A semi-transparent status panel appeared before Kiyoshi's eyes.
He had obtained this status not long after attempting to walk on water.
The progress bar was already at 25%.
If he continues for another four days, he should obtain [Water Walker (White)].
"It can be even shorter."
Kiyoshi closed the panel and continued to extract chakra from his body.
As a mixed-blood of the Yotsuki and Uchiha clans, he possesses more chakra than others.
The Uchiha clan is inherently a clan with a large chakra reserve.
Those who could surpass the Uchiha were only the Senju and Uzumaki clans, described in the official databook as clans "possessing an extremely large amount of chakra".
However, besides the Uchiha bloodline, Kiyoshi had another advantage over other Uchihas: the Yotsuki clan!
The Yotsuki clan is known for their Body Flicker Technique and adaptation to lightning release, their physical energy is naturally abundant.
Kiyoshi can train for longer periods than others.
Chakra is a mixture of mental and physical energy and continuous physical training increases chakra.
This process tempers the will and gradually strengthens the body.
Sometimes, it's not that others don't want to continue training, it's just that their chakra depletes quickly.
This is the... "limit".
Civilian ninjas can see the extent of their achievements with a single glance, despite their best efforts.
The strongest among them was Guy, who could open the Gate of Death, burning all his chakra to pursue a fleeting moment to catch up with those born at the top, those descendants who have the blood of Otsutsuki flowing in their veins.
Kiyoshi felt lucky that he belonged to the latter.
The night breeze blew, with only one figure walking on the water's surface.
The ceaseless river carried away the sweat flowing from Kiyoshi's body.
...
Land of Lightning
Kumogakure
In one of the valleys, a waterfall cascaded down, its thunderous roar echoing incessantly.
At the base of the waterfall, a dark-skinned man emerged from the water, his bare upper body revealing a Lightning tattoo on his right shoulder.
"Any news, Dodai?"
The Third Raikage looked at Dodai, who was walking over, wearing a black hat and an eye patch covering his right eye.
This was his most trusted confidant.
Dodai replied, "Yes, Kiyoshi contacted our ninja planted in Konoha a few days ago. Samodo's report is very detailed."
"Very good, this matter is very important."
The Third Raikage's palm, larger than Dodai's head, gently tapped his shoulder.
"Yes."
Dodai respectfully nodded to the broad-shouldered, muscular man who looked as if he were cast from steel.
"Have you investigated his lineage?"
The Third Raikage spoke again, his dark upper lip moving constantly, emitting a coarse voice.
"It has been investigated."
Dodai presented a scroll.
The Third Raikage opened it and frowned slightly.
"He is related to the Second?"
Kiyoshi was born in a small place called Mizukumo Gorge and had inherited the talent of the Yotsuki clan.
Kiyoshi's father had gone out to manage the Yotsuki clan's stores.
Upon closer inspection, Kiyoshi is actually related to the Second Raikage.
He is a distant nephew.
The Second Raikage was also a member of the Yotsuki clan.
He was the only Yotsuki clan member among all the Raikages.
The First Raikage and the Third Raikage had dark upper lips, but that wasn't the case with the Second Raikage.
However, all of them had dark skin and broad shoulders, so everyone felt that they looked similar.
"He is an Uchiha, so it will not affect the succession of the next Raikage." Dodai said.
The Third Raikage has a son, who is already considered the next Raikage-in-line and can already call himself "A".
The waterfall crashed against the water's surface, splashing and creating a hazy mist.
Dodai couldn't see the Third Raikage's face clearly.
The Third Raikage said, "His Kekkei genkai is important to the village, bring him back as soon as possible."
"Yes, Lord Third Raikage."
...
Several days passed.
Autumn rain drizzled, and the sky was gloomy, bringing a hint of coolness.
Mikoto said, "Excuse me, Kiyoshi."
Kiyoshi asked, "Is there something you need, Mikoto-nee?"
Kiyoshi opened the courtyard gate, holding an umbrella.
This was Mikoto's third visit since Nono's arrival last time.
Kiyoshi remembered that the first time Mikoto had led him back to his tent, the sky was also gloomy like today.
Mikoto said, "Isn't today a school day? Fugaku asked me to invite you. We are all fellow clansmen, so we should gather together more often."
Under the umbrella, a gentle face with delicate features was revealed.
Today, Mikoto was not wearing her combat uniform, but a set of ordinary casual clothes.
Being a ninja is actually a job.
Sometimes, missions have to be be carried out, but there are some corresponding holidays.
During holidays, there is no need to wear combat uniforms all the time.
Mikoto's ordinary casual clothes could not hide her graceful figure.
Her black hair lined the white clothes, and even in the gloomy light, her fair skin still looked radiant.
Kiyoshi acted like he was deeply moved, and agreed to go.
The two held umbrellas, walking on the streets of the Uchiha settlement.
A casual glance showed that many places were marked with Uchiha clan's emblem.
...
Mikoto led Kiyoshi to the back courtyard, where there was a large open space.
Boom!
Fugaku opened his mouth and spat out a fiery fireball that was more than three meters in the air.
Strands of raindrops turned into water vapor instantly when they encountered the fireball.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!
Kiyoshi's eyes narrowed, this was the signature ninjutsu of the Uchiha, and almost every Uchiha ninja knew it.
"You've arrived."
Fugaku looked at the two figures, one tall and one short.
"What are you training outside in the rain for? Aren't you afraid of catching a cold?" Mikoto chided.
Fugaku said, "Hahaha, I am Wicked Eye Fugaku, how could I catch a cold so easily?"
Nevertheless, Fugaku's heart warmed at Mikoto's concern.
The fireball in the air suddenly dissipated, leaving a little warmth.
"Let's go inside."
He just had an itch to practice this move, and he had only been outside for a short time.
He turned and walked into the house.
Fugaku asked, "Kiyoshi, have you been adapting well at ninja school these days?"
Fugaku stood on the veranda, looking at the boy behind Mikoto.
"Very well." Kiyoshi said.
He put down the umbrella and leaned it on the veranda. This place can also be called a corridor.
"There are shoes here."
Fugaku pointed in one direction.
"Okay."
Kiyoshi changed his shoes and stepped onto the wooden board.
Mikoto changed her shoes before Kiyoshi, waiting for Kiyoshi to change before the three went in together.
Fugaku said, "I asked Mikoto to make these dishes, Kiyoshi, try them."
As soon as he entered the house, Kiyoshi saw a table full of delicacies.
The air smelled of food.
"Mikoto-nee's craftsmanship is very good." Kiyoshi said with emotion.
Have the two's relationship reached this point?
Is this a situation of less than lovers, more than friends?
"Yes, Fugaku kept asking me, that's why I came." Mikoto smiled and said.
This was actually her first time coming to Fugaku's house.
The rules in the Uchiha clan are not as strict as the Hyuga clan, but it's definitely more than those of ordinary families.
The two had not yet confirmed their relationship, so naturally they could not do some shameless things.
If she couldn't use Kiyoshi as an excuse, Mikoto wouldn't have come to Fugaku's place today.
After all, their relationship has not been determined yet.