Future
Generally speaking, in the eyes of sensory-type shinobi, a chakra aura reflects both life force and chakra volume.
However, a chakra aura doesn't necessarily indicate the exact reserves available at a given moment. Chakra is constantly refined in battle, and the aura is more about the efficiency of that refining process.
Shinobi with strong vitality, like those from the Uzumaki or Senju clans, can generate far more chakra from the same amount of refining. That's why their aura appears especially powerful—it reflects their overwhelming life force as much as their chakra capacity.
When a shinobi's chakra is completely exhausted, their life is often in danger. After all, chakra is not only energy but life itself.
Kakashi was a perfect example: during Pain's invasion, he didn't fall because of a fatal wound but because he used up every last drop of chakra protecting others. He died, only to be brought back later by Nagato's Rinne Tensei. If not for that, the Copy Ninja would have been gone for good.
That's why Taiyi's sudden surge of chakra aura, when moments before it had been weakening, immediately caught Katsuki's attention.
She carefully parted her fingers to look—and saw exactly what she expected, though in a form she didn't understand. Shirō stood behind Taiyi, his blade thrust into Taiyi's back.
But strangely, there was no blood. Instead, a blue radiance shimmered where the sword touched his body, healing rather than harming.
Shirō noticed Katsuki's stare and, as he withdrew the blade, asked calmly, "What's wrong? Why are you looking at me like that?"
"That sword…"
"Hm?" Shirō glanced at the glowing weapon in his hand, then dismissed it casually. "Oh, this? One of my medical techniques. It doesn't injure—it restores."
Katsuki's eyes widened. "That's Ninjutsu? How amazing."
"You don't know Ninjutsu?" Shikamaru, overhearing, joined in.
"No… I'm clumsy. I can refine chakra, but I can't perform any jutsu." She lowered her head, embarrassed.
"Oh." Shirō slapped his forehead. "Right, of course you can refine chakra. Otherwise, you wouldn't be able to use the Kagura's Mind Eye."
He thought for a moment, then said, "In that case, there's one technique that would suit you perfectly. It's not flashy, but it could change everything for you: the Shadow Clone Technique."
"Shadow Clone…?"
"It divides chakra evenly and creates real, physical doubles. For someone like you, it can make up for not knowing other techniques. Even training becomes more effective—everything the clones learn returns to you."
He wasn't exaggerating. If Katsuki truly wanted to walk the shinobi path, nothing could accelerate her growth more than Shadow Clones.
Her eyes flickered with both hesitation and determination. "I still want to learn! Even if it's just one jutsu, I won't waste the chance! Thank you, Shirō-ge!" She bowed deeply, her face flushed.
Shirō coughed awkwardly. "Well… I can't teach you myself. I don't have that authority."
"Even so, I still owe you thanks!" she said stubbornly, refusing to rise.
Shirō sighed, turning away to give her space. "There are plenty in the village who can teach you. Remember that clanswoman I mentioned? She's practically untouchable in the village. She'd master this technique in minutes."
He paused, softening his tone. "But honestly… Why do you want to learn ninjutsu? With your position, you'll never be forced onto the battlefield. Your sister would protect you with her life."
That question made everyone glance her way. Katsuki was silent for a long moment before speaking quietly:
"Because I don't want to feel powerless anymore. I don't want to live hiding every day, depending on others. I want strength of my own. I want to protect my life."
"…You will," Nakamura said firmly. "You're Uzumaki. With that bloodline and your will, nothing is impossible."
"Trust your heritage," Shikamaru added. "In this world, there's no greater proof of potential than that."
Katsuki smiled faintly, then stepped aside to practice the hand seals her mother had taught her. The movements were awkward, unpolished. Shirō glanced at them briefly. Her control needed work, but the raw talent was there. Given time, her achievements could be remarkable.
Satisfied, he closed his eyes and began meditating, conserving his strength.
Taiyi, meanwhile, touched his eyes in disbelief. His failing vision… had returned. Linking this to Shirō's mysterious "healing sword," suspicion stirred within him. Shirō seemed to know more about the Sharingan than he ever admitted.
But Taiyi shook off the thought. Shirō had saved him too many times. Whatever his secrets, he was still a comrade—and that was enough.
Exhausted, Taiyi closed his eyes, slipping into rest. Forcing the Mangekyō to suppress a tailed beast had drained him deeply. Though outwardly simple, the true battle had been waged on the mental plane—dangerous, grueling, almost unbearable.
Without Mangekyō's overwhelming power, victory would have been impossible. Even so, the strain nearly broke him.
But truthfully, everyone was worn thin. Shikamaru's constant tactical planning, Nakamura's battlefield awareness, Shirō's energy expenditure—all of them were drained.
Now, the only sound was Katsuki's quiet attempts at hand seals, while the others rested. For the first time in a long while, there was a fragile peace.
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