Chapter 52: Shikotsumyaku Training Method] Water Mirror Technique!

Chapter 52: Shikotsumyaku Training Method] Water Mirror Technique!

"Lord Ishihara!"

Kimimaro appeared tense, his nerves a product of witnessing too many of Ishihara's shocking displays in recent days.

"Don't worry. I've got some free time now, so I'll be looking into your Shikotsumyaku."

"Go ahead and activate Shikotsumyaku," Ishihara instructed while activating his Byakugan to observe.

"Yes!"

Kimimaro quickly complied.

Through the vision of his Byakugan, as Kimimaro activated Shikotsumyaku, his bones underwent a remarkable transformation. The cells associated with bone structure rapidly multiplied, generating new bones. These new bones exhibited a density far surpassing that of ordinary bones.

This was the principle behind Shikotsumyaku: the ability to control the generation, decomposition, and hardening of bones within the body.

Merely through his Byakugan, Ishihara could understand this process, yet the question remained—why was Kimimaro able to manipulate his bones in the first place?

Although Yang Release chakra played a role in the process, it wasn't as straightforward as that. Ishihara detected a faint, destructive chakra within Kimimaro's body, reminiscent of the chakra he had studied from the Three-Tails.

This reminded him of a technique used by Kaguya Ōtsutsuki: All-Killing Ash Bones—a technique similarly derived from bones.

"Could it be that Shikotsumyaku is a lower-tier version of All-Killing Ash Bones?"

"And perhaps Kimimaro's innate talent amplifies the resonance of this energy?"

Ishihara sighed; it was indeed a complicated matter. At this point, he didn't have the foundation needed to delve into Ten-Tails-related elements. Although his mind sparked with inspiration, it wasn't enough to bring about a sudden insight.

Despite being unable to fully unravel the essence of Shikotsumyaku, Ishihara continued his research. He then used his Life Chain to connect his chakra with Kimimaro's, carefully experiencing the changes in chakra and bone structure during Shikotsumyaku activation.

Soon, an influx of information flooded Ishihara's mind, and he began analyzing Shikotsumyaku. His knowledge of medical ninjutsu played a key role here.

"By injecting a large amount of Yang Release chakra, it precisely stimulates the multiplication of bone cells, allowing control over their size and shape…"

"Fascinating. After division, these bone cells don't exhibit any reduction in lifespan, likely another characteristic linked to the Ten-Tails!"

"When bones pierce through the skin, the skin quickly regenerates—this kind of healing ability resembles the traits of the Uzumaki clan…"

"Shikotsumyaku could be considered a type of pseudo-Sage Body…"

With in-depth research, the secrets of Shikotsumyaku became clearer to Ishihara. Though he couldn't fully decipher the special chakra within Kimimaro, the other aspects of the technique were now understood.

Medical ninjutsu, Yang Release chakra, life energy, human anatomy... His mind buzzed with inspiration, as ideas collided and merged.

[You have researched the essence of Shikotsumyaku's chakra, uncovered its principles, and the process behind it. You have created the Secret Technique: Shikotsumyaku Training Method!]

[Shikotsumyaku Training Method: Once mastered, it allows control over the generation, decomposition, and hardening of bones within the body.]

"This technique… it has a major flaw!" Ishihara frowned as he shook his head. Though the technique could replicate the effects of the Kaguya clan's Shikotsumyaku, it had a critical weakness.

That weakness was the lack of self-healing ability! When Kimimaro uses Shikotsumyaku, his bones pierce through his skin and flesh, which then quickly heal. However, Ishihara's technique lacked this regenerative function.

For a user without such self-healing, employing this technique could result in them being killed by their own bones before they could even harm their enemy!

Even if Ishihara were to develop a technique to induce rapid healing, it would drastically shorten the user's lifespan. The enhanced cellular lifespan that Shikotsumyaku benefits from is due to the Ten-Tails' attributes, something Ishihara couldn't replicate at this point.

As he considered the self-created technique before him, Ishihara couldn't help but feel frustrated. It was practically a suicide technique!

"Lord Ishihara!"

Seeing the solemn expression on Ishihara's face, Kimimaro became even more nervous.

Snapping out of his thoughts, Ishihara waved his hand dismissively. "It's nothing. I've developed a technique suitable for you, but…"

Kimimaro, who had just started to feel relieved, suddenly tensed up again, his heart skipping a beat.

"But there's a unique energy in your body accompanying Shikotsumyaku, one that's constantly eroding your health and lifespan. The more you develop your Shikotsumyaku, the deeper this erosion, and the shorter your life will be."

"I'd advise against delving too deeply into Shikotsumyaku."

Ishihara couldn't help but feel a pang of sympathy for Kimimaro. While this technique might be a boon to other Kaguya clan members, enhancing the power of Shikotsumyaku, Kimimaro's overwhelming talent exacerbated its side effects.

Sometimes, exceptional talent comes at a great cost.

Kimimaro fell silent, then resolutely said, "Lord Ishihara, I still wish to master Shikotsumyaku. It is the reason for my existence."

"Suit yourself." Ishihara shook his head. He had high hopes for Kimimaro, but addressing the drawbacks of Shikotsumyaku would have to wait for another time.

After handing over the Shikotsumyaku Training Method to Kimimaro, Ishihara turned his attention to the Water Mirror Technique given to him by Yagura. He quickly mastered it but was unable to unravel its underlying principles. However, he had a strong suspicion that it was another technique linked to the Ten-Tails, so he decided to set it aside for the time being.

With some rare downtime, Ishihara checked on the progress of Kabuto and the others. They were making decent headway, though it was still early to see significant results from the Body Refinement Technique. The group was diligently working to master the secret techniques, but it was clear that they still needed more time.

He also took a moment to assess the situation in the Hidden Mist Village, which had finally stabilized. The Blood Mist era, personally initiated by Yagura, had come to an end, ushering in a time of peaceful development for the village.

Yagura had also instructed his few remaining loyal followers to search the ninja world for various secret techniques and Kekkei Genkai users, hoping to strike deals with Ishihara.

With this, Ishihara had accomplished all of his objectives in the Hidden Mist Village. His research into Kekkei Genkai and secret arts had deepened his understanding of ninjutsu and chakra, even revealing some information related to the Ten-Tails' power.

Now, he needed to study more secret arts and Kekkei Genkai to quickly reach a level where he could fully comprehend the Ten-Tails!

"Next stop, the Hidden Leaf Village!"

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