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Generally speaking, Jōnin-level shinobi can learn Chakra Nature Transformation, but their aptitude in mastering it varies.
The Getsumei Hōzuki Clan naturally excels in Water Release. But more than that, because of their bloodline's deep affinity with water, they have already seamlessly fused shape transformation with nature transformation.
Take the water technique in his palm, for example. It was a perfect merger of both changes—fluid and adaptable—manipulated through the natural flow of water chakra to completely neutralize the force of Ren's chakra-infused blade.
Clang!
A soft metallic clang echoed as Ren's arm shook. His strength was still no match for that of a seasoned adult. He felt his muscles falter as the chakra blade spun from his grip and splashed into the sea.
"Without a weapon, what exactly are you planning to do now, kid?"
Getsumei Hōzuki laughed coldly, his twin water senbon streaking forward again. Ren darted left and right to evade them, calm despite the relentless assault, his expression composed, even serene under pressure.
'His chakra is fluctuating. Stronger... less stable. So my potential really rattles him. That's fine. Let him lose control. That's the only way this plan works...'
Suddenly, Ren leapt high, escaping Getsumei range, landing with a sharp splash before sprinting across the water's surface toward Hatake Fan.
His sudden movement didn't go unnoticed. Hatake Fan and the Kirigakure Chūnin locked eyes with the motion. The Chūnin, surprised that a kid like Ren had lasted so long against a member of the Hōzuki clan , hesitated briefly before backing off.
"Ren! What are you—"
"No time. Lend me your sword!"
Before Hatake Fan could respond, Ren snatched the katana from his hands. But Hatake Fan didn't resist. He had seen Ren's resolve—and the fact that a Chūnin had held off a Jōnin until now was nothing short of stunning.
Just as Ren gripped the hilt, Getsumei blinked in surprise—but the moment he attempted to move, the sea was suddenly engulfed in a thick, unnatural mist.
**"Water Release: Hidden Mist Jutsu!"**
Ren performed the one-handed hand seal fluidly. Chakra poured from his soles into the water beneath him. The sea churned faintly, and within seconds, a heavy mist coiled over the surface, expanding outward and blanketing the area around Ren in thick, concealing fog.
"Hidden Mist Jutsu?" Getsumei echoed with mild amusement. "Heh. Really now?"
He halted mid-step, nostrils flaring slightly as a strange grin curled his lips.
"Such dense mist... That's not beginner level. This quality is only seen among the elite assassins in Kirigakure. I don't know who taught you this technique, but damn, kid... you're good."
Getsumei raised his arms theatrically, as if embracing the mist itself.
"But in the end, you're still just a brat. You think hiding us both in this fog lets you escape me? I'm Getsumei Hōzuki . In this mist, I am death."
Ren said nothing. He didn't need to.
He took a breath and silently infused wind chakra into the katana. With only seconds of vision prior to the mist falling, he narrowed his senses and leapt again, this time swinging down hard into the fog-shrouded space where he had last sensed his target.
**"Aaargh—!"**
A scream tore through the fog, followed by a splash. Ren landed back atop the water, the blade slick with blood. He gave a casual flick, spraying crimson droplets into the mist, and then turned toward Getsumei silhouette with chilling calm.
"Sorry, I was busy killing that useless subordinate of yours. You were saying something? Feel free to repeat it now."
The words were fuel to a firestorm.
The insult hit Getsumei like a kunai through the ribs. His twisted smirk vanished, replaced by raw, boiling rage. Chakra erupted from him in waves, distorting the mist with its intensity.
"You little bastard! I was going easy on you... But now—now you've made me mad!"
He bared his teeth, voice like a growl. "Do you really think I can't find you? That I need eyes to hunt you down in this mist? I can hear your damn heartbeat!"
The moment the threat was spoken, a shadow emerged from the dense fog—silent and deadly. Killing intent surged behind Ren like a crashing wave.
But Ren didn't flinch. His smile returned.
"I know better than anyone how lethal Mist assassins are. In the fog, vision is useless, and you're the apex predator. If you had attacked me without warning, I might not have survived a single strike."
He stepped sideways lightly across the surface of the water, voice steady.
"But do you know why I killed your lackey first?"
The chakra burst from Getsumei had been blinding—at least to any normal sensor.
But Ren wasn't normal.
His exceptional mental acuity allowed him to 'see' in ways others couldn't. Chakra wasn't just an energy—it was presence. And Getsumei overwhelming chakra output made him shine in the mist like a torch in the void.
"Because... the moment you lost control of your emotions and flared your chakra—"
Ren's feet shifted, right leg coiled like a spring.
"—you lost."
The blade came down in a blur of steel.
**Swish!**
The katana cleaved cleanly through Getsumei lower body—not striking flesh, but phasing through the water-form legs that the
Hōzuki clan was so infamous for.
"Heh... Idiot. I told you already—our clan is immune to all physical attacks. You can chop off my legs all you want—"
**"Lightning Release: Thunder Blade!"**
**SZZZAP!**
A blinding arc of lightning exploded from the katana, crackling up the severed watery limbs. Getsumei body seized as the electrical current coursed upward, paralyzing him mid-formation.
"You—this chakra…! Dual-nature affinity? That's impossible! You're just a Chūnin! This must be—some kind of genjutsu!"
But there was no illusion. The lightning surged with fierce resolve, binding his chakra like shackles.
His instincts kicked in. He tried to melt into the sea, to connect with the surrounding water and escape, but it was too late.
Ren twisted the blade free, blue lightning still flickering from his left hand. And then, without even thinking, something inside him shifted. A flash of clarity struck.
He clapped his right hand against his left.
**Fwoosh!**
A soft blue glow ignited between his palms.
Then, with the technique flowing like second nature, he slashed his glowing palm horizontally.
The chakra blade hummed—then severed Getsumei head clean off.
The body collapsed into water and blood, disappearing into the mist.
"…Bloodline technique?" Getsumei eyes were wide even as they dulled. "So… that's what you are… A true genius…"
And with that, the silence of the mist swallowed him.
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