Chapter .23 O-Onne-Chan part-2

Observing Lee's nod of understanding, Uzume went on, "If you want to accelerate the process, you should focus on mastering the shadow clone jutsu. Without it, you could end up spending years."

"Can I learn the shadow clone jutsu without using chakra?" Lee asked, feeling nervous. As far as he knew, it could only be performed by chakra users, and Uzume was a master of both chakra and natural energy.

"Absolutely, you can. All you need to do is master the Array for it." Seeing Lee's confusion, she elaborated, "Just as ninjas need to make hand signs to create clones, you need to use the Array as a form of hand sign."

"Once you've mastered the Array, you'll be able to create shadow clones without using any chakra," Uzume explained, her eyes sparkling with excitement. "It's a difficult technique to master, but I have faith in you, Lee-kun."

"Even if mastering arrays is difficult, I have to do it. I have no other choice. If I can speed up my training by learning it, why choose the long way, right?" Lee said while confirming to himself. "By the way, what is the third stage of Dantian?"

"Well, the third stage, as you fill your Dantian with liquid Qi, it expands and connects to the cosmos. This transformation leads to a change in everything. You will transcend mortal existence and become an immortal being, surpassing time and space to become one with the cosmos. Uzume finished her explanation with a smirk as she noticed Lee's bewildered expression. "Seems like that was a bit overwhelming for you, huh? Hehehe …You'll get the hang of it soon enough, just like the three of us did," she said, causing Lee's jaw to drop in amazement.

Lee couldn't believe what he had just heard. Immortality, transcending time and space, becoming one with the cosmos - it all sounded too incredible to be true. But the look in Uzume's eyes told him otherwise. She and the others had already experienced this transformation, and now it was his turn.

As he tried to wrap his head around the concept, Lee felt a surge of excitement and fear course through him. The idea of leaving behind his mortal existence was daunting, but the promise of becoming something greater than himself was tantalizing. With a deep breath, he looked at Uzume and nodded.

"Wait, let me get this straight. Onee-san is an immortal being, possibly millennia-old, and you made me call you Onee-chan?" As soon as the words left his mouth, he regretted it. The sky darkened, and thunder rumbled, and he knew he had fucked up.

He staggered back as Uzami approached in slow motion, and when she was near, she spoke, "You've got some nerve, kid. Yes, I'm immortal, but you never ask a lady her age. Do you understand?" Lee was already on the ground, trying to slither away, too terrified to move. He knew he had hit the hornet's nest, so the only solution was to nod like a parrot - and so he did.

Uzami's eyes narrowed as she looked down at Lee, her expression unreadable.

"I think it's time for your punishment," she said as she grabbed his adorable cheeks and began to rub them, causing them to turn red. Despite this, she continued and asked, "Say the magic word."

Lee tried to get her off of him but to no success, so he finally gave up and said, "I em sowy". But she did not stop but asked.

"...and?"

"I em sowy it nwer hapn agan"

"...and?"

Lee thought for a moment and froze. He looked into Uzume's eyes, just to make sure it was exactly what she wanted to hear, what he was thinking. When he saw her smile mischievously, he shuddered at the thought. "Not again, me and my big mouth. I brought this upon myself," he steeled himself and said, averting his eyes to the side.

"I em sowy…o-onee-c-chan".

"What was that? I didn't hear it."

"…Onee-c-chan"

"Speak louder."

"….ONEE-CHAANNN"

Only then did she let go of his cheeks. After a moment, she let out a heavy sigh and extended her hand to help him up. "I suppose I can let it slide this time, but you better watch your tongue, boy," she warned, her voice stern. Lee nodded vigorously, grateful for the opportunity to escape though not unscathed.

Next day

In the morning, Lee woke up and stretched his back to shake off the sleepiness. After yawning a few times, he went to the bathroom to freshen up. As he looked at himself in the mirror, he was shocked at what he saw and let out a scream.

Upon hearing his screams, everyone in the house rushed to his room in a state of concern. However, what they witnessed left them speechless with astonishment. Standing before the mirror was Lee, adorned in flowery underwear, with lipstick imprints of kisses across his body. His cheeks remained swollen, giving him the appearance of a pout.

Lee let out a sigh without taking his eyes off the mirror and uttered just one word, "....Women."

Hearing Lee say that his uncle immediately caught on and burst into a hearty laugh. The tension dissipated as everyone realized it was just a harmless prank orchestrated by the trio, and they joined in with Isamu, his uncle, in laughter. As Aoi and Haru inspected the lipstick mark on him, Naruto attempted to poke his cheek to see how it could look so red and fluffy. Lee swatted Naruto's hand away, although his curious cat-like expression was undeniably adorable.

"Hey Naruto, I love your sleeping hat! Where did you get it?" asked Lee, admiring the cute accessory.

"I got it from a shop near my old apartment, from a sweet old lady," Naruto replied casually.

"Awesome! Let's go shopping and then grab some ramen at Teuchi's, my treat," Lee suggested, noticing the excitement in Naruto's eyes.

"We can go shopping another day. Today, we're heading to the hospital to start your medical training. Get ready, we're leaving in an hour," Uzume stated firmly, leaving no room for argument.