[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha":3,"chapter-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-18":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"chinese","Starting Off with Horse and Sword in Konoha",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},2349069,4591,"Chapter 18: Genma","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-18",18,"\u003Cp>Although they did not pursue, Mimura Yōkan immediately created a shadow clone to head for the first defensive line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Rest in place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebisu couldn’t help asking: “Teacher Yōkan, who were those enemies just now—which ninja village?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Probably the Sand Ninja?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyūga Mio speculated: “All these ninja were skilled in Wind Release techniques, especially the one Akima killed—he cut Akima’s short sword clean in half with one slash.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan gave no answer, but turned to Fujinaka Genma: “Akima, what do Itachi think?”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma thought for a moment and said: “It could be any of the other four ninja villages. Though each village has its specialties, that doesn’t mean only the Sand Ninja use Wind Release.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Besides, no matter which village they’re from, we don’t need to dig into it—just fight them back if they dare come through.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan nodded, looking at Ebisu: “Akima is right. Don’t assume your enemy’s identity or their preferred techniques.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“If Itachi don’t know your opponent’s intel during combat, Itachi must probe to find it out.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Unless Itachi’re certain Itachi can kill them in one strike!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Ebisu immediately nodded seriously: “Teacher Yōkan, I understand!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In ninja combat, intelligence is crucial.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Misjudge the enemy’s intel, and even a Jonin can be killed by a Genin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, ninja villages rank their ninja not purely by combat power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Having guided Ebisu, Mimura Yōkan turned to Fujinaka Genma: “Akima, your Lightning Release is already highly refined. To advance further won’t happen overnight.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Perhaps Itachi should try mastering other chakra nature transformations—try to eliminate any obvious weaknesses.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To any other Genin, Mimura Yōkan would never make such an aggressive suggestion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But Fujinaka Genma’s demonstrated abilities across all areas have reached Jonin level—he can train exactly as a Jonin would.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Jonin typically master two to three, or even all chakra nature transformations except Yin and Yang.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Of course, mastery doesn’t mean proficiency.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even Jonin might be proficient in only one or two techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing Mimura Yōkan’s words, Fujinaka Genma nodded seriously: “Teacher Yōkan, I’ve been considering the same thing—I just haven’t acted yet, and I haven’t decided where to begin.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This wasn’t empty politeness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As Mimura Yōkan said, at his level, Lightning Release progress requires time and refinement.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Unless someone teaches him a superior technique, or Fujinaka Genma uses his Kengan system to directly add skill points.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The former—there’s virtually no one in Konoha more skilled in Lightning Release than Fujinaka Genma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The latter—he’s reluctant to waste precious skill points on ordinary Lightning Release techniques.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if he adds points, it should be later, after the skill reaches level six and further improvement becomes difficult—that’s when it’ll have maximum effect, not now, when there’s still room to grow.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Back in Konoha, Fujinaka Genma hadn’t yet decided to train other chakra nature transformations—but this battle just now convinced him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Too bad Konoha lacks the Cloud Village’s Lightning Release chakra mode—that’s what he most regrets.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Otherwise, he’d have perfected Lightning Release first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Then, with Lightning Release alone, he could have established himself—and even dominated—the ninja world early on.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But now, developing it himself—even with the Kengan system—would take far too long.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So for now, broaden his skills first.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Release, for instance, would be a good choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Upon hearing Fujinaka Genma’s answer, Mimura Yōkan smiled and said: “I master Earth, Fire, Wind, and Water Release. Itachi already know Fire Release—choose one from the other three.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Amazing!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Teacher Yōkan, Itachi’re incredible—mastering four chakra nature transformations!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyūga Mio and Ebisu exclaimed in unison.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan now appeared somewhat mature, around thirty, but he was only twenty-seven.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mastering four chakra nature transformations at this age was indeed impressive.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His ability to fight two enemy Jonin to a standstill just now proved it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan smiled silently, watching Fujinaka Genma, waiting for his choice.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma didn’t hesitate long: “Teacher Yōkan, I’d like to start with Wind Release chakra nature transformation.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Release is currently the most suitable technique to integrate into his combat system.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Good!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan nodded. “For the next phase of missions, Itachi and Akima will be paired, Mio and Ebisu together.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Also, Ebisu—Itachi two can’t slack off just because the mission is easy.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Though Itachi’re already outstanding among your peers, Itachi can still become even better.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hyūga Mio and Ebisu immediately straightened their postures and nodded solemnly: “Yes, we’ll work harder!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Not long after, Mimura Yōkan’s shadow clone dispelled, returning its information.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The ninja team they had repelled earlier had broken through from another direction; Konoha suffered no casualties.