*Thud!*
A single punch.
*Crack—*
The wooden post swayed, emitting the sound of snapping.
A faint smile appeared on Masahiko's face.
He used Shikotsumyaku to strengthen his bones, using it to enhance the explosive power of his physical structure, allowing the speed and power of a single punch to be amplified.
"The increase in power is twice as effective as simple Chakra body reinforcement. The speed increase is smaller, but there's a significant improvement in impact resistance and other areas."
"This kind of technique should have a similar heritage within the Kaguya Clan. No wonder Kimimaro could easily fight against Rock Lee, who has been training hard."
Bloodline Limits truly are unreasonable.
Fortunately, I have one now too.
Masahiko withdrew his hand, wasting no more energy.
He had used this technique many times in the training space; this was simply the first time he had used it in reality.
Beyond this, the power could be further increased, but his muscle tissue could hardly withstand that state, leading to side effects like tearing and bleeding.
Masahiko called it "Overlimit."
In fact, after the bone reinforcement, he had another idea.
The power of Shikotsumyaku did not conflict with Collapsing Flow or Chakra reinforcement. If his muscle tissue could withstand such power... the might in that state would definitely be stronger than the Overlimit state!
However.
Even steel bars have a load limit, let alone human muscle, which is not made of steel.
Perhaps once the research on the Fluid Cloak is complete and Chakra can fill the entire body, he could use Water Release Chakra and Medical Water Release to realize this hypothesis.
"Looking at it this way, I still need to continue researching the Fluid Cloak, and then further research a Water Release Chakra Mode."
Masahiko took out a pen and paper and noted down his inspiration.
"The next step..."
"Genjutsu training."
Masahiko checked it off on his schedule and prepared to continue his cultivation.
Movement, light, shadows, and sound are all mediums... mediums.
Masahiko couldn't help but think of the Yamanaka Clan.
Their Mind Transfer Jutsu required a special hand seal to complete the technique; in a way, it was also constructing a mental medium.
"Thinking about it this way, Genjutsu isn't actually that difficult."
Of course.
It was only theoretically not difficult; in reality... "As expected, another failure."
"Again."
Masahiko remained expressionless, continuing to try.
The reason he was training in reality... Not far away, an Anbu member was watching from a distance, occasionally shifting positions quietly, being quite dutiful.
Only—
Not far from him, in a river, a fish was swimming back and forth near the bank, occasionally popping its head up to look in his direction.
"Anbu..."
"Danzo? Unlikely. This is the Ninja Academy; they don't have that kind of capability."
After the last assassination attempt on Shisui, the areas where Danzo's Root Squad could operate within Konoha had been further reduced.
The Ninja Academy was an area where they were strictly forbidden from appearing.
Masahiko was lost in thought.
The Third Hokage?
"My involvement with Danzo surely hasn't escaped the Third Hokage and the Anbu, but..."
"It's not exactly a surprise."
Although the current Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer possessed the vigor of his prime, this small patch of land known as Konoha was still his domain.
Since he was in close contact with Danzo, it would be strange if the other party hadn't noticed anything unusual.
Masahiko pretended not to notice. After practicing Genjutsu for a while, he seemed to temporarily give up and started jogging for exercise.
At the usual spot, insects flew past, but he did not stop.
By evening.
Just as Masahiko returned home... *Whoosh!*
Insect shadows danced as Toge appeared before him.
"Danzo-sama requests your presence."
"But..."
"Over there, someone will arrange a disguise. You don't need to worry."
"Fine."
Masahiko nodded and followed Toge away... inside a dim secret room.
Beside Danzo lay a scroll, and on the other side was a bottle of medicine.
"My Lord, he has arrived."
"Bring him in."
"Yes!"
A moment later.
Masahiko entered alone, walking along the base's corridor.
Along the way, he wasn't knocked unconscious by Genjutsu; the other party led him straight through.
This was the first time he had seen the true state of Danzo's stronghold.
But.
This was not a good thing.
A man like Danzo was no philanthropist; his investments and assistance always came with a price.
Now, it seemed, was the time to collect.
