Silent Awakening

After their classes finished, Hana and Renji headed to the academy library.

Since they were still students, they didn't have access to the entire library, only a few select sections.

The library itself was vast, with rows upon rows of knowledge waiting to be unlocked. Renji quickly found the section containing books on chakra transfer, but as expected, the content was elementary, aimed at beginner students.

Among the available options, Renji picked up the book he'd been studying for a while now:

Chakra Exchange: Power and Limits

It wasn't exactly what he was looking for, but it was the closest thing to understanding chakra transfer in the academy's limited collection.

'Let's go through this one last time.'

Renji thought as he flipped through the book, reviewing the important notes he had previously taken.

His idea was straightforward: replace Kurama's chakra with that of another person and then attempt to fuse them, much like the mechanics of Baryon Mode.

From this line of reasoning, he concluded that since everyone possessed a unique chakra signature, he could substitute Kurama's chakra with another's.

The skill panel didn't specify that the chakra had to be from Kurama, leaving Renji hopeful that any compatible chakra might suffice.

However, Renji didn't want to take any unnecessary risks. He was uncertain about the potential effects of such a transfer and didn't fully understand how to initiate it or the limits of chakra transfer between different individuals.

After conducting his "research" for about a year, he felt he had amassed enough knowledge on the subject. He had studied various books related to chakra transfer, chakra control, chakra signatures, and more.

He concluded that it was indeed possible to replace Kurama's chakra or that of any other tailed beast with a different person's chakra. However, he anticipated some limitations and the possibility that it might not work at all.

First Limitation: The chakra from another person might not be compatible and could fail to function entirely.

Second Limitation: The amount of chakra shared by another person might be too low to maintain the transformed state for even a minute.

Third Limitation: The strength gained from this method would likely be inferior compared to the original Naruto and Kurama versions.

Fourth Limitation: There was uncertainty about whether the continuous fusion would trigger. However, since the borrowed chakra would be limited, this limitation wouldn't be lethal.

After noting down these points and contemplating whether to give it a try, Renji and Hana arrived at the public training grounds.

"Hana! Let's head to our secret training spot."

Renji said as they entered the training grounds. Since it was already evening and the public training area was nearly deserted, he felt it was a good time to practice. However, Renji preferred to avoid open training due to the risks involved.

For that reason, he had found a secluded spot near the riverbank, a location rarely visited by others. He had been practicing here for the past year and a half. Recently, he brought Hana along to ensure she would be prepared for this moment.

"Okay, tell me which technique you want to practice and what I should do?"

Hana asked, starting to stretch, looking incredibly cute. Renji couldn't help but feel the urge to pat her head.

"Nothing much. Just follow my instructions and push chakra into my body."

He replied, settling into a meditative position.

Hana didn't ask any further questions, knowing that Renji had far more knowledge about being a ninja and was also considerably stronger than her.

"Just place your hands on my back and slowly exert chakra through your palms..."

Renji began guiding Hana on how to share chakra, a process that required a certain level of chakra control; without it, the transfer would be inefficient. This was one of the reasons he was helping her, aside from their friendship.

Closing his eyes, Renji started to monitor the flow, carefully directing Hana. Soon, he felt a mild discomfort as the foreign chakra entered his system. However, it was almost negligible since Hana's chakra was gentle and not overwhelming.

He slowly opened his eyes and muttered "Panel" in his mind, causing the familiar display to instantly appear before him.

Renji kept his eyes on the panel, his frown deepening as disappointment settled in. Despite his inner frustration, he didn't voice it and continued monitoring as Hana steadily transferred her chakra.

After a while, Hana's concentration began to falter, sweat trickling down her forehead. She internally grumbled, wondering why Renji hadn't asked her to stop yet, especially since she had already used up seventy percent of her chakra.

Sensing Hana's strain, Renji's expression darkened briefly, but he quickly composed himself, letting out a quiet sigh.

"Hana, you can stop now, that will be enough."

He finally said, keeping his disappointment hidden so as not to burden her.

As soon as Renji finished speaking, his eyes widened in surprise, and he jumped from his sitting position to a standing position, startling Hana.

"What? Was it a success?"

Hana asked excitedly, standing up with a bright smile. She didn't even know which technique Renji had succeeded in, but the fact that she could finally help him filled her with joy.

Renji had been there for her since they became friends, always offering support and guidance. So when he asked for help today, she saw it as her chance to repay that kindness.

A moment ago, even though he hadn't expressed it directly, she sensed some disappointment from him. She knew it wasn't her fault, but she couldn't help feeling relieved now.

If Renji knew how much understanding this little girl possessed despite her age, he'd probably curse this cursed world and pat her head in consolation.

"Indeed, it's a success, a big breakthrough for me. Thanks a lot, Hana."

Renji exclaimed, holding her hands and jumping a bit, like a kid whose wishes were just granted by their parents. Hana, feeling the same excitement despite her tiredness, joined in.

"Alright, Hana, you should head back now. I'll help you with your training tomorrow."

After calming down a bit, Renji said this with a smile, already eager to check the changes in his panel.

"Let's go together, it's already getting late, you know?"

Hana said, glancing at Renji with a bit of confusion, then at the setting sun.

"You go ahead. I just want to practice a bit more and I'll head back soon."

Renji replied, not wanting to leave yet, especially after making a breakthrough in the skill that had been haunting him for almost six years.

Hana, not being the stubborn type over small matters, nodded and slowly left the grounds, already dreaming of the delicious food her mother might have prepared for dinner.