Chapter 41: Puppet Technique
However, even though Souta's abilities had improved, he still felt lacking.
The next skill Souta needed to master was walking on water. But he hadn't started that yet. Instead, Souta preferred to deepen his training on the wall in a more difficult way. He stood upside down with his feet on the wall, while balancing several leaves on his forehead.
It sounded simple, but in reality, it was very difficult.
Souta had to constantly channel chakra into both of his feet to stick to the wall, while at the same time, he also had to channel chakra to his forehead to keep the leaves from falling. With his focus divided, Souta's training became more challenging, and that was Souta's main goal.
Souta knew that if he wanted to become a puppet master, he needed to have excellent chakra control. Therefore, he continued to look for ways to improve his abilities.
But just as Souta's thoughts were immersed in this contemplation, a voice brought him back to reality.
"Does anyone know about Kugutsu no Jutsu?"
Souta jolted. His previously vacant eyes suddenly refocused on the front of the classroom. His heart raced a little.
Kugutsu no Jutsu?!
Souta quickly lifted his head, staring at Aomi-sensei, who was now folding her arms in front of her chest.
"Kugutsu no Jutsu (Puppet Technique) is one of the techniques that was first created and developed by a ninja from Sunagakure," Aomi began to speak in her calm voice.
The class, which had been somewhat noisy, became quieter. Some students appeared interested, while others seemed indifferent. But for Souta, this was very valuable information.
"This technique was first created by Master Chikamatsu Monzaemon," Aomi continued. "Initially, this technique was used only for puppet shows. An art performance that showcased puppets moving beautifully on stage. However, this technique later evolved further."
Souta's eyes sparkled even more. He already knew this information from a book he had read in the academy library, even from anime and manga in his previous life. However, hearing the explanation directly from a ninja made it feel much more exciting.
"By developing this technique, Kugutsu no Jutsu eventually transformed into an incredible combat technique. Puppet masters use chakra threads—or what is called 'Chakura no Ito'—to control their puppets. An expert puppet master can even control many puppets at once with ease."
Aomi then continued in a serious tone, "Master Chikamatsu later created a special technique known as 'Shirohigi: Jikki Chikamatsu no Shū' or White Secret Technique: Collection of Ten Chikamatsu Puppets."
The class became even quieter. Students who had initially been less interested began to listen more attentively.
"This technique is designed so that the puppets can work together in battle. They have specific formations that, if used correctly, can even destroy a castle."
Souta bit his lip. 'Incredible.'
"Additionally, there is a group called the 'Puppet Brigade'—an elite group consisting of the best puppet masters in Sunagakure. Joining this group is an extraordinary achievement that can only be attained by the most talented puppet masters."
Aomi scanned the entire class before finally asking, "Does anyone have any questions?"
Souta would not let this opportunity pass.
His hand shot up high. "Ma'am!"
Aomi turned and smiled slightly. "Yes, Souta?"
Souta took a deep breath, then eagerly asked,
"How can I learn the Kugutsu technique?! I want to become a puppet master! From what I know, we need to be able to use chakra threads first. How do we create chakra threads, Ma'am?"
Souta's eyes were fixed directly on Aomi, filled with enthusiasm and burning curiosity.
...
Chapter 42: Requirements for Applying to Study Kugutsu no Jutsu
Aomi paused for a moment, then smiled widely, as if satisfied to see someone truly interested in the art of Kugutsu.
Souta held his breath. He was waiting for that answer.
An answer that could bring Souta closer to his dream.
...
...
...
Aomi, hearing Souta's question, fell silent. Aomi's expression remained calm, but there was a flash of thought in Aomi's eyes as he looked at the boy.
Aomi's gaze lifted slightly, observing Souta's posture—the five-year-old boy sat upright with his hands on the table, his sharp eyes staring straight at Aomi, without a hint of doubt or confusion like other children his age.
Aomi knew that Souta was not an ordinary child.
In the five months since the boy and the other children began learning at the Ninja Academy, Souta had already shown a maturity that was hard to find in children his age.
Souta's demeanor was always thoughtful, his words were never spoken carelessly, and the way he observed things always reminded Aomi of someone much older than their actual age.
Not only that, but the environment in Sunagakure indeed shaped its children to mature faster. Living in a village surrounded by barren sand and scorching hot air forced everyone in this village to fight harder for survival.
Even children as young as five or six already understood that weakness could lead them to death. However, despite many children in Sunagakure being forced to grow up faster, there was something different about Souta—his maturity was not just formed by a harsh environment, but also by something else.
Aomi let out a soft sigh. Aomi knew the reason.
Souta was an orphan.
Since birth, the boy had lived without parents, facing the world alone. Aomi knew exactly how it felt, as Aomi had once been in the same position. Aomi understood how loneliness could shape someone to be stronger, how distrust in the world could make someone learn faster, and how loss could make a child stop being a child.
When Souta posed his question earlier, Aomi could sense that the boy was not just curious—Souta genuinely wanted to learn Kugutsu no Jutsu. This was not merely the desire of a child wanting to try something that seemed cool. There was determination behind Souta's sharp eyes, a deeper drive than mere curiosity.
Taking a deep breath, Aomi shifted his gaze across the classroom.
The other children sat in their places, some lazily leaning on their desks, some whispering to each other, and some even looking confused by the question Souta had just asked. The classroom, made of compacted sand, felt a bit hotter than usual, perhaps due to the sunlight streaming through the small window in the corner of the room. Fine grains of sand carried by the wind swirled in the air, shimmering faintly in the light.
After ensuring all the children were paying attention, Aomi finally spoke.
"When you have mastered the three basic Ninjutsu—Bunshin no Jutsu (Clone Technique), Kawarimi no Jutsu (Substitution Technique), and Henge no Jutsu (Transformation Technique)—and have reached your fourth year at the academy, you can apply to study a special lesson, which is Kugutsu no Jutsu (Puppet Technique)."
Aomi paused for a moment, allowing his words to sink into the students' minds.
"As for your question, how to learn Chakra Threads?" Aomi looked at Souta more seriously. "That depends on how well you can control your Chakra. If you can control your Chakra with precision, then channeling Chakra out of your body to create Chakra Threads is not impossible."
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