"Theoretically, a bloodline limit can indeed be developed, but they require the corresponding chakra attributes."
Kiyohara rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
Bloodline limits could be divided into two types—those produced by chakra nature transformations, and those produced by bodily genetic mutations.
Generally speaking, when two chakra nature transformations were successfully fused, a new type of ninjutsu would emerge, referred to as a Bloodline Limit.
For instance, the world-famous Wood Release was ultimately just a simple combination of "Earth" + "Water" = "Wood."
Once chakra successfully fused two basic chakra attributes and generated a new nature, this new chakra nature would then alter the shinobi's genetic structure. From that point onward, the bloodline limit could be inherited by the next generation through bloodline.
This was the origin of many shinobi clans. Those with bloodline limit rose above the rank of ordinary civilians, who lacked such powers.
However, lacking the bloodline did not necessarily mean it was impossible to learn. For example: Ōnoki's Dust Release, which required the fusion of three chakra attributes and was thus classified as a Kekkei Tōta—a "superior Bloodline limit."
He learned it from his teacher, the Second Tsuchikage Mū, and successfully reproduced it.
…
"What chakra attributes make up Magnet Release?"
Kiyohara turned toward Magnet Release Kiyohara, who was standing with his arms crossed, staring at the sea.
"Wind and Earth," Magnet Release Kiyohara replied.
"Wind and Earth, huh… I originally thought it would be Wind + Lightning, or Lightning + Earth."
Kiyohara finally understood.
But thinking more carefully, it wasn't strange. If one checked the official databook Jin no Sho, one would find that Gaara's chakra nature attributes were Wind, Earth, and Lightning.
Rasa's chakra attributes were Wind, Water, Earth, and Yin. The common traits between them were—Wind and Earth.
Rasa didn't have Lightning at all, and since the fusion of a bloodline limit required at least two base attributes, the conclusion was obvious.
After a brief exchange with Magnet Release Kiyohara, he returned to the defensive encampment to continue his assigned duties. But his thoughts were already beginning to stir with possibilities.
When it was finally his turn to rest, he slipped away to a concealed spot and immediately began preparations.
The first task: supplementing his chakra attributes.
Since Magnet Release was created from the fusion of Wind and Earth, he needed to master Earth chakra nature transformation as soon as possible.
He didn't need to actually master it yet—he just needed the people around him to believe he was diligently training in that direction.
His goal was to plant the seed early. That way, the day he revealed Magnet Release, no one would think it strange. After all, chakra attributes could be trained postnatally; it simply required time and talent.
Fortunately, he already had some basic knowledge of Earth Release from studying to handle various mission environments.
And back during the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, Kiyohara had taken Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole Jutsu from the Iwagakure shinobi Taiseki.
Unfortunately, Kiyohara lacked the Earth attribute, so the training had been extremely difficult.
"What chakra nature do you have?"
Kiyohara asked Magnet Release Kiyohara.
"My chakra nature… hmm…" Magnet Release Kiyohara scratched his chin.
Now that he thought about it, ever since he learned Magnet Release back in the academy, he had always relied solely on magnet techniques.
"Earth, Lightning, Wind."
Magnet Release Kiyohara replied.
"As expected—you have both Earth and Wind, and even an additional Lightning attribute…"
Kiyohara's thoughts turned.
If he could inherit all of Magnet Release Kiyohara's chakra nature, then… would his own Lightning aptitude be enhanced once again?
And would he also gain the Earth nature he currently lacked?
"And what about you? From the looks of it, you definitely don't have Earth. No wonder your Earth Release training is so slow."
Magnet Release Kiyohara glanced at Kiyohara's clumsy attempts and couldn't help asking.
Kiyohara: "…"
"I have Wind, Lightning, Yin, and Yang."
Kiyohara replied.
The latter two were inherited from the younger version of himself.
"Is there anything wrong with the way I'm training the Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole?"
Kiyohara asked.
Magnet Release Kiyohara seemed quite knowledgeable about Earth ninjutsu.
"Your conversion efficiency to Earth-type chakra is too slow. And you obviously lack talent in this particular field. Forget it—let me guide you personally. Just remember the feeling."
Magnet Release Kiyohara merged with Kiyohara, trying to guide the chakra flow through Kiyohara's chakra network.
Kiyohara quickly noticed that the pathways Magnet Release Kiyohara used were ones he had never used before. He immediately memorized them.
These were precious experiences.
…
For the next three days, Kiyohara trained relentlessly.
That evening, he had just completed another round of practice. His entire body was drenched in sweat. He simply removed his torn upper clothing and wore only his shinobi trousers, revealing his well-built upper body.
Earth Release: Hiding Like a Mole required navigating through soil underground—a dangerous technique. If one failed during the attempt, they could easily be buried alive and crushed.
Since he didn't possess the Earth attribute, even with Magnet Release Kiyohara's help, he still struggled, barely managing to move through the soil.
His clothes, however, ended up shredded and worn from friction with the earth.
"Hah…"
Kiyohara exhaled deeply.
He looked down at his hands, then followed his gaze along his arms to his firm chest and defined abdominal muscles.
Months of sword training had made his muscles more defined and fluid, not overly bulky but with clear lines on every inch. His body was far sturdier than before he had begun sword practice.
Sweat traced lines down his tightened muscles. Kiyohara wiped his forehead with a sleeve.
His spiritual energy now far exceeded his physical energy, so he needed to continue strengthening his body as much as possible, bringing the two into balance.
In the process, his chakra reserves steadily increased, because improvements in physical energy combined with the excess unused spiritual energy to generate more chakra.
"With this technique, whether it's responding to sudden changes on the battlefield or infiltrating a location in the future, it will be extremely useful."
Kiyohara said.
He had been practicing whenever he could, and only now had he barely reached a usable level.
This was the drawback of forcing oneself to train a technique without possessing the natural chakra attribute.
Thus most shinobis simply learned techniques aligned with the attributes they naturally possessed. Otherwise, developing a new attribute was like rowing upstream—far more difficult.
Thanks to Magnet Release Kiyohara's guidance, Kiyohara's understanding of Earth Release had indeed improved significantly.
Despite Magnet Release Kiyohara's extreme personality, his combat experience and insights into chakra control were undeniably precious.
Kiyohara was using fresh water to wipe the sweat off his body and adjusting his breathing when footsteps sounded in the distance.
"Kiyohara!"
It was Rin's voice.
She approached with Kakashi.
"I knew you'd be here training again."
Rin's face reddened slightly when she saw Kiyohara's bare torso and sweat-covered muscles, but she quickly regained her composure. Her eyes held a faint trace of admiration.
"Don't push yourself too hard."
Kakashi's dead-fish eyes briefly scanned Kiyohara's considerably strengthened physique, lingering for a moment on his arms and core muscles.
This guy… he's been training well.
"It's nothing. I just want to master this new jutsu as quickly as possible."
Kiyohara grabbed his clothes and casually put them on, covering his sharp, refined frame.
A boy traveling alone must always remember to protect himself…
Rin's eyes were the same as Kurenai's—strangely complicated. Kurenai had given him that same strange look before.
"Recently, there have been shinobi movements around the area. This place may soon become a breakthrough point in the defensive line, so be more careful."
Kakashi said.
From the intelligence gathered by their Byakugan scouts, several kilometers away, there were signs of shinobi activity.
(End of Chapter)