Tsunade left behind a scroll, mentioned two conditions, and then took Shizune with her to leave.
The first condition was to continuously use a B-ranked Ninjutsu for more than half an hour. The second was to achieve millimeter-level chakra control.
These two conditions tested both chakra reserves and chakra control ability—the basic requirements for training in Sage Arts.
If you can't even meet these, you've got no business starting Sage Art training.
For Aozora, neither of these two conditions were overly difficult.
He had practically already fulfilled the first condition.
Ever since obtaining the Golden Version of Dao Yin Lian Qi, Aozora trained constantly. His chakra reserves had increased rapidly and were now more than double those of an average Jonin.
Currently, he could continuously perform Great Fireball Technique for more than twenty minutes. He figured it wouldn't take much longer before he'd fulfill the first condition.
However, the second condition proved quite challenging for Aozora. His chakra control was already strong, but the finer the chakra control became, the harder it was to improve further.
Aozora thought for a moment, then opened the scroll Tsunade left behind. Written boldly at the top of the scroll were six characters: [Chakra Scalpel].
"What, am I getting some kind of bonus for this?"
Aozora understood Tsunade's intention immediately—practicing chakra control using the Scalpel technique.
Indeed, besides the details on performing the Scalpel, the scroll also documented some training methods for enhancing the Scalpel skill.
The Scalpel required extreme precision in chakra shape transformation. Mastering it naturally enhanced one's chakra control ability as well.
As Aozora was reading the scroll, he heard the door open.
Setting the scroll aside, Aozora called out to Shisui, "Back so soon? Where'd you vanish to?"
There was slight resentment in Aozora's tone. If not for Shisui leaving by himself, how could he have said something so embarrassing?
"Eh—!"
Shisui lifted his head blankly, then apologized, "Sorry, Aozora! The Hokage summoned me, I went with him to the Hokage Tower."
Upon hearing this, Aozora felt slightly uneasy but smiled on his face.
"Is that so? Seems like Hokage really values my brother! What did you talk about? Surely nothing confidential?"
Shisui waved his hand while entering the living room, sat down, and replied, "The Hokage just asked about my injuries and mentioned that the village has recently been short-handed. He wants me to return to duty soon."
"I told you so!"
Aozora smirked proudly, then asked, "So what did you say? Did you mention the suggestion I gave you to the Hokage?"
Shisui's expression became somewhat complex. He softly answered, "I'm nearly fully recovered now. Since the village needs me, I'll naturally step up without hesitation. As for your suggestion… I brought it up too!"
Aozora asked excitedly, "What did the Hokage say? Did he agree?"
Recalling Hiruzen's grim expression, Shisui responded, "The Hokage said he'd think about it!"
"He said he'd think about it, huh?"
Aozora felt momentarily disappointed before actively comforting Shisui, "Don't worry. The Hokage isn't someone like Danzo. He'll surely come to understand and accept us Uchiha in time. He's just under Danzo's influence temporarily."
Shisui watched his younger brother's expression—disappointed yet understanding—and felt a twinge of sympathy, along with quiet resentment toward the Third Hokage.
Still, the Third remained an imposing figure in his mind, so he made an excuse for him.
"After all, due to Danzo's provocation, our clan has developed serious tensions with the village. Maybe Hokage-sama fears that hastily promoting the Uchiha might lead to negative consequences?"
Aozora gave a knowing nod.
He didn't expect Hiruzen Sarutobi to easily accept his suggestion.
If restrictions on the Uchiha were truly lifted, allowing them to take on many missions and train Genin,
within two years, the number of Uchiha Jonin would rise by ten or twenty, and many Genin in the village would form student-teacher bonds with the Uchiha.
At that point, the Ninja Academy wouldn't be a cradle for Hokage-aligned talents anymore—it would become a training ground for Uchiha-allied ninja.
"Hokage-sama will come around sooner or later. Until then, keep reminding him about my suggestion! Convince him not to ignore Konoha's looming crisis because of prejudice!"
Aozora heaved a sigh. "Right now, you're the only one Hokage-sama truly trusts. I'll have to rely on you to change his mind!"
Shisui clenched his jaw and nodded. "I will."
Internally amused, Aozora asked, "What else did you talk about?"
Shisui replied, "We also discussed the fight against Danzo..."
"You didn't actually reveal your Mangekyo Sharingan to him, did you?" Aozora exclaimed in alarm.
Shisui nodded. "Since I used the Susano'o Wheel, awakening the Mangekyo couldn't be hidden."
Aozora shook his head directly. "That's not what I meant! I'm talking about your Mangekyo's specific ability!"
"Of course that won't be revealed!"
Shisui shook his head and advised, "Aozora, as a ninja, protect even your most basic abilities. Information like your height and appearance should be carefully guarded—that's the Ninja Code we learned at the Academy."
Smiling, Aozora nodded repeatedly. "Got it!"
Aozora realized he had overthought things.
In the original story, Shisui likely exposed Kotoamatsukami because the conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha had already become irreconcilable—the clan's coup and the village leadership's extermination plan were on the verge of erupting.
