vncnus Chapter 172 The Changed Jugo
Chapter 172 The Changed Jugo
Chapter 172 The Changed Jugo
From then on, Takuno spent almost every day using the Spirit Transformation Technique to attach himself to Jugo's body, immersing himself in the understanding and control of the subtle balance of Sage Chakra.
Half a month passed in the blink of an eye, and Yuan Tuoye had honed the process of fusing a fixed proportion of natural energy with his own chakra to perfection, without the slightest error.
By Naruto's training standards, he is now qualified to "graduate".
After all, Naruto Uzumaki is limited to absorbing natural energy only when he is stationary, and the total amount of Sage Chakra he can gather is always constant. This is the fundamental constraint that his Sage Mode can only be maintained for a short five minutes.
However, Gen Takuno was not interested in this Sage Mode, which required lengthy preparations and was time-sensitive.
Just like Minato Namikaze, whom he knew, the latter also mastered this technique, but rarely used it on the vast battlefield, for reasons largely the same reason.
As his thoughts wandered, Yuan Tuoye suddenly paused.
He is now thinking about Minato Namikaze from the original work, not the Minato Namikaze who exists in this current timeline.
Six or seven years have passed since the untimely death of the fourth generation in the original work.
Given the vast expanse of time, who can say for sure that this most talented golden flash among ordinary bloodlines never reached new heights?
Admittedly, Minato Namikaze may not have seen a significant increase in the "quantity" of chakra.
His body had long passed its peak growth period, and the heavy duties of being the Hokage ruthlessly compressed the time he had to hone his physique.
While the total amount of chakra increases, the increase will inevitably be limited.
But theory aside, Gen Takuno knew that Minato Namikaze's extraordinary talent should not be underestimated.
Perhaps—in these years that fate has bestowed upon him, he has found another way and figured out how to flexibly apply the Sage Mode in actual combat?
Even if he can't achieve full coverage, he only needs to unleash his destructive power for a moment when facing a powerful enemy.
If this is true, Minato Namikaze's strength will undoubtedly leap to a new and awe-inspiring level.
The Sage Mode buff is enough to make up for his slight lack of explosive destructive power.
Yuan Tuoye narrowed his eyes slightly, his thoughts deepening.
With Minato Namikaze's extraordinary talent and the more time he had than in the original story, had he already figured out how to master the incredibly powerful "Wind Release: Rasengan"?
Even if it weren't for this technique, with his exceptional talent, it's not far-fetched to imagine that he could have incorporated chakra nature transformation into the Rasengan and created other S-rank ninjutsu with sufficient destructive power.
Imagine possessing the all-around amplification of Sage Mode, coupled with a newly created ninjutsu boasting unparalleled destructive power, and further enhanced by the unpredictable Flying Thunder God Technique—
Minato Namikaze's strength has probably far exceeded his previous estimates.
The more Yuan Tuoye thought about it, the more he felt that his current thinking was correct, and that he absolutely could not look at Namikaze Minato now with the same perspective as in the original work!
"As expected of Minato Namikaze—" Gen Takuno sighed inwardly, feeling admiration but not much worry.
Because no matter how much the opponent surpasses imagination, the "upper limit" of their power is already vaguely visible in his eyes. Unless he miraculously obtains Kurama Mode, Minato Namikaze's strength is already close to the limit that his bloodline can bear.
After all, he was just an "ordinary person" —
To be able to forge a mortal body to such a degree is truly astonishing.
The path to higher levels is almost completely cut off for those who are not bloodline inheritors in that world where bloodline reigns supreme.
Thinking of this, a trace of indescribable regret swept through Yuan Tuoye's heart.
If we were in a world where heroes are not judged by bloodline, Minato Namikaze, this brilliant star, would shine even brighter.
Unfortunately, in this world bound by the shackles of bloodline, even the most outstanding geniuses find it difficult to break free from this invisible cage.
After a soft sigh, Yuan Tuoye's gaze became even more resolute, like a rock.
He absolutely did not want to repeat such a fate!
Even though his talent is far inferior to Minato Namikaze's, at this moment, thanks to his unique and fortunate circumstances, the pinnacle he can reach in the future is destined to be higher than that of Minato Namikaze.
And he is steadfastly climbing towards the summit that belongs to him.
