senju Hashirama’s warmth, Tobirama’s gaze was quite aggressive.

Senju Tobirama knew very well how difficult it was to master Wood Release, let alone reach a certain level in such a short time.

He scanned Chuyang coldly, like a machine.

Chuyang did not like this feeling at all and glared back fiercely!

Senju Tobirama was stunned...

Someone actually dared to glare at him?

And it was just a kid from the clan?

"Hahaha!" Seeing his brother get snubbed, Senju Hashirama burst into hearty laughter. "Tobirama, that’s too impolite of you. He’s still just a child."

"Big Brother, he is a child, but he is not an ordinary child." Senju Tobirama retracted his gaze and said in a low voice, "He was actually able to cultivate Wood Release to the level of performing profound techniques in such a short time. He’s even better than you were back then."

Senju Hashirama nodded. As the creator of Wood Release, he naturally understood what Senju Tobirama meant between the lines.

This was a gifted youth who needed to be taught well; in time, he would be capable of taking on great responsibilities.

But Senju Hashirama was not a qualified teacher. When it came to educating the youth, his brother Tobirama was much more suitable.

In fact, this was true; as the founder of the Ninja Academy, Senju Tobirama had made huge contributions to Konoha’s education system.

Senju Hashirama smiled and patted Chuyang on the shoulder. "From today on, you will follow Tobirama to study ninjutsu knowledge and build a solid foundation. As a ninja, knowing only Wood Release won't cut it."

Although Chuyang appeared calm on the surface, he was blooming with joy inside.

Who was Senju Tobirama?

He was one of the few great inventors in the history of the ninja world, having developed countless ninjutsu and forbidden techniques.

Orochimaru couldn't even be ranked in the same league as him. If he could learn ninjutsu by his side, he would undoubtedly achieve a massive improvement.

"Let's start by getting your taijutsu in order."

Senju Tobirama stared at Chuyang expressionlessly, as if giving an instruction or a warning. "People often talk about ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu, but in fact, taijutsu is the most important foundation for a ninja."

"No matter how high your talent for ninjutsu is, if your taijutsu is poor, you will be more likely to lose your life on the battlefield than others."

Senju Tobirama’s expression softened slightly as he said, "I originally wanted to test your taijutsu level, but considering you just returned from a mission, go get some rest first. Come find me early tomorrow morning."

Chuyang nodded obediently this time.

After Chuyang left, the two brothers discussed the issue of Chuyang’s training again, talking until late into the night.

The next morning, Chuyang went to find Senju Tobirama, taking the opportunity to mooch a breakfast at the clan leader’s house.

Much like his background as Chuyang in the world of pirates, Chuyang in the world of Naruto had no relatives. Therefore, most of the time, he either ate at shops or mooched meals at other people's homes—mostly the former.

Being an orphan was also one of Senju Hashirama’s criteria for choosing disciples. If someone could change their fate through Wood Release, it was something Senju Hashirama was happy to see.

Just like Chuyang.

After breakfast, Senju Tobirama took Chuyang to a training ground he used to frequent—which was, in fact, a place he often practiced in the wild when he was a child.

The training ground was not large, but it had everything it needed, such as targets and dummies, and the surrounding trees were covered in marks left from practice.

"Let me see your taijutsu."

With that, Senju Tobirama formed hand seals with one hand and summoned a Shadow Clone. He intended to use the clone to test Chuyang’s mettle.

Chuyang did not let his guard down just because the opponent was a Shadow Clone. Shadow Clones depended on the user; a Shadow Clone of a Hokage-level ninja was definitely stronger than him.

Before going to the Soul Palace, Chuyang’s weakness was indeed taijutsu, as he had poured most of his energy into researching Wood Release.

However, things were different after returning from the Soul Palace.

The Shadow Clone approached Chuyang at a very high speed. Senju Tobirama, standing in the back observing Chuyang’s movements, frowned slightly. Chuyang’s reaction seemed a bit sluggish?

Just as Senju Tobirama was about to give Chuyang a failing grade, Chuyang suddenly moved. He dropped into a wide horse stance, pulled his right fist back to his waist like a spring, exhaled lightly, and then punched out violently.

The moment Chuyang threw the punch, Senju Tobirama, standing far away, felt the surge of air currents. He was suddenly startled.

[Fish-Man Karate: Two Thousand Tile Punch]

This punch had the power to split mountains!

The momentum was magnificent; the Shadow Clone tried to counterattack, but was shattered by the punch instantly!