Kiyoshi organized the four Black Lightning techniques in his mind. Two were A-rank, and two were B-rank.
The A-ranks were [Lightning Style: Coiling Bird] and [Lightning Style: Black Senbon]. The former condensed black lightning into the shape of a bird, while the latter focused it into needle-sharp points to be projected outward. It was similar to Sasuke's [Chidori Senbon], turning the lightning into countless sharp needles to strike the enemy.
'This last one is excellent,' Kiyoshi thought, his interest piqued by the [Black Senbon]. Its primary value lay in the extreme shape transformation of Lightning chakra, allowing the bolts to become incredibly thin.
With this, he could mimic Sasuke's feat of sealing Shinno's chakra points, disrupting his chakra flow so that his forbidden medical techniques—[Body Revival] and [Body Activation]—could not function properly.
Kiyoshi had never forgotten about Shinno, the movie villain. Shinno possessed advanced medical knowledge that was key to fully opening the Eight Inner Gates Formation. If utilized correctly, a move like "Night Guy" might not have to be a one-time use.
'Moreover... [Black Senbon] can be combined with the [Flying Thunder God Jutsu],' he mused.
Outside, the sky was a cloudless, deep blue. Kiyoshi stepped out into the courtyard alone. He noticed that near the vegetation, "Natural Energy" was more abundant. Perhaps it was his imagination, but his thoughts felt sharper and faster here.
"Hiss..."
The white snake slid out from his left sleeve, climbing up his body to wrap around his neck like a scarf. She felt her master suddenly become "warm," making her want to drift into a deep slumber. Kiyoshi stroked her head as he continued his calculations.
The medium for the [Flying Thunder God] was usually a kunai engraved with a formula. But Kiyoshi didn't necessarily need a physical object—he could potentially engrave the formula onto an electric arc! If he could mark the black lightning needles from [Black Senbon] with the Flying Thunder God formula, he could instantly teleport to wherever the lightning struck.
Engraving the formula took less than a second; the only requirements were contact and a relatively stable medium. With further refinement of his chakra control and a slight modification to the [Black Senbon], this was entirely possible.
Kiyoshi then recalled the remaining two B-rank techniques: [Black Panther] and [Double Black Panther]. These released leopard-shaped black lightning that spread outward before converging.
The "Double" version involved using a Shadow Clone to release it simultaneously with the original. Theoretically, with enough chakra and control, one could create triple or quadruple versions.
'It effectively came with the [Shadow Clone Jutsu] as a bonus,' Kiyoshi noted. He transcribed the Shadow Clone portion of the [Double Black Panther] onto a blank scroll, titling it [Shadow Clone Jutsu].
This was why he had ignored the [Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu] in the Scroll of Seals. Since he now had the basic version, there was no need to waste his choice on the "Multi" version. The only real difference was the sheer number of clones created.
'With my current learning speed, I can probably refine the basic version into the Multi version myself,' he thought.
The [Shadow Clone Jutsu] was another creation of the Forbidden Jutsu Master, Tobirama Senju. Originally intended for espionage, it had spread across the ninja world until most nations possessed it. Today, only the "Multi" version remained a closely guarded secret.
'But it needs modification,' Kiyoshi decided as he sealed the scroll away. He planned to use it as a draft for constant refinement. In the original series, Shadow Clones were often shown to have a degree of self-awareness; the original wouldn't know the clone's thoughts until it dispelled and the memories returned.
Kiyoshi didn't want to take that risk. He had the Trait panel. Who knew if a Shadow Clone might manifest its own panel and develop rebellious thoughts? As he grew more talented and powerful, the clones would inherit all his abilities.
They might even find a way to exist permanently as chakra entities—something Hagoromo, Indra, and Ashura had proven possible. Even Tailed Beasts were essentially chakra lifeforms.
Kiyoshi refused to gamble. He wanted to nip that possibility in the bud. The basic "Clone Jutsu" taught at the Academy was just an optical illusion, which is why he hadn't minded learning it back then.