With his mind made up, Yuan Tuoye swiftly formed hand seals.
The tough barrier that isolated the inside from the outside and blocked the flow of natural energy shattered instantly, turning into specks of light and disappearing into nothingness.
The surging, ever-renewing natural energy instantly flooded into Jugo's body like a tidal wave.
Next, he will face an even more severe and crucial training.
In the torrent of endlessly surging natural energy, seek that ever-changing perfect balance point and concoct the perfect Sage Chakra!
"Yuan Takuno, or rather, Jugo," he slowly closed his eyes, his entire being sinking into the moment.
The raging natural energy, like a surging river, continuously washed over every inch of Chongwu's body.
Yuan Tuoye's consciousness was immersed in this uniquely gifted "immortal body," and he was making attempts that were far more dangerous than he had imagined.
Unlike his previous fixed-quantity training, he now needed to precisely harmonize his chakra and spiritual energy within a torrent of energy, making it even more difficult.
If he is not careful, the violent forces of nature will completely erode him.
If it weren't for Shigeo's naturally compatible body with natural energy acting as a barrier, he would have been able to use his own body directly.
Yuan Tuoye had no doubt that he had long since turned into a silent rock statue in some dark corner.
The dangers of cultivating Immortal Mode far exceed those of ordinary understanding.
Even the spirit toads or snakes that inhabit the three sacred lands and are bathed in rich natural energy from birth often suffer tragic fates, such as petrification, death, or turning into withered bones.
Acquiring this power is akin to walking a tightrope over a bottomless abyss.
Even someone like Gen Takuno, whose thirst for power borders on obsession, would rather choose the relatively controllable but slightly inferior "Cursed Seal Mode" than easily touch the extremely dangerous "Sage Mode" if he didn't have Jugo's body as the "key".
Even the greatest power needs a life to bear it.
For a full month, Gen Takuno finally managed to precisely regulate and combine [the ingredients] within Jugo's body for the first time without relying on the protective barrier.
He stabilized the first strand of "Sage Chakra" that belonged to him.
This process is long and arduous, with each successful reconciliation accompanied by several near-out-of-control tremors, which also means that the current level of proficiency is far from sufficient.
Another month passed, and that initial awkwardness was honed by intense willpower into an almost instinctive skill.
As Yuan Tuoye's consciousness slowly withdrew and re-condensed, his eyes opened, and a profound understanding of the laws governing the flow of natural energy remained deep within his pupils, causing his vision to briefly become somewhat blurred.
Control of the body is returned.
Jugo stretched his limbs, which he hadn't controlled in a long time, and his movements carried a slight, almost imperceptible, awkwardness.
Over the past three months, Yuan Tuoye has occupied this body for far more time than he, the true owner, has.
At this moment, Jugo's eyes, which belonged to a child yet were unusually calm, suddenly emitted an unprecedentedly scorching light, fixed on Gen Takuno.
Because of Takuno Minamoto's success, his long-cherished desire was finally within reach.
Yuan Tuono naturally sensed that intense, almost tangible, expectant gaze.
He easily understood Jugo's inner thoughts, but his own pure thirst for power made him feel a little confused about Jugo's choice.
"Jugo," Takuno's voice broke the silence, tinged with inquiry, "Do you still insist that I seal your constitution that allows you to absorb natural energy?"
"Even without the seal, you will not go berserk again, and you will possess a very powerful force because of it."
"Yes, sir!" Jugo's answer was firm and decisive, without the slightest hesitation.
Memories of hurting others and being feared and rejected because of his uncontrollable outbursts in his childhood flooded back, his voice filled with deep-seated pain and disgust.
"This power—it was never what I sought. I loathe it, I loathe this ever-present curse that could devour me at any moment!"
Yuan Tuoye gazed at the determination in the boy's eyes, knowing that he could not change his mind.
He shook his head slightly, with a hint of helplessness in his sigh: "Since this is your final decision, I will keep my promise and place the seal on you."
In an instant, an overwhelming joy, like a flood breaking through a dam, instantly overwhelmed Jugo's usually composed face, which was beyond his years.
His lips parted slightly, almost spilling words of gratitude.
"But—" Yuan Tuoye's tone suddenly changed.
