Chapter 23 - The next level

As Ryu watched Arakan struggle with exhaustion and depleted Chakra, a new idea began to form in his mind. He'd used his Transformation Jutsu to heal wounds and restore physical health before, so why couldn't he apply the same concept to Chakra?

After all, Chakra was the combination of a person's physical energy and spiritual energy. One Ryu could already manipulate using his Jutsu, so why not the other? There was nothing saying that Ryu could only transform physical things.

Now that Ryu thought about it, he never did a complete reset on someone's body, only parts that needed help, but theoretically, a full body reset should've filled up the Chakra reserves as well.

"Maybe I can just focus on the Chakra itself," Ryu mused, speaking to himself. "But how would I know how much Chakra to add?"

Determination filled him as he thought about the potential to bypass the genetic limits imposed by clans and families. If he could transform the Chakra Pool and change its size, he could potentially alter Chakra regeneration as well. However, the study of Chakra and Chakra networks was far more advanced than Chakra regeneration, leaving Ryu with unanswered questions.

As he pondered the possibilities, Ryu decided to experiment with his newfound idea, using Akina as a trial subject. He knew altering a person's Chakra pool would likely be noticed, but he didn't care as long as it couldn't be traced back to him. Fortunately, his techniques didn't require him to be near his target, giving him an added layer of security.

Ryu reviewed his knowledge of Chakra Pools and networks, mentally preparing to alter Akina's Chakra system. He envisioned her Chakra pool filled to capacity and her Chakra veins thick and robust, making Chakra usage easier. To ensure he could undo any potential mistakes, he decided not to make the changes permanent.

Ryu cautiously approached the room where Akina and Arakan were working, ready to initiate the transformation on Akina. Using his own Chakra Pool as a reference, he focused his energy and began the process. Almost immediately, Akina leaped from her chair, startling Arakan, who was concentrating intently on his task.

"Akina, what's going on?" Arakan asked, concern in his voice. "How are you feeling? I need you to switch with me soon."

Arakan, I don't know how it happened, but my Chakra is completely restored! Not just that, my Chakra Pool is enormous now, almost twenty times larger than before!" Akina exclaimed, her voice a mixture of excitement and confusion.

"What?! How is that possible?!" Arakan nearly choked in disbelief. "You can rest now," Akina reassured him. "I'll switch with you, and then I'll go find Ryu. With this much Chakra, I can manage on my own."

"Wait, are you sure you're okay? We need to do a quick check-up to make sure everything's fine," Arakan insisted, worry evident in his expression.

"I feel amazing, Arakan. We need to focus on the patient right now; that's our priority. Afterward, you can check me as much as you want," Akina replied confidently. Reluctantly, Arakan agreed and left the room to rest.

As Arakan entered the hallway, Ryu quickly transformed himself into a water droplet to avoid detection. Unaware of Ryu's presence, Arakan walked past him without a second glance. Once Arakan was out of sight, Ryu reverted to his original form, satisfied with the success of his experiment.

'Success! I'll go check on the other patients and come back later to see if Akina is still doing well,' Ryu thought as he set off to make his rounds.

Ryu moved from patient to patient, pleased to see that they were all recovering well thanks to the treatments he had administered the night before. As he finished checking on his third patient, Daisuke appeared beside him. "All the patients are in good condition, with no major incidents. Their recovery is progressing nicely, although some of them could use more medication, mostly painkillers," Daisuke reported.

"That's great news, but I don't have any experience with medications, so Arakan should handle that. Still, I'll go around and see if there's anything else I can do," Ryu responded.

"Sounds good. Oh, by the way, our information network picked up something that might interest you," Daisuke mentioned. "What is it?" Ryu asked, intrigued.

"The Mist sent a large number of Jonin to search for you, as a last-ditch effort. They seem to think another village or a major organization captured you. They've even stopped accepting certain high-ranking missions. Plus, you have a bounty in the bingo book – one hundred and fifty million Ryo if you're brought in alive, and fifty million if dead. Just what did you do?" Daisuke wondered aloud. The fact that the Mist was willing to forgo mission income to search for someone indicated that the person was of immense value.

"One hundred and fifty million? That's a lot, especially since they have my... Wait! Daisuke, I need your information network to find something out as soon as possible!" Ryu exclaimed, urgency filling his voice. If the Mist was willing to pay such a high bounty, something must have happened to his father. Had they overworked and killed him? Ryu needed answers.

"Of course, you're part of the team, so it's no problem. What do you need?" Daisuke inquired. "I want information on my father, Haru Kajiya. The Mist have him, and if my bounty is so high, then something must have happened to him. I need to make sure he's alright!" Ryu explained.

"That shouldn't be too difficult. It might take a couple of weeks, but we'll get you the information you need," Daisuke assured Ryu before disappearing once more.

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Infinite Chakra for the win!!!! I dare you to find any logical flaw with it! Unlimited power!! *insert evil laugh* Also pls write a review if you have the time.