Being able to replace the effects of natural energy within the Cursed Seal with one's own will was no easy feat. Right now, Mizuki couldn't even detect natural energy without using tailed beast chakra as a medium, let alone conduct any research.
However, having the complete Cursed Seal Technique meant that even if some parts weren't fully understood, it could still be used. As long as certain key questions were clarified, things wouldn't be too bad. But how exactly should it be used? That remained an issue. Using fangs like Orochimaru did felt disgustingly primitive. Besides, Mizuki had several concerns and lacked both experimental materials and subjects to proceed further. The more he examined it, the odder it seemed.
Looking at the draft paper in his hand and the drawn runes of the sealing formula, everything looked strangely familiar, like something he'd seen before.
"This is definitely that déjà vu I only experienced after crossing over—it's very clear in my mind."
Mizuki carefully combed through old memories while comparing them against the Cursed Seal's sealing formula.
Suddenly, realization struck.
"The Genjutsu Magical Formation?" Startled, Mizuki couldn't help but stand up to his feet. "The way they match up on spiritual essence and life force? Absolutely incredible!"
Clearly, even now, Orochimaru had never once encountered the Genjutsu Magical Formation before. Therefore, when he completed the Cursed Seal Technique, there was no way he could have referenced this formation. Was this an incredible coincidence, or had Orochimaru somehow uncovered the secret of the Summoning Contract—and let it shape his Cursed Seal Technique?
This also illustrated how different sealing techniques ultimately lead to similar outcomes. The runes affecting spirit and soul appeared strikingly alike, much like how most flying creatures inevitably develop wings.
"Looks like I need to get Kabuto Yakushi working on the Impure World Reincarnation soon. Never expected such an unexpected discovery."
Both being secret techniques targeting spirit and soul, the differences in their manifestations were simply too great for Mizuki to previously connect them. But now, they might actually complement each other.
"If my speculation proves correct, several crucial points must be verified: Orochimaru's Cursed Seal of Heaven can affect two people simultaneously. Then, if two people perform the Dead Demon Consuming Seal at once, would two Shinigami appear? If so, are they the same entity or separate? And if two different individuals simultaneously use Impure World Reincarnation to summon the exact same soul, what would happen?"
As these long-overlooked questions crowded his mind, Mizuki couldn't contain his curiosity anymore. Unfortunately, lacking proper conditions for experimentation meant he had to wait until acquiring these techniques before exploring further.
...
At noon several days later, Mizuki stood atop a tree, watching Team 8's three-man Genin team completing their mission deep within the nearby forest. It wasn't particularly difficult—just eliminating several gigantic beasts.
Under the influence of chakra, wildlife mutations are far more likely to occur than under normal circumstances. Gigantism and ferocity are common occurrences. Mutant beast missions make up a large proportion of low-level tasks—mostly issued when human settlements are threatened by such creatures, requiring ninja to eliminate them.
Truthfully, though, Mizuki felt somewhat disappointed as he looked through recent mission reports. For genin who had graduated less than a year ago, their abilities could be considered quite outstanding. However, as true heroes and reliable teammates, they still fell short—in skill, but especially in experience.
"Hmm? Actually, Team 8's strength is about equal with Team 10's, maybe even slightly inferior. They might have some advantage in one-on-one battles, but when it comes to squad-based combat, the disadvantages become too obvious. The Ino-Shika-Cho trio excels at compensating for each other's weaknesses. As for Team 8..."
Mizuki shook his head regretfully. Kiba Inuzuka's strength wasn't weak, but his lack of composure made him vulnerable to targeted attacks. Hinata Hyuga, despite her notable growth in mental fortitude since the Chunin Exams, still had a significant gap in actual power that couldn't be closed overnight. Comparatively speaking, Shino Aburame had performed best—but this quiet, few-words guy, while possessing no problem in basic quality, often failed to properly fulfill responsibilities as team leader. This was something that couldn't be resolved by sheer talent or intellect alone. The way of command was something Shino still needed to seriously cultivate.
Judging thusly, Team 8 still faced considerable difficulty reaching chunin-level standards. Normally, three to five years would be required for genin to develop chunin-level capabilities. Yet having the ability didn't necessarily guarantee passing the Chunin Exams—one might need another one or two years. By calculation, being promoted to chunin around the age of seventeen or eighteen was typically how things worked out gradually. Iruka, Mizuki, and many other ninja from this time of peace had basically all advanced this way.
Unfortunately, this was an unusual period now. Spending so much time arranging training for these gifted genin wouldn't be suitable. It was unwise to rush their growth, but blindly clinging to tradition was even worse.
"They're all clan heirs. Sigh... Kekkei Genkai and secret techniques form the core foundation for strengthening one's abilities. Except for Shino Aburame, who still has room for guided improvement, others can only hope to improve through daily rigorous training and practical combat experience."
However, were actual combat missions really that simple? Aside from pursuing rogue ninja or capturing robbers and bandits, there were almost no suitable combat missions available for genin squads anymore. Even if such missions did exist, they'd mostly be assigned to higher-level ninja instead.
Even chasing rogue ninja—yes, even runaway genin—was usually handled by Anbu pursuit teams. More accurately, it was Root, led by Danzo Shimura, who dealt with such matters. What genin could receive were merely bandit eradication or bandit-hunting missions—their opponents rarely stronger than civilian-grade martial artists or wandering ninja. But once enemy numbers increased, even these opponents posed a threat to genin, making them decent training opportunities.
Mizuki appeared, watching the three below panting heavily after [Mission Completion]. They huddled together to catch their breath as she moved in to finalize things.
"Mission completed. Catch your breath, then we're heading back."
"Huh? After all that work, can't we take a longer break?" Kiba Inuzuka complained, collapsing onto the ground. "That giant bear was such a pain to deal with..."
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