Three hours of calculation time wasn't long.
But Shigure wasn't going to stand around doing nothing. He had long since returned home and was now lying comfortably, resting as the Great Sage ran its calculations.
Once it finished, he immediately tested the results—
the ability to form hand seals with one hand.
The result?
It didn't change the power or effects of his ninjutsu in the slightest.
The only difference was... he could now seal with a single hand.
Which, in real combat, was still a huge advantage.
Suddenly weaving one-handed seals mid-battle could easily catch an enemy off guard.
As a utility skill, it was definitely worth having.
While waiting, Shigure began planning his next development path.
The real question was: Wood Release or Ice Release?
Both were kekkei genkai, bloodline limits that fused chakra natures.
But which to prioritize?
The benefits of Wood Release didn't need explaining. But the real concern was whether it would even be strong enough.
Without Sage Mode or Hashirama-level vitality, true Wood Release couldn't be unleashed.
Just look at Yamato.
His Wood Release was considered excellent by most standards—but to Shigure, it was simply not enough.
Unless he could reach First Hokage-tier strength, Yamato-level Wood Release would be a waste of chakra.
In contrast, Ice Release seemed far more suited to Shigure's style.
He already excelled in water-style ninjutsu. If he mastered Ice Release, his offensive capabilities would spike even further.
And unlike Haku's graceful, almost artistic style, Shigure wouldn't hold back.
He'd wield ice as a weapon of mass destruction.
Ice Release, when pushed to its limits, was no joke. It was an overwhelming offensive attribute.
However—
While Ice Release was devastating in battle, it lacked the support and regeneration that made Wood Release so coveted.
The self-healing potential from the genetic trait of the Wood Release user—commonly referred to as Wood Release Cells—was precisely what Shigure craved.
In terms of firepower, he already had plenty.
He had swordsmanship.
He had ninjutsu.
He had escape-style techniques that cost no chakra at all.
He had Boil Release for overwhelming force and Permeation Escape for surprise attacks.
What he lacked now were support-type abilities—things like healing, sensory skills, and resistance to damage.
As for sensory capabilities, he wasn't concerned.
When he activated acceleration, his five senses were heightened to frightening degrees.
Even without sensing chakra directly, he could instinctively detect every fluctuation in his environment.
So perception wasn't an issue.
But healing was different.
"Wait... Healing doesn't necessarily have to come from Wood Release!"
A sudden thought sparked in his mind.
"Great Sage, didn't you say you discovered something called the Mystic Transformation Technique before?"
[Great Sage: Affirmative. Would you like to begin the calculation?]
Healing through regeneration was one thing—but what if he didn't get hurt at all?
Mystic Transformation wouldn't enhance healing directly.
But it would grant immunity to physical damage, turning his body into something intangible when hit.
It was like a passive defensive buff.
Honestly, that might be even better than healing.
But then—
[Great Sage: Caution: Due to the special nature of the Mystic Transformation Technique, once activated, the host will passively transform upon taking damage. This transformation may interfere with bloodline-limit techniques.]
Passive transformation?
So he'd automatically enter a transformed state when struck?
That actually sounded kind of amazing.
But...
"What do you mean it interferes with bloodline limits?"
[Great Sage: Once transformation becomes automated, it overrides chakra body control. For example, if the host activates Boil Release: Superheated Strike, the host's body may auto-transform into liquid form—then boil from its own jutsu and... die.]
"…Clam?"
Shigure froze.
So… if he tried to use his own technique… it could actually kill him?
That's ridiculous!
His own ability conflicting with itself to the point of self-destruction?
This so-called Mystic Transformation Technique was starting to feel... extremely useless.
It just wasn't worth it.
Even if it offered passive elementalization—something that made you nearly invincible in the Naruto world—
if it clashed with his combat style and kekkei genkai, then…
"Forget it."
He sighed.
A broken technique wasn't useful, no matter how powerful it sounded on paper.
Relying on the Mystic Transformation Technique would interfere with Shigure's other bloodline limits. And for someone like him, who would inevitably master multiple advanced kekkei genkai in the future, that kind of interference was completely unacceptable.
"What a waste. I was really looking forward to developing it… Secret techniques like that don't come around often—and its defensive potential was huge."
[Great Sage: It's not entirely impossible. If the host's goal is healing, integrating the Transformation Technique could accelerate recovery.]
"Wait, are you referring to that healing jutsu—like the one used by Yue in Boruto?"
[Great Sage: Correct.]
"But didn't you just say the Transformation Technique would block the use of my bloodline limits?"
[Great Sage: By adding constraints—like partial transformation—the technique will only activate under specific conditions. After activation, the body reverts to its physical state.]
So basically, turn a passive transformation into an active, conditional one.
[Great Sage: Exactly.]
Shigure gave it some thought.
If the transformation was no longer an automatic reaction, and only triggered under specific conditions, then it wouldn't interfere with his other abilities.
He wouldn't be able to avoid taking hits outright, but the recovery afterward would be extremely efficient.
"Alright, but if we go with your method—how effective would this healing ninjutsu be?"
[Great Sage: With partial transformation, the host's injured body part will shift into a malleable chakra state. This transformation allows chakra to flow freely into the area, reconstructing the form before reverting to the physical body. Estimated healing efficiency: 10 to 100 times greater than standard medical ninjutsu.]
…Was that even possible?
Transform the damaged part into chakra form → redirect flow → rebuild the structure → restore to flesh?
That's faster and more efficient than even cellular regeneration via medical chakra.
Shigure blinked.
"You really are a Great Sage."
[Great Sage: (Proud face)]
"If this works, then there's no longer any need to prioritize Wood Release. I should focus on Ice Release first!"
Wood Release had always been attractive because of its regenerative properties and combat versatility.
But if he could develop this healing system independently, then the support utility of Wood Release became far less critical.
Once he eventually unlocked Sage Mode, that would be the right time to return to Wood Release—it would then truly shine.
But for now, his focus needed to be combat efficiency.
"Ice Release takes top priority."
[Great Sage: Reminder—host lacks any foundational medical ninjutsu. Estimated calculation time for the healing technique: one month.]
"…A whole month?"
Shigure was speechless.
[Great Sage: If the host learns the Mystic Palm Technique (Shōsen Jutsu), estimated calculation time reduces to approximately three days.]
So most of the delay came from trying to reconstruct the Palm Healing Technique from scratch.
"If that's the case, then just say so! I'll go learn it."
But where could he even get access to it?
Oh, right—
"Why not just visit the Konoha Hospital?"
That thought made him chuckle.
Decision made.
Now, it was time to restructure his passive skill lineup.
[Passive Skill 1: Chakra Refinement Technique]
Increasing chakra reserves was essential. This would never leave the skill bar.
[Passive Skill 2: Basic Genjutsu Perception]
Vital for enhancing mental resilience and chakra control. A strong foundation for illusion resistance and eventual illusion casting.
[Passive Skill 3: Advanced Taijutsu]
With his ever-evolving combat style, Shigure's body needed to keep up. Strengthening his physical ability was a must.
[Passive Skill 4: Wind Release]
For future mastery of Ice Release, Wind Release control needed to be refined alongside Water.
[Passive Skill 5: Breathing Swordsmanship]
His core combat technique. The breathing style enhanced every part of his fighting ability.
Each skill in the bar had a purpose.
And soon, every piece would come together.
Shigure's evolution hadn't even hit its peak yet.
...
TN:
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