Chapter 103: The Terrifying Breathing Techniques

"Shisui and Obito, you two will be learning the Flame Breathing technique, and Gai, you will be learning the Stone Breathing technique," Makoto announced the next ninjutsu they were about to learn.

Makoto had previously emphasized that what they were about to learn would be quite challenging, so even the typically outspoken Obito remained silent and paid close attention to Makoto's lecture.

Since Stone Breathing was the most difficult technique to master, Makoto first tasked his shadow clones to provide Shisui and Obito with the theoretical knowledge of breathing methods while he personally began teaching Might Gai the Stone Breathing technique.

"The key is skillful and concentrated breathing. Doing so you can draw in a significant amount of oxygen into every cell of your body, enhancing your strength and speed in all aspects," Makoto explained the principle behind the breathing technique.

"If you can learn Stone Breathing and maintain a state of total concentration, not only will your physical strength increase, but your body's healing speed will also improve, and your mental alertness will be heightened. Once you can sustain this throughout the day, your physical development will progress at a rate several times faster than your current pace. Proficiency in Stone Breathing will set you on the path to becoming the strongest taijutsu ninja," Makoto described the promising future that awaited Might Gai through the mastery of the Stone Breathing technique.

"Amazing!" Might Gai exclaimed with stars in his eyes. The prospect of doubling the effectiveness of his physical training was incredibly appealing.

This proposition was too enticing for Might Gai, who was determined to excel as a taijutsu ninja.

"Gai, please step back a bit," Makoto said as he prepared to demonstrate the true power of Stone Breathing to Might Gai.

"!"

Makoto took in a deep breath, filling his body with oxygen, stimulating the power in every cell, and finally channeling it into his index finger. With the addition of chakra, he pointed his finger towards the river, which was eighty meters away.

Whoosh!

The powerful force from his finger created a massive gust of wind, and a transparent shock wave sped toward the river.

In the next moment, there was a tremendous explosion.

Boom!

A deafening roar echoed through the river, creating waves over ten meters high, even sending some fish flying onto the shore.

Thud Thud Thud

Flip Flip

"This is the power that Stone Breathing can unleash through concentrated breathing," Makoto said, lowering his hand.

"The destructive power is incredible!" Might Gai was in awe. They were more than 80 meters away from the river, and the force he witnessed was staggering. Who could withstand such a technique?

"You will become even stronger in the future," Makoto reassured him with a smile, patting Might Gai's head.

"I'll work hard and practice diligently!" Might Gai was filled with excitement, with thoughts of the breathing technique and Makoto's powerful finger attack on his mind.

"Let's begin your practice then. Stand still," Makoto began the formal training.

Upon hearing his instructions, Might Gai straightened his chest, raised his head, and stood at attention.

"Relax your upper body, take a deep breath, and maintain a firm lower body," Makoto instructed, starting with the most fundamental and critical aspect of the breathing technique.

Might Gai followed his guidance, but Makoto shook his head and added, "Breathe forcefully from your abdomen. Remember to use your abdominal muscles, and keep your mouth closed."

Makoto demonstrated a few more times before having Gai try it himself.

"Teacher, I tried to breathe forcefully, but I didn't feel the sensation you mentioned," Gai said, scratching his head.

"Don't be anxious, just take your time and practice consistently," Makoto said with a gentle smile.

Stone Breathing was undeniably challenging, and Makoto's expectation for Might Gai was that if he could master it within a year, it would be considered a success.

Might Gai nodded and continued to practice diligently, following Makoto's instructions.

As a shadow clone attended to Might Gai, Makoto approached Obito and Shisui.

"Teacher Makoto, was the technique you just demonstrated the one Gai aims to learn? It seemed incredibly powerful!" Obito asked with excitement as soon as Makoto approached.

They hadn't been far away, and Makoto's demonstration had created quite a spectacle, catching their attention.

"Yes, that's right. It's called Stone Breathing," Makoto affirmed.

"It would be incredible if Gai learns Stone Breathing!" Obito exclaimed. The sheer power displayed in Makoto's demonstration was awe-inspiring.

"Don't worry, the Flame Breathing that you are going to practice is no less potent than the Stone Breathing that Gai is working on, and it can also greatly enhance your strength," Makoto assured them with a smile.

Both breathing techniques were considered top-level forbidden techniques, and their effectiveness depended on the user's proficiency.

"Teacher Makoto, please demonstrate the power of the Flame Breathing," Obito said, his eyes filled with curiosity.

Even Shisui seemed eager to witness it.

Makoto, of course, had no reason to refuse her disciples' request. He adjusted her breathing rhythm, transitioning from the normal Stone Breathing to Flame Breathing, and headed toward the river.

"When you master Flame Breathing, you can use it to accelerate the transformation of your fire chakra's nature, increasing the power of your fire jutsus," Makoto explained. "This will lead to more potent flames. Additionally, it will enhance your physical strength and recovery abilities to some extent."

As he reached the river, Makoto began to form hand seals and prepared to use ninjutsu.

***ROAR***

"Fire Release: Fire Dragon Flame Bullet!" Makoto opened his mouth and expelled a massive burst of fire that danced like a wild dragon. The flames split into three directions—front, left, and right—and surged toward the river. In an instant, a sea of fire, spanning more than 20 meters, engulfed the river.

*Spoosh*

*Swoosh!*

Large swathes of flames landed in the water, producing billows of white steam that shrouded the surroundings. Makoto then employed Wind Release to disperse the water vapor.

Makoto possessed even more formidable ninjutsu, exceeding the Fire Dragon Flame Bullet in terms of power.

However, these techniques had an extensive range and posed a risk of igniting wildfires in the nearby forest.

"So formidable, I'm genuinely eager to learn this!" Obito exclaimed with enthusiasm.

"Isn't the Breath of Flame an S-level forbidden technique?" Shisui was deeply astonished.

Makoto's strength continued to be a significant enigma in his mind. Just as he believed he had a handle on his abilities, he consistently surprised him with new revelations.