Chapter 257: Data
In the shadows of the forest, Tonbo Tobitake maintained a hand seal while massive amounts of data streamed into his mind from a distance.
The state changes of Jirobo's Cursed Seal and the data on how natural energy revitalized his physical body entered his consciousness bit by bit.
Cursed Seal Level 1: Only the natural energy maintained within the seal itself was active, providing a mild stimulation to Jirobo's vitality.
Cursed Seal Level 2: Natural energy was being continuously absorbed from the environment through the seal. After transformation and the influence of a special enzyme, the subject's entire physiology changed. This enzyme expanded on a massive scale, eventually forming Jirobo's current monstrous state. Compared to Level 1, he was more than three times stronger; physically, he was now comparable to Rock Lee with the Fourth Gate open.
"However, compared to the Eight Inner Gates, the side effects of the Cursed Seal are much smaller. Orochimaru is a genius; this technology is incredible!"
As for Choji's physical changes, they were even more impressive.
During the first pill—the Spinach Pill—Tonbo felt Choji liberate over 30% of his body's potential. Amplified by his ninjutsu, this resulted in exponential growth. That single punch had nearly ended Jirobo right then and there. If not for the Level 2 state allowing Jirobo to maintain his physical integrity through the combination of natural energy and enzymes, he would have been obliterated instantly. Even so, once he dropped out of Level 2, he was likely a dead man. No one can maintain that state indefinitely.
The second pill—the Curry Pill—replenished Choji's physical essence, making his body rapidly stronger under the medicinal surge. It didn't just cover the exhaustion from the first pill; it supplemented his reserves. His chakra levels increased astronomically.
The third pill—the Chili Pill—was what Choji was using now. It converted all his stored fat into chakra, merging it with the chakra from the second pill into a singular focus. This formed the Butterfly state.
Under the sensory nerves Tonbo had embedded inside Choji's body, he could feel that every slight movement Choji made was accompanied by chakra condensing into a single point. Every punch and kick unleashed devastating power.
Tonbo even wondered: if Choji were a Jinchuriki in this state, could he condense the Nine-Tails' chakra into a single point and unleash an attack even more terrifying than a Tailed Beast Bomb? After all, the chakra concentration in Choji's Butterfly state was arguably more focused than Tsunade's "Heavenly Foot of Pain."
"It was worth it. Placing nerves on every promising junior has yielded great rewards."
The battle between Choji and Jirobo alone had provided a bountiful harvest. Fortunately, he hadn't stayed home; using his clones to prevent accidents was the right call. If he were too far away, his main body wouldn't be able to collect information—this level of data streaming only worked within a certain range.
He had collected the data on the Cursed Seal Level 2 transformation. He now understood how natural energy flowed through the body and intertwined with the special enzymes.
His Sage Mode should be nearing completion.
At the very least, he could create a "knock-off" Cursed Seal to revitalize his own body and enhance his taijutsu. Facing a potential threat like Urashiki Otsutsuki, taijutsu would be vital. From what he remembered of the Boruto lore he'd skimmed, the Otsutsuki all had the ability to absorb ninjutsu. If Urashiki appeared in Konoha before Tonbo finished his "Force Execution" development stage, he would have to rely on taijutsu and Senjutsu to defeat him. It was a daunting prospect.
Thud!
Butterfly Choji kicked through the clay golem. Stepping off the debris, he reached Jirobo in an instant. He flipped mid-air and drove his leg down. In his Level 2 state, Jirobo didn't even have time to react before he was crushed into the earth.
Rumble!
The ground buckled and collapsed. As the dust settled, Jirobo was a broken mess, with only his head and portions of his torso remaining. His body reverted from its monstrous form. Confirming the enemy was dead, Choji deactivated his Butterfly mode.
"I probably... won't be able to back you guys up, Shikamaru, Naruto."
The moment the state ended, Choji's body went limp. He collapsed to the ground, his eyes slowly closing. Once Choji's consciousness faded, Tonbo stepped out from the shadows. He inspected the boy's body. Confirming the nerve readings were accurate, he had to use a jutsu to stabilize Choji's condition, ensuring his survival. The injuries were severe, but Tsunade could fix them. This was a contribution for Tsunade to claim; he would leave it to her.
"Choji has become so strong. If the timing for the pursuit hadn't been moved up and the Sound Four had met Genma's squad like in the original, Choji probably would have ended Jirobo in the first round," Tonbo mused.
Despite the many ripples caused by the butterfly effect, things seemed to be gravitating back toward the original track. Is the Old Man of the Six Paths pulling the strings? He couldn't help but wonder. But that didn't make sense; Hagoromo shouldn't be interfering with Sasuke's growth. Tonbo had considered correcting the course, but it seemed the world was correcting itself.
"However, over on Kiba's side, things should be resolved much faster."
He thought of Kiba Inuzuka. The current Kiba was not the Kiba of the original story; he was significantly more powerful after Tonbo's meticulous tutelage. We shall see.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
"Tch, caught up already?" Kidomaru sensed the movement behind him and signaled Tayuya and the others to keep going. He began laying traps in the area. A mature hunter must use mature hunting methods. Countless webs were spun throughout the dense forest as Kidomaru masked his scent and hid among the treetops.
Swish! Swish!
Shortly after the traps were set, Shikamaru's squad appeared. Before they entered the trap zone, Shikamaru signaled them to stop.
Sniff! Sniff!
Kiba and Akamaru utilized their superior sense of smell, while Neji activated his Byakugan to scout.
"One person. Nine o'clock direction. Traps in the vicinity."
"They left one person behind. It seems they're trying to stall for time. This means our time is running out. If we get delayed here, we might never catch Sasuke," Shikamaru analyzed the situation immediately.
"Let's go together and take him out!" Naruto was impatient, ready to charge in.
"Don't be reckless, Naruto. Follow my plan, or we'll never get Sasuke back." Shikamaru stopped him, then looked at Neji and Kiba. "We have to split up. Kiba, your strength is greater; go after the most dangerous guy. Leave this one to Neji. Are you confident?"
Kiba and Akamaru had already sensed that the most dangerous individual among the remaining enemies was another man further ahead.
"No problem," both Kiba and Neji replied confidently. It was the confidence born from a thousand deaths.
"Then move out! This guy is yours, Neji. Kiba, go!"
"Got it! Fang Passing Fang!"
Kiba grinned. He transformed into a spinning tornado, tearing through all the traps in the path ahead. Shikamaru and Naruto followed close behind. Just then, a figure above them tried to intercept.
"Gentle Fist!"
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