Chapter 32: Learning the Mizushō

I was covered in sweat, dirt, and injuries as I extended my hand out and started rotating my chakra counterclockwise.

I then applied Water Release, and it looked like a whirlpool. Suddenly, it became unstable and started rotating faster and faster, becoming even more unstable. The rapid rotation caused the whirlpool to lose its shape and expand.

Suddenly, I was thrown back and hit a big rock. The jutsu stopped, and I coughed up blood.

I tried to stand up but fell back down. I started thinking of quitting when I heard a voice in my head.

It's been one month since the old lady left. One whole month of practice, huh? And you still can't get it right? Maybe you're just not cut out for this jutsu. Why don't you just give up.'

I paused for a moment as i thought 'give up huh. That would be nice and easier than learning this jutsu.'

Before I said, "Hey, Yukino... Thanks for the advice, but I'm not one to back down so easily. I told you I would become a Kage-level shinobi." I managed to stand up as I started rotating chakra in my right hand. "I'll keep getting stronger," I added Water Release, and it looked like a whirlpool. "I'll kill Danzo," the rotation started getting faster, but I managed to control it as I started running towards a tree. "And then I'll return to the Leaf Village!" I hit my hand against the tree, destroying it into tiny bits.

I smiled as I mumbled, "I did it."

Then I fainted from chakra exhaustion.

*Yukino's POV*

I smirked seeing Hinoka perform the Mizushō and remembered what she told me eleven years ago.

She was a peculiar kid; at one, she could talk in full sentences, but I'm guessing that was because of Orochimaru.

One day, I met her. She wandered around in her mindscape, a forest covered in ice.

When she met me, the first thing she said was, 'Hey, I'm Hinoka, and if you want, I can let you become my friend.'

She didn't wonder why I was there, maybe it was because she was a kid, but still...

I told her, 'No thanks,' and she just smiled and said, 'Yeah well, I'm going to become super strong! A Kage-level shinobi! And everybody will know me! Other shinobi village's will fear me. So, you better become my friend now or I won't be able to become your friend later 'cause I'll be too famous!'

And since then, she mastered multiple jutsus; she gave me the name Yukino since I didn't have a name. She said she wouldn't accept my help voluntarily until I became her friend.

People called her a prodigy, but they never saw how hard she practiced.

She had all her memories from since she was born, but even though, she still smiled.

*Hinoka's POV*

"Kid, kid!" I opened my eyes to see the old lady in front of me.

As I sat up, she asked, "So why are you sleeping outside?"

"I'm not sleeping outside! I passed out from chakra exhaustion!"

"You're so reckless that you used so much chakra to that point? You do know you still have to rest."

Hearing that reminded me of what I used to say to Sasuke.

I stood up as I said, "Of course I do. Hey, old lady, could you summon the big Lion."

"Could you please stop calling me."

"Yeah, yeah, just do it."

The old lady sighed as she then summoned the lion.

As I looked at the lion, I smiled and said, "I learned the Mizushō!"

The old lady turned to me, surprised.

I extended my hand, and my chakra started swirling. I applied Water Release, and as I ran towards a tree, I increased the speed and power.

As soon as I hit the tree with my hand, it was blown to pieces.

I turned to the lion who said, "You're impressive. It took Yumi about half a year to perfect it."

I was shocked as I asked, "Seriously?!"

The old lady chuckled. As I turned to the lion and asked, "So will you sign a contract with me?"

The lion paused for a moment, then said, "You have proven you're a strong kid, so I will sign a contract with you."

I finished signing the contract with the lion as he said, "I am Ryūjishi, the leader of the lions. If you ever need help summon me."