'I need to lower their level of consciousness and restrict memory permissions. Each clone should only possess the specific memories I designate, completing my orders like a machine.'
Kiyoshi sketched out the meridian system on the scroll and drew twelve seals, adjusting them to see which worked best. While there are twelve basic seals, ninjas can develop their own.
The [Shadow Clone] used the cross-shaped "clone seal" (uniting the index and middle fingers), while Hashirama's [Wood Clone] used a simple hand clap. These unique movements are known as "Jin Seals" (arbitrary seals)—as long as they help the user mold chakra, they work.
"Kiyoshi—!"
A hurried voice called from outside. Kiyoshi quickly sealed his drafts away and headed for the door. He tapped the white snake, and she promptly vanished back into his sleeve. Opening the door, he found Kurenai Yuhi.
Kurenai hadn't expected him to answer so quickly. Her hurried momentum faltered.
"Is something wrong?" Kiyoshi asked calmly. He was busy and didn't have much time for her; he still had to deal with the clan regarding Guren's adoption.
"I... I just came to see you," Kurenai replied, a hint of nervousness in her melodic voice. She lowered her head, revealing a face as smooth as jade. Her curly black hair draped over her shoulders, and her slight baby fat made her look incredibly cute.
"Really?" Kiyoshi teased.
Just as Kurenai was about to reply, Asuma caught up from behind, panting.
"Kurenai, you run too fast!" He didn't understand why she was in such a rush, nearly knocking people over on the way.
"Kiyoshi, I heard you adopted a little girl?" Asuma asked.
"Yes, her name is Guren," Kiyoshi nodded. There was no point in hiding it; everyone would know soon enough.
"You're becoming quite the humanitarian," Asuma said, clapping him on the shoulder with admiration. Private adoption meant all expenses fell on Kiyoshi's shoulders.
"It's nothing," Kiyoshi replied.
"Kiyoshi, want to grab a bite later?" Asuma asked excitedly. He was dying to know what kind of mission Kiyoshi had been on.
"...Sure," Kiyoshi agreed after a moment's thought. He could eat and then go pick up Guren before starting his period of seclusion to master the Flying Thunder God and Black Lightning before the next deployment—likely the Battle of Kannabi Bridge.
...
The Hyuga Clan.
The Hyuga estate felt somewhat desolate. The war was intensifying, and enemies coveting the Byakugan were everywhere. The Branch House had suffered heavy casualties protecting the Main House, ensuring the eyes didn't fall into enemy hands.
"Hizashi, you've worked hard lately," Hiashi Hyuga said, looking at his twin brother.
"It is nothing, Brother," Hizashi replied, bowing his head. Inside his sleeve, his hand was clenched tight. With so many Branch members dead, he couldn't help but feel a sense of shared grief.
To the Hyuga, the only real value lay in the Main House. The Branch House was merely a collection of consumables. Like Hizashi, many other Branch members wore desolate expressions.
"Natsu, you and Kiyoshi are classmates, correct?" Hiashi asked, shifting topics. As long as the Caged Bird Curse existed, the Branch House could never truly betray the Hyuga.
"Yes, Lord Hiashi," Natsu Hyuga replied. She was a bit panicked, wondering why the clan head had suddenly brought her and Kiyoshi up. 'Had he found out I leaked some of the Gentle Fist techniques to him?'
Beside her, Ginka Hyuga was also uneasy. If Natsu was found out, it might lead back to her. Even though she had made peace with Kiyoshi, the clan head might still punish them severely to set an example.
"Kiyoshi Uchiha has performed exceptionally well recently. If you have the time, you should interact with him more," Hiashi said calmly.
The news of the ten thousand Stone ninjas fighting the Third Raikage was still classified, known only to clan heads and trusted confidants. Kiyoshi's performance had caught everyone's eye.
A genius who hasn't grown up is just an investment; a genius who has already completed their accumulation and is on the verge of greatness requires much more careful handling.
Hiashi knew that once Kiyoshi mastered whatever forbidden jutsu he chose from the Scroll of Seals, his strength would enter an entirely new stage.