Masahiko's steps were steady as he approached Danzo and immediately gave a respectful salute: "My Lord!"
"Mhm."
Danzo opened his eyes and looked Masahiko up and down.
Then, he forced a faint smile:
"You've made rapid progress lately. This is enough to prove that you have talent; as long as you receive help, you're no weaker than those geniuses."
"It's all thanks to your cultivation, My Lord. Otherwise, Masahiko wouldn't be where he is today."
Masahiko responded respectfully and gratefully.
Immediately after, he showed a look of hesitation: "However..."
"Speak."
Danzo leaned back in his chair.
Masahiko said, "Today, there seemed to be Anbu lurking around me. I'm worried... if Hokage-sama has found out something."
"It doesn't matter. I called you here today precisely to resolve this matter."
Danzo smiled. "Originally, my organization only accepts Ninjas it trains itself, but you are truly outstanding. An exception can be made this once."
He pointed to both sides.
"On the left is a special Cursed Seal that can guarantee your loyalty."
"On the right is a poison that requires regular detoxification, and the antidote is only available here with me."
Danzo smiled, "Choose one."
"The left."
Masahiko did not hesitate. "Before seeking refuge with you, My Lord, I had nothing. Now, everything I have was bestowed by you. I am willing to serve you forever!"
"Won't you reconsider?"
Danzo narrowed his eyes.
Masahiko replied firmly, "By following you, My Lord, I can gain more and fulfill my long-cherished wish. As for following the Hokage-sama..."
He shook his head.
"Hokage-sama treats me well, but he is far too indulgent toward the Demon Fox and too merciful toward various clans and foreign enemies."
"Our ideologies do not align."
Masahiko answered "candidly."
Hearing this, Danzo smiled. "Very good! Being able to recognize this shows that I was not mistaken about you."
He lowered his head.
"As long as you are loyal to me and work hard enough, I believe that one day you will definitely be my best successor, perhaps... even more outstanding than me!"
"My Lord is like the sun and the moon, while I am but a firefly, living only by your light. How could I ever hope to rival your radiance?"
Masahiko hurried to express his loyalty.
Danzo laughed, yet his eyes remained as indifferent as ever. "Then, stick out your tongue, and I will apply the Cursed Seal for you."
"Yes!"
Masahiko indeed stuck out his tongue.
Danzo spread out the scroll. Figures emerged all around, each forming hand seals as pitch-black shadows spread from beneath their feet.
At this moment, Danzo also formed hand seals with both hands.
In an instant, shadows converged toward Masahiko from all directions, finally gathering all the pitch-black light and shadow onto Masahiko's tongue.
A sharp pain shot from the root of his tongue.
A second later, Masahiko felt a weak stream of Chakra travel from the base of his tongue along the nerves and up into his brain.
The Cursed Seal was complete.
Masahiko showed no sign of curiosity and bowed respectfully. "My Lord, am I now considered a true member of the organization?"
"Of course. We are the Root beneath Konoha, an organization lurking in the shadows to protect Konoha. Everything we do is for Konoha."
Danzo proclaimed with an air of self-righteousness.
Masahiko knelt on one knee. "I am willing to do my utmost to become one of your thickest roots, My Lord!"
"Mhm, very good!"
A look of appreciation appeared in Danzo's eyes. "This is one of our strongholds. In the future, you will be informed of more strongholds. Now, I have a mission for you."
"Please give your orders, My Lord!"
Masahiko did not hesitate.
A flash of severity crossed Danzo's eyes:
"I suspect the Rogue Ninja Shisui was rescued by Orochimaru. I need you to make contact with Orochimaru's people and help me investigate this matter."
"The Black-Robed Man?"
Masahiko looked up, thought for a moment, and said, "Then... next time, I will propose that I want to directly join Orochimaru and ask him to act as my introducer."
"I only require your success; you may decide the rest for yourself."
Danzo looked at Masahiko. "What help do you need?"
Masahiko said, "I've heard that Orochimaru is a research fanatic. I hope to obtain records of his deeds and his research notes to understand him better."
"That can be done."