Chapter 165: A Small Cheat Isn't Really Cheating
Tonbo Tobitake's "Contact Evolution" was created specifically to bypass the vast amount of time usually required for biological adaptation, allowing for selective, directed evolution.
Yin Release creates form out of nothing. By extending his neural threads and infiltrating the interior of a target (a living organism), he combined the mechanics of the Mind Reading Jutsu with nature transformation to read and ingest the target's biological information directly into his own nervous system.
Then, using "HeartSteel 2.0," he filtered the influx of data, analyzing it through the lens of the vast scientific and medical knowledge he had accumulated over the years. Once processed, the superior traits were etched into his nerves.
His body would then evolve in a localized, optimized direction.
This evolutionary process naturally relied on his research into "Phantasm-Taijutsu." By performing "information fraud" on his own cells, he forced his body to accelerate its adaptation. Unlike the natural development of a Kekkei Genkai, which requires multiple generations to stabilize, Tonbo was forcing the change in real-time.
The corpse of the Cloud Ninja beneath his hands possessed a specific Kekkei Genkai. Tonbo wasn't looking for their specific elemental powers, however. He was absorbing the genetic information responsible for the enhanced vitality and physical resilience that supported that bloodline.
Chakra is the product of physical and spiritual energy combined. Tonbo's goal was clear: target the genes responsible for the human body's "vitality"—the source of physical energy.
Why not pursue specific elemental Kekkei Genkai directly? Because ninjutsu has limitations. If a human body evolves too quickly or in too many directions at once, it will collapse. The more complex the information, the harsher the strain on the vessel. Therefore, his singular focus remained: Chakra capacity and Vitality.
Even if he encountered different experimental subjects, he could integrate them seamlessly because the "vitality" markers of human biology were largely consistent across the species. This prevented his body from being overwhelmed by conflicting traits.
"Doing what usually takes generations in just a few years, or even a decade... I can live with that."
Tonbo was completely satisfied with this result. From this day forward, his vitality would continue to grow. As his vitality increased, his body's capacity to handle further evolution would also expand, creating a positive feedback loop.
As for targets to absorb information from? They were everywhere.
In fact, one lived right in Konoha and occasionally came over to his house to play: Naruto. Collecting data from Naruto would be incredibly simple. And there were others.
The only obvious sign of this technique was the branch-like patterns that appeared on the "donor" during the process. As long as he performed it in private, the subjects themselves would likely never notice a thing.
In the future, if he got the chance, he could collect data from Kisame, Samehada, the Tailed Beasts, Hashirama, the Ten-Tails, or even the Otsutsuki. One day, he would never run out of Chakra.
Though, to be fair, I've never actually let myself run out of chakra in a fight anyway.
This was the most difficult jutsu he had ever researched. Built upon the memories and knowledge of countless enemies and nearly twenty years of grueling study, he had only just managed to complete the first stage. This jutsu was the grand synthesis of all his knowledge, not just a combination of individual spells. The difficulty was astronomical.
Grumble—
Suddenly, his stomach let out a loud roar.
"..." The price of evolution wasn't just the mental strain of data processing; the nutritional cost to the body was immense.
He pulled a special Food Pill from his pocket to replenish his nutrients. These were custom-ordered from the Akimichi clan—a single pill cost tens of thousands of Ryo.
Man, the arms race and pharmaceutical business are where the real money is! He was incredibly envious. Based on his analysis of these pills, there were many components he didn't even recognize. This was the role of knowledge in evolution: without the corresponding understanding of chemistry and biology, he couldn't evolve safely. Blindly tampering with his genetics would only lead to a breakdown.
He recognized some ingredients as herbs and deer antlers produced by the Nara clan. Expensive. Far too expensive. But he had no choice; his primary focus was human physiology. He didn't have the spare time to master high-level pharmacology yet, so he had to endure the financial pain of "buying" his progress.
Fortunately, his good relationship with the Ino-Shika-Cho trio meant he at least got a "friendship" price. The Akimichi clan didn't ask questions about his custom orders; if he paid, they sold. By now, everyone in Konoha knew Tonbo Tobitake was one of the village's most trustworthy men.
One evening...
"Hubby, have you noticed? Lately, you seem to be in better shape, and you're eating way more than usual," Ayame said, leaning into Tonbo's arms.
She looked at his skin and his eyes. There was a noticeable change. Before, even though he was handsome, he was still an active ninja who often returned from missions with inevitable fatigue. Now, his skin was incredibly smooth to the touch, and his eyes were constantly vibrant.
Plus, he had been much more... "energetic" lately, to the point where she could barely keep up.
Tonbo smiled, holding her close. "It's a new body-conditioning technique I've been developing. It's similar to the routines I usually give you, but much more effective. Once I'm certain there are no side effects, I'll start the treatment for you too."
When it came to benefits, family always came first.
"Really? You're the best, hubby. Love you," Ayame whispered affectionately.
"Love you too."
Hyah! Ha!
Thud! Thud! Thud!
"One thousand left-leg kicks! Five hundred push-ups!"
Rock Lee was pouring his soul into a wooden training post, his face as earnest as ever. He believed firmly that he could surpass Neji through Taijutsu. He was a genius—a genius of hard work.
Nearby, Neji Hyuga and Tenten were also practicing. They had officially formed a team and were now active Genin. Though they spent most of their time on low-rank missions, they were currently undergoing Guy-sensei's specialized Taijutsu training. Neji watched the struggling Lee; even if he didn't agree with the boy's philosophy, he respected the effort.
"I didn't expect that, Tonbo. 'A man who believes in miracles is even greater than the miracle itself.' To think such words would come from your mouth... I'm truly impressed," Might Guy said, standing on a tree branch and looking down at his beloved students. Those were words that made one's blood boil with passion.
Crunch.
Popping a Food Pill into his mouth, Tonbo replied, "I didn't expect you to actually be able to lead students. That's what's impressive."
"But since you invited me here, what exactly do you need help with?"
Guy had invited him today, saying he wanted Tonbo to meet his students and asking for a small favor. Tonbo was surprised to see that Guy hadn't forced Lee into the "Bowl Cut" hairstyle yet.
"Hehehe! Since I only specialize in Taijutsu, and I see you aren't too busy, I wanted to ask you to teach them something different. I want them to be more well-rounded."
Might Guy was well aware of his own limitations. He was confident in his ability to train these kids, but if there was a way to make them better, he wouldn't pass it up. And Tonbo was the most gifted "teacher" among his friends.
Naturally, being the clever man he was, Guy was here to "fleece" some knowledge off Tonbo. He just hoped Tonbo wouldn't give them a sense of fashion as bad as his—or worse, a sense of logic that would make them stop wearing green jumpsuits.
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