Chapter 53 : Senju Taijutsu Style

Renjiro just chuckled at their expressions, and said, "First, we are going to increase the pressure applied by the training seals. What are the pressures you are using right now?"

Mieko replied, "3%"

Hoka, "38%"

Fujin, "18.5%"

[A/N : Fujin's seal has twice the upper limit as compared to the other two. So it's just barely below Hoka's]

Renjiro nodded and said, "Good. Mieko, you'll increase it to 5%. Hoka to 45%. Fujin to 22%."

The genins followed the instructions of their sensei. After increasing the pressure, Renjiro began the morning workout. In addition to increasing the pressure from the seals, the training itself was made much tougher. And instead of ending at 9, it continued till 10.

At the end of the training, all 3 genins were lying under a tree, in a lifeless manner. Renjiro laughed looking at this scene and said loudly, "How will you guys achieve your dreams if a simple training session defeats you? You have an hour's break. The afternoon training will continue from 11 to 2." On saying that he flickered away.

After half an hour, Fujin and Hoka gained some energy. While Mieko was still sleeping. Hoka asked, "Any idea why he suddenly doubled the intensity of the training?" Fujin replied, "Who knows. Maybe he plans to enter us in the next Chunin exam. Or maybe he was just letting us take it easy as we just graduated." He took a deep breath before continuing, "Anyways, it seems like it'll be very helpful for us." Hoka sighed and said, "I always thought I was the one who looked forward to training the most. But it seems like you are even more of a maniac than me." Saying that he laughed lightly.

Fujin looked back at him, before chuckling a bit and said, "Oh well. Let's hope that we get out of this alive." He then grabbed his ration bars and devoured them and began stretching. Hoka followed.

At 11, Renjiro appeared again. He created 2 shadow clones and said, "Today we will be discussing how to increase your growth rate. Follow one."

Mieko and Hoka follow a shadow clone each into the forests, while Fujin stays there.

Renjiro looked at Fujin and asked, "Who do you think has grown the fastest among you three?" Fujin thought for a bit and answered, "Probably me." Renjiro nodded and replied, "Indeed. You've grown much faster than any of your academy teachers predicted. Even faster than I predicted. However, compared to your two teammates, you have a huge disadvantage. Do you know what it is?"

Fujin fell into thought on hearing the question. After a minute, he answered, "Kekkei Genkai".

Renjiro nodded, "Right, but not completely. Along with their Kekkei Genkai, they also have their huge clans, which have already developed complementary jutsus to leverage the advantage their kekkei genkai gives them."

Hearing that, Fujin fell into his thoughts. Renjiro continued, "Both Hoka and Mieko are very talented. Soon, their families will begin heavily investing in them, boosting their growth at a high speed in a systematic way. What do you have to contend with? Or will you be left behind by them?"

Fujin replied seriously, "That is why I invested time into becoming a sensor and learning swordplay. I don't have any Kekkei Genkai. So obviously I won't get any sudden boost to my powers. But as long as I keep training my skills to the limit, I'll surpass the ninjas who depend on their Kekkei Genkai."

Renjiro maintained a serious face and asked, "What makes you think that the ones with Kekkei Genkai won't train to their limits? Do you really think that you can surpass them despite all the advantages they have over you?"

Fujin smiled and put his hand gently on his sword handle. "I've heard that the strongest Samurai in the Land of Iron can go head to head against a Kage with nothing but his sword. Even in Konoha, despite having so many people with Kekkei Genkai, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Hokage are all ninjas who didn't have any Kekkei Genkai. Similarly, no member of the Sannins has a Kekkei Genkai. So as long as I keep training hard, I don't think I'd lose to anyone with a Kekkei Genkai."

Renjiro was surprised to hear this answer. More importantly, he was surprised to hear the confidence in Fujin's voice. He smiled wryly and thought, 'Oh well, this one has no need of any encouragement or confidence boost. Though he might need a reality check.'

At the same time, Fujin was thinking, 'Was he planning to give me a pep talk or something? Anyways, while Kekkei Genkai is good, it's not something that would churn out rank S ninjas. Other than Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, Rinnegan and maybe Tenseigan, others aren't really overbearing. I guess the Senju treat the Wood release with the highest respect, but in all honesty, it was Hashirama who made wood style overpowered and not vice versa. Besides, of my 2 teammates, one is about to die soon, while the other has a cursed seal put on him. Not really something I'd be jealous about.'

After a short pause, Renjiro began talking again, "That's a good perspective to have. But don't forget that whether it's the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Hokage, or the 3 Sannins, all were extremely talented and hard-working. So while it's a good thing to take inspiration from them, don't forget that you'll have to train extremely hard to even dream about reaching that level."

Fujin nodded and replied, "Yes Sensei."

Renjiro smiled and added, "There's one another thing I want to tell you about Kekkei Genkai. But you are not ready for it yet. I'll tell you when you complete your first B Rank mission as a Chunin."

Fujin wondered what Renjiro wanted to tell him. He replied, "Alright sensei."

Renjiro then asked, "What is your analysis of your current capability? And how do you plan on continuing your training?"

Fujin thought for a bit, before answering, "To start with, my ability as a Sensor-nin is developing decently. But that'll be my secondary ability. In terms of fighting, it seems like my main stay will be Wind Release and Swordplay. Swordplay is my preferred choice of close combat. While Wind release gives me Mid and Long range capabilities. Of course, both still have a lot of work that needs to be done. I can use some Earth release jutsus for defensive purposes. And I have Body Flicker jutsu for mobility. My physical strength, speed, and chakra are decent too I guess. At least for a genin that is."

Renjiro was impressed by Fujin's analysis. Fujin continued, "As for what I'm missing or need to improve… I need some strong jutsu in my arsenal that can create a deadly impact or devastation on the battlefield. And my Taijutsu needs to improve. All I have there is the basic academy style."

On completing his answer, he looked up at his Sensei. Renjiro replied, "On-point analysis. You don't need to worry about a strong jutsu though. When you become a Jounin, you'll get to look at Rank A jutsus that our village has. For now, stick with rank C jutsus. Preferably for the next couple of years, until your Chakra grows considerably.

You are right about your Taijutsu though. While you did rank high in the Academy, that basic style won't aid you much in growing stronger. That's why I'll be teaching you the Taijutsu I practice. That is the Senju Taijutsu style!"