Shino felt that perhaps he could help Xia Mu get more Ninjutsu.
Lower level Ninjutsu might not matter. What was important was to give Xia Mu a better understanding of Ninjutsu, and then Xia Mu could have more creative ideas based on that.
This way, Xia Mu would definitely become stronger faster.
Of course, Shino knew that Xia Mu would not accept it for free. He would definitely pay compensation.
This was also simple. As long as Xia Mu shared some of the techniques he developed, such as the one-handed hand signs and Paper Charade Technique he shared before, which were very practical.
Isn't it good for everyone to improve together?
Shino had a plan in mind, but he didn't tell Xia Mu immediately. Instead, he planned to collect some Ninjutsu himself first, and then give them to Xia Mu, not allowing Xia Mu to refuse, otherwise he would nag.
Act first, report later. This trick was quite effective on Xia Mu. This was what Shino had learned from showing up at Xia Mu's house for dinner without notice every time.
Xia Mu at this time didn't know how much surprise his good friend would give him. Class time arrived, and Iruka-sensei began to teach the Body Binding Technique. Xia Mu already knew this, so it didn't matter if he didn't listen.
He was completely immersed in the Water Torrent Technique he practiced last night and began to analyze this Water Release Ninjutsu.
Water had many properties. The water property that the Rasengan needed to fuse with was like a powerful vortex. The keywords were distortion and strangulation. Imagine the consequence of a person falling into a terrifying vortex and being twisted into a bloody mess. It was indeed terrifying.
In addition, thick water fluid should have viscosity. After fusing with Chakra threads, it could create sticky threads.
Water flow under high pressure had terrifying impact and cutting power, and techniques such as high-pressure water guns and water blades could be developed.
In short, Chakra had infinite possibilities, all depending on a person's imagination and creativity, and it should also conform to certain scientific principles. It couldn't be whatever I thought it was.
It felt like what was called Chakra was like a combination of science and metaphysics. Sometimes it was very scientific, and sometimes it was very abstract.
It just depended on who could develop this power to its strongest.
The next day, a rare rest day.
Xia Mu, Shino, and Tenten went to the river to train together.
Originally, they planned to train at Tenten's small training ground, but because Tenten wanted to learn to walk on water, the environment wasn't very suitable, so it was better to go to the river.
At this time, Tenten could already walk on trees, and her control over Chakra had also become much more precise.
In fact, learning Chakra control while in school was the best, because at this time, there was relatively little Chakra, and it was easier to control. If you learned control after graduation, there would be much more Chakra relatively speaking, and it would be harder to master.
Therefore, even though Tenten's talent for Chakra control was not high, she had also learned to climb trees after half a month of training.
Next up was Water Walking.
Tenten gathered Chakra under her feet and carefully stepped onto the water surface, but the water immediately covered her ankles.
Xia Mu instructed, "The water flow is unstable, so it's different from Tree Climbing. It requires higher control over Chakra. You need to focus entirely and strive to stand steadily on the water surface with both feet. Then, long-term practice will make it a habit."
"Okay, I'll work hard."
Tenten tried hard to balance, but the next second, she lost focus and fell directly into the water.
Fortunately, she wasn't a spoiled person; she immediately stood up again without a word and continued to train diligently.
Xia Mu, on the other hand, created a Shadow Clone to practice Taijutsu with Shino, mainly to help Shino master one-handed hand seals and proficiently use Paper Ninjutsu during combat.
Of course, to ensure they weren't being monitored or spied on, Shino arranged for his insects to scout the surroundings.
As for Xia Mu himself, he took out a piece of paper, placed it in his palm, and began to grasp the Water Nature Transformation of Chakra.
He had tried before in the Gravity Training Room, but the training room would change according to his will; if he wanted the paper to get wet, it would get wet, which completely failed to achieve the purpose of understanding.
Therefore, he could only train outside.
Fortunately, he had his future girlfriend and good friend accompanying him, so he didn't feel bored or lonely.
It was quickly noon, and Xia Mu specifically sent a Shadow Clone home to make nutritious food and bring it over. Although it might be more interesting to grill fish after training by the river, training is very tiring, and just eating grilled fish wouldn't be enough.
Tenten had been working hard without stopping and was now covered in sweat from exhaustion.
Xia Mu felt heartache watching her but didn't try to dissuade her.
Tenten wanted to become stronger; she had to endure all the hardships of training. If she couldn't handle even this little hardship, there was no point talking about dreams; she might as well just be a quiet girl.
This was Tenten's choice. Not only could Xia Mu not stop her, but he should also encourage her.
"Xia Mu, this hot and sour beef is amazing!" Tenten praised while eating heartily.
The fatigue from training could make one's appetite poor. Eating some hot and sour food at this time could stimulate the taste buds, and beef could replenish protein better, which is why Tenten found it delicious.
Shino was focused on eating and had no time to talk.
After finishing the meal, everyone felt comfortable.
Tenten leaned against the tree trunk, looking at the shimmering river surface, lost in thought. "Water Walking is really quite difficult, but I've found the knack for it. I should be able to fully master it in the next couple of days."
Shino immediately increased the difficulty. "Tenten, just being able to walk on the water surface isn't considered fully mastered. Look, the water surface here is calm, which is very simple for Water Walking. To fully master Water Walking, you have to be able to run on turbulent water."
"Huh? Running on turbulent water?"
Tenten was dumbfounded. She was already having some difficulty just learning Water Walking, let alone this high-level difficulty.
Xia Mu quickly said, "Don't be afraid, I'll train with you."
Hearing this, Tenten's face flushed slightly, and she gave Xia Mu a sweet smile. Perhaps she was truly tired; she closed her eyes while leaning against the tree trunk and tilted her head to rest on Xia Mu's shoulder.
Xia Mu hadn't expected this benefit and was overjoyed inwardly.
Just then, Shino made a gesture.
Xia Mu immediately turned his head to look and saw a cute blonde little girl walking over, with a gossip-filled smile on her face.
It was Ino!
Seeing Ino about to speak, Xia Mu immediately made a shushing gesture.
Ino saw that the girl with the double buns was sleeping on Xia Mu's shoulder, immediately covered her mouth with a smile, and didn't speak to disturb them, but she also didn't leave; instead, she walked over and sat down.
"Xia Mu, is this your girlfriend? She's quite cute."
Ino teased in a low voice, her eyes full of gossipy amusement.
Xia Mu lowered his head and glanced at the soundly sleeping Tenten, then replied, "Not yet, but soon. Ino, you're quite the gossip. Just because you saw Tenten and me shopping for groceries together, it caused such a stir in class. You really have too much free time."
Ino scraped her face with her index finger, "No shame, no shame, what is there to be shy about? Besides, I saw you holding hands, and your face was all red. Now she's even sleeping on you. And you say she's not your girlfriend? Her name is Tenten, right? That double bun hairstyle really suits her."