25. The Iron Finger Technique

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The afternoon sun was beginning its descent, casting a warm, golden glow over the Kozuki compound. The day had been long, filled with intense training and moments of reflection, but Kira was far from finished. His mind was a whirlwind of plans and techniques, each demanding his attention and mastery.

After his conversation with Hiroshi, Kira felt the weight of his grandfather's words settle on him. Power was important, but control was just as vital. He knew that to truly protect his clan and achieve his ambitions, he would need to master every technique at his disposal, pushing his body and mind to their limits.

Today, his focus was on one of the Rokushiki techniques: Shigan.

Shigan, also known as the "Finger Gun," was a close-range combat technique that allowed the user to pierce targets with their fingers as if they were bullets. It was a technique that required immense physical strength, speed, and precision, and it was as lethal as it was subtle. Mastering Shigan would add another dimension to Kira's combat abilities, allowing him to dispatch enemies with deadly efficiency even when unarmed.

Kira made his way to a secluded training area on the edge of the compound. This particular field was surrounded by thick trees, offering privacy and silence—a perfect place for focused practice. He needed to be alone, away from prying eyes, to fully immerse himself in mastering this technique.

As he arrived at the training ground, Kira took a moment to center himself. The air was still, the only sounds the rustling of leaves in the breeze and the distant chirping of birds. The tranquility of the environment contrasted sharply with the intensity of the training Kira was about to undertake.

He stood in the center of the clearing, his posture relaxed but alert, and extended his right hand in front of him, fingers pointed straight ahead. He could feel the chakra flowing through his body, gathering in his arm, ready to be released.

"Shigan," Kira whispered to himself, his eyes narrowing in concentration.

He focused on the tip of his index finger, imagining it as the barrel of a gun, ready to fire. The key to Shigan was not just physical strength, but also precision and speed. The finger needed to move so quickly and with such force that it could penetrate flesh, bone, or even armor.

Kira thrust his finger forward, aiming at an imaginary target in the air. His movement was fast, but not nearly fast enough. The air around his finger barely stirred, and there was no satisfying impact, no sense of penetration. He knew he had a long way to go.

He adjusted his stance, focusing more on the speed of his thrust rather than just the power behind it. Speed was essential—he needed to move his finger faster than the eye could see, faster than his opponent could react.

Kira took a deep breath, centering his chakra, and thrust his finger forward again. This time, the air whistled slightly as his finger cut through it, but it still wasn't enough. There was no impact, no result.

He grit his teeth, frustration gnawing at him. Shigan was deceptively difficult. It looked simple, but executing it with the necessary speed and precision was a challenge. Kira knew he needed to refine his technique, to focus not just on the movement, but on the intent behind it.

He closed his eyes, visualizing the target—an enemy's chest, the exact point where his finger needed to strike. He imagined the force of the blow, the way it would feel as his finger pierced through skin and bone, the impact resonating through his hand.

Kira opened his eyes, filled with renewed determination, and thrust his finger forward once more. This time, there was a faint, sharp sound as his finger cut through the air. It was a small improvement, but an improvement nonetheless.

He repeated the motion again and again, each time pushing himself to move faster, to strike with more precision. His finger became a blur as he practiced, the sound of each thrust growing sharper, more defined. The air around him seemed to hum with the force of his movements.

After several hours of relentless practice, Kira was beginning to see progress. His finger strikes were faster, more controlled, and he could feel the chakra flowing more smoothly through his arm. He wasn't there yet, but he was getting closer.

But Kira wasn't satisfied with just the basics. He wanted to take Shigan further, to enhance it with the power of his breathing techniques. He wanted to combine the speed and precision of Shigan with the fluidity of Water Breathing, or the explosive power of Thunder Breathing.

He sheathed his sword, taking a deep breath, and closed his eyes. He focused on his breathing, feeling the rhythm of the Water Breathing technique flowing through him. His body became lighter, his movements more fluid, and the chakra in his body harmonized with the natural flow of water.

With this state of mind, Kira thrust his finger forward again, this time infusing the movement with the fluidity of Water Breathing. The result was immediate—his finger cut through the air with a smooth, almost effortless motion, and there was a faint ripple of energy that followed the path of his thrust, like the wake left by a boat cutting through water.

Kira opened his eyes, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. This was what he had been looking for. The fusion of Shigan with his breathing techniques had elevated the technique to a new level, adding an element of grace and unpredictability to the raw power of the strike.

But he wasn't finished yet.

Next, Kira focused on the Thunder Breathing technique, feeling the energy crackle through his veins like lightning. His body became charged with electric energy, his muscles tensing with the raw power of the storm.

He thrust his finger forward once more, this time infusing the movement with the explosive force of Thunder Breathing. The air around his finger crackled with electricity, and there was a sharp, crackling sound as his finger pierced through the space before him. The force of the strike was powerful, almost overwhelming, and Kira could feel the energy coursing through his arm, ready to be unleashed.

He stopped, breathing heavily, his heart pounding in his chest. The combination of Shigan with his breathing techniques was exhilarating, but it was also demanding. It required intense concentration, precise chakra control, and a deep understanding of the forces he was dealing with.

Kira took a moment to steady himself, his mind racing with the possibilities. Shigan was a powerful technique on its own, but when combined with his breathing techniques, it became something truly formidable. It was a weapon that could be used in close combat, a technique that could catch opponents off guard, and a skill that would add another layer to his already impressive arsenal.

He wasn't finished yet. There was still more to learn, more to refine, but Kira could feel the progress. Each day brought him closer to mastering the techniques he needed to achieve his goals, and each day brought him closer to realizing his ambitions.

As the sun began to set, casting long shadows across the training ground, Kira knew that his journey was far from over. There were still challenges ahead, still obstacles to overcome, but he was ready for them. With each new technique, with each new skill he mastered, Kira was one step closer to becoming the shinobi he was destined to be.

