Uchiha Kiyo had spent a lot of time refining his Body Flicker Technique, mastering the two variations he had been working on. His deep understanding of both techniques allowed him to integrate them, although he initially believed that only continuous training could gradually reduce the side effects.
However, the process proved more difficult than expected. The explosive bursts of chakra were not easy to balance, and merging the two methods required precise control. But due to his previous rigorous training, he had laid a strong foundation, and in just two days, Uchiha Kiyo managed to achieve an initial fusion of the two techniques.
Currently, due to his cautious approach, the combined technique's acceleration wasn't significantly greater than the basic Body Flicker alone. The effect of the dual propulsion methods was stacking, but because he was still adapting to the recoil and energy control, the speed increase was marginal. Still, he could already tell that once he fully refined it, the technique could surpass the standard Body Flicker without causing much of a burden on his body.
Now, through his continuous testing, Uchiha Kiyo discovered an interesting principle.
The essence of the Taijutsu-based Body Flicker lay in the forceful ejection of chakra from the soles of the feet, allowing a ninja to push off the ground explosively. The reaction force from this push generated extreme speed. However, the conventional method caused significant stress on the legs, especially the feet and joints, which limited how often it could be used in succession.
But Uchiha Kiyo had been experimenting with an alternative approach. Instead of just relying on the feet stomping down hard, he focused on an external release of chakra. Specifically, he would generate a burst of chakra just above the ground, creating a repelling force without the direct impact of his feet slamming against the earth.
By refining this technique, he had managed to significantly reduce the physical strain on his body while maintaining speed. This external chakra burst method also allowed for better control. Even when used in conjunction with the traditional Body Flicker, he was now able to achieve an increase of about 10% in his overall speed. It wasn't an overwhelming improvement yet, but it was a step in the right direction.
However, this discovery led Uchiha Kiyo to a much more ambitious idea.
If the release of chakra alone could generate a significant thrust, what if he could refine the process even further? What if he could generate force not just by expelling chakra, but by controlling the reaction of the air itself?
He considered how explosions work—how the rapid expansion of gas due to high temperatures creates shockwaves. If he could find a way to make use of this effect without harming himself, then perhaps he could develop an even more powerful propulsion method.
His mind worked through the possibilities.
The problem with directly blasting chakra from his feet was the potential damage to his own body. However, what if he could use controlled bursts of chakra to generate superheated air, which would expand rapidly and create propulsion without direct physical stress on his feet?
This idea fascinated him. Steam had a much lower boiling point than the intense heat created by chakra explosions, meaning it would rapidly vaporize and generate an immense amount of force. This principle was similar to the steam-powered engines he had read about in his past life.
If he could refine this process, he could drastically increase the efficiency of his movement techniques.
Testing his theory, Uchiha Kiyo formed a small sphere of chakra in his palm, surrounding it with a thin layer of water, then triggered the chakra inside. The result was an immediate detonation, but instead of vaporization, the water was merely dispersed into small droplets.
"This isn't working," he muttered, frowning. "It's not vaporizing fast enough."
He realized that to accelerate the process, he needed to modify the structure. Instead of a single detonation point, he divided the chakra inside the water sphere into smaller, evenly distributed nodes, each primed to explode at the same time.
Trying again, he carefully controlled the explosion. The chakra was drawn inward before it released energy, and this time, the water transformed into vapor almost instantly, generating a powerful outward thrust. When he let the chakra barrier dissolve, he could feel the pressure disperse in all directions.
"This has potential," Uchiha Kiyo murmured, his mind racing.
With further modifications, this could become more than just a technique for speed—it could be a foundation for flight. If he could develop a stable shell to contain and direct the water vapor, he could eventually generate a controlled lift. Flight would give him an immense strategic advantage, allowing him to avoid ground-based attacks, scout from the sky, and maneuver in ways few others could.
Beyond that, Uchiha Kiyo even considered other applications. If small, controlled bursts of chakra could enhance his foot speed, then why not apply the same concept to the rest of his body?
What if he could use the same principle to accelerate his punches? To rotate faster? To make his dodges even sharper?
The idea of a full-body system to enhance combat movement was extremely enticing. If developed properly, it could be a game-changer, allowing him to move and fight with unprecedented speed and power.
Of course, such a system would require precise control over his chakra output and body movements. A single miscalculation in force application could end in disaster, either throwing him off balance in a fight or even injuring himself. The complexity of coordinating these rapid adjustments in real time was enormous.
And then, there was an even crazier thought.
"If I can refine this enough… could I fly?"
The concept of flight was ancient, a dream of warriors who wished to dominate the battlefield from above. So far, Uchiha Kiyo had only seen a few individuals with the ability to fly—Onoki with his mastery of the Super Light-Weight Rock Technique, Konan's Paper Jutsu, and the advanced forms of certain Kekkei Genkai, like the Second Stage of the Curse Mark. Even the Uchiha Clan's legendary Mangekyō Sharingan had powers that allowed certain users to defy gravity.
But none of these techniques were accessible to him at this moment. If he could develop his own flying ability based on controlled chakra propulsion, he wouldn't need to rely on a bloodline or a specialized technique. He could create something completely unique.
He considered another wild idea—what if he could refine this into an actual combat suit? A second layer of chakra-infused armor that could augment his movements, reinforce his limbs, and even serve as a personal propulsion system? It would be an entirely new form of combat augmentation, pushing his physical abilities beyond even the limits of the Uchiha Clan's body techniques.
However, reality quickly settled in. The idea was fascinating, but the amount of work required to make such an advanced system viable was beyond what he was currently capable of. He had a basic understanding of mechanical physics from his previous life, but he wasn't an engineer or scientist. Developing a full-fledged combat exoskeleton was a dream far out of reach for now.
"There are more important things to focus on," he admitted to himself. "Like unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan… or maybe even the Eternal Mangekyō."
Flight was still a priority. If he could master a method of using chakra propulsion to lift himself into the air, it would be an invaluable asset. He needed to refine the outer shell structure further and find the right balance of power, heat, and control to make it a feasible technique.
But that research would have to wait. If he kept experimenting in the open, he risked drawing too much attention.
For now, Uchiha Kiyo returned to his usual training, refining his movement techniques while keeping his newest idea in the back of his mind. The water-vapor propulsion technique had shown promise—he just needed more time to perfect it.
As he practiced his Body Flicker, his speed kept improving. The once-strenuous techniques felt more fluid, and his muscle memory adapted to the chakra surges. The number of necessary hand seals decreased, and soon, he found himself executing the technique with just three hand signs, the best he could currently achieve.
For now, he would master the fundamentals and refine his technique in secrecy. The dream of flight was still distant, but it wasn't impossible.
"Mathematics, physics, chemistry—everything I've learned is proving useful in ways I never expected," he muttered, a self-satisfied grin appearing on his face. "Maybe… I'm actually quite talented at this research thing."
For now, Uchiha Kiyo knew that he had to remain patient. The idea of flight was too tempting, but he couldn't rush it. Instead, he would perfect the technique, one step at a time.
With newfound determination, Uchiha Kiyo picked up another rock and prepared to refine his technique once more. He had no doubt—he was on the verge of something incredible.
JOIN MY PATREON TO READ ADVANCE 110+ CHAPTERS
patreon.com/HACKDWORLD