After Uchiha Kiyo and his clones made their plans, they each proceeded with their respective tasks.
Another year passed.
Konoha Year 42.
On Clear Island, Uchiha Kiyo was experimenting with the Ice Release he had developed not long ago. With the chakra of the Three-Tails, he could observe the transformation of chakra into Ice Release chakra at any time. Additionally, his Mist clone occasionally created ice using Ice Release for research and analysis, sharing the results through their linked memories. Within a year, Uchiha Kiyo successfully mastered Ice Release.
Of course, the theoretical groundwork he had established before played a crucial role.
Wind + Water = Ice.
Initially, Uchiha Kiyo found the combination perplexing.
Shouldn't ice form when water is cooled to its freezing point? How was wind involved?
Repeatedly studying the transformation of Three-Tails' chakra into Ice Release chakra, coupled with the shared research from his clones, Uchiha Kiyo uncovered the key.
The Ice Release used by the Three-Tails and the Yuki Clan was not a result of simply lowering water temperature but rather altering its structural composition. In the ninja world, there were no microscopic particles such as molecules—matter was composed of natural energy.
The primary difference between water and ice lay in their structure. To develop Ice Release, one had to manipulate this structure to solidify water instantaneously. However, this process released significant heat, which would normally cause the ice to revert to water immediately.
This was where Wind Release played its role.
Wind Release dispersed the excess heat while also reducing atmospheric pressure around the water, raising its freezing point and facilitating ice formation. In short, the function of Wind Release in Ice Release was complex and peculiar.
Uchiha Kiyo speculated that this was why only the Yuki Clan had mastered Ice Release in the ninja world. Even the early members of the Yuki Clan who first developed Ice Release may have done so accidentally. Alternatively, their bloodline may have been influenced by the Three-Tails' chakra, making them more naturally attuned to Ice Release.
If the latter was true, then even the earliest Ice Release users among the Yuki Clan might not have fully understood the mechanics behind their ability.
With this realization, Uchiha Kiyo felt a sense of pride. Unlike them, he had uncovered the fundamental principles through meticulous research and deduction.
He had broken the conventions of Ice Release by combining the fluidity of wind and water, proving that the fusion of the two could yield a new path.
Now that Ice Release was successfully developed, Uchiha Kiyo turned his attention to refining his body further.
With his prior experience, he transformed his chakra into wind or water and circulated it within his body, enhancing his constitution. He also investigated the compatibility of multiple bloodline limits within the body.
Before adapting to Ice Release, Uchiha Kiyo tested this with his clones and formulated a hypothesis.
The conflict between different bloodline limits wasn't due to an inherent incompatibility, but rather the adaptation process each bloodline limit required.
When a new bloodline limit was acquired, it caused fundamental genetic changes within the body—what Kiyo called the "adaptation period." This was a slow, imperceptible transformation. Any interference during this period could result in catastrophic consequences.
The only factors capable of disrupting this process were those that similarly affected genetics—namely, another bloodline limit.
For example, attempting to adapt to Ice Release while the body was still adjusting to Lava Release would cause a mutation in the adaptation process, leading to bodily collapse.
"Of course, the issue isn't with Lava Release itself, but rather the ninja's inability to control it properly," Uchiha Kiyo noted.
When he first adapted to Lava Release, he had taken a risk by not considering potential conflicts with his Sharingan. He had subconsciously viewed the Sharingan as a separate organ rather than a bloodline trait. Fortunately, either Lava Release did not affect the eyes, or the Sharingan's higher rank overpowered any potential conflict.
Just as he had manipulated Ice and Wind chakra to aid in adaptation, he theorized that his Sharingan, being more advanced, had allowed Lava Release to integrate smoothly.
"As long as I control my body properly and ensure that no traces of Lava Release chakra interfere while adapting to Ice Release, there won't be any problems."
Uchiha Kiyo was confident in his conclusion—and he was right.
He succeeded.
There was no conflict. He had completed the second adaptation.
"Qi Practice is complete!"
Although developing Ice Release had enhanced his physical capabilities, it had not resulted in a fundamental transformation. The notion of "completion" in Qi training was something Uchiha Kiyo had defined for himself.
It was a symbolic milestone—another step toward refining his body.
In the future, he might define additional stages like "Qi Practice Peak" or "Great Completion of Qi Practice."
Just as some cultivators continued Qi practice beyond its usual limits before advancing to the next stage, he saw room for further refinement.
"In fact, this could also be a measure of talent."
Continuously adapting to multiple bloodline limits required precise bodily control to prevent accidental chakra interference. This was an incredibly difficult feat, perhaps even more challenging than advancing through standard chakra training levels.
"Maybe cultivating multiple bloodline limits can lay a stronger foundation."
Uchiha Kiyo justified his definition of "Qi Practice Completion" in his own way.
Having finalized his Ice Release, he delegated the development of Ice Release jutsu to his clones. As with Lava Release, his focus would be on daily adaptation to further integrate the ability into his body.
This adaptation process, while subtle, would determine the efficiency of his bloodline chakra transformation and overall combat effectiveness.
---
Konoha.
Meanwhile, Hui—Uchiha Kiyo's clone in Konoha—was undergoing changes of his own.
With secret support from Uchiha Fugaku, Hui's identity had become more established. He was no longer just an assistant to Orochimaru; he now had an official record as a Konoha ninja in the archives of the Uchiha Police Force.
With additional documentation forged by Danzo, Hui's identity was flawless—so long as he was never exposed.
With a legitimate status, Hui began taking on missions and interacting with Konoha ninja, slowly integrating himself into the village.
Because his interactions with external forces were carried out through Uchiha Kiyo's main body using the Silent Recovery Technique, Hui displayed no suspicious behavior, leaving no traces behind.
After a year of uneventful missions, Konoha's suspicions about him had begun to fade. His file in Konoha's records had changed from "Unknown" to "Temporarily Safe."
"It might be time to approach Obito."
After all, Kamui was a troublesome ability.
Uchiha Kiyo still remembered the discomfort of being watched by Obito that day. While he wasn't afraid, Obito's unpredictable movements were frustrating.
It was best to find a way to restrain him.
For this, Hui's identity needed to be even more secure.
Additionally, his plan regarding White Fang required a credible persona.
There wasn't much time left before Sakumo Hatake's death. If Uchiha Kiyo wanted to intervene and alter his fate, he needed to establish a solid position within Konoha.
"Sakumo, I'm going to great lengths to save you. If you remain stubborn, well…"
Thinking about the effort he had put into his plan only for Sakumo to refuse to change, Hui felt a headache coming.
"Forget it. Let's save him first—then we'll deal with the rest."
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