Kakashi's expression was dazed for a moment before his eyes sharpened.
"Oh, right! You want to infuse Lightning Release Chakra into this technique? It's feasible, but Ninja Beasts refine Chakra differently than humans. I can't guarantee my help will be effective."
"It's okay, meow."
Raj shook its head.
It was just trying things out.
If it worked, great; if not, no big deal.
"Then let me explain..."
Kakashi carefully chose his words and shared his insights on Lightning Release training, covering everything from the most basic Lightning Release: Earth Run to more advanced Lightning Release Ninjutsu.
The explanation was clear enough, but it didn't cover the specific hand seals.
"Meow~ Tell me about Lightning Release: Earth Run," Raj said at the opportune moment.
Kakashi nodded slightly and explained the secret and hand seals of Lightning Release: Earth Run in detail.
Earth Run was a relatively basic ninjutsu, and since Raj was on the same team, there was no need to keep such techniques secret from each other.
After listening, Raj glanced at the System Panel.
'7,000.'
'I worked my ass off, and in the end, I only reduced the cost by 1,000 points? Fuck you!'
Raj had originally planned to exchange for Lightning Release, but now he completely abandoned the idea of getting Earth Run.
'With this level of proficiency, even if I exchange for it, I doubt I could unleash much power. I'd better explore other options.'
His eyes darted around as he replied to Kakashi, "Teacher Minato's Rasengan is a form transformation of Chakra. Lightning Release can undergo form transformations too, meow!"
"Form transformation?"
Kakashi pondered for a moment, then glanced at the sword in his hand.
A flash of inspiration struck him, but he couldn't quite grasp the idea.
As Kakashi remained lost in thought, Raj browsed the System Shop, keeping an eye on Kakashi to prevent interruptions.
Scanning through the options, he suddenly noticed an intriguing choice on the System Panel: Ice Release.
Water Transformation Technique.
'Wouldn't it be the same if I just locked up all the water with Ice Release? I could even freeze him solid...'
The key was its affordability - only 10,000 Points.
While not cheap, it was definitely on the lower end for a Kekkei Genkai.
Even if it proved less useful for the Hozuki Clan, it wouldn't be a complete loss.
Ice Release, after all, had some utility for everyone.
'The more skills you have, the better, right?'
The more Raj thought about it, the more it made sense.
After pondering for a few seconds, he decided to exchange his Points for it.
He currently had 24,000 Points.
After acquiring Ice Release, he'd still have 14,000 left.
Moreover, after digesting the Deluxe Cat Food, the price of Sage Mode had dropped to just over 13,000 Points.
14,000 Points was more than enough.
After acquiring Ice Release, Raj's mind flooded with memories related to the technique.
Ice Release was formed by combining Water Release and Wind Release, and in addition to this elemental transformation, it also included the secret technique Demonic Ice Mirrors.
'Buy one, get one free - what a bargain!'
Sure, the 10,000-point price tag was 2,000 points higher than the 8,000-point price for Earth Release, but this was a Kekkei Genkai!
What was Earth Release compared to that?
Lightning Release's basic ninjutsu was only Rank C.
Trading 8,000 points for a basic technique would have been a complete rip-off.
A Kekkei Genkai was far more valuable.
'Too bad I can't learn Lightning Release...'
Raj sighed, but it wasn't a big deal.
If he lacked the aptitude for it, he lacked the aptitude.
Even if he acquired it, using it would require significantly more Chakra, making it completely impractical.
He wasn't trying to become a copycat ninja like Kakashi anyway.
'Ice Release...'
Raj's claws scraped against the ground, quickly carving out a pile of ice shards.
This was deliberate control.
Using Ice Release directly would have drawn too much attention.
Kakashi, lost in his own thoughts, paid no attention to Raj.
His mind was consumed by the concepts of "form manipulation" and "fusion."
'All Ninjutsu involve both nature transformation and shape transformation, but mastering the shape transformation of Lightning Release is the most challenging.'
'Lightning Release is powerful and volatile. Controlling lightning requires exceptional Chakra control, and fusion...'
He examined the blade in his hand.
This was one of the Thunder Blade: Kiba.
While a single blade couldn't amplify Lightning Release to the same extent as Black Lightning Kiba with both blades, its compatibility with Lightning Release techniques remained high, making it perfectly capable of absorbing and fusing with such techniques.
The problem, however, lay in how to control and fuse them.
Kakashi fell into deep thought, then sighed heavily and thanked Raj.
"Thank you, Raj. Your words have given me a new idea for a technique."
"Meow~ Too bad I don't have any ideas at all. It seems I'm not suited for Lightning Release," Raj sighed softly.
"Perhaps you lack the necessary Chakra Attribute. A Ninja's Chakra..." Kakashi began lecturing.
Raj already knew all this from Naruto and had even overheard these trivial details during his time auditing classes.
There was no way he didn't know.
But at that moment, Raj was willing to indulge Kakashi's small desire to teach.
Previously, Raj had always been the unparalleled prodigy.
They would struggle for hours to learn something, while Raj would master the incredibly difficult Flying Thunder God Technique after just one attempt.
Then came Superhuman Strength.
Now, finally, there was something Raj couldn't learn.
How could Kakashi resist showing off?
Unfortunately, Kakashi hadn't thought this through.
Obito, on the other hand, understood better.
He remained silent, responding to everything Raj said with a simple "Mm-hmm," adopting a policy of non-resistance and non-retaliation that completely stymied Raj.
As for now...
Raj sensed Kakashi's desire to show off and seized the opportunity to needle him.
After letting the boy ramble on for a while, it casually remarked, "I've discovered a special ability in my clan's heritage - a combination of Wind Release and Water Release. I plan to develop this further."
Kakashi was stunned.
After a moment of contemplation, he wanted to curse.
'A special ability combining Wind Release and Water Release... You bastard, that's Ice Release! With Ice Release at your disposal, why bother with Lightning Release?! Are you just here to mess with me?'
But upon further reflection, Kakashi realized the truth.
While combining Water Release and Wind Release could indeed produce Ice Release, very few could actually master it.
Perhaps Raj clan did possess an Ice Release inheritance, but Raj himself might not be able to wield it.
Otherwise, he would have used it long ago, instead of waiting until now.
To put it bluntly, it was just an experiment.