shadow hokage dark moon

Chapter 14: Improving Wood Release

Uchiha Tsukiko took a deep breath as he studied the contents of the scroll. Every Wood Release technique recorded within contained immense power. If he could master them, his strength would undoubtedly reach new heights.

Without hesitation, Tsukiko decided to begin training immediately. His first choice was a classic and iconic jutsu—Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence.

This technique, once used by Senju Hashirama, could rapidly create a dense forest across the battlefield, serving both offensive and defensive purposes.

Standing alone in an open training field, Tsukiko steadied his breath and focused his chakra.

Following the scroll's instructions, he gathered his Wood Release chakra, guiding it deep into the earth and merging it with natural energy.

"Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!"

His hands rapidly formed the necessary seals, and as he slammed his palms onto the ground, a massive surge of chakra rushed outward.

The ground trembled.

Small saplings sprouted instantly, growing into tall trees in mere moments. The forest expanded rapidly, covering a large portion of the training ground.

However…

Something was wrong.

Tsukiko frowned as he examined the results.

Though the trees had successfully grown, the forest was far from the legendary scale that Hashirama had once demonstrated.

In his mind's eye, he recalled Hashirama's version of this jutsu—an entire battlefield transformed into a massive sea of trees, capable of restraining even Tailed Beasts.

In comparison, what Tsukiko had created was just a grove.

He sighed.

"This barely qualifies as a 'small forest,' let alone Deep Forest Emergence..."

Frustration began to creep in.

He had expected more from himself, especially with his Senju bloodline and enhanced Sage Body.

Why wasn't it working?

Tsukiko stood amidst the newly grown trees, analyzing his chakra flow and control.

His conclusion was clear—while his chakra reserves had increased, he still lacked the precise control and sheer volume needed to fully unleash Hashirama's Wood Release.

He also realized something critical—

Hashirama barely needed seals to activate his techniques.

For him, it was as simple as clapping his hands together and commanding nature to obey.

Even Madara Uchiha, his eternal rival, had reached a point where hand seals became irrelevant in combat.

Tsukiko could almost hear them mocking him from beyond the grave—

"Who needs hand seals? A real ninja just uses their hands!"

Even Tobirama Senju, a master of ninjutsu theory, would probably scoff at him for relying on seals.

Tsukiko clenched his fists.

For monsters like Hashirama and Madara, chakra control was flawless, allowing them to bend nature to their will effortlessly.

But Tsukiko wasn't at their level—yet.

If he wanted to close the gap, he needed to adapt Wood Release to his own capabilities.

Developing New Wood Release Techniques

Realizing he needed to tailor Wood Release to his current skill level, Tsukiko decided to modify and simplify Hashirama's techniques.

His first test subject? Wood Clone Jutsu.

Unlike Shadow Clones, Wood Clones had physical bodies, making them much more durable.

However, when Tsukiko attempted the technique, his clones felt unstable.

To counteract this, he increased the number of hand seals, allowing for more controlled chakra distribution.

After several failed attempts, Tsukiko finally succeeded in creating a stable Wood Clone, albeit with a longer casting time than Hashirama's instantaneous activation.

Progress was slow, but steady.

Over two weeks, Tsukiko continued experimenting, eventually developing several modified Wood Release techniques:

1. Wood Release: Forest Bloom

(A simplified version of Deep Forest Emergence)

Smaller-scale but faster-growing trees.

Ideal for battlefield control and ambush tactics.

Lacks the immense suppressive power of Hashirama's original technique but is more practical for Tsukiko's current level.

2. Wood Clone Jutsu (Revised)

Slower casting time but significantly stronger durability.

Clones last longer in battle and can take multiple hits before dispersing.

Can extend branches to attack or defend.

3. Wood Release: Piercing Branch Jutsu

(Inspired by "Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs")

Creates razor-sharp wooden spears that impale enemies.

If embedded into a target's body, the branches can continue growing, causing internal damage.

More lethal than standard Wood Release techniques.

4. Wood Release: Wooden Pillar Wall

(A defensive variation of the Wood Release techniques)

A strong, arched wooden barrier rises from the ground to protect Tsukiko from incoming attacks.

Can be reinforced with additional layers of wood.

Tsukiko could feel himself improving.

While his Wood Release was still a far cry from Hashirama's, he was learning to adapt it to his own strengths.

However…

There was one major flaw.

Hashirama's Wood Release absorbed chakra from enemies, rendering them helpless once trapped.

Tsukiko's version? It lacked that crucial ability.

His current Wood Release techniques were more about raw force and piercing power. While effective, they weren't as overwhelming as Hashirama's restraining techniques.

"I still have a long way to go."

A New Training Focus: Taijutsu

With his revised Wood Release techniques taking shape, Tsukiko decided to shift part of his focus to Taijutsu.

He knew that against certain enemies—especially Ōtsutsuki clan members—ninjutsu would be heavily restricted.

In such situations, Taijutsu and Sage Techniques would be his only means of survival.

Tsukiko arrived at a secluded training ground, preparing to hone his physical abilities.

However, as he began his exercises, he noticed something.

In the distance, a father and son were engaged in intense Taijutsu training.

The father's movements were steady and precise, his attacks calm yet powerful.

Meanwhile, his son fought with youthful energy, his strikes raw but filled with potential.

Tsukiko observed them silently.

The father was clearly an experienced warrior, and the son—though still developing—had natural talent.

Tsukiko narrowed his eyes.

"Perhaps… training with them could accelerate my progress."

Without hesitation, he approached the two.