Chapter 81: Listening Technique?!

After returning home, Shūichi went into his study and took out the sensory ninjutsu scroll.

Combining it with the insights he gained during his "Flash of Insight," he carefully reviewed and refined the technique.

He even made some modifications and reductions to the formula originally developed by the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju.

Next, he simplified the hand seals that Minato Namikaze had devised, reducing them from 36 seals to just 2. (T/N: Don't apply your logic here, it's system perk!)

By this time, night had fallen, and the aroma of dinner wafted through the air.

Shūichi stretched lazily, then got up and walked out of his room to the dining area, where he saw Nonō Yakushi and Asuka busy preparing the meal.

Seeing him, Nonō Yakushi smiled and said, "Shūichi, get ready; dinner is almost served!"

Asuka, holding a spatula, grinned and added, "Shūichi, we made your favorite braised beef!"

Nearly a year had passed, and Asuka had grown accustomed to life here, comfortable with Shūichi and Nonō Yakushi as her family, no longer feeling the unease she had when she first arrived.

"I'll help too!"

Shūichi rolled up his sleeves, washed his hands, and stepped forward to assist, moving between the two women and enjoying their warmth and gentle care.

This was the beauty of life.

...

After a satisfying meal, Shūichi went to the courtyard.

He quickly formed the two hand seals, then crouched down and touched the ground with a single finger.

Chakra rippled out like waves from his fingertip, spreading into the earth as he tried to sense the power Minato had spoken of, the force of the earth itself.

Time passed slowly as Nonō and Asuka, having finished tidying up, quietly watched Shūichi's training from under the eaves.

Gradually, sweat began to form on Shūichi's forehead.

"I can feel it!"

Suddenly, Shūichi opened his eyes and smiled.

Though it was faint, he had indeed sensed it.

After making no progress last year, he had immediately gained significant results after using "Flash of Insight." It really came down to not having the right mindset before.

He withdrew his hand and stood up.

Nonō Yakushi's voice promptly reached him: "Shūichi, have you mastered the technique?"

Shūichi turned and smiled, "Not yet, but I've taken the first step."

"According to Minato-sensei, there shouldn't be any problems going forward."

Asuka had already brought out a bowl of honey water.

Shūichi took it from her, saying, "Thank you, Asuka."

Asuka's eyes crinkled with her smile, "Shūichi, I've mastered the Chakra Scalpel technique!"

Shūichi paused for a moment, then drank the honey water in one go before looking at Nonō Yakushi. "Director, what's the plan moving forward?"

Nonō Yakushi replied, "Asuka's chakra is quite special; its healing effects are extraordinary. The next step for her should be to learn the Healing Regeneration Technique."

"This technique usually requires a team of medical ninjas working together, but with Asuka's abilities, she should be able to perform it alone, and she'll likely learn it quickly."

That's the power of a special bloodline!

Shūichi agreed with Nonō Yakushi's arrangement.

Although he had also mastered this technique, his abilities were no different from other medical ninjas.

With his own strength alone, it was nearly impossible to treat injuries like those sustained by Sanyo.

It was clear that not all Yang Release techniques were created equal.

Just as his Fire Release nature transformation had reached a level different from that of other Fire Release users.

It wasn't simply a matter of chakra quantity.

Like the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken, which was often hailed as the pinnacle of shape and nature transformation.

...

After chatting and joking with Nonō and Asuka for a while, Shūichi resumed his training.

But this time was different from before—he didn't use the improved hand seals of Minato Namikaze.

The reason he had used them earlier was to test the results of his modifications. This time, he planned to use the altered technique of Tobirama Senju.

Snap! 

Shūichi clapped his hands together.

In the next moment, a black seal formula spread rapidly from beneath him, forming a large octagonal pattern in an instant.

Under the effect of this technique, the chakra flowing from Shūichi's feet underwent a complex transformation before being injected into the earth.

As his chakra entered the ground, Shūichi's senses underwent a profound change.

It was an indescribable state.

It was as if he could see waves expanding outward, or as if he were witnessing dazzling beams of light.

These waves and lights were all erupting from the earth.

Shūichi felt as though he had entered a world of strange and fantastical phenomena.

"As expected!"

"This sensory ninjutsu utilizes the Earth's magnetic field. The so-called 'power of the Earth' is actually the power of geomagnetism!"

Shūichi was now almost certain of his earlier hypothesis.