To reassure Konoha's higher-ups, Shisui was forced to reveal his Mangekyo's ability.
Now, though tensions existed between the village and the clan, things seemed to be moving in a positive direction, so naturally, Shisui wouldn't easily expose his trump card.
After some thought, Aozora worried that Shisui might impulsively reveal Kotoamatsukami later, so he asked, "Brother, what exactly is your Mangekyo Sharingan's ability?"
Shisui looked at him curiously and asked, "Why are you asking this? Are you thinking of telling the Clan Leader again?"
"I already explained—I told the Clan Leader before because I was worried about you! You still don't trust me! Hmph!"
With that, Aozora turned his head away, pretending to be angry.
Seeing Aozora's anger, Shisui quickly apologized, "Sorry, I misunderstood you!"
Aozora kept his head turned. Helplessly, Shisui added, "Fine, I'll tell you! But this time, my ability absolutely cannot be revealed!"
"Oh~"
Aozora turned around, giving Shisui a nonchalant look.
Shisui, acting as if he could do nothing about Aozora's behavior, said seriously, "As I told you earlier, my Mangekyou has only awakened one eye technique—it's a Genjutsu known as Kotoamatsukami. This Genjutsu can alter and control the enemy's will without them realizing it."
Upon hearing this, Aozora feigned shock and exclaimed, "Awesome! No wonder you're my big brother!"
Just as Shisui felt proud, Aozora suddenly frowned with concern, saying solemnly, "Brother, you absolutely cannot expose this ability; otherwise, it'll lead to catastrophe!"
Shisui asked in surprise, "Of course I won't reveal my ability. But come on, Aozora—you're being dramatic, right?"
Aozora shook his head, "Not even slightly. Your Genjutsu ability is too powerful. If someone with sinister intentions obtained it, they could quietly destroy or secretly control an entire major faction.
Furthermore, facing someone who could potentially manipulate your will at any moment, how could anyone not feel fear and suspicion?
If people discovered your power, who would be able to trust you?
Even if someone did trust you, wouldn't they always worry that you had secretly manipulated their mind?"
After hearing this, Shisui's expression changed greatly.
He had always thought his Mangekyou abilities were meant specifically to resolve the conflict between the clan and the village. Now, after hearing Aozora's words, he realized just how threatening his power truly was.
If his abilities were exposed, perhaps only his younger brother could trust him without hesitation.
Smiling bitterly, Shisui said, "I never intended to use the Mangekyou against villagers."
Aozora suppressed the urge to roll his eyes. You should go say that to the real Shisui.
"Regardless, from now on, you must never reveal your Kotoamatsukami. The Mangekyou already takes a heavy toll on your body, so just act like you never learned this Genjutsu!"
Although the Kotoamatsukami was extremely powerful, Aozora wanted Shisui to temporarily seal it away. Currently, Shisui was caught between Konoha and the Uchiha Clan—using Kotoamatsukami against the Uchiha might not necessarily be beneficial.
Shisui hesitated for a while before finally nodding. Since the relationship between the clan and the village seemed to improve, sealing away the Kotoamatsukami wasn't a bad idea.
Seeing this, Aozora felt relieved.
Earlier, he worried Shisui might be exploited by others, used under the name of protecting Konoha to target the Uchiha Clan.
Now that he'd given the warning, the chances of Shisui being used were practically gone.
Moreover, first suggesting revaluing the Uchiha Clan, then concealing the Mangekyou ability would surely gradually reduce Hiruzen Sarutobi's trust toward Shisui.
As long as Aozora kept subtly stirring things up, even someone as honest as Shisui would eventually notice Hiruzen's growing wariness.
At that point, he'd end up stuck doing all the chores alone.
Later, both discussed training plans and Sage Art techniques together.
The next day, Shisui returned from sick leave and resumed his usual early-out, late-back routine with the Shadow Guard Team.
Meanwhile, Aozora stayed at home training and started integrating various training programs sent over by Shisui, Junping, and Yoken.
During this time, noticing that no more Golden Droplets appeared on the Heavenly Book, Aozora began using existing Golden Droplets to perfect inherited techniques.
[Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work]
With the completion of [Fire Release: Intelligent Hard Work], techniques for tempering both Jinghuo and Shenhuo were added as expected. However, after studying the inheritance, Aozora discovered that his current physical constitution and spiritual capacity weren't sufficient to meet the requirements. If he forced himself to cultivate it, although he could master a deadly move, it would also cause damage to both his body and soul.
[Lightning-Fire Golden Body]
With the completion of [Lightning-Fire Golden Body], Aozora could once again continue enhancing his previously stagnant physique.
Aozora speculated that once he completed the second stage of [Iron Body] cultivation, he might attain defensive capabilities equivalent to Raikage's in Lightning Release Chakra Mode. And this wasn't just defensive power during battle states—it was defensive capability maintained even under normal conditions.
The [Lightning-Fire Golden Body] technique, with its incredibly powerful effects, also required extremely valuable resources.
Firstly, an ample food supply was necessary, but for Aozora, this was barely worth mentioning.
