Having a better understanding of the Magnetic Release, Ma Jia temporarily put aside the idea of researching Lightning Release and instead focused on Sand Release.
Because he needed to develop a Kekkei Genkai on his own, Ma Jia's task was quite heavy. Fortunately, Uchiha Kiyo did not object, and there was no pressure to continue researching Lightning Release for the time being.
"Ma Jia's primary affinity is Wind Release. With my Earth Release expertise, developing Sand Release should be easier, but I have no idea how long it will take."
There were no real references. Rasa's Gold Dust manipulation didn't truly count—it wasn't an actual Kekkei Genkai, just a specialized technique.
True Sand Release, like Lava Release, Ice Release, and Wood Release, would be far more challenging to master.
Uchiha Kiyo was highly invested in Ma Jia's development.
He even considered infiltrating Sunagakure and acquiring some of Shukaku's chakra.
After all, Sand Release was too important.
With Sand Release, money would never be an issue!
Of course, Ma Jia's strength would also increase significantly.
"Sand Release isn't exactly like Magnetic Release as I initially thought. There are differences—this is interesting."
"It's more like a force applied directly to metallic substances, but it's not magnetism in the traditional sense. It's something similar yet distinct."
"Forget it. I'll leave this to the Ma Jia clone to study. I should focus on developing my Wood Release."
Uchiha Kiyo looked down at what he was holding—a plain sheet of specially crafted paper, created by blending Earth and Water Release.
Paper Release. Uchiha Kiyo had figured it out.
It had no special abilities, no unique elemental enhancements, and didn't seem to have any specific techniques associated with it.
It was just… paper.
"No elemental advantage."
That was the clearest thing Uchiha Kiyo noticed.
"No, there is something unique about it—the stability. These sheets last much longer than pure Earth or Water Release creations."
Had he formed a more stable structure?
Interesting.
Although this was a failed fusion in terms of elemental power, it had still produced a new material. Would other elemental combinations yield similar byproducts?
Though Paper Release lacked inherent strength or elemental augmentation, its composition could be adjusted.
Yes, it was adjustable.
The formation of Paper Release allowed for variations in composition rather than a fixed ratio.
By modifying the ratio, different types of paper with unique properties could be created.
A high Earth Release content resulted in increased hardness. Controlling the chakra during fusion altered the thickness and sharpness of the sheets.
One particular variation exhibited exceptional flexibility and durability—ideal for crafting Explosive Tags.
The paper used for Explosive Tags wasn't ordinary; it required a special manufacturing process to endure the Fire Release seal within.
This demanded high-quality materials.
And one of Paper Release's greatest advantages?
It could directly generate this specialized paper.
Of course, Uchiha Kiyo had yet to determine the exact composition needed for Explosive Tags.
For now, Wood Release research would have to wait.
If he could perfect this technique, he could mass-produce Explosive Tags and sell them.
The profit margin might not be as high as extracting gold with Sand Release, but Explosive Tags were always in demand.
The revenue would be sufficient to fund his activities and those of his clones, reducing the need for external financial distractions.
Konoha.
Ever since White Fang regained consciousness, Hui had remained by his side.
He wasn't taking any chances—he was genuinely afraid that White Fang might try to disappear.
Despite explaining things, Hui couldn't guarantee what White Fang would decide.
"I've done what I could. Konoha's future isn't something for you to interfere with anymore.
I didn't bring you back just so you could give up again."
"Also, since you chose to seal a part of your soul within Kakashi, it means you still have unfinished business. So why not live and make things right?"
Not long after waking, White Fang had sunk into despair, struggling with the contradictions of the ninja world.
It was dangerous when a person believed their life had no meaning.
"This wasn't your fault. The darkness within the village leadership is to blame. Why should you be the one to bear the burden?"
"You've already sacrificed so much—once should have been enough.
You don't need to keep throwing yourself away."
"If your suicide didn't change the village, it means it was the wrong approach.
Try something different."
"Go and change this system."
Hearing Hui's words, a flicker of light returned to White Fang's eyes.
He was right—it wasn't his fault.
He had already given his life once, hoping it would wake people up and change their ways.
If that was the correct decision, why was he feeling this way?
Perhaps his actions had already had an impact!
If not, then he needed a new approach.
Seeing the determination in White Fang's eyes, Hui finally exhaled in relief.
A great man shouldn't be drowning in despair.
Good—he had been persuaded.
"Looks like you've found your path."
"But I advise you—keep your survival a secret.
Whatever you plan, operate from the shadows."
White Fang was startled.
He hadn't thought of that, but Hui was right.
His sacrifice was still fresh in people's minds. Whether it had the desired effect or not, revealing that he was alive could complicate things.
Living in the shadows…
How nostalgic.
Silently protecting Konoha from the darkness…
That familiar feeling.
Was that what Kiyo was doing as well?
As White Fang looked at him, Hui anticipated the question and shook his head.
"No."
"I'm not like you. After Danzo tried to have me assassinated multiple times, and the Third Hokage stood by and did nothing, my ties to Konoha were severed.
I won't fight for Konoha—I live for myself now."
"No, Kiyo. I know you still care about Konoha.
Even if you left, you still maintain an identity within the village, don't you?"
White Fang's Will of Fire burned strong.
Hui fell silent, which White Fang mistook as hesitation.
See?
Kiyo still had ties to Konoha.
"No. Unlike you, I need access to information.
The only reason I maintain my cover in Konoha is for intelligence gathering."
This was the truth, so even White Fang couldn't find any deception in it.
"…I see."
The light in White Fang's eyes dimmed slightly.
Damn it.
The Third Hokage. Danzo. What have you done?
You forced a genius like Kiyo away from the village.
Even my own ideology was shaken because of you.
Kiyo's betrayal wasn't just about him—it was a symptom of Konoha's deeper rot.
Hui didn't dwell on it. He had wasted enough time.
He needed to confirm White Fang's resolve and then return to his own work.
He had no time for sentimentality.
His Wood Release development was advancing quickly—if he didn't involve himself, he might miss his opportunity.
"So, what's next?"
"I think you should figure out a way to solve your identity problem.
But you'll have to handle that yourself—I can't help."
"Kiyo, I'm already grateful that you saved me.
I won't trouble you further. I'll deal with my identity on my own."
Hui rolled his eyes.
This man had been ready to die just moments ago, and now he was acting all self-sufficient?
With his injuries fully healed, White Fang left Hui's care.
Finally.
One less concern.
At his base, Uchiha Kiyo exhaled as Hui's memories synced.
If he was to change the world, he had to start somewhere.
And changing one fate at a time was just the beginning.
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