In the dense forest, it was already dark.
After Sakumo's departure, Minato continued to ponder his words. Controlling both the change in form and the change in nature simultaneously is indeed a challenging feat. Even having regained all his strength, success remained elusive.
While Minato possesses a strong talent for developing ninjutsu, advancing the Rasengan requires more than just natural talent; it demands precise chakra control. This control isn't merely a result of innate ability but is enhanced through constant training and practice. Thus, given Minato's current level, success seemed improbable in the short term.
However, there was potential in using one hand to alter the form and the other to add the nature change. As Sakumo mentioned, employing both hands simultaneously would undermine the instantaneous release advantage of the Rasengan. Nevertheless, when applying the Rasengan's nature change, he often faces opponents against whom Rasengan alone isn't sufficient—such as the masked man who attacked Konoha. The Rasengan combined with physical attacks couldn't eliminate him.
"Let's give it a try."
Determined, Minato's gaze sharpened as he extended his right hand, forming a Rasengan.
The azure light mirrored the color of Minato's eyes as he extended his left hand towards the Rasengan. He excelled at manipulating wind attributes, and within the five chakra nature types, wind release exceeded even lightning release in power. Thus, to enhance the Rasengan's power, altering it with the wind attribute was the optimal choice.
Minato's left hand appeared still, yet he had condensed all his chakra into his palm without releasing it. Without the appropriate changes in nature and form, the released chakra would dissipate quickly.
Seeking a balance between these elements, after several failed attempts, he understood that establishing a nature change based on a form change required not only manipulating the two forces but also maintaining equilibrium.
At a certain moment, Minato gradually moved his left hand, initiating the nature change. A slight breeze began to circle the Rasengan, prompting a slight reaction from Minato.
Sure enough, using both hands simplified the task compared to multitasking. This method of practicing the Rasengan could even reduce its inherent difficulty.
However, despite wind release chakra accumulating around the Rasengan, Minato's expression soured. He realized that the advanced Rasengan consumed far more chakra than anticipated. The balance remained stable, yet his chakra reserves were nearly depleted.
"Damn it!"
Clenching his teeth, Minato reckoned that despite the Nine-Tails' transformation enhancing his chakra far beyond his eleven years, it was still insufficient for this new technique.
The Rasengan buzzed and roared harshly as it absorbed the wind's properties. But with his chakra almost spent, Minato lost control, and the Rasengan exploded.
"Pah!"
Unable to back off due to the exhausted chakra, Minato crossed his arms defensively but was flung back several meters. His arm stung, and his sleeves were shredded as if by a sword attack.
His gaze darkened briefly before a smile flickered. "It seems I'm on the right track," Minato mused. Though injured by his own technique, the Rasengan's potential power surpassed expectations.
Yet, a new problem arose: he lacked sufficient chakra to continue developing the technique. Still, there was a solution.
With a faint smile, Minato closed his eyes, blocking external distractions.
"Haha, didn't expect you'd reach this state so soon," a familiar voice remarked in Minato's mind—it was his past self.
"You're quite talented," the voice continued.
Minato responded with a slight smile, "Are you still alive?" Despite feeling strange voicing it, he knew the voice symbolised his past experiences.
As the voice continued, clarity dawned upon Minato, suggesting their souls were intertwined. Shiki Fuujin had bound the Nine-Tails' chakra to his soul, merging the beast's chakra with Minato's body while retaining memories and consciousness.
"The strain of containing such power means I may vanish completely one day," the voice noted, bringing a somber realization to Minato.
Acknowledging his cursed fate, he understood the dormant power could be harnessed carefully.
"Developing ninjutsu? Use this power but cautiously," advised the voice. While initially needing guidance, mastering Uzumaki clan's fuinjutsu would eventually allow Minato independent control over the immense chakra.
"Thank you," Minato murmured, appreciating the assistance despite the oddity of thanking himself.
With that, an unseen force surged within him like a powerful tide.
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