Cultivation Stage
Thanks to the foundational knowledge imparted by Kato Dan and the specialized experience gained from Uchiha Fugaku—who was particularly adept with Fire Release techniques—Uchiha Mingjing's progress in mastering Fire Release could be considered remarkable.
"You're already performing the Great Dragon Fire Technique quite well," Fugaku commented, halting Mingjing's movements with a raised hand.
"The Great Dragon Fire Technique (Katon: Ryūen Hōka no Jutsu) is an advanced Fire Release ninjutsu that blends elements of the Great Fireball Technique (Katon: Gōkakyū no Jutsu) and the Dragon Fire Technique (Katon: Ryūka no Jutsu). If you want to take it further, you'll need to work on two main aspects:"
"First, mastering shape transformation—that is, controlling the form of your fire chakra to release multiple flame dragons simultaneously. Second, advancing your grasp of nature transformation, improving both the destructive power and precision of the flames."
"In essence, you're beginning to touch upon the training expected of a Jōnin. Most Jōnin are proficient in at least two elemental chakra nature transformations."
Fugaku took out a scroll and handed it to Mingjing.
"I heard that Dan has already arranged your deployment. You're still operating in the second line for now, right?"
"Yes," Mingjing nodded. "In addition to our usual camp duties and supply escort missions, we've also been assigned to border reconnaissance. If we encounter high-risk enemies or elite enemy units, we're instructed to report immediately to the Jōnin in charge. It's relatively safe and allows us more flexibility for training. I think Sensei Dan intended for us to use this time to hone our abilities and grow stronger."
Inuzuka Ryo and Aburame Nami had both reached near-chūnin-level combat strength. In their recent encounters, they demonstrated the capability to hold their own against a standard chūnin-level opponent.
As for Mingjing—among genin, and even some chūnin—his performance was exceptional.
If given a few months of dedicated training, with the Great Dragon Fire Technique and the mental discipline learned through Kato Dan's Spirit Transformation Technique (Seishin Ten'i no Jutsu), Mingjing was confident that if he were to face that mid-level Amegakure ninja with the umbrella-blade tool again, he wouldn't be pushed into such a desperate state.
Once a shinobi reaches that level of power, making a breakthrough in any major area—such as fully mastering the fire nature transformation—could qualify them for Tokubetsu Jōnin (Special Jōnin) rank.
Of course, promotions still depend on official assessment, field achievements, and leadership experience. Without notable combat merits or mission command roles, promotion is not guaranteed.
However, in wartime, the system becomes more merit-based than seniority-driven. As long as a ninja meets the standards, promotion is more accessible.
"This scroll contains some of my personal insights into Fire Release nature transformation. I won't have time to guide you directly—I'm being deployed to the front lines to help restore the Uchiha clan's prestige—so take this and learn what you can on your own."
"Thank you, Clan Leader!"
Different shinobi often interpret elemental chakra transformations in unique ways.
Mingjing already had access to Kato Dan's notes on Fire Release, and had previously studied techniques passed down by Uchiha Yu. Now, with Fugaku's scroll, he held the combined knowledge of three accomplished Jōnin—a valuable multi-angled approach to understanding Fire Release.
…
…
Time passed swiftly. In the blink of an eye, three months had gone by.
During that time, Kato Dan's genin team led a disciplined and productive life—even celebrating the New Year while on a mission. By the time they arrived at the front lines, it was already the twelfth lunar month.
Each month brought with it supply escort missions, but thanks to the deployment of elite Konoha forces to the front and the newly formed alliance with Hanzo of Amegakure, the enemy made no serious attempts to intercept Konoha's logistics.
In fact, most of the interference they faced came from minor Amegakure squads rather than any enemy nation.
Outside of escort duties, their other assignments were mainly drills and patrols. They occasionally faced rogue or lower-tier enemy ninjas, but as long as those didn't cause serious disruptions, Konoha chose to conserve resources and avoid unnecessary engagements.
These operations were classified as standard C-rank missions.
Over three months, they completed over thirty C-rank missions. The supply escort mission that had turned into an ambush and retreat had been reclassified as two B-rank missions due to the level of threat involved.
The rest of their time was spent in rigorous training.
The reality of war had made them painfully aware of their limitations.
To survive in this world-spanning conflict, they needed to become stronger—quickly.
One morning, the day after completing a supply escort mission, they were given a break from active duty.
That was one of the few benefits of being stationed in the second line. While it still came with danger, it was not as lethal as the front lines, and the occasional lull allowed them time to train and regroup.
Mingjing rose before dawn and found a training ground for himself and his teammates.
His biggest improvement during those months had been in the Spirit Transformation Technique, followed by Fire Release. His progress in the Uchiha kenjutsu (swordsmanship) style was slower, as the more advanced techniques required greater physical development and stamina—something that would improve naturally with age and continuous effort.
The Spirit Transformation Technique consisted of four progressive stages.
The first involved purging one's mind of distractions and entering a state of deep meditation.
This was especially difficult for someone like Inuzuka Ryo, whose active personality made it hard to sit still. In this meditative state, even repressed emotions or unnoticed thoughts could interfere.
However, performing ninjutsu after achieving such clarity often yielded significantly better results.
As one learned to suppress emotional distractions and sharpen mental focus, their mental energy (linked to the Yin chakra aspect) would steadily increase.
According to Kato Dan's notes, most shinobi who learned the basics of this technique never progressed beyond the first stage. Even among those trained directly by him, very few had reached the second stage of mental control and emotional mastery.