33 Chapter 33: Big Harvest

Ryu focused on the sealed book again.

He thought about Naruto's abilities and how the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique could be useful for him. However, Ryu realized that Naruto didn't really need to rely on that technique. Having many shadow clones wouldn't help him much. It would be better for Naruto to use his chakra for other ninjutsu that he was already good at.

Even though Ryu had earned a lot of prestige points, he knew that it didn't mean he could learn any forbidden technique he wanted. He had to choose carefully.

As Ryu kept reading the book, he made mental notes of the techniques he found. He decided that the Four Elephant Seals and the Ghoul Seal weren't suitable for him. But he thought the Darkness Descend, a powerful illusion technique, could make up for his lack of skill in illusions.

When Ryu came across the Forbidden Reincarnation jutsu, he recognized its strength. However, he knew that it hadn't been fully developed by the Second Hokage. Orochimaru would be the one to complete and improve it. Since Ryu didn't have the necessary abilities, he decided not to pursue it.

To avoid any problems in the future, Ryu made sure to remember the reverse seal of the Forbidden Reincarnation jutsu. If someone tried to summon him many years later, he could surprise them by countering the technique.

Ryu continued skimming through the sealed book, looking at the other techniques mentioned. Besides the ones already mentioned, there were techniques like the Explosive Tag, Transformation Technique, Eight Gates Body techniques, and Flying Thunder God Technique. The prestige points needed for these techniques varied, with the Dark Walk technique requiring 20,000 points and the Explosive Tag needing 30,000 points.

The most expensive techniques were the Flying Thunder God Art, which involved time and space and cost 250,000 points, the Eight Gates Body technique at 300,000 points, and the incomplete Forbidden Reincarnation jutsu at 320,000 points.

It was clear that these forbidden techniques were extremely powerful.

Especially the Forbidden Reincarnation jutsu, which defied death. Even in its incomplete form, it was considered a unique and overpowered technique. The system evaluated these techniques based on more than just their displayed strength.

Fortunately, Ryu didn't need to acquire the Forbidden Reincarnation jutsu. It was too expensive, even for someone with his wealth and influence.

After Orochimaru's defeat and the appearance of Wood Release, Ryu's prestige points increased to 800,000. This was an unimaginable number before, but he had achieved it through careful planning and influence. Most of his points came from the influence he had gained over time.

However, Ryu couldn't help but criticize the limitation that restricted him from gaining prestige points from a wider range. When news of Wood Release spread, his chances of earning more reputation points from the entire ninja world diminished.

Even without this limitation, Ryu knew it was just a fantasy. Prestige points were only generated through admiration and respect for the Hokage. People outside the Fire Country would be more happy than worried to learn about Ryu's possession of Wood Release. Even within the Land of Fire, citizens outside of Konoha might not hold the same level of reverence. When they faced troubles, they would hire other ninjas instead of relying on their respect for the Hokage.

Compared to officials and nobles who directly governed the people, Ryu's influence among the villagers was not as strong. That's why, despite being busy, Ryu always made time to connect with the villagers, which earned him more respect from them.

At the present moment, Ryu had 800,000 prestige points, but he couldn't use 500,000

of them. Those points were reserved for the Sage Wood Release, a costly technique within the system. In fact, the price of senjutsu was higher than that of regular ninjutsu or Blood Succession Limits.

The Shikkotsu Forest's senjutsu technique is as valuable as the renowned Wood Release Technique.

This is because it harnesses natural energy to enhance the caster's strength and unleash powerful ninjutsu. Ryu believes that only senjutsu can harm or defeat a Sage of Six Path rank, and he considers the Sage mode of Shikkotsu forest to be the best among the three sage regions due to its efficiency and versatility. Unlike Naruto's Sage Mode, which requires a time delay, the Sage Wood Release allows Ryu to enter Sage Mode instantly with a simple gesture.

With the combination of Sage Mode and Wood Release, Ryu is approaching the status of a godlike ninja.

Therefore, Ryu must not spend the 500,000 prestige points and should reserve them for the Sage Mode of the Shikkotsu Forest.

As for why he didn't exchange it immediately, besides the overwhelming power it offers, it's difficult to explain, especially considering his first-hand experience. He also wants to take advantage of the current early stage to focus on practicing Sage Mode. The idea is to invest more effort in personal growth and progress so that when the exchange is eventually made, fewer reputation points will be required.

Ryu is accustomed to living frugally and always engages in careful calculations.

Furthermore, there is still a considerable amount of time before the Nine-Tails Rebellion, so even if something were to happen with his current strength, there is no need to panic.

Of course, some preparations still need to be made.

One such preparation is to preserve the 500,000 prestige points.

This means that Ryu can only utilize 300,000 points.

Among these options, he must choose between the Flying Thunder God technique and the forbidden technique of the Eight Gates.

Ryu quickly decides on the Flying Thunder God technique without much hesitation.

Although the Eight Gates technique is incredibly powerful, for Ryu, who has mastered Wood Release, opening the first seven gates is merely an enhancement and not essential. At that point, the power of Wood Release Sage Mode will be sufficient to replace the effects of the first seven gates of the Eight Gates technique.

The true essence of the Eight Gates technique lies in the eighth gate.

It's similar to when Guy opened the seventh gate, which had minimal impact on Uchiha Madara, but when he opened the eighth gate, his final attack came close to the climax.

However, achieving such a remarkable result requires sacrificing one's life.

Ryu has no interest in learning the Ghoul Seal, so learning the equally desperate technique of the Eight Gates is out of the question.

Moreover, considering its cost of 300,000 points, the first seven gates offer little assistance, and the last gate results in death after a single use. It simply isn't worth the investment.

Instead, Ryu opts to learn the Flying Thunder God technique, which will allow him to escape even if he can't defeat his enemies at that time.

Furthermore, if he cannot defeat his opponent using Wood Release in Sage Mode, he doubts that the power gained from opening the eighth gate alone will be sufficient to kill them.

After carefully considering all aspects, the Eight Gates technique is indeed a powerful forbidden technique that promises a shortcut to greatness, but it is by no means an essential aid for Ryu's current level of strength.

In comparison, the space-time ninjutsu of the Flying Thunder God technique provides much greater benefits in combat.

Having chosen the Flying Thunder God technique, Ryu also selects the Darkness Descend Illusion technique and the Explosive Tag multiplication technique, staying within his budget.

He has a few thousand prestige points left and plans to exchange them for some common ninjutsu to expand his repertoire and become more versatile.

With this significant purchase, Ryu's overall strength is expected to improve comprehensively.

If he

wishes to make another major transaction in the future, he will likely have to wait until after the Nine-Tails Rebellion.