He stood in the center of the clearing, his hand still extended, the faint crackle of electricity lingering in the air around him. The world was silent, the only sound the steady rhythm of his breathing and the distant rustle of leaves in the wind.

Kira lowered his hand, his expression calm but determined. The path ahead was long, but he would walk it with confidence, with strength, and with the unwavering belief that he would achieve everything he had set out to do.

With Shigan and his breathing techniques at his command, Kira knew that there was nothing he couldn't accomplish. The world was vast, and the future uncertain, but Kira was ready for whatever came next.

And as the stars began to twinkle in the darkening sky, Kira continued his training, his heart filled with resolve and the knowledge that he was on the right path.

....

The sun was high in the sky as Kira made his way toward the training grounds where the Eclipse members were gathered. The air was warm, a light breeze rustling through the leaves, and the village was alive with the usual hustle and bustle of daily life. But Kira's mind was focused on his task—evaluating the progress of the Eclipse members, the elite force he had been molding for months.

As he approached the training grounds, Kira could hear the familiar sounds of intense practice: the sharp crack of displaced air as the members practiced Soru, the rhythmic thud of feet hitting the ground, and the occasional grunt of effort. The Eclipse members had been working tirelessly to master the Rokushiki techniques, and Kira was eager to see how far they had come.

He arrived at the training field to find the members diligently practicing Geppo, or Moon Steps. The technique, which allowed the user to kick off the air itself, required precise chakra control and immense physical strength. It was one of the more challenging aspects of their training, but Kira could see that they were making significant progress.

Renji, who had been training under Kira's personal guidance, was now leading the group, demonstrating the technique with a level of proficiency that impressed Kira. The other members followed suit, their movements increasingly smooth and controlled as they executed Geppo, leaping into the air and propelling themselves higher with each kick.

Kira stood at the edge of the training ground, watching silently as the Eclipse members practiced. He was pleased with what he saw—their dedication, their determination, their progress. Each of them was becoming stronger, more skilled, and more capable with every passing day. The Eclipse, under Renji's leadership, was beginning to take shape as the elite force that Kira had envisioned.

After a while, Kira stepped forward, his presence immediately noticed by the group. The members ceased their training and gathered around him, their expressions respectful and attentive.

"You've all made excellent progress," Kira began, his voice carrying a tone of pride and approval. "Your mastery of Soru and Geppo is improving, and I'm pleased with the dedication you've shown."

The members of Eclipse stood a little straighter, the weight of Kira's praise settling on them like a badge of honor. They had worked hard to earn this acknowledgment, and it meant a great deal coming from Kira.

"But your journey is far from over," Kira continued, his expression becoming more serious. "Mastering the Rokushiki techniques and the Water Breathing techniques is just the beginning. As members of the Eclipse, you are the protectors of the Kozuki clan, and your skills must reflect that responsibility."

He paused, allowing his words to sink in before he continued. "To honor your dedication and to signify your status within the clan, the Kozuki clan will provide you with uniforms similar to mine. These uniforms will bear the Kozuki clan's new logo, the Fleur de Lis, symbolizing your connection to our heritage and your role as our guardians."

The Eclipse members exchanged glances, their excitement palpable. They knew that these uniforms would set them apart, marking them as elite within the clan. But there was more.

Kira gestured to his own haori, the black and red checkered garment that he wore with pride. "You will also receive a black and white checkered haori, a symbol of your status as the Shadow Guardians. This haori is exclusive to the Eclipse; it marks you as the elite protectors of our clan. Only the clan head and the heir wear the black and red haori, but yours will carry its own significance."

The members of Eclipse murmured in approval, their excitement growing. They understood the importance of these uniforms—not just as a mark of their status, but as a symbol of their unity and purpose. The haori would make them stand out, not just within the clan, but within the village.

Kira could see the pride in their eyes, the sense of belonging that the uniforms would instill. This was more than just clothing; it was an identity, a symbol of their connection to the Kozuki clan and their commitment to protecting it.

"The uniforms will be ready soon," Kira added. "Wear them with pride, and let them remind you of the responsibility you carry as members of the Eclipse."

The Eclipse members nodded, their faces reflecting a mix of pride and determination. They were ready to take on the mantle of responsibility that Kira was placing upon them, and they were eager to continue their training.

Kira looked at each of them, his expression softening slightly. "However, I must inform you that I will be away on a mission. This mission will take some time, and during my absence, I expect you to continue working on your Geppo and Soru. Master these techniques, refine them, and push yourselves to become even stronger."

Renji stepped forward, his expression serious. "We will not let you down, Kira. We will continue to train hard and improve our skills."

Kira nodded, placing a hand on Renji's shoulder. "I know you won't, Renji. I have full confidence in you and the rest of the team. Continue to lead them well, and ensure that when I return, I see a group that has grown even stronger."

Renji and the other members of Eclipse bowed deeply, their respect and commitment clear in their actions. Kira knew that they would continue to train diligently, that they would push themselves to become the elite force that the Kozuki clan needed.

With his final instructions given, Kira turned to leave, knowing that the future of the Eclipse was in capable hands. As he walked away, he could hear the sounds of their training resuming, the dedication of the group echoing through the training grounds.

Kira's thoughts turned to the mission ahead, but he carried with him the knowledge that the Eclipse was on the right path. The uniforms, the training, the commitment—all of it was coming together, shaping the future of the Kozuki clan and ensuring that they would be ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.

And as he left the training grounds behind, Kira felt a sense of satisfaction. The Eclipse was more than just a group of shinobi; they were a symbol of the Kozuki clan's strength, resilience, and unity. And under Kira's guidance, they would become a force to be reckoned with, both within the village and beyond.