UCHIHA LIBERATOR (NARUTO X MALE UCHIHA OC)

Chapter 13

Ryuichi POV

Two years went by pretty quickly, most of my time went into shinobi training, I had come a long way in my training. My skills in fire jutsu had grown significantly; I had mastered the Phoenix Fire and Fire Bullet Jutsu, reducing each to just two hand seals. Most notably, I could now perform the Great Fireball Jutsu with a single hand seal, creating a fireball as immense as my father's. This achievement meant a lot to me—it was a sign that I was beginning to approach his level, though I still had a long way to go.

With my growth in medical ninjutsu, I felt increasingly confident about my abilities. I was at a point where I could undertake missions as a field medic without anyone doubting my competence. To add to my arsenal, I decided to learn the Chakra Scalpel technique, which I saw as a promising offensive tool. When I eagerly told Tsunade-sensei about my plan, she laughed, clearly amused.

"You know," she said, still chuckling, "the Chakra Scalpel requires incredibly high chakra control. So high that it's nearly impossible to use effectively during combat, where your focus is constantly split." Her laugh quickly faded, replaced by a look of serious contemplation. "But," she added thoughtfully, "if there's one person who could pull it off, it's you, Ryuichi." She patted me on the back, giving me a rare look of encouragement.

Encouraging as her words were, mastering the Chakra Scalpel in combat was anything but easy. The technique demanded a level of concentration I found hard to sustain in the chaotic atmosphere of battle. However, I was determined. To bridge the gap, I committed to using the Chakra Scalpel throughout my day, incorporating it into even the simplest of movements. The goal was to make the jutsu muscle memory, to be able to rely on it instinctively rather than having to concentrate consciously in the middle of a fight.

While my progress in ninjutsu and medical techniques was steady and satisfying, fuinjutsu was another story entirely. Despite my hard work, I struggled in this area, especially when compared to Fuyumi. She was leagues ahead, her mastery over fuinjutsu something I could barely comprehend. While I was still refining basic sealing techniques, she had already learned how to create intricate barriers and even store jutsu within her seals.

Kushina tried to reassure me, reminding me that most people took far longer to achieve what I had in fuinjutsu. But it was hard not to feel a pang of frustration whenever Fuyumi demonstrated skills that felt so far beyond my reach.

Despite our friendly rivalry, Fuyumi and I were growing closer. We sparred in taijutsu nearly every other day, and in those countless matches, I learned to understand her better. Fuyumi was still quiet and guarded, rarely opening up about herself. I suspected her life outside the village had left scars she wasn't ready to share. I respected her silence, knowing that when – or if – she was ready, she would tell me herself.

I was practically bouncing as I made my way to the academy, excitement bubbling in my chest. Today, I'd finally be assigned to a genin team. This was the moment I'd been looking forward to—joining a team meant I'd soon be going on missions, training under a jonin sensei, and, best of all, gaining actual combat experience. So far, my closest taste of battle had been sparring sessions with Kakashi, and those weekly duels at the clan compound, while thrilling, were just a glimpse of the real thing. I'd learned a lot from those sessions with Kakashi, but my father always said, *"A jutsu is only as powerful as the creativity of its user. It becomes complete when you use it in ways that no one else can imagine."*

As I reached the academy doors, I took a deep breath, trying to temper my excitement, and slowly opened the door to the classroom where teams would be assigned. I'd arrived a few minutes early, unable to wait any longer. My eyes swept the room, quickly landing on Kakashi, who was seated in his usual spot. Oddly, though, Fuyumi sat beside him today, the two of them looking about as comfortable as cats in water. Their awkwardness was almost palpable.