Chapter 10: Fish-Man Karate vs. Shadow Clone Technique

That Hashirama Senju had taken on a disciple was no secret, but the specific list of names had not been made public. Therefore, the clan members had only just learned that Chuyang was the clan leader's apprentice.

"Until now, I hadn't heard of anyone successfully mastering Wood Release; Yang is the first!"

"Not only that, his Wood Release is formidable. Just a moment ago, so many skilled Uchiha clan members suffered greatly at his hands."

"Yang is a genius in Wood Release! He is fully capable of carrying on the clan leader's legacy!"

After completing their mission, the group returned to the clan. The news that Chuyang’s squad had been ambushed and then turned the tables to kill their enemies spread instantly throughout the entire Senju clan.

What truly shocked people was not how many Uchiha 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 as the second member to master this bloodline limit, Chuyang was destined to command the attention of the entire clan.

Not long after the news broke, Chuyang received a summons from Hashirama Senju. He followed the guards all the way to the clan leader's residence.

Hashirama, always magnanimous, did not keep Chuyang waiting long and soon appeared before him. Always at Hashirama’s side was his brother, Tobirama Senju—the Second Hokage.

Hashirama smiled and led Chuyang to the courtyard, saying to him, "Show me your Wood Release and let me have a look."

Chuyang complied, performing several foundational techniques that Hashirama had taught him. Watching Chuyang manipulate wood with such freedom and fluidity, without the slightest hesitation, Hashirama cast an appreciative gaze.

One could glimpse the whole from a single spot; this was more than enough to demonstrate Chuyang's talent for Wood Release. Bloodline limits were different from ordinary ninjutsu, carrying immense difficulty and risk. If one failed, the fusion of different chakra natures would leave indelible, long-term consequences on a ninja's very bloodline. Only those with similar bloodlines could minimize these risks.

Originally, Hashirama had not held much hope for finding a successor, at least not until Chuyang appeared. The volatility of Wood Release was something most other bloodline limits could not compare to, and failure was a common occurrence. Failed attempts at Wood Release often depleted the practitioner's vitality to varying degrees.

Even with the same bloodline providing immunity to most of the backlash, most of the young people Hashirama had chosen had ended up bedridden for long periods. This showed just how precious Chuyang was. Hashirama vaguely sensed that there would likely not be a second person in the clan capable of inheriting his Wood Release.

As soon as Tobirama stepped into the room, he began to size up Chuyang. Unlike Hashirama’s warmth, Tobirama’s gaze was highly aggressive. He knew well how difficult it was to master Wood Release, let alone reach such a level in such a short time. He scanned Chuyang coldly, like a machine.

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

Tobirama was stunned. Someone actually dared to glare at him? And a child of the clan, no less?

"Hahaha!" Seeing his brother taken aback, Hashirama let out a hearty laugh. "Tobirama, that’s not very polite of you; he’s still just a child."

"Brother, he is a child, but not an ordinary one." Tobirama narrowed his gaze and said in a low voice, "To think he could cultivate Wood Release to the point of executing advanced techniques in such a short time—he’s even better than you were at his age."

Hashirama nodded. As the creator of Wood Release, he understood exactly what Tobirama meant. This was a gifted youth who needed careful guidance; in time, he would be capable of taking on great responsibilities. However, Hashirama was not a qualified teacher; in terms of educating the youth, his brother Tobirama was far more suited. Indeed, as the founder of the Ninja Academy, Tobirama had made immense contributions to the educational cause of the Hidden Leaf.

Hashirama smiled and patted Chuyang on the shoulder. "From today on, follow Tobirama and study ninjutsu knowledge well. Build a solid foundation; as a ninja, knowing only Wood Release is not enough."

Though Chuyang appeared calm on the surface, he was overjoyed inside. Who was Tobirama Senju? He was one of the greatest inventors in the history of the ninja world, having developed countless ninjutsu and forbidden techniques. Orochimaru couldn't even compare to him. If he could learn ninjutsu by his side, he would undoubtedly achieve massive growth.

"Let’s start by perfecting your taijutsu." Tobirama stared at Chuyang with a blank expression, as if giving an instruction or perhaps a warning. "People often talk about ninjutsu, taijutsu, and genjutsu in one breath, but in reality, taijutsu is the most important foundation for a ninja."

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

Tobirama’s expression softened slightly as he added, "I had intended to test your taijutsu level, but considering you just returned from a mission, rest for now. Come find me early tomorrow morning."

Chuyang nodded obediently. After he left, the two brothers discussed the plans for Chuyang’s training, talking until late into the night.

The next morning, Chuyang went to find Tobirama, taking the opportunity to snag some breakfast at the clan leader's house. Much like the Chuyang of the pirate world, the Chuyang of this world had no surviving family. Most of the time, he either ate at a shop or bummed meals from others, mostly the former. Being an orphan was one of the criteria Hashirama used when selecting disciples; if someone could change their fate through Wood Release, it was something Hashirama was happy to see. Just like with Chuyang.

After breakfast, Tobirama took Chuyang to a training ground he had often used in the past—in reality, just a spot in the wilderness where he had practiced as a child. The training ground was not large, but it had all the necessary targets and dummies, and the surrounding trees were scarred with traces of past training.

"Let me see your taijutsu."

With that, 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 grow careless just because it was a shadow clone; shadow clones depended on the user, and a shadow clone of a Hokage-level ninja would certainly be formidable.

Before Chuyang had visited the Soul Palace, his weakness had indeed been taijutsu, as he had poured most of his energy into researching Wood Release. However, since returning from the Soul Palace, it was a different story.

The shadow clone approached Chuyang with incredible speed. Standing in the back observing, Tobirama frowned slightly; Chuyang’s reaction seemed a bit sluggish. Just as Tobirama was about to give Chuyang a failing grade, Chuyang suddenly moved. He dropped into a wide, powerful horse stance, pulled his right fist back to his waist like a coiled spring, exhaled briefly, and then unleashed a punch.

The moment Chuyang threw the punch, Tobirama, standing in the distance, felt the air shift. He was suddenly struck with shock.

[Fish-Man Karate: Two Thousand Tile Punch]

This punch possessed the power to shatter mountains!

The momentum was overwhelming. The shadow clone tried to counter, but was struck and shattered by the punch instantly!