Chapter 174: Bloodline Encompassing Issue

Chapter 174: Bloodline Encompassing Issue

The sound of gears turning, a spark ignites, and a cigarette is lit. Wisps of smoke rise as Asuma Sarutobi takes a deep drag, then exhales, relaxing. He turns to his three disciples and says:

"We've arrived in the Land of Waves. Escorting the delegation is halfway done. Once we drop them off at their lodgings, you have two free days. Shikamaru, Choji, Ino, feel free to explore."

Hearing this, Shikamaru shrugs, looking exhausted. "Forget it, I'd rather catch up on sleep."

This mission, although not dangerous, had been taxing due to the demanding Fire Nation officials they escorted. Their whims threw off the carefully planned safe routes, and Shikamaru, ever vigilant, was drained.

Choji, feeling stuffed from the shared feasts with the officials, also preferred staying in to digest.

Only Ino, enthusiastic about visiting a place where Sakura had many adventures, was keen on exploring the new land.

"This is my first time by the sea. I have to visit the beach!" She had even packed a swimsuit in anticipation.

"Go ahead," Asuma said, leading the group to their lodgings.

Adjacent was the former Daimyo residence, now a ruin with a new plaque erected. The rest of the area was under reconstruction.

"Was this place bombed? Targeting the Daimyo's residence?" Asuma, aware of the implications, quickly inquired with the escorting official.

The official explained, "Recently, some nobles opposed to the Daimyo's rule hired ninjas to assassinate him. Thankfully, the hired Nokizaru group intervened and thwarted the plot. The damage is from that battle."

"Internal strife," Asuma nodded, relieved it wasn't an external village's interference.

The Nokizaru group, known for their strong reputation and no village affiliations, didn't concern him much.

"The enemies must have been strong," Shikamaru observed, assessing the ruins.

"Indeed. But as guests, it's not our place to investigate further," Asuma replied, leading everyone inside.

The night passed without incident.

The next day, with Shikamaru sleeping in and Choji focused on the local cuisine, Ino, mocking her teammates for missing out, headed to the beach alone.

The Land of Waves boasted a pristine golden beach, attracting many visitors despite its minimal development. However, the recent turmoil and mourning period kept locals away.

Ninja, unconcerned with these matters, still visited.

A figure was already at the beach, reclining on a chair, sunglasses on, basking in the sun and breeze.

This was not Hagoromo Gengetsu's first visit. After dealing with Deidara, he often came here to relax and ponder his training.

Though his training was progressing, he noticed a significant issue.

Both his Truth-Seeking Balls and the Bloodline Encompassing were advancing, but recently, their progress diverged.

Ordinarily, the creation of Truth-Seeking Balls and the process of integrating Bloodline Encompassing aligned: both required the harmonious integration of Yin-Yang and the five elements. The former on a smaller scale and the latter on a larger one.

Usually, advancements in Truth-Seeking Balls informed his Bloodline Encompassing training. This method had been effective for a long time.

But lately, something changed.

His progress with Truth-Seeking Balls continued, but his Bloodline Encompassing stagnated.

Initially, Gengetsu wasn't concerned. It was natural for the Truth-Seeking Balls to advance faster. But as time passed, despite his deeper understanding and longer maintenance of Truth-Seeking Balls, the final step in Bloodline Encompassing remained elusive.

Everything seemed correct: his understanding, the fusion process, but a mysterious barrier blocked the final integration.

It seemed unlikely that mastering Truth-Seeking Balls would automatically unlock the Bloodline Encompassing as he once hoped.

"So, is it due to chakra?" Gengetsu mused.