Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

Chapter 189: Chapter 189: Lap Pillow!

"High density, high flexibility, high hardness... the most basic and singular properties for manipulation."

After some thought, Shūichi used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport to his usual training spot.

In the next moment, a wall rose up before him.

"Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall."

This was a fundamental Earth Release jutsu, and for Shūichi, the casting was simple: channeling chakra into the ground to raise a wall.

Then, he cast the jutsu again, this time raising a wall behind him as well.

But this wall was noticeably different from the one in front of him.

It was more refined, sturdier, and even adorned with a lotus pattern.

This wall showcased a further refinement in both form and elemental properties.

Turning to his right, Shūichi opened his mouth, and a stream of mud poured out, instantly expanding with a loud boom into a towering wall.

This was another method of Earth Release, similar to Water Release, where pure chakra alone could generate an element, useful when the terrain lacked soil.

Shūichi observed the three walls he'd created. After a brief pause, he jumped onto one, exhaled again, and a stream of pitch-black mud fell, forming a solid black wall with a thunderous impact.

This was a wall formed of carbon.

Frowning, Shūichi continued to cast Earth Release, raising one wall after another.

Granite walls, adamantine walls!

Yes, Shūichi had just created an incredibly tough adamantine-like stone—essentially a diamond.

But not the sparkling, crystalline diamond.

Diamonds are a form of adamantine, but not all adamantine is diamond.

After consecutively creating walls of varying strengths, Shūichi concluded, "It's not that Earth Release can't create diamonds; it's that my current mastery over elemental manipulation and form manipulation isn't sufficient."

"In this case, Fire Release could be used as a catalyst to create Crystal Release, producing pure diamonds with remarkable hardness."

Then, Shūichi thought about Dust Release: "Dust Release allows for molecular manipulation. If I master Dust Release, it means I could actually form carbon nanotubes for enhanced defense."

"Carbon nanotubes are even stronger than diamonds, with incredible flexibility and tolerance to high temperatures..."

"Elemental manipulation... I see."

At that moment, Shūichi's understanding of elemental manipulation deepened.

For the conventional five nature transformations, with enough mastery, Earth Release could generate any mineral or rock, and Water Release could create any liquid substance.

But without sufficient nature manipulation, combining other elemental transformations is necessary to achieve a specific goal.

Beyond single nature transformations, there are bloodline limits that combine two elements, then the three-element Bloodline Elimination, and finally, the Bloodline Network that encompasses all elements.

(T/N: Kekkei Genkai < Kekkei Tōta < Kekkei Mōra)

This is remarkably similar to scientific technology.

A single technique alone doesn't allow humans to harness magnetic fields; it requires more sophisticated techniques to control this force.

It's the same with ninjutsu.

A single nature transformation isn't enough to generate magnetic fields or harness magnetic force, so additional transformations are necessary to accomplish this.

Pure diamonds are one thing.

More complex carbon nanotubes are another.

Take Electromagnetic Release, for example.

According to Shūichi's understanding, Lightning Release could create an electric field by controlling currents, which in turn would generate a magnetic field.

In theory, Lightning Release could be used to master Magnetic Release.

But clearly, single Lightning Release nature transformation could only handle the electric field, unable to bridge to the magnetic field, let alone unify them into an electromagnetic field.

This was something Shūichi had experienced firsthand while developing his Lightning Release electric field.

Thanks to his mastery of the Listening Technique, his clone had vividly sensed the electric field generated by flowing currents, but even with his current skill, he couldn't fully control both electric and magnetic fields using just Lightning Release.

To control Electromagnetic Release, in addition to mastering the Lightning Release electric field, one must also master Magnet Release, a bloodline limit. Together, these would produce Electromagnetic Release, a Kekkei Tōta.

"However, the most unique nature transformations are Yin and Yang."

"The fusion of these two theoretically allows for any other nature transformation."

The first thing Shūichi thought of was the Sharingan.

The varied Mangekyō abilities stem from the combination of Yin and Yang.

Beyond the Sharingan, there's also the Rinnegan and Tenseigan.

"So now, I need to go back to basics."

"For Earth Release nature transformation, if I aim solely for hardness, the pinnacle would be diamond hardness. Jutsu like Earth Spear and hardening techniques used by Iwagakure ninja or some elite jōnin can achieve this, but further improvement requires advancing form manipulation."

"Like the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken."

Shūichi pondered, "Structure...?"

"A honeycomb structure... a hexagonal honeycomb design indeed enhances force resistance."

"Let's test this. If I can't achieve S-rank, I'll settle for creating five A-rank Earth Release techniques."

After deciding, Shūichi immediately created a shadow clone.

The shadow clone used the Flying Thunder God Technique to teleport to the Forest of Death; he wanted to find a honeycomb to study its structure.