And he had to admit, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, was truly a genius!

The talent for ninjutsu that guy had was something Shūichi could hardly compare to now. He could only surpass it during his brief moments of 'Flash of Insight.'

"With this, the first step is truly complete."

Feeling the fluctuations of the Earth's magnetic field, Shūichi thought to himself, "The next step is to align my chakra with the Earth's magnetic field, or to attach my chakra to the magnetic field and radiate it outward to sense my surroundings."

"This is just like a radar..."

Unconsciously, Shūichi delved deeper into his thoughts: "This step is merely a simulation, using the Earth's magnetic field to sense things. Once this is done, the technique is fully mastered."

"But in reality, there's potential for even further development—chakra nature transformation into Magnet Release?"

"Unlike the Magnet Release of the Third and Fourth Kazekage, reaching the level of the Earth's magnetic field would require a fusion of seven chakra natures—a Kekkei Tōta."

Kekkei Tōta? 

Shūichi shook his head silently. That was too far-fetched for him.

In comparison, with his current knowledge base, electromagnetism was something much more attainable.

Gradually, he collected his thoughts.

Shūichi moved on to the final step of his training.

This step turned out to be surprisingly simple, which explained why Minato Namikaze had said that once the first step was completed, mastering the technique was a certainty.

However, without mastering Tobirama Senju's formula, it would have come down to luck.

As he completed the final step, Shūichi immediately felt his sensory range expand outward.

The first chakra he sensed was Asuka's, as she was practicing medical ninjutsu in the house, followed by Nonō Yakushi's chakra.

Each of their chakras gave him a distinctly different sensation.

Nonō's chakra was gentle and warm, just like her personality.

Asuka's chakra, however, was surprisingly different from her seemingly delicate demeanor; it was warm but carried an intense, vibrant energy, full of life.

"Asuka's chakra is at least five times that of the Director's!"

"And compared to mine, it's at least thirty times more. If my constitution hadn't been enhanced by the Tags, this difference would be terrifying."

Shūichi marveled inwardly.

Nonō Yakushi's current chakra level could be considered at its peak, but Asuka still had much room for growth.

He then discovered another unique feature of this sensory ninjutsu.

Stealth!

He knew that while Asuka hadn't awakened the Kagura Mind's Eye sensory technique, she was naturally very perceptive.

During their first chakra link, she had sensed the forbidden thoughts in his mind.

But now, Asuka didn't seem to notice that he was sensing her.

"Moreover, everyone's chakra has a different frequency of oscillation, allowing me to distinguish who is who based on these frequencies."

Shūichi continued to expand his sensory range.

Throughout this process, he kept experimenting with different applications.

Directed sensing, omnidirectional sensing, and more.

He only stopped once his chakra was nearly depleted.

Returning to his study, Shūichi rested while organizing the principles and training experiences related to this sensory ninjutsu, recording them on another scroll.

Finally, he thought for a moment and wrote down a name on the scroll.

Earthen Listening Technique!

After finishing his work, Shūichi's attention turned to the Tag Tree in his mind.

[Sensory Expert] Tag Lit Up!

Sensory talent increased by 100%, mental and will/spiritual power increased by 100%!

That electric sensation surged again, and his mind went blank for a moment.

When he recovered, Shūichi felt his mind was clearer, though there weren't any major changes beyond that. It was different from the enhancements he had experienced before, like faster thought processes or heightened reflexes.

"Let's try chakra control..."

With a thought, Shūichi began controlling chakra.

Immediately, he noticed a difference from before.

Precision!

He could now control chakra with almost cellular-level accuracy.

His awareness of his own body also became much clearer, such as knowing exactly how much chakra to control without harming himself.

"My chakra control has improved..."

Shūichi carefully observed, feeling that the enhancement to his mental and willpower had a significant impact, comparable to a physical boost.

This would greatly aid in unlocking his full potential.

Before he knew it, it was already 10 p.m., and Nonō Yakushi arrived on time to remind Shūichi that it was time to rest.

Reluctantly, Shūichi ended his training for the day. He washed up, said goodnight to Nonō Yakushi and Asuka, and lay down on his bed.

But before falling asleep, he glanced at the new Tag that had just been triggered on the Tag Tree.

Tag: [Sensory Master]

Conditions to Obtain: Create at least 5 A-rank sensory ninjutsu or create 1 S-rank sensory ninjutsu.

