Chapter 80.3 : Mutated Cells!

"Star sand is imbued with the power of the stars. It's indestructible, difficult to obliterate, and harbors a terrifying offensive capability!" Gaara explained.

He manipulated a grain of star sand and flung a kunai.

Puff!

The kunai was effortlessly pierced by the stars under his control and dropped to the ground.

"What! A grain of sand pierced through a kunai!!!" Temari and Kankuro exclaimed, astonished.

In the past, ordinary sand wouldn't have achieved such a feat. Although Gaara could utilize sand to execute formidable secret techniques, it usually required a substantial amount of sand, coupled with Chakra integration, to produce powerful effects. A single grain of sand was typically ineffective.

Yet, now, Gaara's manipulation of a single grain of star sand yielded unexpected results.

"I'll test its defensive capabilities again!" Gaara declared.

He manipulated a considerable amount of star sand and executed the sand shield technique.

"Attack my sand shield with everything you've got!" Gaara commanded.

"Yes!" Temari, Kankuro, and the others responded.

Boom!

Successive Wind Style ninjutsu attacks bombarded Gaara's sand shield, yet the dense assaults were effortlessly blocked, and the sand shield remained unshaken.

Gaara eventually signaled everyone to stop. By now, he had sensed the considerable advantages of Star sand.

"The defense has increased several times. If I use Sandstorm Funeral, Shield of Shukaku, and Spear of Shukaku, their power will be incredibly formidable. Star sand has amplified my strength significantly!" Gaara explained.

"Oh my god, just three pet list refreshes, and Gaara's strength has skyrocketed!" Temari exclaimed.

"It's luck!" Gaara remarked. "Star sand might be considered a general weapon material, but since I can control sand, such treasures are rare in the ninja world. This greatly enhances my strength!"

"Master Kazekage is invincible!"

"Master Kazekage is invincible!"

"Master Kazekage is invincible!"

Many Sunagakure ninjas cheered.

Gaara clenched his fists. "If that Deidara dares to attack me again, I will make sure he pays! What happened last time will never occur again!"

Fortunately for Gaara, such an event did not recur.

Most participants acquired treasures that provided a modest increase in strength.

As time passed, the rewards were distributed, marking the conclusion of the pet list.

After the pet list, the Eye Technique List was refreshed.

This marked the second refresh of the Eye Technique List.

[Uchiha Madara: The Eye Technique List should be refreshed soon!]

[Hyuga Hiashi: Yes, I can gather some resources again. In one year, I can accumulate a significant amount, greatly enhancing my strength. Unfortunately, I've lost the drive for progress. It's better to cultivate my two daughters! With these resources, my two daughters have made tremendous progress, and Hinata is now on par with a Jōnin!]

[Haruno Sakura: Ha, Hinata has reached Jōnin level???]

...

[Hyuga Hiashi: Yes!]

[Haruno Sakura: This...]

Sakura felt a pang of jealousy. Hinata's strength was inferior to hers before, but now, in the blink of an eye, Hinata had reached Jōnin level, while Sakura was still at the level of Chūnin!

This time, she was completely surprised!

[Hyuga Hiashi: Neji, that kid, is also a Jōnin now!]

[Might Guy: Children? Though I don't have any, my disciple, Rock Lee, has also attained the rank of Jōnin!]

[Fourth Raikage: Taijutsu ninjas progress slowly. Has Rock Lee reached Jōnin level?]

[Might Guy: What's the matter? Can't believe it? Although Taijutsu ninjas advance slowly, I've accumulated many rewards. Add a bit for Rock Lee, and with the gravity bracelet I lent him for practice, it's normal for him to become a Jōnin. Just give him a couple more years, and he'll open the Seventh Gate, reaching Kage-level strength without a doubt!]

[Yamanaka Ino: I envy their swift progress!]

[Haruno Sakura: I feel the same!]

[Rock Lee: How's Naruto doing now?]

[Jiraiya: Naruto has already attained Jōnin-level strength, and it won't be long before he stands a chance at achieving the level of a Kage. Currently, he's absorbed in refining bone pills and doesn't have time for the live broadcast room. Their progress is truly remarkable!]

Uchiha Sasuke spoke solemnly.

Despite his training with his father's blood essence pill and Orochimaru, he had reached Jōnin strength, but it wasn't sufficient. He was well aware that his brother's current power surpassed the average Kage-level, possibly even rivaling super-Kage-level entities. Sasuke was far from being able to compete on that level.

"We must intensify our efforts—master the techniques, enhance our ocular power and ninjutsu," Sasuke emphasized.

Just then, Orochimaru arrived.

"Sasuke, I've discovered something new that can significantly boost your strength. Interested?" Orochimaru's grin held a sinister edge.

Though a bit apprehensive, Sasuke concealed it and asked, "Orochimaru, what is it?"

Orochimaru explained, "Mutated cells!"

"Mutated cells?!" Sasuke exclaimed.

Sasuke was familiar with the monstrous cells—Orochimaru had obtained a giant snake's monstrous cell from the Golden List live broadcast room, leading to numerous experiments. 

Many had turned into grotesque monsters, unable to withstand the direct explosion of the monstrous cells. Moreover, Orochimaru's reckless research had produced side effects, but none showed the desired enhancement in strength.

Concerned about his handsome appearance, Sasuke couldn't fathom the thought of transforming into a monstrous being.

"Don't worry, it won't alter your appearance in such an unsightly manner. I have no desire to ruin your perfect body," Orochimaru assured without reservation.

"Lord Orochimaru, this won't change my appearance?" Sasuke sought clarification.

"No," Orochimaru replied, "This is my latest Mutated cell. It enhances speed, strength, and reflexes without altering appearance. The only drawback is a somewhat high mortality rate. In my research with a hundred individuals, only one survived. It's akin to a curse, with a high mortality rate. Nevertheless, I believe you can adapt to its power!"

Sasuke contemplated for a moment, then gritted his teeth and agreed, "Lord Orochimaru, I am willing to give it a try."

He knew that without Orochimaru's assistance, catching up to Naruto and the others would be impossible. With Naruto progressing rapidly, Sasuke recognized the urgency to bridge the gap. While Naruto aimed to become a Kage-level powerhouse, Sasuke possessed only the Three Tomoe Sharingan.

"Good, come with me!" Orochimaru said excitedly.

**********

Support me on my patreon and read upto 15 early chapters.

patreon.com/PirateKing24