Chapter 34
"Bloodline Limit? The ability to create ice?" Zixu moved his fingers, and the white-cloaked warrior across from him switched his grip, now holding his sword in a forehand stance, the blade pointing directly at Zixu. It seemed he was finally planning to use his real skills.
"That's enough, Haku. They do have some skills."
The black-cloaked warrior stopped the white-cloaked one just as he was about to continue his attack. Haku immediately sheathed his sword and respectfully stepped behind his companion.
"I'm sorry, sir. I couldn't..." Haku bowed his head in apology.
"It's not your fault. Let's keep moving. There's no need to concern ourselves with their strength."
Zixu felt a twinge of regret seeing his opponent withdraw so easily. He had been looking forward to stretching his muscles a bit more.
"Sensei, I only had a basic understanding of Kekkei Genkai before. I thought it was limited to dojutsu like the Byakugan. But now, it seems much more complex." Zixu was well aware of the importance of gathering intelligence and wanted to update his prior, one-sided knowledge.
"There are many kinds of Kekkei Genkai, and the specifics can be complicated," Yamato explained as they walked. "They involve changes in chakra nature. A Kekkei Genkai is formed by combining two different chakra elements to create a new one. Ice Release (Hyōton) is one such example—it's a fusion of Wind and Water Release."
Zixu scratched his head, processing the explanation. "Chakra nature transformation? Why does that sound a little like Sage Mode?"
Yamato smirked but didn't comment further. Meanwhile, the two warriors ahead adjusted their swords at their waists, exhaling faint wisps of cold air as they glanced back at the Konoha shinobi.
"It seems they have some skill. I won't say much, but you might run into a few groups of mercenaries along the way," Zabuza remarked. "Don't worry. They're just ordinary people."