Chapter 101

Before departing with Asuma, Makoto evaluated Sarutobi Hiruzen.

He was eager to see the skills of the professor who claimed to be proficient in all of Konoha's techniques.

[Name: Sarutobi Hiruzen]

[Chakra: 170,000]

[Skills: Combination Ninjutsu (Mastery: 13,000/15,000), Fire Attribute Chakra Nature Change (Mastery: 6,200/15,000), Earth Attribute Chakra Nature Change (Mastery: 6,200/15,000), changes in the nature of water chakra (Mastery: 2,400/15,000)...]

Sarutobi Hiruzen's skill list was indeed extensive, densely packed with a rough estimation of more than a thousand ninjutsu.

Makoto recognized that achieving such a feat required substantial dedication, especially since Sarutobi Hiruzen lacked the Sharingan to copy techniques. However, most of the ninjutsu were only at the entry-level, with relatively few mastered.

Makoto thought about the value of mastery levels within the system, realizing that they held more significance than he had initially assumed. He also noted that his proficiency in chakra nature changes, particularly in water and fire attributes, surpassed Sarutobi Hiruzen's.

Of course, in an actual combat situation, the current Hiruzen Sarutobi would easily defeat Makoto, considering factors such as chakra, physical skills, combat experience, and jutsu configuration.

Observing Sarutobi Hiruzen's skills, Makoto appreciated the versatility of a true all-around ninja, proficient in a wide range of ninjutsu, physical techniques, illusions, sealing techniques, secret techniques, and forbidden techniques.

Makoto had mixed feelings about Sarutobi Hiruzen's skills. He contemplated the benefits of such a vast skill set and the challenges it posed.

After instructing Asuma, Makoto returned to Konoha's main city and invited Minato and Kushina to witness the entire process of preparing Mapo tofu.

Kushina and Minato were intrigued to witness how soybeans could be transformed into a meat-like texture. Even after observing the cooking process and tasting the result, Kushina remained amazed.

Kushina: "How did Makoto even think of turning soybeans into 'meat'?"

Makoto couldn't reveal that he had learned these dishes from others, as it would expose his secret. Instead, he humbly claimed that it was an idea that had occurred to him spontaneously.

Minato inquired about the progress of Makoto's sealing techniques, as it had been nearly a week since his last lesson. Makoto shared his thoughts on the Five-Finger Seal.

"The five-finger seal is much more difficult than the challenging than the previous seals. Its complexity requires extensive study and practice." Minato explained.

Makoto then transitioned the conversation to a broader Fuinjutsu topic, addressing some of the difficulties he had encountered.

During weekend evenings when his disciples were absent, Makoto practiced alone in the southern forest.

Makoto: "Five-Finger Seal!"

He concentrated chakra into the five fingers of his right hand and touched his shadow clone. Black sealing lines emerged on the clone's body, confirming the seal's success.

With the Five-Finger Seal practice completed, Makoto planned to move on to the Five Elements Seal. While he might still be a novice in formal sealing techniques, he was determined to resolve the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal issue.

After learning the Five Elements Seal, he would directly use the proficiency scroll on it. Then, he plans to learn the Contract Seal and master it.

Once proficient in both sealing techniques, he would gain a deeper understanding of sealing methods, preparing him to tackle the Eradication Seal.

Makoto ventured deep into the forest, using perception ninjutsu to explore the limits of his newfound power. It had been a month since he had achieved mastery in Stone Breathing.

He maintained total concentration for all the time.

His body was in constant exercise. Within a month, he felt his body growing stronger, far more effectively than through traditional physical training.

His body's increased strength also led to a slightly accelerated natural chakra growth rate.

With his body becoming more robust, Makoto decided it was time to experiment with the combination of the Eight Gates and Stone Breathing.

He had mastered the first three gates of the Eight Gates, which were relatively safe and didn't impose excessive strain on his body.

Makoto: "Let's open the gates, one by one."

Since he hadn't achieved the mastery level like Might Gai in the original plot, he had to cautiously open them starting from the first gate.

Upon unlocking the first gate, Makoto sensed a restriction in his body being lifted. His chakra surged, his strength and speed significantly improved.

As he opened the third gate, Makoto's body turned red, chakra levels soared, and he radiated green energy.

Makoto assessed himself in this state:

[Name: Hosakawa Makoto]

[Chakra: 23,200]

Makoto's chakra had exceeded 20,000, but it was extremely turbulent, preventing precise maneuvers. He can't use Ninjutsu in this state.

He anticipated this and entered the total concentration breathing state with Stone Breathing, further enhancing his physical abilities.

BOOOM!

****************Tud*************

A casual punch created a shockwave that toppled over a dozen large trees, and even without chakra reinforcement, stones shattered like tofu in his grasp. His running speed was akin to teleportation.

Makoto exhaled, releasing the Eight Gates and the breathing state, feeling a wave of exhaustion.

The combination of the Eight Gates and Stone Breathing had yielded incredible improvements, but it placed an immense strain on his body. Makoto refrained from overexertion, as he didn't want to attract ANBU or Root ninjas.

Despite its strength, the technique left him fatigued after just three minutes.

This experiment confirmed his hypothesis: the Breath of Stone complemented the Eight Gates, extending its upper limit.

With this additional powerful trump card, Makoto felt a bit more secure. He still lacked significant chakra and combat experience, but he had an array of tricks at his disposal.

"The training plan is nearly complete, and the disciples can begin practicing the breathing method," Makoto contemplated.