UCHIHA LIBERATOR (NARUTO X MALE UCHIHA OC)

Chapter 7

3rd person POV

A few days after mastering the Transformation Jutsu, Ryuichi found himself back at the training ground with his mother, Mikoto. She had promised to teach him another essential shinobi technique, and today, they were going to tackle the *Substitution Jutsu*—a skill vital for survival in combat.

Mikoto stood across from Ryuichi, her expression calm but focused as always. "Today, we'll be working on the Substitution Jutsu" she began. "It's a basic technique, but one that can save your life in battle. The jutsu allows you to switch places with a nearby object, like a log or a rock, just before you're struck by an attack. It's a defensive jutsu meant to evade harm and position yourself out of danger."

Ryuichi's eyes widened in curiosity, listening intently as his mother continued.

"In a fight, using the Substitution Jutsu can give you the upper hand by confusing your opponent. They'll think they've landed a hit, only to realize they've struck a decoy while you've already repositioned yourself to counter or escape." Mikoto's eyes locked onto his, emphasizing the seriousness of the technique. "However, like all jutsu, it has its limitations. You need to have an object within range to substitute with, and timing is crucial. If your reflexes aren't sharp enough, you might not escape in time."

Ryuichi nodded, absorbing her words. "What are the hand seals for it?" he asked.

Mikoto smiled at his eagerness. "The seals are a bit more complex than what you're used to. You'll need to memorize these: Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, and Snake." She moved her hands gracefully, performing the sequence as she explained. "The key to mastering this jutsu is timing. You need to execute the substitution just before the attack hits—any sooner, and your opponent will see through it. Any later, and you might get hurt."

Mikoto stepped back, ready to demonstrate. She moved quickly through the hand seals—*Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, Snake*—and in the blink of an eye, she vanished. A moment later, Ryuichi saw that his mother had switched places with a nearby log. It was seamless, almost effortless.

Ryuichi stared, impressed. "That's amazing!" he exclaimed, excitement bubbling up inside him.

Mikoto reappeared, brushing off her hands. "The Substitution Jutsu is derived from the Body Flicker Jutsu, a high-speed movement technique. If you learn this jutsu well, it'll help you understand how the Body Flicker works, and you may be able to master it in the future."

Ryuichi's eyes lit up at the mention of the Body Flicker Jutsu. He had heard stories about shinobi who could move so fast that they seemed to disappear, and the idea of learning something that could lead to such a powerful technique filled him with determination.

"Now, it's your turn," Mikoto said, stepping aside to give him room.

Ryuichi nodded, taking a deep breath as he readied himself. He performed the hand seals slowly at first—*Tiger, Boar, Ox, Dog, Snake*—feeling the chakra build up inside him. He focused on a nearby log, visualizing the substitution in his mind. With a puff of smoke, he attempted the jutsu... but when the smoke cleared, Ryuichi was still standing in the same spot. The log hadn't moved either.

He blinked in surprise, disappointment quickly creeping in. "I didn't move," he muttered.

Mikoto chuckled softly, walking over to him. "That's okay, Ryuichi. The Substitution Jutsu is tricky, especially for younger shinobi. The timing needs to be perfect, and it requires you to focus on both the attack and the object you're switching with. You'll get there."

But Ryuichi was determined not to give up. For the next week, he trained tirelessly, practicing the hand seals and trying to get the timing just right. He started by going through the motions slowly, memorizing the feel of the chakra moving through his body as he performed each seal.