Chapter 44: Combination Jutsus

One day, when the 10 am session began, Renjiro said, "I have taught you one combination jutsu. And you can see how strong it is. I want you guys to think about more jutsus you can use in combination with each other. It doesn't have to be as strong as Fire-Wind dragon jutsu, but it should increase your capabilities in some way. So think about it, but don't experiment. I'll meet you guys at 11" He then flickered away, without giving anyone a chance to say anything.

Hoka said, "So what do we do?" Fujin, who had already thought a few over the past couple of weeks said, "Well let's just think about it. And then discuss to see if everyone is fine with the idea." Mieko said, "Alright"



After around 15 minutes, Mieko said "Hoka, can your Water element mix with my Fire element?" Hoka asked in a confused manner, "But how, won't my water douse your fire?" Mieko smirked and said, "No it won't. Fish Spit jutsu is the only one you have that can generate a small stream of water, and it is very weak compared to my jutsus. So my Fire jutsu will evaporate all your water and create a lot of steam." Hoka fell into a thought after hearing it. Fujin was quite surprised with this suggestion. He thought, 'I didn't expect this brat to come up with something like this.' He said, "Yeah, it'll generate a lot of steam, but can either of you control it?" Both shook their heads. Fujin replied, "In that case, that can only be used to create a cover and hide ourselves." Mieko sighed dejectedly and began thinking again.

After a couple of minutes, Fujin said "I have one idea. We can create a double layered defense. My Spinning Shield of Wind jutsu can stop and reflect all thrown weapons and some weaker Ninjutsu. However, if the enemy uses strong Ninjutsu, it'll be breached. So my idea is to create a shield of wind, and right after that, Hoka will create a Rock Shield behind the shield to cover us further." Hoka thought and nodded, "Yes, that could work." However Mieko groaned and said, "Hey, don't leave me out!" Fujin chuckled and said, "Actually I have one more idea. Hoka, can you use your Rock Shield jutsu?" Hoka was confused and asked, "But didn't sensei tell us to not test anything?" Fujin replied, "He said that to prevent us from causing an accident. Just using Rock Shield jutsu will be fine. Also, quickly move behind a few metres after using the jutsu." Hoka nodded and got up. He performed the jutsu and quickly jumped back. Fujin thought, 'Not fast enough.' He then said, "Alright, do it again. Only this time, I'll throw a small pebble on you. Dodge that by moving backwards." Hoka made the hand signs and slammed his hands on the ground. Fujin waited for the jutsu to be completed. As soon as it was completed, he threw the pebble on Hoka. Hoka quickly dodged back. Fujin nodded and said, "Alright, that's fast enough."



Mieko asked, "So what's the big idea?" Fujin replied, "I'm thinking that both of us should learn this jutsu too. If we do, then as soon as Hoka uses the jutsu and jumps back, one of us can create another rock shield behind his and repeat the same. This way a multi-tiered defense can be made on the fly. Another idea is, if all 3 of us can channel our chakra in the same rock shield, then will the shield become sturdier or will it become larger? If that works, then it'll be very useful too."

Both Hoka and Mieko nodded and agreed. They began brainstorming once again and came up with a few more ideas. At 11 am, Renjiro reappeared. He asked, "So, what did you guys think of?"N0v3lTr0ve served as the original host for this chapter's release on N0v3l--B1n.

Suddenly Renjiro's clone flickered behind Fujin and Hoka. One month of constant exposure to Renjiro suddenly flickering behind them had made them accustomed to it. Renjiro asked, "So, which approach are you going to use and in which scenario? Hoka, you answer first." Hoka began thinking. After a couple of minutes he said, "The first approach will be more useful if the number of enemies is less. The enemy will first have to dodge my initial aim, and then worry about the shurikens Fujin controls. The second method will be more useful when we are facing a lot of enemies. Sudden change in direction of all shurikens can result in a few casualties. Also, even if the enemy avoids it, they'll need to pay more attention to it, giving us more time." Renjiro nodded and looked at Fujin. Fujin replied, "Same answer. Just that, I should try and improve my control even further. In the first scenario, the result will probably be satisfactory. However, the second scenario still has a lot of scope for improvement. For instance, if, after I change direction of the shurikens, if I can then take control of a few shurikens to manipulate them even further, then I am sure I'll get some hits in and it won't be all just luck based." Renjiro said, "Good, so keep practicing."

Over at Mieko and Fujin, they too had begun their practice. Their practice was very straightforward. Mieko launched Fireball jutsu, and Fujin threw 2 wind spheres at them from the rear. The wind sphere distorted the flames a bit, but it wasn't an issue. However, before the Fireball exploded, the wind spheres left the fireball from the front. The Fireball exploded as it normally did. The wind spheres however exploded with a lot more force due to the air being heated up and caused a small heat wave. Mieko spoke in an annoying manner, "Hey, your jutsu speed was too fast!" Fujin countered, "Yours was too slow." This earned him a glare from the little girl. Fujin shrugged and said, "Let's try again."

This time Fujin matched the timing properly, and both the jutsus exploded at the same time when the wind spheres were still in the fireball. The result was a bit surprising. Mieko said, "The power of the explosion decreased!" Fujin nodded and added, "But it's range increased. And the increase is totally random. In some directions, the flames extended twice more than usual, whereas in some directions, the range of flames was seven times as high as usual!" Suddenly, a jet of water was launched to douse the fires caused by the explosion. Renjiro's clone looked at them and said, "We are changing the location. Follow me."

Fujin and Mieko ran behind the clone. On the way, the clone asked, "So, what are your thoughts on this jutsu?" Fujin replied, "Unpredictable. The enemy won't be able to guess the direction of the flames. If he gets careless, he'll end up with a few burns. Even if he is lucky or skilled enough to dodge them all, he'll be put under a lot of pressure." Mieko agreed, "Yes. Once he gets burned, we can dominate him." Renjiro asked, "Any scope for improvement?" Fujin and Mieko began thinking. After a few seconds, Fujin replied, "I am wondering whether the explosion's direction can be controlled. I think that the position of the wind spheres within the fireball is what controls the direction of the explosion. For example, if the wind spheres are to the front of the fireball, then maybe the flames move more in the forward direction. If I know the direction in which the enemy will dodge, I can place the wind spheres in an appropriate position so that the flames move to his new location."

While Fujin was talking, Renjiro stopped moving. They had arrived on a riverbank. Renjiro thought, 'As expected.' He replied, "Good. However, don't forget that even your Wind Explosion jutsu by itself is very random. So you won't be able to control the direction by yourself." He then looked at Mieko and said, "If you two want to improve this combination further, then it'll depend on how well you can analyse the explosion with your sharingans, Mieko." Mieko nodded, "Yes sensei. I'll improve it to its limits!" Renjiro nodded and looked at the river. Fujin and Mieko followed his line of sight. Renjiro said, "All your explosions must happen over that river. No more fires." Both nodded awkwardly, and continued their training.

[A/N : More ideas for combination jutsus are welcomed]