With Earth Release temporarily resolved, Shūichi resumed checking the progress of his other training.

The development of the Lightning Release electric field was going well, with no insurmountable obstacles in sight.

The Heavy Water technique for Water Release had been created through experiments, with the next step involving chakra-based production. However, the heavy water created in experiments seemed less potent than expected; perhaps aqua regia would be more powerful.

Magnet Release was also close at hand.

Achieving all this would bring him to three bloodline limits, only two short of completing his Tags.

The S-rank sensory jutsu had shown little progress. Integrating malice detection into his Listening Technique was proving difficult without the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.

Oh, studying the Hōzuki clan had been fruitful; he was close to mastering the Hydrification Technique.

...

After going through each area of his training progress, Shūichi created multiple shadow clones to continue working on various tasks separately.

On the Hokage Rock, Shūichi appeared, immediately entering Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and Sage Mode, extending his sensory field over all of Konoha.

Nothing unusual.

Exiting Sage Mode, Shūichi left a clone in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode to study malice detection, while he used Flying Thunder God to arrive at the experimental base near the Daimyō's residence.

"Lord Shūichi!"

Pakura soon appeared by Shūichi's side.

"You've managed things well."

After taking a quick tour, Shūichi nodded in satisfaction.

Pakura reported, "The Daimyō has approved the second group of ninja for experiments, though this time there's something different."

"Oh?" Shūichi raised an eyebrow. "What's different? Don't tell me he's sending his personal bodyguard ninja?"

Pakura nodded. "Exactly."

Shūichi stopped in his tracks and looked at Pakura. "Asuma Sarutobi is among them?"

Pakura nodded again. "Yes, along with Asuma Sarutobi, there's also someone named Sora, a monk from the Fire Temple."

Two future elite jōnin, huh!

The Daimyō of the Land of Fire was certainly making wise choices!

Shūichi's expression turned a bit amused.

If the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, found out, would he secretly curse his rebellious son?

Compared to the well-behaved Konohamaru, Asuma Sarutobi had indeed become quite the rebel.

Then again, he was also passionate and had aspirations.

Asuma hadn't returned to Konoha in quite some time. Shūichi wondered if he'd changed.

Noticing Shūichi's expression, Pakura said, "Asuma Sarutobi is the son of the Third Hokage. The Third Hokage probably wouldn't approve of him taking part in these dangerous experiments, right?"

Shūichi chuckled. "If Asuma was obedient, he wouldn't have become a personal ninja for the Daimyō, would he?"

"Go ahead and call them in," he instructed.

Pakura nodded, immediately creating a clone to pass on the order.

On their way to the lounge, Shūichi watched as Pakura gracefully prepared tea and asked, "How's the development of the Scorch Release Chakra Mode?"

After setting the tea in front of Shūichi, Pakura took two steps back, and her body was immediately cloaked in Scorch Release energy.

"It looks like it's starting to take shape," Shūichi commented. "But it still needs improvement and better control; it seems your chakra control ability needs more work."

Pakura's Scorch Release Chakra Mode wasn't on par with the Tailed Beast Cloak of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, nor did it even match Shūichi's Fire Release Chakra Mode. Rather than forming an actual 'cloak,' it resembled the Lightning Release Chakra Mode.

"Achieving your level is no easy feat, Lord Shūichi."

Pakura acknowledged her limitations but then added confidently, "But with time, it's only a matter of time."

She knew she had made significant progress lately.

Shūichi nodded and then asked, "What about when you activate your curse seal?"

At his prompt, Pakura activated her curse seal. With lotus patterns spreading across her body, her Scorch Release energy immediately compressed and solidified, finally taking the form of an actual chakra cloak.

This effect was similar to how Sage Mode enabled Naruto to throw the otherwise unstable Rasenshuriken.

Natural energy brings more than just a boost in jutsu power; it also enhances control.

The Nine-Tails Chakra, being the closest to the power of the Ten-Tails, had similar effects.

After discussing her progress with Pakura for about half an hour, Asuma Sarutobi and Sora arrived.

"Asuma!"

Shūichi greeted the more mature-looking Asuma Sarutobi with a smile.

Asuma walked up, extending his arms for a hug, then grinned, "It's been a long time! You've made quite the name for yourself across the ninja world."

He then gestured to the bald monk beside him. "Shūichi, this is my friend Sora, whom I met at the Daimyō's residence. He's from the Fire Temple."

Sora bowed immediately. "Lord Shūichi!"

Shūichi smiled and said, "No need to call me 'Lord.' Just call me Shūichi, like Asuma does."

Sora quickly replied, "Then I'll do as you say."

Once seated, Shūichi looked at Asuma and remarked, "Asuma, you seem to have changed quite a bit."

Asuma nodded. "Yeah, I've seen a lot around the Daimyō's residence and other places in the Land of Fire."

