In just a single day—
While practicing the Spiral Sphere (Rasengan), he utilized its terrifying grinding force to process nearly 10,000 pounds of salted fish jerky, turning it all into fluffy meat floss.
Not even the bones were wasted.
The meat floss produced by the Spiral Sphere was exceptionally fine, even smoother than flour.
To this, he added maltose syrup and even highland honey, compacting them into dense high-sugar, high-fat, high-protein energy blocks.
Each of these blocks was a calorie bomb—outclassing standard soldier pills in sheer energy content.
The only downside? They weren't as fast-acting as soldier pills, unable to quickly restore chakra.
But their milder energy release and far superior taste made up for it.
"These energy blocks… are perfect for me."
In his eyes, their benefits far outweighed the drawbacks. And thanks to his mastery of the Gluttony Technique, he could digest and absorb their energy rapidly, bypassing the slow-restoration issue entirely.
For ordinary shinobi, however, soldier pills remained irreplaceable—their ability to tap into bodily potential for instant chakra recovery was something these blocks couldn't match.
Now that he had the energy blocks, Umino Yoru no longer had to suffer through fish jerky dipped in syrup. Instead, he could enjoy these tastier, more potent calorie bombs.
Of course, these were fast-food rations—when hosting Akimichi Toribō and his team, he still put in the effort to prepare a proper feast.
Thankfully, with shadow clones handling the cooking, it didn't take long.
Toribō and the others arrived as promised, lavishing praise on the meal.
Afterward, Maruboshi Kousuke resumed his training guidance—this time, not just in Water Release, but also teaching him an advanced Body Flicker Technique.
Yoru hadn't expected Kousuke to be such an expert in shunshin.
But thinking about it, as a kenjutsu master, proficiency in taijutsu-enhanced movement was only natural.
High-level shunshin was a staple of elite shinobi.
Ninjas were often glass cannons—speed was their lifeline.
Kousuke's future leg injury was likely due to triggering a trap mid-shunshin, crippling his mobility and, by extension, his effectiveness as a fighter.
"This advanced shunshin… pairs perfectly with the Spiral Sphere."
After just a short time practicing, Yoru 's speed already surpassed his Mist Shunshin.
Of course, in terms of stealth, the mist variant still had the edge.
Each had its strengths.
"Yoru … your sand falcon is growing way too fast. How is it already entering its fledgling stage?"
Toribō pointed at Daihaku, who was playfully tussling with Saruwatari Shinoshin, his expression stunned.
"Yeah, it's a bit unusual."
Yoru nodded.
Daihaku devoured nearly 100 pounds of fish daily—not even counting the syrup. Of course it grew fast.
If not for River Country's abundant fisheries, he wouldn't dare stimulate its digestion to this extent.
"I remember advising you not to exchange for it… but looks like you made the right call. Hah, why didn't I think of getting one myself?"
Toribō's envy was palpable.
This was a high-tier flying summon—a giant species, no less. Once fully grown, it would rival a jōnin in combat.
Even as a chick, it had genin-level strength.
Now, as a fledgling, it weighed over 100 pounds—capable of carrying twice its weight in flight. Its combat ability? Solidly chūnin-tier.
By the sub-adult stage, its power would spike to special jōnin level, granting it enough self-sufficiency to be semi-wild, drastically cutting maintenance costs.
"How exactly are you raising it? This growth rate is insane."
"Uh…"
Yoru hesitated. He couldn't exactly admit to reverse-engineering the Akimichi Digestion Technique.
Thinking fast, he landed on an excuse.
"I feed it energy blocks every day. Hard not to grow at this rate."
He pulled out a small box of meat floss energy blocks and handed it to Toribō.
"Oh?"
The Akimichi didn't hesitate—despite it being bird food, he popped one into his mouth.
"Mmm! Delicious! Incredible!"
Toribō's eyes lit up. His praise for the blocks surpassed even the earlier feast.
"Yoru … how many more of these do you have?"
His voice trembled with excitement, face flushing as if he'd struck gold.
"The honey-glazed ones are rare. But the syrup-sweetened version? I've got about a hundred pounds left."
He produced another box—this one made with maltose syrup. Though less tasty, its caloric density was just as high.
(Of course, claiming only a hundred pounds was just to avoid revealing his stockpile. No way he'd admit to 10,000 pounds.)
"What?! A hundred pounds?! Are the syrup ones inferior?"
Toribō, shocked, grabbed one and wolfed it down without hesitation.
"Hmm… not as flavorful, but still great. The energy output's barely different!"
He nodded vigorously, clearly satisfied.
"Yoru … any chance you could spare some? I'll pay!"
"Chief Toribō, I couldn't possibly take your money—"
"No, no, I insist!"
After several rounds of polite refusal, Toribō proposed a barter trade.
"Chief, how about… one green spinach pill for two boxes of syrup blocks?"
"Who's the expert here? One green pill per box. And one yellow curry pill for a box of honey-glazed!"
Toribō waved his hand, settling the deal with finality.
"…Alright."
Yoru relented. Having gained so much today, he'd have to repay the favor someday.
"Listen, Yoru —never use the yellow curry pill unless it's life or death."
Toribō's tone turned grave, emphasizing the lethal risks of the pill. Even for Akimichi, it cost half their lifespan.
For a normal shinobi? Certain death.
With those warnings, Toribō and his team departed, resuming their patrols.