Secondly, and most importantly, cultivating the second stage of [Lightning-Fire Golden Body] required a location abundant with Fire Natural Energy.
True to the spirit of his predecessors, Aozora fully embraced the will to reshape heaven and earth.
Therefore, Aozora attempted to create his own training site.
However, abundant Fire Natural Energy didn't necessarily mean ordinary flames would work.
After several trials, Aozora discovered that only when surrounded by Yū fire could he begin cultivation for the second stage of [Lightning-Fire Golden Body].
Aozora only possessed three scrolls sealing Yū fire, one of which had already been used for chakra refinement. The remaining Yū fire wouldn't last long.
After perfecting these two techniques, only eight Golden Droplets remained in the Heavenly Book, which Aozora used to nurture his Soul Division.
Nourished by these eight Golden Droplets, Aozora sensed that his Soul Division within the Spiritual Sea had become significantly more agile and lively.
Out of caution, Aozora chose not to immediately accelerate the nurturing process of his Soul Division by directly applying Golden Droplets.
Throughout several months, Aozora gradually supplied over ten more Golden Droplets to his Soul Division while daily practicing the "Soul Cultivation Technique" from [Embodiment Beyond the Self]. Now, his Soul Division was nearly mature enough for *vessel-taking*.
While nourishing the Soul Division, Aozora prepared through the contract to control this soul fragment when suddenly he sensed a gentle cry from the soul.
"Please… don't enter my body…"
Although there was no actual sound, Aozora clearly perceived the thought transmitted by the Soul Division.
Though Aozora knew forceful entry into the soul fragment's body would still be possible, that just wasn't his way.
Later, through the contract, Aozora communicated with the Soul Division, issuing various commands.
Fortunately, although the Soul Division resisted Aozora entering its body, it didn't disobey Aozora's orders and executed them all accordingly.
As the Soul Division became independent, it would gradually develop its own consciousness—an essential prerequisite for the embodiment's ability to cultivate independently and make autonomous judgments.
In fact, Shadow Clones also possessed independent consciousness, except they couldn't persist long-term.
Unlike ordinary beings, this embodied soul came from the main soul—truly a part of it. While restricted by the main soul, it could communicate seamlessly and without barriers.
Aozora suddenly realized—this embodiment wasn't just a powerful tool, but also a gateway to see life through a completely different pair of eyes.
The growth of the Soul Division made Aozora increasingly busy. Another item was consequently added to his daily schedule—refining the Corpse Crow puppet.
The Soul Division process of body-snatching is extremely difficult. To ensure absolute success, thorough preparation must be made in advance.
The first step of Soul Division is to destroy the soul within the target body.
Since the Puppet: Corpse Crow had no intelligence or rationality, Aozora felt absolutely no guilt about this.
The process of soul destruction was slow and required a long time. According to inherited records, it generally took one or two months.
The reason for such lengthy duration was mainly because usually, the target's soul would be intact and conscious, instinctively resisting the intrusion.
However, Aozora's chosen vessel was perfectly suitable—the Puppet: Corpse Crow's soul had already shattered into fragments.
With no ability to resist, the Puppet: Corpse Crow's soul fragments were mostly destroyed by Aozora in under two days.
After destroying the soul, all Aozora needed to do was control the chakra flow inside the Puppet: Corpse Crow daily, refining its internal energies and gradually acclimatizing the body to his own chakra.
Chakra was an energy formed from the fusion of spirit and physical vitality. Once adapted to chakra, the body would also become accustomed to his soul.
But this stage couldn't be accomplished in just a few days either—it required long-term refinement using chakra.
Fortunately, Aozora wasn't particularly rushed. For one thing, the soul fragment itself needed some time to mature. Additionally, he already possessed a stable life-saving technique.
On this day, Aozora was cultivating inside his room.
He could be seen hugging the Puppet: Corpse Crow, sitting cross-legged on a cushion placed on the bedroom floor.
Eyes tightly shut, the crow's eyes remained lifeless.
When Aozora opened his mouth, so did the crow, mimicking him with perfect timing.
If anyone could sense chakra flow, they'd see the seamless rhythm shared between the crow and Aozora.
After quite some time, Aozora finally opened his eyes.
"In a cultivation world, this might even count as dual cultivation — when two people synchronize their spiritual energy together! Never thought my first dual cultivation session would end up with a crow!"
After making this quip, Aozora administered nutrient solution to the vegetative Corpse Crow before placing it inside a cage.
Now that the Puppet: Corpse Crow's soul was almost entirely destroyed, only basic bodily instincts remained. Without supplemental nutrition, it would starve to death within three to five days.
Just as Aozora was about to proceed with practicing his [Chakra Scalpel] technique according to plan, he suddenly sensed something and looked up toward the window.
"Shreeee!"
A long, piercing screech echoed through the air, followed by a magnificent old eagle soaring across the sky.
As he wondered what had happened, Aozora heard knocking at the door, then Kyudai's shouting.
"Aozora! The Clan Leader has urgent matters to summon you!"
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