CHAPTER 17
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Dai had plunged headfirst into his intense training, sweat pouring down his face as he pushed through each grueling set.
Meanwhile, Hiruzen was busy outside, using his Earth Release technique to construct an impressive gym.
Weights, various machines, and strength-testing devices materialized one by one, all crafted through his ninjutsu and sealing skills.
"This facility should be the perfect place for him to enhance his strength," Hiruzen thought, surveying the advanced setup.
It was modeled after gyms from his previous world, blending the familiar with the extraordinary.
In the last two months, Hiruzen had dedicated over a hundred shadow clones to perfecting his fire nature transformation.
Each clone worked tirelessly, aiming to develop a new secret technique for the Sarutobi clan.
The Sarutobi clan was unlike the famed bloodline clans that had dominated during the Warring States period.
Their history spanned only a few hundred years, but during the era of Hiruzen's grandfather and father, Sarutobi Sasuke, they gained notoriety across the elemental nations.
Renowned for their strong will, physical strength, and speed, the Sarutobi members resembled monkeys leaping through a jungle.
They possessed a natural affinity for fire nature transformation and had even signed a summoning contract with monkeys, a testament to their agility and flame mastery.
Among their techniques, the B-rank *Great Flame Technique* symbolized their prowess, a display of strength witnessed during the Ten-Tails fight, where Sarutobi clan ninjas showcased their abilities.
Hiruzen's goal was ambitious: he wanted to elevate their clan's secret technique to an unprecedented level.
He envisioned a fire jutsu so powerful that its flames would burn blue, akin to the black lightning used by Darui and the Third Raikage.
The temperature of these blue flames would rival even Amaterasu's, reaching around 5000 degrees Celsius—hot enough to match the surface of the sun.
Through advanced sealing jutsu, Hiruzen hoped to integrate this new fire nature transformation ability into the Sarutobi bloodline, significantly enhancing the clan's overall strength.
Taking a moment, Hiruzen checked his status panel:
- **Chakra Control:** 99.99%
- **Fire Nature Transformation:** 85%
"In the last eight months, my chakra control and fire nature transformation have reached incredible heights," he mused.
"Perhaps molding my chakra into a solid state outside my body is the key."
Inspired, Hiruzen began experimenting. He concentrated, forming a staff entirely out of chakra and solidifying it.
The staff glowed a brilliant blue, but as soon as he completed it, he felt more than half of his chakra drain away.
"As expected, maintaining a solid state requires tremendous chakra," Hiruzen muttered, trying to shake off the fatigue.
Undeterred, he summoned one of his clones for a sparring session, wielding the chakra staff. The clash of their movements echoed through the training ground, each hit resonating with power.
After an hour of intense combat, he felt exhilarated as he recalled his chakra from the weapon, his muscles humming with energy.
"This staff packs a punch equivalent to an A-rank *Rasengan* with every strike," Hiruzen said to himself, marveling at the experience.
"In close combat, no enemy would withstand this onslaught. But without chakra-gathering seals and clones, I can't sustain it for long."
Despite his progress, Hiruzen was keenly aware that the village needed to evolve alongside him.
The looming threat of the Ōtsutsuki clan weighed heavily on his mind. He couldn't face such dangers alone.
Determined, he turned his attention to developing a new bloodline seal to further enhance not only the Sarutobi clan's abilities but also the strengths of the entire village.
Drawing from his extensive knowledge of medical ninjutsu, the Scroll of Seals, and experimental research from his former teacher, Hiruzen delved into the human genetic map, uncovering insights that had eluded him before.
After a day of meticulous work, he began casting the new seal. Hours passed as he labored, surrounded by a whirlwind of clones, all focused on the task at hand.
Finally, he completed the intricate seal.
- **Bloodline Seal:** Max Level (Level 6 Advanced Seal)
Hiruzen had categorized seals into ten levels, from the basic Taichi Seal to the complex Nine Palace Seal, which extended into infinite seals.
He integrated this advanced seal into his own bloodline. As the seal settled within him, he felt a profound change ripple through his body.
"I can feel a stronger connection to my bloodline and to those who share it," he marveled, almost overwhelmed by the sensation.
"Their bloodlines are becoming purer, just like mine. As their strength increases, so will our clan's overall power."
