Chapter 46: Time Flies

Although lightning is one of Sasuke's main attributes, since he was the second main character and didn't receive the same detailed training descriptions as the protagonist. Because of this, Natsuro has no reference from the original series.

But he could closely observe the properties he previously overlooked during each of his lightning-style massages.

Each nature transformation revolves around the innate characteristics of its respective element. Even if you don't consciously use those properties, they're always present; they just won't manifest unless you intentionally bring them out.

Learning nature transformation involves identifying and maximizing the properties of an element.

With this in mind, he thought he could experiment with conductive weapons to practice lightning's conduction property. Initially, it's best to use special weapons designed to conduct chakra. Once he sees some results, he could switch to regular iron weapons. Eventually, he should try using materials that don't naturally conduct electricity well. If he can get them to conduct chakra, he will have mastered the basics.

As for the speed property, he realized that every time he uses Lightning Release to enhance his body, his speed increases more significantly than his strength. So, he planned to start working on that, gradually extending the acceleration property from internal use to external lightning chakra.

Finally, there's the paralyzing effect, a natural property of electricity. While he could delve deeper into this, Natsuro believed that its inherent effects were enough for practical use; it just depends on the intensity.

After thinking it over for a while, he concluded that this plan covers everything.

Tapping the pencil against the paper, he reviewed his thoughts from start to finish, sometimes adding content and sometimes crossing things out.

As he reached the end, a new thought occurred to him: doesn't the lightning element have more properties than the wind element? Does wind really only have the cutting property?

Wind, when fast, can be cold like the piercing chill of winter. But what if it's slow? A gentle breeze? Or maybe unpredictable? Invisible and formless?

He doodled on the paper, but in the end, he shook his head. It's better to start with what's certain. If he discovers new properties during practice, he would pay attention, but if not, it's something he can explore later when he has more time.

Having figured all this out, Natsuro reviewed his plan a few more times. Satisfied, he nodded, then took out a lighter and slowly burned the pages.

As the flames consumed the paper, he began thinking about ninja tools. Chakra-conducting weapons aren't exactly common, and his family doesn't have any, so he'll need to borrow one.

When it comes to people who might have such weapons, there are quite a few in his class, given the number of prestigious families represented.

The person who came to mind first was Shikamaru. Although they're not particularly close, he figured he could borrow a basic chakra-conducting weapon from him. It's not as if these are rare or expensive for a family like Shikamaru's, and lending one would be a good way for them to strengthen ties with someone of his talent.

But no matter how inexpensive, it's still beyond his current means, so he'd be indebted for sure. After thinking it over, he decided against borrowing from Shikamaru.

Instead, he thought of Ino and their relationship.

With a sigh, he resolved to borrow from Ino after all. Their relationship had already been misinterpreted, so it wouldn't make much difference now. He could wait until school starts to ask her.

Why waste time trying to figure it out on his own when a more convenient path is available?

Regardless, Natsuro felt a sense of urgency. The time he had left was too short.

As the last of the paper burned away, He slowly stood up and walked to the window, looking up at the bright moon.

No matter the world, the moon is always so pure and flawless. But in this world, people actually live on the moon. The Otsutsuki clan is real. He sighed. They're a bother—a bunch of immortals hanging around for no good reason.

He closed the window. Seriously, can't even enjoy a peaceful moonlit night. It would be different if it were Chang'e up there (female goddess of the moon in Chinese mythology), but the Otsutsuki… ugh. 

With no desire to continue moon-gazing, he returned to bed, bringing the day to an end.

Now that the plan was set, it would start the next day. A strong body needs good rest, after all.

The following days saw he begin his new training regimen.

The days of training passed quickly, and before he knew it, the winter break was over.

When his shadow clone stepped into the familiar classroom, he felt a bit disoriented, as if time had slipped by, and today was still part of the vacation.

But that was impossible. He shook his head. For him, there wasn't much difference between vacation and school. Thinking that way made it easier.

However, he didn't expect that as soon as he entered the classroom, several girls' eyes lit up.

These were the girls who had seen him on New Year's Day. They all knew how handsome he looked when dressed properly, but now they frowned. Why was he back to wearing those shabby clothes that did nothing to show off his looks?

Their thoughts were that once they became his girlfriend, they would make sure to correct his habit of not dressing well.

For now, several girls surrounded him, exchanging hostile glances before warmly greeting him.

Natsuro remained silent, soon adopting a cold expression and ignoring everyone as he walked to his seat.

Ino was sitting in her seat. Initially, she had wanted to approach him, but seeing so many others around him, she decided against it. Sure enough, she soon saw him coldly extricate himself from the crowd.

She was a bit annoyed. They had held hands before, but he hadn't contacted her once during the entire break.

"Morning."

Suddenly, she heard Natsuro greet her as he passed by.

"Morning, Natsuro."

Instantly, Ino wasn't so mad anymore. Feeling the envious and hostile gazes of the other girls, she couldn't help but smile smugly.

Hmph, see? I'm different!

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