Pretty much, a computer. I'm being literal. Also, between Void Matrix or Phantom Core, which one?
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The Chunin Exams were in full swing, the arena buzzing with energy as fights played out one after another. But far from the noise and excitement of the arena, Arsene sat alone in a waiting room, his head tilted back, eyes half-closed, as he tried to calm his thoughts. The room was dimly lit, with only the faint hum of the crowd filtering through the thick walls, but despite the relative quiet, Arsene found no peace.
A strange feeling had settled over him, one that he couldn't quite shake. It wasn't fear. He'd long since abandoned any sense of fear in the face of battle. Nor was it the usual satisfaction of feeling stronger after his endless hours of training. No, this feeling was far more primal—more raw. It gnawed at him, like an itch under his skin. It was irresistible.
He wanted to fight. To crush someone, anyone. The desire burned within him like a fever. What's wrong with me? Arsene wondered, annoyed at his lack of self-control. This wasn't like him—he was always calm, collected, cold. Yet now, it felt as though something deeper was stirring, something wild and unchecked.
His thoughts drifted back to the cause of this sudden shift. Chakra... it feels different now. Since he had completed his modifications to the Strength of a Hundred Seal, chakra itself seemed to flow through him differently, as if it were more volatile, more alive. It wasn't perfect yet—far from it, actually—but the fact that it worked at all had given Arsene a taste of something new, something he hadn't expected.
He had successfully transformed the seal from a simple 'box' into a more complex 'machine' that could regulate his chakra flow. And though it still had countless improvements to be made, the core function was already in place. He was already noticing subtle differences—his chakra seemed to be moving faster, circulating through his body with an almost constant, electric hum. It was exhilarating.
Arsene ran a hand over his palm, where the modified seal was etched in the shape of a black rhombus. It was a nod to the original users of the technique, Lady Tsunade and Sakura Uchiha, but its function had evolved far beyond a simple chakra storage seal. Phantom Core or Void Matrix? The names for his creation floated in his mind, both equally tempting. He hadn't decided yet which fit better, but he liked the sound of both.
Still, the seal wasn't without its challenges. Arsene had spent days writing the system into his chakra meridians—the invisible network of veins that carried chakra throughout his body. It had been a grueling process, one that had left him with more than a few injuries. If I wasn't terrible with biology, I would've tried to imprint this thing on every part of my body, even my organs. He mused, his lips curling into a small, self-deprecating smirk. Maybe one day.
For now, though, the machine worked, albeit with only its most basic function: regulating his chakra. And even that made a significant difference. Arsene could already feel that his chakra was in a near-constant state of movement, making it harder for outside forces—like Genjutsu—to latch onto him. While he hadn't tested the effect against truly advanced Genjutsu users yet, he was confident that even the most powerful illusions would find it difficult to trap him for long.
It's still not perfect. He thought, But it'll do for now. I'll improve it later.
As he continued to wrestle with his thoughts, a voice crackled through the speakers overhead. "Arsene, please report to the arena."
Arsene snapped out of his reverie, his eyes narrowing slightly as a predatory grin spread across his face. Ah~! Talk about timing. The strange itch inside him grew stronger. Finally, he thought as he stood up, his hands slipping into the pockets of his black pants. His heart rate picked up, not out of fear or excitement, but from a deep, burning anticipation.
As Arsene walked toward the arena, he caught a glimpse of his reflection in a nearby window. His hair had grown longer, dark strands framing his pale face. Huh, guess I need a haircut, he thought absentmindedly. But that was a problem for another time.
In the Arena – Shinki Awaits
The roar of the crowd grew louder as Arsene stepped out into the light of the arena. The air was thick with tension, and the massive stone faces of the Hokage carved into the mountainside seemed to watch over the battlefield, silent witnesses to the battles unfolding below.
Across the arena, Shinki, the adoptive son of Gaara, stood waiting. His arms crossed, his expression cold and focused. The young shinobi radiated confidence, and he had every reason to—Shinki was known for his mastery over Iron Sand, a technique passed down to him from his father, one of the most powerful shinobi alive.
Shinki's eyes met Arsene's, and for a brief moment, neither of them moved. There was an unspoken acknowledgment between the two—a recognition that this fight would not be an easy one for either of them.
Shinki's Iron Sand hovered around him like a dark cloud, swirling ominously in the air. He was calm, composed, and utterly sure of his victory. In his mind, there was no doubt—he was going to win.
Arsene, on the other hand, could feel the phantom machine thrumming inside him, regulating his chakra with every breath he took. His nerves felt sharper, his senses more attuned to the energy around him. But even with this newfound power, there was uncertainty. I still don't know what'll happen when I switch this thing on fully, he thought, but the uncertainty didn't scare him. If anything, it thrilled him.
As the crowd roared in anticipation, the referee stepped forward, his voice booming through the stadium. "The next match is Arsene of the Hidden Leaf vs. Shinki of the Hidden Sand! Fighters, are you ready?"
Shinki's gaze never wavered. He nodded once, his Iron Sand already shifting, preparing for battle.
Arsene tilted his head slightly, a small, almost amused smile playing on his lips. "Ready," he said, his voice calm but filled with a dangerous edge.
The referee raised his hand. "Begin!"
In an instant, the arena erupted into motion. Shinki's Iron Sand shot forward, twisting and swirling like a living weapon, while Arsene's body tensed, the chakra machine inside him humming to life.
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[Auther: As time goes by and I continue to grow, I realize...I haven't done a DC chapter in a over a day...meaning...I need to...do a chapter there....]