He sighed, "Looking back, I realize some of my old views were pretty naive."

Shūichi dismissed it lightly. "That's only natural, isn't it?"

"Back then, we were just kids. Being naive is expected."

Asuma gave a wry smile. "You were different, Shūichi."

Shūichi teased, "That's just because I graduated early. By the way, it's been a while since you've seen Kurenai, hasn't it?"

With a slightly embarrassed smile, Asuma replied, "Well, not that long. She happened to pass by the Daimyō's residence on a mission recently."

Shūichi couldn't help but give Asuma a thumbs-up in response.

Asuma quickly changed the topic, "I heard Obito went missing?"

Shūichi's expression grew serious, and he nodded. "Yes, he encountered someone formidable."

Asuma's face hardened. "If even you consider them strong, they must be quite the opponent."

"How's Kakashi doing?" he asked.

Shūichi didn't hold back. "He's doing well. He's training harder than ever. Right now, he's in the Land of Grass."

"He, like me, has joined the Tailed Beast Weapon Program."

Shūichi continued, "Asuma, have you made up your mind? Controlling Tailed Beast Chakra isn't easy."

Asuma nodded firmly. "I've decided, Shūichi. Don't worry—I won't push myself recklessly."

Shūichi nodded and then turned to Sora.

Sora responded immediately, "I've made up my mind as well. Harnessing a dark power for a righteous purpose is worth the risk."

Seeing their determination, Shūichi stood up. "In that case, follow me!"

They headed to the laboratory, which was equipped with protective sealing jutsu to create a barrier and containment field.

Shūichi had Asuma and Sora sit cross-legged in the center of their respective seals, then injected them each with a portion of malevolent One-Tails Chakra.

"So this is Tailed Beast Chakra...so strong!"

As the raw One-Tails Chakra surged within them, Asuma and Sora both furrowed their brows, their bodies wracked with intense pain.

But before they could even get accustomed to the agony, the malevolent energy within the chakra began to attack their minds.

Outside the lab, Shūichi and Pakura observed them through the glass.

"Lord Shūichi, do you think they can succeed?" Pakura asked.

Shūichi withdrew his gaze and replied, "They both have potential, but no one can say for certain if they'll succeed."

Minute by minute passed.

After seven minutes, Sora started nearing the brink of losing control.

With a thought, Shūichi activated the seal beneath Sora, chains emerging to bind him as the One-Tails Chakra was extracted from his body.

Regaining clarity, Sora collapsed onto his hands, gasping and drenched in sweat. "What a dark power...no wonder others failed before us."

He turned to see Asuma still enveloped in the Tailed Beast Chakra and smiled. "As expected of Asuma."

However, at the ten-minute mark, Asuma also reached his limit.

Shūichi swiftly terminated the process. Once they had both left the lab, he asked, "Now that you've experienced Tailed Beast Chakra, do you want to continue?"

Asuma and Sora exchanged a look and nodded resolutely.

Shūichi said, "Chakra can link two people's minds. To resist the malice of Tailed Beast Chakra, the most crucial element is spiritual strength, or willpower."

"This is the first and most important step. If you can't resist the Tailed Beast Chakra's malice, then even if you obtain it, you'll lose control and become nothing but a beast."

Asuma and Sora nodded in unison. "Understood. We'll keep working hard."

Shūichi nodded in approval and reminded them, "The next experiment will be in a week. I hope to see progress by then."

They nodded and took their leave.

Just before leaving, Asuma suddenly asked, "Shūichi, how long can Kakashi last now?"

Shūichi smiled. "Thirty minutes!"

"That's about the same as you on your first attempt."

Hearing this, Asuma felt a renewed surge of motivation.

Shūichi could tell that while Asuma had matured a lot, he still retained his tenacious spirit.

What he didn't mention, however, was that Kakashi was using the Eight-Tails' Chakra, which was far more potent than that of the One-Tails.

...

Back in the lounge, Shūichi sat down, took a sip of tea, and patted the seat beside him for Pakura.

Pakura hesitated briefly before sitting down.

Shūichi then shifted his position, resting his head on Pakura's lap. "So comfortable!"

Pakura blushed, but Shūichi couldn't see her reaction. Before she could say anything, he continued, "Let's begin training. I'll continue teaching you ninjutsu."

As he spoke, Shūichi held out his hand.

Pakura instinctively took his hand.

Their chakras connected, and they entered the realm of each other's consciousness.

And there, they found themselves in the same lap pillow position.

Shūichi could sense Pakura's shyness and slight nervousness, but he pretended not to notice.

Standing up, he said, "Focus now. Today, I'm going to teach you a powerful move that can stand against the Tailed Beast Bomb—Scorch Release: Rasenshuriken!"

(End of Chapter)

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