(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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In just one morning, Colt completed all the tasks assigned to him by Tsunade.
Looking at the brand-new houses, the villagers who were initially distressed about their damaged homes immediately forgot their soreness and fatigue.
After all, who cares about an old house when you're moving into a new better one?
"Long live Colt-sama!" someone shouted, and the crowd immediately followed suit.
"Long live Colt-sama!"
"Long live Colt-sama!"
Even those whose houses were unscathed felt a twinge of envy.
Deep down, they almost wished the invading enemies had been stronger, so they too could move into new homes.
Colt smiled and waved to everyone, and at the same time instructed two ninjas to report back to Tsunade.
He then made his way to the training grounds.
In the ninja world, there were five basic nature transformations: Earth, Water, Fire, Wind, and Lightning. To become a Jōnin, one must master at least two of these transformations.
Of course, this was just one criterion for the Jōnin rank, not a necessary condition.
Some individuals were born with multiple nature affinities, allowing them to naturally merge them to form new techniques. This was known as a Kekkei Genkai, or Bloodline Limit.
Examples include Haku's Ice Release, Terumi Mei's Lava Release and Boil Release, and the Four-Tails Jinchūriki's Lava Release.
It's worth noting that these two Lava Releases were distinct techniques despite sharing the same name.
Beyond this lies the Kekkei Tōta, formed by the fusion of three nature transformations.
The Second Tsuchikage's Dust Release was a prime example.
Colt reflected on his experience using the Dust Release. Its destructive power surpassed even that of the [Sage Art: Wind Release Rasenshuriken], causing atomic structural damage to matter.
Even an ordinary Susanoo couldn't withstand its power.
However, the Dust Release had its drawbacks.
The launch speed was slow, and the casting direction couldn't be altered.
Each use required careful calculation of angle and timing.
Further beyond lay the Blood Release, a technique so rare it was virtually unheard of.
It required not only the integration of all five basic nature transformations but also the addition of the rare Yin and Yang Releases. Only after consuming an entire Chakra fruit and manifesting the Nine Tomoe Rinnegan on one's forehead could one hope to use the Blood Release.
Colt's growth path differed from that of the traditional Ōtsutsuki clan, and even he wasn't yet qualified to use the Blood Release.
However, Colt's purpose today wasn't to study the Blood Release, but another technique of equal caliber: the Truth-Seeking Ball.
While the Blood Release was a special ability produced by the Ōtsutsuki clan combined with the Chakra fruit, the Truth-Seeking Ball was the measure of the Six Paths level.
You either had to be able to compete at that level or possess the technique itself.
A mass of pure Chakra appeared in Colt's palm, which then split into five smaller orbs. Each underwent a different transformation, one becoming flames, another a pool of water, and so on.
Controlling these five Chakra orbs, Colt fused them together to form a colorful sphere.
Colt frowned slightly.
While it appeared that the various chakras had combined, there was still a clear distinction within.
His [Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan] emerged, and Colt's spiritual energy surged wildly.
Using the [Yin Release], he created form from nothingness, forcing the five Chakras to truly merge.
Under his powerful spiritual pressure, these Chakras were like reluctant children, grudgingly coming together.
Simultaneously, Colt added a powerful vitality to the Chakra using the [Yang Release], breathing life into form.
With the Yang Release as a medium, the Five Nature Chakras became more compliant, accepting each of their companions.
The colorful sphere began to dim, all colors becoming muted.
At the same time, the Chakra in Colt's body was depleting rapidly, consuming the equivalent of dozens or hundreds of Kakashi's reserves every second.
Although the volume remained unchanged, the total amount and density of Chakra contained within had increased countless times.
The Mangekyō kept spinning, forming an afterimage.
Suddenly, a sound like a bubble bursting echoed, and the Chakra consumption in his body ceased.
A fist-sized black Truth-Seeking Ball slowly floated up from Colt's palm, containing the power of all things.
That was the catalyst for Colt.
At this moment, the Chakra in Colt's body and the exchanged Nine-Bijuu Chakra were completely integrated into his divine tree body, producing a brand-new power.
The Sharingan rippled out in circles of purple, the Mangekyō gradually decomposing into nine Tomoe distributed on each ripple.
His jet-black hair turned snow-white, falling in crystalline strands.
The Sage's robe appeared behind him, fluttering in the wind.
The black Truth-Seeking Ball slowly changed shape, eventually becoming a pitch-black rod.
Nine Tomoe Rinnegan!
Six Paths Mode!
Colt closed his eyes and floated up into the sky.
"Is this the Six Paths level? The total amount of Chakra hasn't changed, but it feels completely different."
With a swish, he activated the [Flying Thunder God Technique].
In the next second, his figure disappeared from above Konoha and reappeared at the coastline of the Land of Fire.
Colt exerted all his strength and flew away from land, heading towards the endless sea. The changes in him after stepping into the Six Paths level were too great.
To avoid harming the village and innocent people, he had to test his new powers in the barren sea.
It took half a day for Colt to gain a general understanding of his new strength and abilities.
He also managed to create six Truth-Seeking Balls. It wasn't that he didn't want to make more; it was simply that he could only maintain this many at the moment. Any more would be unsustainable.
But the Truth-Seeking Balls were truly remarkable.
The orb in his palm changed shape according to his will, becoming long or short, thick or thin.
Its attacking or defensive power was unmatchable.
"The Rinnegan's basic techniques, plus two unique skills... this time, the harvest is truly significant," Colt sighed with emotion.
He had relied on his own efforts, constantly earning points.
Until today, he had finally reached this state, with infinite possibilities for the future.
Colt had always been worried before.
Although his combat power was fully unleashed and he could reach the Six Paths level, his essence of life had been inferior, making prolonged fights strenuous.
Especially against Kaguya, who possessed both the Rinne Sharingan and the Byakugan, Colt couldn't understand how she had lost to Naruto and Sasuke.
But now it was different.
Both were at the Six Paths level.
With his basic attributes plus the two newly acquired ocular techniques...
Victory was assured!
Colt raised his head and looked at the bright, full moon hanging high in the sky.
"Kaguya, wait for me…!"