Red Haired Supremacy

After confirming that his experiments were producing results, Shanks doubled down on his training. His immediate goal was to master the Clone Technique, but at the same time, he began transitioning toward other basic forms of ninjutsu.

Thanks to the foundational work he had already done—particularly the intensive chakra control training involved in perfecting the Clone Technique—he now had a solid understanding of how to mold and direct his chakra. This gave him a significant advantage.

Within just a few hours of focused effort—during his regular training time that same day—he managed to perform the Transformation Jutsu. Like the Clone Technique, it wasn't perfect yet, but the technique had taken shape. And Shanks, determined as ever, continued refining it with relentless discipline.

Days turned into weeks.

Finally, after 25 days of consistent, focused training—nearly a full month—Shanks stood alone in a quiet forest clearing.

He exhaled, gathered his chakra, and formed the hand seal for the Clone Technique.

In an instant, a perfect replica of himself appeared at his side. The clone was solid, stable, and visually indistinguishable from the original. Shanks studied it with a calm, satisfied nod before allowing it to dissipate into a faint wisp of smoke.

Without pause, he formed the seal for the Transformation Jutsu. A puff of smoke engulfed him—and when it cleared, he now bore the appearance of a random man he had seen during his visits to Tonika Village. The transformation held strong and convincing.

Then, with practiced precision, Shanks performed the final of the three basic techniques: the Substitution Jutsu. In a flash, his body vanished, replaced by a wooden log that dropped into place with a puff of white smoke.

All three foundational techniques—mastered with one hand.

And this was only the beginning.

Shanks had now mastered the remaining basic ninjutsu techniques as well. His progress had been rapid, but that came as no surprise—he had once been a Jōnin, already possessing deep knowledge of ninjutsu fundamentals and advanced chakra theory.

Though his chakra control had initially weakened—possibly due to the trauma of transmigration or the loss of his left hand—those limitations were no longer a factor. Not only had his control returned, but it had improved beyond what it had ever been.

Now, standing in the open forest, Shanks formed the hand seal for another basic technique: the Body Flicker Technique. In an instant, he vanished from sight, reappearing nearly 50 meters away.

Originally, Shanks had dismissed the Body Flicker Technique as unnecessary. After all, he already had a unique movement technique embedded in his mind—the one passed down from the memories of the Red-Haired Emperor Shanks. But to his surprise, the two techniques weren't mutually exclusive.

He discovered he could combine them.

By layering the Body Flicker Technique over his inherited movement style, his speed increased by roughly 25%. It might not seem like much, but in combat, even the slightest edge could be the difference between victory and defeat.

And Shanks knew—this edge would matter.

Shanks thought to himself, Now that I've mastered all the basic non-elemental ninjutsu, it's time to shift focus to what truly matters—mastering lightning chakra. I need full control over it so I can develop a unique ninjutsu style of my own—something that enhances both my speed and the power of my sword strikes.

To get there, I'll have to start with the fundamentals—basic lightning-style techniques. Only through mastering those can I truly understand how to manipulate lightning chakra. Once I gain that level of control, I'll be able to create advanced techniques, maybe even something akin to Chidori or the Lightning Chakra Mode.

But to reach that point, I'll need more than practice. I have to study—read everything I can about lightning chakra. At the same time, I'll keep refining the lightning-based ninjutsu stored in my memory.

With his mind made up, Shanks glanced at the sun. There was still plenty of time left before evening, so he decided to check in on the children—see how much progress they had made and what they were currently working on.

The first child he visited was Yoko.

He found him alone, focused, and holding a whip—his chosen weapon. Yoko was practicing with full concentration, his movements sharp and precise.

Shanks watched for a moment, then gave a small nod of approval. He didn't interrupt, choosing instead to quietly turn and move on to the next.

Next, Shanks made his way over to Renji, who was diligently practicing his sword techniques. His Zanpakutō remained in its sealed form, but his movements were precise and deliberate, each strike echoing his focus and intent. After observing in silence for a few moments, Shanks nodded to himself and moved on.

He then headed toward the area where Mereoleona was training—and found she wasn't alone.

Makima was with her, and the two were engaged in a heated hand-to-hand sparring match. It made sense. Mereoleona's combat style was rooted in raw physical power, so intense physical training was essential for her. And until Makima awakened her signature ability—control over others—she needed to develop a strong foundation in close combat, which would likely become her secondary strength in the future.

Mereoleona barked, "Focus! You're fighting like a baby!"

Makima, parrying one of Mereoleona's rapid strikes, muttered in a tone of mock complaint, "Onee-san, you're only bullying me because you're stronger in hand-to-hand."

Mereoleona grinned wide, clearly enjoying the fight. "Stop whining and keep swinging."

Shanks shook his head slightly as he watched the sparring. He couldn't help but think, Her personality really is just like Mereoleona Vermillion's. Looks like Makima's going to have a rough time. With that thought, he quietly turned and moved on.

Next, he visited Erza, who was fully immersed in her sword training. Her strikes were sharp and focused—each swing driven by intent. Not wanting to break her concentration, Shanks observed for a moment, then silently walked away.

He then approached Benimaru, who was also training with a sword. Unlike Erza, however, Benimaru was still working through the fundamentals—carefully practicing stances and basic forms. Shanks noted the difference in their approaches but was equally satisfied with the dedication.

Finally, he made his way to a more open area where several of the others had gathered.

Todoroki and Gildarts were engaged in physical training, pushing their bodies through rigorous exercises. A short distance away, Guy and Antares were locked in a sparring match—both clearly giving it their all.

After quietly observing them all, Shanks turned back and made his way to his cave, content to leave the children to their training. Each one was progressing in their own way—and that was all he could ask for.

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