Chapter 42: Kiyoshi's Fūinjutsu Beginnings
As Kiyoshi stepped into his home, the sight of his clone sitting at the table, diligently studying the scrolls, brought him a sense of satisfaction. The clone barely acknowledged his presence, offering only a small nod before diving back into its reading. It was completely absorbed in its task, eyes scanning the intricate symbols and formulas of Fūinjutsu with unwavering focus.
Kiyoshi took a deep breath, recalling Kenshiro-sensei's warning about the mental strain caused by prolonged shadow clone use. "Don't push it too far, Kiyoshi. The longer a clone stays active, the more exhaustion you'll feel when you disperse it."
He decided it was time. Forming the seal, he released the clone.
The rush of information hit him instantly. His head buzzed with new knowledge, and for a moment, he had to steady himself against the doorway. His clone had worked efficiently—upon arriving home, it had started from the absolute basics of Fūinjutsu, methodically breaking down the complex art into digestible parts.
---
The Fundamentals of Fūinjutsu
Fūinjutsu was more than just sealing objects away—it was an intricate, formulaic system requiring both intellect and chakra control. His clone had started with a structured approach, carefully absorbing the teachings from the scrolls.
Step 1: Understanding Seals
What is a Seal?
A seal (術式, jutsushiki) is a symbolic formula that manipulates chakra to create various effects. They can lock, store, or activate jutsu under specific conditions.
Types of Basic Seals:
Storage Seals – Used for sealing objects into scrolls (weapons, supplies, even food).
Barrier Seals – Protective or restraining barriers.
Chakra Control Seals – These regulate, amplify, or suppress chakra flow.
Trigger Seals – Seals that activate under certain conditions (like exploding tags).
Why Learn Fūinjutsu?
Allows strategic control in battle.
Offers defensive and offensive versatility.
Enables the summoning and storage of items without much physical burden.
Step 2: Calligraphy & Chakra Control
Kiyoshi felt an unexpected sense of struggle when he absorbed the knowledge of this step.
Calligraphy Practice:
Writing kanji properly was crucial—seals depended on exact strokes.
Before applying seals to scrolls, he had to master writing with ink and brush.
Progression was key—start with simple symbols and move toward complex formulas.
Beginner Seals to Practice:
封 (Seal) – Basic symbol for sealing jutsu.
解 (Release) – Used to undo seals.
貯 (Storage) – Commonly used for storage techniques.
Chakra Control Training:
Channel chakra into written symbols, feeling for resistance.
Start with minimal chakra and increase gradually.
Attempt to activate and deactivate basic seals using chakra flow.
As Kiyoshi sorted through the knowledge, he realized the importance of mastering kanji before advancing further. If I can't even write properly, there's no point in moving forward…
Then, a memory surfaced—the interaction between his clone and Shigeru.
---
While Kiyoshi had been away, Shigeru had stopped by to deliver a bento. Upon entering, he immediately recognized the clone for what it was. The way it ignored everything but the scrolls made it obvious.
"So, you're a clone, huh?" Shigeru muttered, setting the bento down.
The clone barely glanced up, nodding in acknowledgment before resuming its studies.
Shigeru smirked. "Damn, you're focused. Makes me wonder if there's actually any hope for Kiyoshi in Fūinjutsu."
The clone paused for a moment, processing the question. After some consideration, it gave a slow nod.
"Hah, thought so," Shigeru chuckled. "Well then, guess I should pull some strings. I know a few sealing masters—if you're serious about this, I'll try to get you some more learning materials. And if you need actual guidance, I can ask them about taking a student."
He gave a short laugh. "Don't get your hopes up, though. Those old fogies are so deep in their own sealing world, they might even forget I asked."
With a casual wave, he turned and left.
---
Back in the present, Kiyoshi exhaled slowly as he processed the memory. A small warmth filled his chest. Shigeru…
It wasn't just a simple favor. Kiyoshi could feel the concern in his actions—how he always tried to help, in whatever way he could.
Feeling reinvigorated, Kiyoshi checked his chakra reserves. The growth rate was shocking—his reserves had expanded so much that he was nearly at a borderline chūnin level. Maintaining a single shadow clone for an entire day was now possible.
Realizing he had the energy to spare, he formed another Shadow Clone.
"You keep reading," Kiyoshi instructed.
The clone nodded and immediately went back to work, scanning the scrolls with renewed focus.
With that settled, Kiyoshi stretched, feeling hunger creeping in. He walked into the kitchen, where he found the bento neatly placed on the counter. He smiled slightly—Shigeru's gesture, once again.
Heating the food, he sat down and ate, savoring the meal. The warmth in his stomach seemed to fuel his motivation even more.
Once he was done, he wiped his hands and returned to the study area. Without hesitation, he sat beside his clone, grabbing a scroll and beginning his own deep dive into the world of Fūinjutsu.