One notebook contained research notes on the Hydrification Technique, while the other was dedicated to the intricacies of Nintaijutsu.
The handwriting in each was starkly different.
The Nintaijutsu notes bore a striking resemblance to the handwriting Masahiko had seen previously in the scroll for the Dance of the Crescent Moon—likely the penmanship of Sarutobi Hiruzen. The former, however, appeared to be written by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama.
Masahiko betrayed no outward emotion. He accepted the materials with respectful solemnity, took his own notebook, and retreated to the quiet room adjacent to the Hokage's office to begin his study.
In the blink of an eye, half a day passed. He had only managed to read through them once, and frankly, there were vast swathes of information he simply didn't understand.
The difficulty level of these two manuscripts was in a league of its own.
Much of the knowledge was obscure and esoteric—particularly the technical jargon regarding the Hydrification Technique, which might as well have been written in an alien script.
However, his goal wasn't to achieve total academic comprehension right this second; it was to record the knowledge into the System.
That night, Masahiko entered the "Nintaijutsu" Training Space once again.
[Loading Knowledge Base...]
[Download Successful.]
[Generating Projection!]
The familiar figure of the Smart Projection materialized before him.
"My current concept is this..."
Masahiko verbally outlined his requirements and theories to the Smart Projection.
The projection listened intently, remaining silent for a dozen seconds before finally speaking. "Feasibility is high, but the difficulty is substantial. The current knowledge base is insufficient to complete the research entirely."
"Reconstructing proposals based on available data..."
"Proposal One: A Water Style Shadow Clone capable of fluidization. This requires mastering the Water Clone Jutsu first, then integrating fluidization mechanics."
"Once the Water Style Shadow Clone is perfected, attempts can be made to create a Fluid Cloak."
"Proposal Two: Reference the mechanics of Water Style: Hard Vortex Water Blade and the Rasengan. Create an instantaneous Nintaijutsu attack that fuses Water Style and Taijutsu..."
The projection slowly articulated the plans, providing a stream of technical ideas and foundational logic for each.
Masahiko's eyes lit up. He had considered these two directions himself, but his thoughts had never been this comprehensive.
At the same time, he realized the true value of the Smart Projection. It was, for all intents and purposes, a high-level AI Assistant. While it couldn't directly implant the muscle memory for Ninjutsu or knowledge into his brain, it could help him refine his concepts, allowing him to create techniques that adhered to the strict laws of Nintaijutsu with much greater ease.
"Let's give it a try!"
The next day, Masahiko crawled out of bed, repeatedly rubbing his temples to alleviate the throbbing ache.
Even within the Training Space, the consumption of mental energy was unavoidable.
Yesterday, aside from meals and his fixed daily running routine, he had spent almost every waking moment immersed in the Training Space. Unfortunately, he still hadn't managed to complete the training for the Water Style Shadow Clone.
However, his standard Shadow Clone Jutsu had leveled up.
[Shadow Clone Jutsu: Perfection]
The difference between 'Mastery' and 'Perfection' lay in the processing of information streams and chakra distribution. At this level, a Shadow Clone could undertake complex tasks without burdening the main body with excessive mental feedback upon dispersal.
It was a pleasant surprise.
But Masahiko's primary goal wasn't just grinding proficiency in existing Ninjutsu; it was to invent a Nintaijutsu that belonged solely to him.
Yesterday's attempt had failed.
Nevertheless, his daily recovery of spiritual energy was enough to sustain a full day of cultivation without the need for Soldier Pills or extra sleep. Compared to anyone else in this world, Masahiko's conditions for growth were already ridiculously overpowered.
Early that morning.
After completing his one hundred laps, Masahiko sat in the cafeteria eating breakfast, his mind still churning over the development of his Nintaijutsu.
The concept of the Water Style Shadow Clone and the Fluid Cloak matched the project application Masahiko had submitted to the village.
The second proposal, however, was different.
It borrowed the principles of the Rasengan and the Hard Vortex Water Blade, but instead of pursuing the pure destructive scale of a Ninjutsu bombardment, it sought to condense that effect into an instantaneous Taijutsu strike.
'The principle and difficulty of this second technique are actually simpler than the Fluid Cloak...'
Masahiko made his decision.
He would complete the second proposal first, then circle back to study the Water Style Shadow Clone and the first proposal.
But regardless of which plan he chose, one thing was indisputable: these types of Nintaijutsu required absolutely monstrous chakra control.
