Chapter 74

As soon as Onoki's words were spoken, everyone on the field, including the shadow bodyguards on the second floor, turned their attention to Hitoshi, waiting for his answer.

Hitoshi glanced casually at Onoki and the others before calmly responding, "Indeed, as you've mentioned, I have transcended the Kage Level. Unlike you, who can only use power beyond Kage Level for a limited time, I can sustain it on a larger scale for a longer duration."

"That's truly terrifying," Sarutobi Hiruzen whispered, but he didn't display any signs of panic.

"Oh, then please enlighten us about the situation beyond Kage Level. Your personal experiences would be even better," Third Raikage directly asked, causing the atmosphere in the room to become colder. The bodyguards on the second floor were prepared to take action at any moment, and even the Tetsu no Kuni Admiral readied himself.

Hitoshi gave Third Raikage a faint glance before shifting his gaze to the other three Kage in the room. Instead of becoming angry, he decided to explain, "Ninjutsu, Nintaijutsu, Dust Release, Ice Release Secret Technique—these are all fundamental techniques. By focusing on training and enhancing Taijutsu, breaking through the Kage Level is not a problem. However, after reaching that level, the next step is to concentrate on refining the Chakra attribute and ascending from level one to level two."

After pausing, Hitoshi scanned the room once again before continuing, "I understand that you are already familiar with what I've just mentioned. You've also seen the ninja fantasy I wrote. However, please allow me to explain how the next part will unfold."

Just as Hitoshi was about to continue speaking, a hoarse and gloomy voice interrupted him, "Excuse me, but you should come down and speak. It seems you're quite impatient and unaware of proper etiquette."

Hitoshi shook his head with a smile, showing no signs of anger. He also wanted to see where these protagonists of the era could go when presented with a portion of the path. Perhaps Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu would be a little surprised.

Orochimaru, appearing behind Sarutobi Hiruzen with a Body Flicker, bowed to the shadows present and apologized, "Kazekage-sama, please forgive my impatience."

"It's nothing," Hitoshi waved his hand, indicating that it didn't matter.

"At the Kage Level stage, the main focus for achieving its peak is the fusion of ninjutsu, as exemplified by Sāndaime Hokage. However, each individual's training is different, resulting in various paths. Generally speaking, it is a process of ninjutsu phantoms communicating with each other, allowing for integration and connection. Chakra reserves play a crucial role," Hitoshi explained, adding, "The path to breaking through the Kage Level is one that everyone has already embarked upon, albeit just a little closer."

As Hitoshi spoke, the expressions of everyone in the room changed drastically.

"The Raikage always emphasizes the increase of power and the improvement of physical fitness to achieve a higher rank. The quality and quantity of Chakra determine the power level of the previous rank. In the case of the Tsuchikage's Dust Release, imagine the scene when Yin-Yang-Style and Bijū Chakra are added. The Hokage's Five-Attributes Ninjutsu is even more powerful when used together. As for the Mizukage's Ice Release, imagine combining it with Senjutsu Chakra," Hitoshi said, then paused. This was enough for now.

In Hitoshi's view, breaking through the Kage Level was not difficult, but achieving a qualitative breakthrough in Chakra reserves was the key. Utilizing Senjutsu Chakra, Yin-Yang-Style, Five-Attributes fusion, and Bijū Chakra were all viable options.

"By the way, regardless of your training methods, you must also have a strong physical foundation. Only with a solid system can you reach the end. Furthermore, it can also alter the genetics of the next generation," Hitoshi pondered before adding this final point.

"According to your statement, surpassing the Kage Level isn't difficult; it simply requires improving the quantity and essence of Chakra, achieving both qualitative and quantitative changes," Orochimaru asked, his eyes filled with disillusionment.

Orochimaru, being a scientific researcher, quickly grasped the key points and asked the right question.

"Yes, you're absolutely right. That's how I see it," Hitoshi replied with a smile.

"Why are you telling us that eventually, you'll reach the level of Uchiha Madara and Senju Hashirama, leading to the unification of the Shinōbi World? It doesn't seem like a good thing," Orochimaru commented, causing everyone present to feel exasperated.

"You're poisonous, always looking for loopholes," Hitoshi teased playfully.

"Not to worry, the unification of the Shinōbi World is just a stepping stone for me to lay a foundation for future generations. Thanks to your efforts, and besides, do you think the world is so small? If our strength is insufficient, we'll never know the true extent of the vast world," Hitoshi remarked, amusing Orochimaru.

"World...?" Orochimaru mumbled, unsure.

"Does it exist...?" questioned another.

"How vast is it?" pondered the remaining shadows.

The four shadows murmured, their eyes eventually lighting up as they turned their gaze towards Hitoshi. His words had opened a door for them, and they had never considered this question before.

Although excited, as the shadows, they still suppressed their doubts.

"Indeed, we still have the Admiral here. Instead of worrying about Uchiha Madara, it's better to focus on strengthening our own abilities. No matter how many ants there are, they can never gnaw at an elephant," Hitoshi remarked with a smile.

Having said enough for today, Hitoshi decided to say a little more, "Well, Kazekage-sama, you're right. I believe the same. The path is right in front of us. What if we encounter Uchiha Madara? If he isn't dead, we'll beat him to death. It's better to focus on strengthening ourselves. We have two more Kage Levels in the village, which are more valuable than anything else."

A sense of relief flashed through Sarutobi Hiruzen's eyes, and the others felt the same. They weren't old; they were still strong and at their peak. This was the best time for a breakthrough.

"Why not give it a try?" Sarutobi Hiruzen said, and the others agreed.

After discussing the losses suffered during the war, the villages symbolically compensated each other in some way. In Hitoshi's lament that the arms business had come to an end, the Five Kages talks concluded. The group planned to stay in Tetsu no Kuni for two days and enjoy their time before departing.

Tetsu no Kuni was renowned for its samurai, and they held their blades in high regard. Additionally, the country was known for its iron-making and forging technology. In simpler terms, it was an ideal place to purchase weapons. Each village had business connections there, so staying for a few days posed no issue.

Late at night, inside Hitoshi's room, he engaged in conversation with his two guards. Pakura, in particular, expressed her discontent.

As Hitoshi listened to Pakura's grievances, he shook his head helplessly. If no one intervened, he, Hitoshi, would become a thief of Sunagakure.