Chapter 15: The Fusion of Physical Techniques and Ninjutsu

“Big brother, right now we hold the advantage. There’s no need to risk your life by dueling that Uchiha Madara.”

The moment Senju Tobirama received the news, he hurried over to stop Senju Hashirama. He knew all too well that given his brother’s nature, he would agree to the duel without hesitation.

Hashirama was silent for a moment before asking, “Tobirama, do you know how many of our clan have fallen in this war so far?”

Tobirama faltered at the question. That number was a painful reminder.

Watching his younger brother’s troubled expression, Hashirama’s eyes flickered with sorrow as he spoke in a low voice, “I understand that cautiously advancing step by step with the current advantage is the safest way to win. But it’s a victory bought at the cost of many more lives. I cannot bear that.”

“When Itama and Kawarama died, I swore I would end this war as soon as possible.”

“Ending this war even a day earlier means more lives saved.”

Hearing this, Tobirama knew his elder brother had made up his mind. No matter what he said now, it would be useless.

Looking at his restless brother, Tobirama patted his shoulder and laughed heartily, “Hashirama, have a little faith in me. Do you really think I would lose?”

“You certainly won’t lose. I’m just worried that when it counts, you might hesitate to strike decisively,” Tobirama said with a bitter smile, then seriously warned, “Remember, you are the head of the Senju clan. This isn’t just a simple matter of winning or losing—it concerns the fate of thousands of our clan members. Keep that in mind!”

Hashirama nodded solemnly.

“I promise no one will interfere with your duel,” Tobirama said, then without another word, turned and left the room.

Hashirama knew Tobirama was upset and watched his brother’s retreating figure with a mixture of regret and understanding.

Outside the room, Tobirama’s thoughts were restless. He aimlessly wandered the streets and found himself near Chu Yang’s residence.

Chu Yang was practicing Fishman Karate in the courtyard.

Tobirama stood quietly outside, watching. Gradually, he became captivated by this entirely new martial art style.

Forgetting his troubles, Tobirama felt a weight lift from his heart.

“Yang, your martial art seems to incorporate some form of water nature chakra,” Tobirama finally spoke after observing for some time.

Chu Yang had sensed Tobirama’s presence long ago but pretended not to know until Tobirama spoke, then feigned surprise.

“Teacher, hello,” Chu Yang greeted respectfully.

“Hm,” Tobirama replied casually, then eagerly asked, “Your martial art is very unique. Could you explain it in detail?”

Chu Yang nodded.

In fact, the technique Chu Yang was practicing was a rather special skill within Fishman Karate: water manipulation.

Fishman Karate is a rare martial art that controls water flow, largely due to the Fishman clan’s innate abilities.

As a human, Chu Yang theoretically could not reach such a level.

He knew this well and had decided to take a different path—combining the power of Water Release to simulate this technique.

Wood Release itself is a fusion of water and earth nature chakra.

Chu Yang was naturally familiar with the power of Water Release.

He had just begun experimenting with it when Tobirama arrived, so he decided to share his ideas and ask for advice.

After all, Tobirama was the greatest inventor in the history of the ninja world, his intellect far superior to Chu Yang’s.

Listening to Chu Yang’s explanation, Tobirama smiled and nodded repeatedly.

Skills combining taijutsu and ninjutsu were not unheard of in the ninja world, but all were extremely difficult to develop. Chu Yang, however, had managed to create a prototype through sheer effort.

To Tobirama, Chu Yang’s intellect was already above average, perfectly matching the mindset of a researcher.

“Not only can you inherit my brother’s Wood Release, but you can also carry on my ninjutsu and continue innovating...” Tobirama saw many possibilities in Chu Yang.

After speaking for a long time, Chu Yang’s mouth was dry and he had yet to receive any suggestions.

He looked up, only to find Tobirama smiling at him.

Chu Yang shivered in surprise.

Could the sun really rise in the west today? Tobirama, who was usually stern and unfaltering, was actually smiling?

Had he imagined it?

When Chu Yang looked again, Tobirama had returned to his usual cold demeanor.

It really was a hallucination!

“Your martial art’s concept is sound. The main issue is your understanding of Water Release—it’s still very superficial. This will hinder your progress.”

“To improve this technique, starting today, you must learn more about Water Release from me!”

Chu Yang’s eyes lit up. What was the Water Release mastery of the Second Hokage?

Flying Thunder God?

No!

The answer was Water Release!

Before creating the Flying Thunder God technique, Tobirama had built his reputation with Water Release, dominating countless battles during the clan wars.

Eagerly, Chu Yang began to ask Tobirama for Water Release lessons. Tobirama entered teaching mode, patiently starting from the basics.

They were both deeply engaged, continuing until nightfall before ending the lesson.

Before leaving, Tobirama hesitated at the doorway, as if weighing a momentous decision.

“The clan leader is preparing to duel Uchiha Madara. As for the location of the duel, only I know it within the clan. I plan to bring you along. What do you think?”

Hashirama dueling Uchiha Madara?

No need to think twice!

This would be the most spectacular battle in ninja history—and with the Second Hokage as bodyguard, what’s there to hesitate?

“I want to go!” Chu Yang said excitedly.

Tobirama smiled knowingly, as if expecting Chu Yang’s response.

“Watching a battle between such powerful warriors, though risky, will be immensely beneficial to you.”

“As a fellow Wood Release user, you must observe the clan leader’s fighting style carefully!”

Chu Yang understood this was a rare opportunity.

Previously on the battlefield, he was too busy fighting for his life to observe Hashirama’s tactics.

Late that night, two figures moved like phantoms through the trees, arriving at a secluded valley.

However, this place was different from the Valley of the End Chu Yang remembered—no waterfall, just a small stream. It must be another location.

Moreover, the story had not yet reached the final battle at the Valley of the End.

Arriving at the spot, Tobirama and Chu Yang concealed themselves and circled the area.

Though Madara’s character meant he wouldn’t set ambushes for a duel agreed upon openly, Tobirama nonetheless left Flying Thunder God seals and explosive traps in many places as a precaution.

If anything seemed amiss, he would stop the duel immediately.