The projection was right. What he needed to prioritize now wasn't theoretical knowledge, but the honing of his own fine chakra control.
"Genjutsu or Medical Ninjutsu..."
He decided on Genjutsu.
When it came to Genjutsu in Konoha, the names Yuhi Kurenai and Uchiha Shisui naturally came to mind, but both were currently away on missions.
Masahiko raised an eyebrow, turned left out of his building, and headed toward the residential district.
Before long, he stood before a traditional courtyard house. After verifying the address, he stopped.
The nameplate on the gate read "Kurama."
This was the new home of Kurama Murakumo.
Masahiko stood at the door, a bag of fruit in hand, waiting patiently.
A moment later, a girl popped her head out of a second-floor window. Seeing him, she waved her arms in delight, completely forgetting she was still in her pajamas.
"Sensei!"
Realizing her attire a split second later, she immediately ducked back inside like a startled turtle.
"Give me a minute!"
Soon enough, the front door opened.
Kurama Murakumo greeted him with a warm smile. "Masahiko-sensei. We were actually planning to ask Yakumo to tell you that we'd hold the celebratory banquet once Kurenai-sensei returns."
"I just came to pick up Yakumo today. I also had a matter I wished to consult you about," Masahiko replied politely, lifting the bag of fruit. "A small gift. Please, think nothing of it."
"Thank you." Murakumo accepted the gift, then waved his hand dismissively. "There is no need for words like 'consult.' If it is something within my power, I will certainly help you."
"I've been attempting a new Ninjutsu recently, but my chakra control seems to lack the necessary precision. I thought practicing Genjutsu might help improve it, so I wanted to ask for your guidance in that area," Masahiko explained honestly.
Murakumo laughed. "I thought it was something serious..."
He gestured for Masahiko to enter. "Please, come in."
Inside the living room, Murakumo began his explanation.
"The essence of Genjutsu is to transmit spiritual energy into the opponent's body, thereby disturbing their chakra flow and five senses..."
He paused, tilting his head slightly. "Have you heard of the Chakra Threads used by Suna puppeteers?"
"Yes," Masahiko nodded.
"The more powerful the puppeteer, the finer their control over the Chakra Threads," Murakumo continued. "Genjutsu is quite similar. The only difference is that puppet threads are tangible, while Genjutsu is intangible..."
"If one wishes to cultivate Genjutsu to the pinnacle, extreme natural talent is required. However, if your goal is simply to improve your control, constant practice will yield results."
Although Kurama Murakumo had not awakened the clan's Kekkei Genkai, he had cultivated Genjutsu for many years and possessed a profound understanding of its mechanics.
Since Masahiko was his daughter's benefactor, Murakumo held nothing back, sharing several of his personal training techniques and insights. Once the threshold was crossed, the rest was simply a matter of practice makes perfect.
Masahiko listened intently, looking thoughtful. "So, if I were to practice creating Chakra Threads, I could achieve a similar effect?"
"Of course. Control techniques are like seasoning a dish. Once you are skilled, you no longer need to measure; you simply add by feel to create a delicious meal."
Murakumo smiled gently, a hint of resignation in his eyes. "However, we ordinary people have limited talent and time. Sometimes, sacrifices must be made. One cannot master everything."
"Thank you for your guidance!" Masahiko bowed slightly.
He understood the subtext.
Murakumo meant well, warning him not to spread himself too thin. But Murakumo didn't know about the Training Space, nor that Masahiko had no need to worry about chakra exhaustion during practice.
Masahiko couldn't practice Genjutsu effectively on AI targets in the Nintaijutsu space.
But Chakra Threads? Those he could practice.
And furthermore...
As Murakumo said, Chakra Threads are tangible, and Genjutsu is intangible. If that's the case...
Could the two be combined?
An idea for perfecting the Dance of the Crescent Moon began to take shape in his mind.
Just then, the sound of footsteps pattering down the stairs broke the silence. Kurama Yakumo ran down, coughing slightly as she went, followed by the faint, worried voice of Mrs. Kurama from the hallway.
"Sensei! Why did you come to pick me up today?"
"I happened to have some business nearby, so I thought I'd walk you to school," Masahiko smiled warmly.
Mrs. Kurama walked out, holding a school bag. "You didn't take your bag, and you haven't even eaten breakfast!"
"I'll eat, I'll eat!" Yakumo giggled.
Watching Yakumo's lively expression, Murakumo and his wife exchanged a helpless but happy smile.
"Off to school with you then."
"Un!"