Two years passed.
As time went by, Malenia kept growing. She became taller than her peers and her figure became more graceful and commanding. Each year, her beauty deepened.
Her hair fell around her shoulders, catching the sunlight and reflecting its warmth. It framed her face beautifully. Her poise and confidence, built through years of hard training, added a strong allure to her presence.
People began to notice her not just for her growing skills but for a captivating quality that made her stand out. It was evident that she was no longer just a girl in training; she was evolving into a remarkable young woman, showcasing strength and grace in every aspect of her life.
Her routine remained the same. Training started before sunrise and continued until her body could handle no more. Kenjutsu came first. She trained with real blades now, although she focused on precision over force.
Next was chakra control.
Tree climbing took her just one day. She slipped once, adjusted her flow, and managed not to fall again.
Water walking required more time. The sea was restless, shifting beneath her feet. She sank, corrected her balance, and tried again. Within a week, she could stand on the surface. Soon after, she learned to move across it.
That's when her father called her.
Inside the palace training room, he placed a piece of paper between them.
"Chakra paper," he said. "It's time to begin your chakra nature training."
Malenia focused her energy.
Her chakra flowed into the paper.
It softened, and moisture spread across its surface.
"Water," her father said. "That's your primary affinity."
It was common for Uzumaki to have this chakra nature.
"So let's start your training."
She nodded and walked with her father to a shallow pool outside.
Malenia stood at the edge of the pool. Her father watched quietly, his hands behind his back.
"Focus on the flow," he said. "Your chakra should move the water. You guide it, don't force it."
She lowered her hands into the pool and let chakra flow from her core into the water. The surface began to shift under her control, rippling in even patterns.
"Good," he said. "Now move it. Direct it forward."
Malenia pressed lightly, sending a stream of water toward a wooden post. It hit softly, soaking the wood. She recalled the flow, steadying her chakra.
"Don't push too hard," her father advised. "You need to remain calm."
She nodded and tried again. This time, the stream moved faster and cleaner, following her intended path perfectly.
"Better," he said. "Now control the shape. Form a wall. Keep it steady."
She pressed her palms down, pushing chakra through her feet into the water below. A thin barrier of flowing water rose, holding its form for a few seconds before she released it.
"Remember," her father reminded her, "your chakra moves the water. You are its guide. Strength isn't necessary. Precision is key."
Malenia straightened, hands at her sides. "Yes, Father."
"Finally, the next step. Remember your water walking training? Now try to channel your chakra into the water to stabilize it."
She shifted her chakra into her feet, feeling the water stabilize below her. Step by step, she moved across the pool, balancing with precise chakra control.
Her father nodded once, satisfied. "Hmm, amazing as always. Now let's teach you some water jutsu. Watch closely."
His fingers moved quickly through the hand seals: Ram, Tiger, Boar, Horse. A compact stream of water surged forward from the pool and struck the wooden post, piercing tiny holes through it.
"Now you try it," her father said.
Malenia nodded, inhaling deeply. Her fingers moved through the hand seals automatically: Ram, Tiger, Boar, Horse.
The water surged forward, compressed by her chakra. This time, it didn't just slide—it shot like a beam, cutting cleanly through the wooden post at the far edge. The post was completely destroyed.
Seeing this, her father lost his composure, and his jaw dropped. "How is your jutsu so strong? What changed so suddenly?" he wondered. "Ahem, well done, Malenia. You seem to excel at everything."
Witnessing her incredible talent, he continued to teach her every water jutsu he knew.
The jutsu she learned were:
- Water Release: Water Bullet
- Water Release: Water Blade
- Water Release: Twin Dragon
- Water Release: Water Wall
After this, her father had nothing more to teach her in water ninjutsu. He thought, "Maybe Senju Tobirama can help her further with her water chakra nature."
He then dismissed her. It was time for her fuinjutsu practice.
As Malenia left, his chest swelled with pride. Her extraordinary talent was clear, and he felt reassured that the future of their clan was in capable hands. With each passing day, she honed her skills and embodied the essence of their lineage.
It was a legacy he had always hoped would thrive. Now, with Malenia's remarkable progress, he knew they were on the right path.
As he watched her disappear into the training grounds, he couldn't shake his excitement for what lay ahead. She had the potential to achieve greatness, and he was determined to support her every step of the way.
After her fuinjutsu practice, Malenia collapsed on the bed and murmured, "What was that feeling when I started controlling water chakra nature? I felt a foreign power within me, like it was about to burst out soon. It felt very dark and ominous, but then it faded. I didn't think much of it and drifted off to sleep."