Effect: Sensory talent increased by 100%, mental and will/spiritual power increased by 100%, thought process speed increased by 100%; aside from Kekkei Genkai sensory techniques, no sensory ninjutsu can challenge you anymore.

What kind of sensory ninjutsu should I develop next...?

As this thought crossed his mind, Shūichi gradually drifted into sleep.

...

The Next Day

After leaving two Shadow Clones to train in Lightning and Earth Release chakra transformations, Shūichi went to work at Konoha Hospital with Nonō and Asuka.

With the New Year over, life had returned to its usual routine.

Time passed quickly, and Shūichi's 9th birthday quietly came and went.

That day.

In the office of Konoha Hospital, Shūichi was resting with his eyes closed when a hurried sound of the door opening interrupted him.

"Shūichi, Kakashi has been brought to the hospital!" Shizune's voice was urgent.

"What?"

Shūichi's eyes snapped open as he sprang to his feet. He quickly made his way outside. "Let's go!"

They soon arrived at the operating room, where they found that Nonō and Asuka were already present.

And it wasn't just Kakashi who was injured—his team leader, the elite Jonin Sarutobi Akimoto, was also hurt.

"Shūichi, Kakashi's injuries aren't severe. First, help treat Jonin Sarutobi," Nonō Yakushi instructed.

Shūichi nodded and immediately went to assist.

Sarutobi Akimoto's injuries were severe; the knife wound to his abdomen was serious but not fatal.

His right arm was broken, but that wasn't fatal either.

The critical injury was the knife wound that had pierced his liver, compounded by chakra damage, specifically from Lightning Release, which was irreversible!

Nonō and Asuka, along with a medical team, were working hard to treat the liver injury, using the regeneration technique to heal it after removing damaged tissue.

The broken arm and abdominal knife wound were only treated with basic care.

Shūichi joined in, taking care of the broken arm and abdominal wounds.

Meanwhile, Kakashi was being attended to by three Chunin-level medical ninjas.

An hour later, Kakashi was the first to be wheeled out of the operating room.

Shūichi and the others continued their work for another two hours before finishing.

Thanks to Asuka's exceptional skill, the treatment of the liver injury was surprisingly effective and quick.

However, the broken arm couldn't be salvaged.

Such an injury couldn't be healed even with Asuka's techniques.

And Shūichi wouldn't easily let Asuka use such methods for treatment.

Unfortunately, while they had saved Sarutobi Akimoto's life, losing his right arm meant he would no longer be able to fight on the front lines.

...

After the treatment, Shūichi went to Kakashi's hospital room and found him awake, staring blankly at the ceiling.

Sitting down beside him, Shūichi said, "It seems you encountered a tricky enemy this time."

Kakashi's eyes flickered. "It was the Cloud Ninja, skilled in Lightning Release and swordsmanship... the guy named Bee, using seven swords."

Shūichi's gaze sharpened. "Bee... Cloud Ninja."

"That's Killer Bee, known for being the Jinchuriki of the Eight-Tails!"

Kakashi grimaced, pushing himself up. "You know him?"

Shūichi nodded. "I haven't met him, but I've heard about him from Minato-sensei."

That was the truth.

The A-B combo of the Cloud Ninja had gained a notorious reputation in the ninja world.

Moreover, Killer Bee's identity as a perfect Jinchuriki was no secret.

This was different from Konoha.

It was also related to Killer Bee being the first perfect Jinchuriki in the ninja world.

In terms of age, Killer Bee was probably about 5 years older than Shūichi and Kakashi, and about 5 years younger than Minato Namikaze.

Patting Kakashi on the shoulder, Shūichi offered some comfort. "It's impressive that you came back alive. The A-B combo—the candidate for the next Raikage and his right-hand man, the Raikage's guard."

Kakashi remained silent.

Two of his comrades had died, and his team leader was left with irreparable injuries.

Sarutobi Akimoto's fatal injury had occurred while saving Kakashi from Killer Bee.

"Kakashi, focus on developing your Lightning Release techniques!"

Shūichi urged, "I've started training in Lightning Release chakra transformation myself. Don't let me surpass you."

"As for Killer Bee, we'll take our revenge with Lightning Release next time!"

As for peace and mutual understanding... to hell with that!

Let's go to the Pure Land for mutual understanding!

(End of Chapter)

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