The standard Academy textbooks naturally contained nothing particularly valuable—just chakra refinement methods, physical training guides, shuriken throwing techniques, and such.
Nature transformations? Forget it. The final graduation exam only tested the Three Basic Techniques—Transformation, Clone, and Substitution—E-rank auxiliary techniques.
Almost every student new to ninjutsu resented this.
They crved flashy, powerful techniques. The Three Basics held little appeal.
But children from ninja clans—or even just those with ninja parents—knew before enrollment: these three techniques were the most valuable things the Academy offered.
Transformation (mimicking other things with surface illusions), Clone (creating insubstantial phantoms), Substitution (rapidly swapping with prepared objects)—though sounding humble, these three represent the most fundamental derivatives of chakra application and growth.
Transformation required uniform and sustained chakra output through whole body tenketsu. Fail, and your form destabilized.
Clone requires careful manipulation externally released chakra, shaping it. Even without substance, achieving lifelike illusion wasn't simple.
Substitution used chakra to strengthen body, relying on instantaneous burst speed to swap positions with a substitute.
Principle-wise, practicing these three simplified abstract, complex chakra control into three steps. Without one-on-one instruction, this was remarkably efficient teaching.
Tactically, though most later replaced Clone with solid variants, Transformation and Substitution served entire careers.
The latter could substitute for almost all Body Flicker techniques. Yes—all Body Flickers.
Body Flicker wasn't a stand-alone technique—it collectively refers to any instant movement or high-speed displacement achieved through chakra, space–time manipulation, or kekkei genkai.
And "high-speed displacement"? Substitution achieved that too. Can't maintain sustained ultra-high speed movement? Use multiple substitutions.
As that sunglasses-wearing flamingo once said: abilities depend on usage.
Shout "This old man has arrived!" elsewhere after Thunder Palming—that's displacement too. (×)
As for Transformation, with sufficient chakra control precision, it became essential for infiltration and camouflage missions.
Makeup has flaws. Props can be seen through. So use both.
Anyway, Hii Kōri valued the Three Basics considerably.
Though the original owner never received ninja training from his parents, Hii Kōri's Black Flash experience with cursed energy core control, plus the original parents' technique notes, weren't just decorative.
Having memorized those notes, he accepted Mataza's old textbooks hoping to contrast and understand both perspectives. (Though expectations were low.)
In this regard, Mataza's notes didn't disappoint.
"Ah... guess I expected too much."
Though Mataza was now a chūnin with various nature transformations and Puppet Technique, these notes were pre-graduation. Expecting insights was unrealistic.
Dull. Just dull.
Not remotely comparable to the original parents' notes. Even chakra refinement and circulation insights fell short of what Hii Kōri hadSummary in one month.
First War (deserter) experience really delivered.
"Nice handwriting though. Steady hands—good puppet material..."
Hand deformation often appears in nature-specialist ninja from year-round forming specific seals. But since this deformation helped faster sealing, ninja generally does not correct unless affecting daily life.
Slapping the textbook shut, Hii Kōri expressionlessly tucked it neatly into his bag.
Unhelpful, but it was the thought that counted. And books—Hii Kōri always treasured them. Why damage them intentionally?
Unless there is no last resort.
Just as Hii Kōri grew bored enough to fiddle with his pendant, Chiyo finished the tedious paperwork. A very Sand-ninja-looking man led him to a classroom.
"Everyone quiet down. We have a transfer student today."
Entering with the teacher, Hii Kōri scanned the room. At the teacher's call, forty-plus gazes focused on him.
Curiosity, indifference, even inexplicable provocation.
Kids' minds—so hard to read.
Thus thinking, Hii Kōri took chalk and casually wrote his name on the blackboard.
"Hii Kōri. Um..."
Dead fish eyes expressionless, he scratched his fluffy red hair, wondering what else to say in self-introduction.
Last time he'd introduced himself was at Jujutsu High in his previous life. After that, anyone he encountered and interacted with already knew him.
"Ah right. Likes: techniques. Dislikes:Trouble. Dreams... none of your business."
"What's with that attitude?! Who're you making that face at?" "Yeah yeah!"
Instantly, some kid shouted dissatisfaction, followed by his little clique jeering.
Part of the school experience, I suppose...
Murmuring, Hii Kōri completely ignored them, slowly walked to an empty seat, and sat.
Two months was enough for these kids to form cliques. Kids loved attention. Nothing to mind.
"H-Hello? I'm Karura. Nice to meet you."
Seeing Hii Kōri's unapproachable demeanor, the girl beside him greeted timidly.
"Ah. Hello."
Turning, he saw a girl with sandy-brown shoulder-length hair, slight baby fat, cute face. Her gray-purple eyes held a hint of uneasiness—worried
whether they'd get along.
Looking her up and down, Hii Kōri raised an eyebrow and smiled slightly.
"You're actually quite talented. In the entire class, your chakra circulation is the smoothest."
"Huh?"