Just those two words froze the joy on Jugo's face, turning it into visible tension, and his body tensed slightly.
Seeing this, Yuan Tuono chuckled softly, a rare occurrence for him: "Don't be nervous. A promise is a promise; the seal will be completed. But—"
'
"I will also tell you how to break this seal."
Shigego was taken aback and instinctively wanted to refuse.
However, Takuno raised his hand to stop him: "Don't say you don't need it." Jugo, power itself is neither good nor evil; the key lies in the will to wield it.
Life is unpredictable, and there will always be moments when those you cherish need to be protected.
Shiro, Dean Nonou—If one day, danger is imminent, and you are powerless to resist because you have given up your power, what will you do then?
Takuno's sharp gaze fell on Jugo, carrying a power that seemed to question the very soul.
Shigego remained silent.
He believed that Yukinin Village was safe under Gen Takuno's protection, but "what if"?
If that worst-case scenario comes true, and he is the only one present, but has lost the power that once cursed him, yet was also incredibly powerful—
He couldn't imagine the helplessness and regret he felt.
After a long silence, Jugo slowly raised his head, his eyes regaining their clarity and determination: "I understand, sir!"
"Hmm." Takuno stepped forward, with an unusual gentleness, and reached out to ruffle Jugo's slightly messy hair.
The next second, a mysterious light shone from his palm, and countless fine, tadpole-like black runes seemed to come alive, surging out from his fingertips like an inky stream, quickly flowing and covering Jugo's entire body.
The runes intertwined and flickered, eventually the light receded and completely disappeared beneath Jugo's skin, leaving only faint energy marks.
"Try it out." Yuan Tuoye withdrew his hand.
Without needing any prompting, Jugo's body clearly conveyed to him an unprecedented and indescribable sense of "lightness".
Those natural energy points that once filled the world and had a fatal attraction for him were still clearly visible.
However, at this moment, they seemed to be blocked by an absolutely transparent barrier. No matter how he tried to actively draw them in, not even a trace of natural energy could penetrate his body.
The shackles that had plagued him for years—are shattered!
A tremendous sense of relief enveloped him like a warm tide, and a pure, childlike, radiant smile bloomed on his face.
Deep within, a dark corner of the heart, born of fear and uncontrolled power, or rather, a hidden second personality, quietly disintegrated and vanished into dust along with the sealing of the body.
Afterwards, Gen Takuno began to teach the technique to break the seal.
The method is not complicated; the core lies in a specific chakra flow path and a few key hand seal sequences.
Jugo studied with complete concentration. He was naturally intelligent and quickly mastered this life-saving key.
"My lord," Jugo's smile faded, and he bowed deeply to Minamoto Takuno, his forehead almost touching the ground, his voice filled with pure gratitude, "Thank you!"
Yuan Tuoye was clearly unaccustomed to such a formal expression of gratitude. He paused for a moment, then regained his composure: "You should also know that my help to you was not entirely without ulterior motives."
Jugo straightened up, his gaze clear and sincere: "I understand. But I understand even more clearly that without you, I will be forever imprisoned by the shadow of rampage, with no day of liberation!"
Yuan Tuoye stared at the boy's extremely serious face for a long time, and a very faint emotion, almost like a sigh, flashed across his eyes.
He simply nodded in the end, turned around, and headed back: "Let's go, let's go back together."
"Yes!" Jugo's voice was lighter and more determined than ever before as he strode after him.
In the orphanage, both Yakushi Nono and Shiro could sense that Jugo seemed a little different today.
He smiled much more often than usual, and seemed to have regained some of the behavior expected of someone his age.
Although she didn't know why, Yakushi Nonou was happy for Jugo.
She looked at Yuan Tuoye; her interactions over the years had given her a better understanding of him.
As long as you don't touch on their core interests, they are actually a pretty good person.
Just like Jugo's performance today, it must be because of the other party, right?
Thinking of this, a smile appeared on her face. She liked her life very much and wished it could stay the same forever.
Bai seemed to have guessed something and looked at Yuan Tuoye.
Yuan Tuoye nodded to Bai, who immediately smiled with delight.
In this case, it would definitely be a double blessing: the master would gain the power he had been cultivating for the past few months, and Jugo would finally get rid of the nightmare he had been suffering for years.
Really good!