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The full context of the incident was now clear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enemy had exploited a gap in Konoha’s patrol route, slipping past the first patrol line undetected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But they hadn’t expected the second, hastily arranged patrol line.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for how the enemy had so easily uncovered the patrol gap, Mimura Yōkan didn’t say—but Fujinaka Genma was certain it involved a spy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But that had nothing to do with him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The problem lay with the ninja teams on the first patrol line; when the Anbu investigated, it wouldn’t involve them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Still, this meant that for the next few days, as the second-tier team, they must be cautious—so Fujinaka Genma’s plan to train Wind Release chakra nature transformation must be delayed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That night, Hyūga Mio detected someone approaching from behind—the Konoha direction.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Though likely Konoha ninja sent to meet them, out of caution, Fujinaka Genma’s three-man team was stationed in hiding, while Mimura Yōkan alone stepped forward to make contact.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan: “The leaf burns.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Masked ninja: “The will of fire.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing the password exchange, Fujinaka Genma, hidden, couldn’t help silently scoffing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This password was ridiculous—looked like a hollow ritual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma observed silently, when suddenly Hyūga Mio whispered: “Akima, something’s off.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“There are others behind these Anbu—two four-man teams approaching. That contradicts the intel we received.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Huh?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma raised an eyebrow, signaled covert hand gestures to Hyūga Mio and Ebisu, then used Body Flicker to suddenly appear beside Mimura Yōkan: “Teacher Yōkan, there are others behind them—two teams.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan frowned, raising a hand to stop the four masked, cloak-clad Anbu from crossing the line: “Explain who’s following Itachi.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Don’t tell me Itachi didn’t know they were there!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The lead Anbu, wearing a dog mask, spoke calmly: “We know. But they’re acting on the Hokage’s orders; we’re acting on Danzō’s orders. Unrelated.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Since the password is confirmed, step aside. Don’t delay our mission.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma frowned inwardly: “So they’re not the Hokage’s direct Anbu—they’re from Root.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan’s gaze sharpened: “Then let’s wait until the others arrive.”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The password matched—but the situation didn’t.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wouldn’t let them pass, even if they were Root.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But what if?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even if the chance was zero, he had to prepare for it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Passwords could be leaked; impostors posing as Anbu weren’t impossible.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Interfering with Root’s mission gives us reason to kill Itachi!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The dog-masked Root ninja spoke coldly; the other three immediately gripped the hilts of their blades.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma drew his own short sword, its blade broken halfway; in hiding, Hyūga Mio and Ebisu held their breath, readying for battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No matter what, they’d stand firmly beside Fujinaka Genma.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The atmosphere froze.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two sides faced off.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Suddenly, three Root ninja drew their blades and vanished from their spots.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma’s body shimmered with white lightning, and he vanished too.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A sharp clang rang out, followed by two muffled groans.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma landed in a half-crouch, then saw Hyūga Mio and Ebisu flung backward, unconscious on the ground—his eyes turned icy.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sheathed his blade, formed hand seals: Shadow Clone Technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two shadow clones appeared on either side; meanwhile, Mimura Yōkan, who had been on guard and not yet moved, completed his jutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Water Release: Great Waterfall Technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan spat out a torrent of water, surging toward the four Root ninja.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma, after summoning his clones, immediately used Lightning Release: Ground Rush—the lightning spread with the water, amplifying Mimura Yōkan’s jutsu, forcing the four Root ninja to leap upward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At that moment, Fujinaka Genma and both shadow clones were enveloped in crackling lightning, shooting skyward like bolts, the Chidori’s shriek echoing.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mimura Yōkan leapt upward as well.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Four versus four!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Eight figures clashed midair, clashing sounds ringing continuously, then each landed with a splash on the water’s surface.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma and Michimura Yajuan were unharmed, but both of Fujinaka Genma’s shadow clones were eliminated.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Across from them, one of the Root ninja’s masks, who had been dueling Fujinaka Genma, split cleanly in two and fell away, revealing a face devoid of expression.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Another had a dangling arm, fractured by Fujinaka Genma’s kick.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yet Fujinaka Genma felt no triumph—only a lingering chill.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Had he not activated the Body Replacement Technique at the critical moment, swapping his true body with one of the shadow clones, it would not have been two clones destroyed—but one of them, his real body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“No wonder Itachi’re elite Root—Itachi traded one hand for my life!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fujinaka Genma’s heart grew cold.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>“Yajuan, wait!”\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As they were about to resume combat, a shout rang out.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The two ninja squads detected by Hyuga Mio arrived.\u003C\u002Fp>",1510,"2026-06-21T02:29:34.312Z",1,"Qwen3-Next 80B","3d05cb6700fb2106e7ae5dcb5179fe0d7999085fc1e2c9a4365f8dd9331e04b7","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-19","starting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-chapter-17",157,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fstarting-off-with-horse-and-sword-in-konoha-cover.jpg"]