Both the Void State and the Lightning Release massage provided results that exceeded Natsuro's expectations.
The Void State wasn't as impressive as the first time, but the sensory perception was still gradually improving, and his observation of chakra energy was becoming deeper. However, there was no breakthrough to a new level of understanding yet.
In reality, he had also become more proficient with shape transformations for Wind and Lightning Releases. As a result, the theoretical power of his Wind and Lightning Release techniques had increased.
Unfortunately, due to his limited chakra, his mastery of Wind and Lightning Release techniques was still at the C-rank level, which required significant chakra and had no current application. So, he did not practice them extensively. His perceived increase in power was based on his intuition, and he would only attempt to practice these techniques if he had enough remaining chakra after completing his tasks.
He was benefiting from the advantages of peacetime. During a war, C-rank techniques could be crucial survival tools, which would force him to practice them despite his limited chakra, making the training process incredibly inefficient. Peacetime allowed him an luxury other ninjas historically could not afford.
As for the Lightning Release massage, more noticable effects showed. Every time he exited the Void State, he began the massage, and the tingling sensation that coursed through his body was intoxicating. After each session, he could even feel a slight enhancement in his body, which was partly due to his current low physical strength.
The speed of noticeable improvement was alarming, and this also accelerated the increase of his chakra reserves. Originally, he had expected to reach the average level of a Genin's chakra by the third grade; it seems he would reach that level at a quicker pace. Of course, the Lightning Release massage wasn't omnipotent. His body had limits. If the massage duration was too long, pain would set in, and Natsuro would stop.
His remaining chakra was generally insufficient for C-rank jutsu but could be used to practice the shape transformation improvements gained from the Void State. At this rate, he could expect to start practicing the Wind Release techniques "Wind Cutter" and "Wind Palm"—which had lower chakra consumption—by the next semester.
Natsuro also had an idea after many sessions of Void State practice and Lightning Release massages: he could potentially combine these two methods. However, his current Void State only allowed for observation, whenever he tried to actively control chakra, it would immediately end. It was only a matter of time before he would be able to do both. Though for now, he decided it was best to focus on practicing each separately.
First, he would focus on successfully reversing the order of practicing the Void State and the Lightning Release Massage.
When Guy occasionally visited, he was shocked by Natsuro's progress. Guy had previously made an training routine based on his physical condition and his growth rate but he had noticed that Natsuro's progress was much faster than expected. What was going on?
So Natsuro begun explaining his progress and including the benefits of the Lightning Release massage deciding to be transparent with Guy since he would be preparing his new training routinue.
Upon hearing this, Guy looked at Natsuro with a stunned expression. Despite his lack of talent in ninjutsu, he understood that achieving such results wasn't easy.
Maybe Natsuro didn't feel the difficulty of doing the massage, but Guy, as a jōnin, had witnessed many things. Many ninjas couldn't even master shape transformations, relying solely on the standard hand seals for jutsu, let alone freely control chakra after transformation.
Guy realized that Natsuro was different from both him and Lee; he was undoubtedly a genius in ninjutsu.
Recognizing this, Guy couldn't help but shed tears. He was deeply moved by Natsuro's dedication despite his remarkable talent. It was truly inspiring. He felt motivated to show everyone that the youth of Konoha's Blue Beast had no limits.
Natsuro watched Guy crying in front of him and was somewhat speechless. While he had seen similar scenes in the original work, but seeing it in reality felt quite strange.
After being moved, Guy helped Natsuro reorganize his training plan and then hesitated.
"Is there anything else, Guy-sensei?" Natsuro asked, noticing Guy's hesitance. Did no one tell him that his emotions were too obvious to hide?
"Well, could you also help Lee with this Lightning Release massage?" Guy scratched his head, feeling a bit embarrassed. But seeing Natsuro's progress, he thought of Lee.
From what Guy had gathered, Lee was not just bad at ninjutsu—he couldn't use it at all. Although Lee had chakra in his body, he couldn't channel it, let alone use jutsu. Taijutsu might really be the only path for Lee and seeing Lee's efforts, Guy felt reluctant to tell him this.
"Sure," Natsuro agreed. He had a good impression of Lee, besides, this was a request from Guy, who had helped him a lot.
Natsuro originally used his leftover chakra to try to improve his shape transformations in the Void state. Now, he could just make one attempt and set aside the rest for later. One attempt was enough. As for whether the remaining chakra would be enough to help Lee with the massage, he couldn't guarantee it. He had to ensure his plan was completed first before helping others. This was something he would not compromise on unless it was his mother who needed help.
But something strange happened...
When he offered to help Lee with the massage, Lee expressed his gratitude. Even though he mentioned it was Guy's request, Lee still thanked him.
"Lee, remember, this massage is no joke. Lightning Release chakra is very volatile, so if you feel pain during the process, stop immediately. Otherwise, it may not only fail to help you but also harm your body," he warned seriously.
"I understand!" Lee nodded gravely.
Once Lee was ready, he began the massage. However, not long after, before he could progress further, Lee stopped due to the pain.
The duration was too short—shorter than Natsuro anticipated. Would there be an effect from such a short massage?
Yes there would be, but based on his experience, the effect would be minimal.
He frowned, looking at Lee. What was the issue? He didn't believe it was due to Lee's physical strength...