Chapter 19: The Library of Mist

A new day had arrived, and after morning classes, Ren took advantage of his lunch break to visit the academy's library.

It was a gloomy place, lit by greenish lanterns that created dancing shadows on the dark wooden shelves.

'Typical of Kirigakure,' he thought. 'Even the library must look ominous.'

The librarian, an elderly woman with a scar across her neck, studied him suspiciously when he presented his student pass.

"Section E and D over there," she pointed with a gnarled finger. "Don't even try to approach the upper sections. The protective seals are not...lenient with the curious."

'Protective seals? I would love to study them, but for now I don't have the proper knowledge yet'

Ren nodded respectfully and headed for the indicated shelves. The section was divided by elements and types of techniques. He began to methodically examine the available scrolls.

'Let's see. Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Wave) - rank D, basic water control. Could be a good starting point.'

As he made mental notes, he heard someone approaching. It was Aoi, who seemed perfectly at home among the dusty shelves.

"You're here too?" whispered the bespectacled boy. "Most students don't come to the library until the second month."

"I like to be prepared," Ren replied under his breath, noticing an interesting roll on fog manipulation.

"If you're looking for basic techniques," Aoi said, "I recommend this." He pulled out a scroll from the top of a shelf using a ladder. "Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Fog Technique).

 It is considered the signature technique of our village, although this is only the basic version."

Ren picked it up, pretending he didn't already know of its existence. "Thank you. Do you come here often?"

"Almost every day. My father says knowledge is as important as practice." He paused, looking around before lowering his voice even more. "I also found some interesting texts....

Before Aoi could continue, another student entered their section. It was Yukiko, the girl from the Yuki clan.

"Oh," she said, seeing them. "I thought I was the only one who came here during the break."

"Are you looking for anything in particular?" asked Aoi, always ready to help.

"Support techniques," she replied after a moment's hesitation. "Everyone expects me to focus only on my kekkei genkai, but..."

She left the sentence hanging, but Ren understood. At a time when kekkei genkai holders were viewed with suspicion, it was wise to diversify one's skills.

They spent the rest of their lunch break studying in silence, each immersed in their scrolls.

Ren mentally cataloged the techniques that might be useful to him:

Suiton: Mizurappa (Water Wave) - D rank

Kirigakure no Jutsu (Hidden Fog Technique) - D rank

Henhe No Jutsu ( Technique of Transformation) Rank- E

"Hey," whispered Aoi, interrupting his thoughts. "Look at this."

He showed him an old text that talked about the techniques of combining elements. "It says that some Kirigakure ninjas were able to combine water and wind to create icy fog, or water and earth for mud techniques. Interesting, isn't it?"

Ren nodded 'in fact I had already thought of these combinations, too bad there is nothing practical in that scroll.'

' It would be ideal to learn how to combine the elements, not having Kekkei Genkai I can only manipulate them during the execution and not before, but for that I would need a very advanced level of chakra manipulation'

The rest of the day was devoted to the practice of chakra control. Fujimoto-sensei had them practice moving water in small bowls.

"The key," he explained, "is to feel the natural flow of the water. Don't force it, guide it."

Ren noticed that his morning training with the water ball gave him an advantage in this exercise. While other students were struggling to create small ripples, he was already able to make the water rotate steadily.

"Not bad, Mizutani," commented Fujimoto.

Aoi sui said, " Your control is not at all inferior to mine," replicating the same exercise but with some subtle differences.

On the way back, he thought again about the techniques he had studied. 'Kirigakure no Jutsu will be essential,' he reflected. 'Not only is it a characteristic technique of the village, but it will allow me to hide other training from view.'

He stopped by his mother's store for his turn to help, but his mind was already focused on how to integrate the new techniques into his training program.

"You look thoughtful," his mother commented as they arranged a new delivery of kunai.

"I'm just ... planning," he replied vaguely.

"Don't push too hard," she said, the concern evident in her voice. "Remember, sometimes the thinnest mist is the one that lasts the longest. "

Ren nodded, understanding the metaphor.