Ecstatic at the success of his first major experiment with such a high-level seal, Hiruzen shifted his focus to refining the clan's secret technique.
Concentrating deeply, he began manipulating his fire chakra, determined to elevate its temperature.
Flames danced at his fingertips, shifting from bright red to a glowing orange. As the heat rose to 1500 degrees, the flames morphed into a dazzling white.
Pushing further, the temperature soared to 2000 degrees, and the fire transformed into a vivid blue.
"Blue flames," Hiruzen whispered, awed by his creation. "But I need to reach the pinnacle—the blue-white flames."
He focused harder, striving for pure combustion. By eliminating hydrogen from the surrounding air, he allowed only chakra and oxygen to remain.
"Minimize the water molecules," he instructed his clones, watching as they executed his command flawlessly.
The temperature skyrocketed, and soon the flames reached an intense blue at 4000 degrees.
With each passing moment, he concentrated more deeply, determined to break through the barrier.
Finally, after countless hours of toil, he reached a staggering 4700 degrees. A flicker of blue-white flame danced in his hands, but he was still short of his goal—4990 degrees, the theoretical limit of natural fire.
Frustration bubbled within him, but Hiruzen quickly calmed himself, activating his comprehension skill.
After a period of deep meditation, clarity emerged: using natural nitrogen could push the temperature higher.
Following the revelation, he worked tirelessly, carefully manipulating the elements until he finally achieved the desired 4990-degree mark.
Stabilizing the flames with his chakra, he paused for a moment, a sense of satisfaction washing over him.
"So that's how it works," he said, a triumphant smile spreading across his face.
"I can now reach this level of fire naturally, without complex conditions. My chakra nature transformation has improved as well."
- **Fire Nature Transformation:** 90% (Extreme Mastery, Slightly Touching the Rule Domain)
With his fire nature transformation at this pinnacle, Hiruzen realized he could now perform fire jutsu without hand seals, solidifying his mastery over the element.
Dai entered the training ground, his eyes wide with admiration as he saw Hiruzen surrounded by brilliant flames.
"Teacher!" he called out, breathless from his workout. "What are you doing?"
"Dai!" Hiruzen turned, his smile broadening. "I'm refining a new fire technique. Want to see?"
"Absolutely!" Dai exclaimed, his excitement infectious.
Hiruzen extended his hand, showing the vibrant blue flames swirling around his palm. "This is the culmination of my training and research. It's almost at its peak."
"Can I try?" Dai asked, eyes shining with eagerness.
"Not yet, but soon," Hiruzen replied, gauging the boy's readiness. "First, you need to master the basics of chakra manipulation and fire transformation."
Dai nodded earnestly, fists clenched. "I won't let you down, teacher! I'll train harder!"
"I know you will," Hiruzen said, pride swelling in his chest. "You remind me of myself when I was younger."
"Really?" Dai's eyes widened in surprise. "You were this strong back then?"
"Perhaps even stronger," Hiruzen teased, raising an eyebrow.
"But strength alone doesn't make a great ninja. It's also about your willpower and intelligence."
Dai's expression shifted, determination replacing excitement. "I understand! I'll work on those too!"
"Good. Now, let's go over your training routine," Hiruzen said, gesturing for Dai to join him.
"We need to focus on your fundamentals. Speed, agility, and body control must come first."
As they began their session, Hiruzen guided Dai through various drills. The boy moved with enthusiasm, eager to impress his teacher.
"Remember to focus your strength in your feet when you run!" Hiruzen instructed, watching Dai closely. "It'll help you move faster."
"I got it!" Dai shouted, sprinting ahead.
As the training progressed, Hiruzen couldn't help but notice the potential within Dai.
His dedication mirrored the very essence of the Sarutobi clan—unyielding and fierce.
After a long day of training, they sat on the ground, catching their breath.
"Teacher, will I ever be able become strong like you?" Dai asked, a hint of longing in his voice.
"Absolutely, Dai. With time and perseverance, you will surpass even me," Hiruzen assured him, patting the boy on the back. "You just need to believe in yourself and stay committed."
"Thank you, teacher!" Dai replied, eyes shining. "I'll make you proud!"
As they wrapped up their training, Hiruzen felt a surge of hope for the future.
With Dai and the Sarutobi clan by his side, he was ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, determined to protect the village and elevate their legacy to new heights.
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