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Soon after mastering his nature breathing technique, Hiruzen moved quickly to refine his next steps.
He sat cross-legged, activating his advanced comprehension ability, tuning in to the energy patterns inside and around him.
His breathing became synchronized with the natural energy, inhaling it deeply while maintaining a steady rhythm.
His focus sharpened as his body began to harmonize with the energy from the environment, blending it with his chakra.
Unlike traditional Sage Art, this was a unique process—one that allowed Hiruzen to continuously infuse natural energy into his body.
This rhythm, combined with the yin and yang breathing arts, created a constant flow of energy. The breathing technique he had devised was something revolutionary.
With every inhale, the natural energy flowed in seamlessly, merging with his cells and blending with the chakra he had cultivated over decades.
As the natural energy coursed through him, Hiruzen's body underwent visible changes. His skin became smoother and more vibrant, a healthy glow emanating from his complexion.
His once dark hair now shone with a deeper, richer black, flowing smoothly down his shoulders. His muscles, more defined than ever, rippled as his height increased slightly, reaching 183 cm.
His body radiated power, and the life force within him grew more potent with each breath.
A smile formed on his lips as he opened his eyes, glancing down at his transformed physique.
"Hahaha…" A deep laugh echoed in the quiet of the training ground.
"My life force… it's increased dramatically. The yin and yang breathing techniques have allowed me to sustain my peak combat power indefinitely." His voice was filled with pride as he surveyed his newfound strength.
The idea of removing chakra as his primary source of power and replacing it with pure natural energy began to take shape.
"If I convert chakra into natural energy… the strength I could wield would be unimaginable. Every jutsu I use would have the destructive force of nature itself."
His thoughts turned to the future. "First, I'll create the Sage Body. Once the ratio of chakra to natural energy reaches 1:1, I'll be able to convert my chakra entirely."
Hiruzen's gaze grew distant as he imagined the power he would achieve. "After the Sage Body is fully condensed, my lifespan will exceed even the Senju and Uzumaki clans."
He continued to refine his ideas, creating supplementary techniques like chakra absorption and natural energy conversion for sustained combat.
With a strategic mind, he knew that these techniques would ensure his dominance in extended battles.
After another long day of working on his breathing technique, Hiruzen stood, stretching his limbs.
His eyes shifted toward the distant horizon as he decided to focus on the ANBU.
In a blink, Hiruzen teleported to the secret ANBU training field. Upon his arrival, the atmosphere was still, with only the whisper of the wind passing through the trees.
Two ANBU members, their masks glinting in the sunlight, appeared instantly at his side, kneeling before him.
"Hokage-sama," they said in unison, their voices steady and respectful.
"Gather all the ANBU," Hiruzen ordered. His tone was calm but authoritative. Without hesitation, the two shinobi flickered away to carry out his command.
The training field was vast, a large open space with high cliffs and tall trees surrounding it.
This field, designed by Hiruzen himself, was used to train Konoha's elite. Standing atop a rock formation, Hiruzen clasped his hands behind his back, his expression unreadable. He gazed down at the empty field, waiting.
One by one, ANBU ninja arrived, appearing silently and assembling in orderly rows. The shinobi, clad in dark uniforms and animal-like masks, looked up at their Hokage, awaiting his instructions. The air was heavy with anticipation.
Hiruzen scanned the crowd with his Eye of Insight ability, assessing the strength of each shinobi in attendance. His sharp eyes picked up on the growth many had achieved.
Over half of the 250 ANBU present possessed jonin-level strength. He noticed that several members from prominent clans, such as the Nara and Inuzuka, had also reached higher ranks, indicating their dedication to both the village and their craft.
He thought to himself, "After inviting talented shinobi from various clans, the number of ANBU has risen significantly. With more recruits from this year's academy graduation and ongoing invitations, the ranks could swell to over 350 within the next year."
A subtle aura of authority radiated from Hiruzen as he continued to observe his elite force. "Once I've solidified my control over the ANBU, the plan to bring the Fire Nation under Konoha's direct command will be within reach."
Breaking his silence, Hiruzen addressed the group with a firm yet appreciative tone.
"You all are the elite of this village. Each of you has the potential of a jonin, and your efforts in protecting the village in the shadows have not gone unnoticed. You've done commendable work, even without the recognition you deserve."
His words were carefully chosen, meant to inspire and solidify loyalty. It was a tactic all leaders employed, but Hiruzen knew how important it was to make his soldiers feel valued.
As he spoke, he could feel the subtle shift in the air. The ANBU, usually silent and reserved, stood a little straighter, their chests swelling with pride.
"But your tasks will only become more challenging from now on," Hiruzen's voice grew grim.
"The threat of Amegakure looms on the horizon, and war is inevitable. The Second Shinobi War is approaching, and when it arrives, you must be ready to protect the village from the shadows, as you always have."
He paused, letting his words sink in before raising his voice, his gaze sweeping over the assembled shinobi.
"Are you afraid? Will you stand idle and watch as enemies destroy everything we hold dear? Will you allow your loved ones to fall to those who seek to harm us?"
The ANBU were a stoic force, but even those from the clever Nara clan, who often saw through such speeches, could feel their blood boiling at the mention of their families and their village.
The emotions in the group shifted palpably as they shouted in unison, "NO!"
Hiruzen nodded, his voice rising in intensity. "Are you ready to destroy those who threaten the peace of this village?"
"Yes!" the ANBU shouted, their collective voice echoing across the training ground.
"Good!" Hiruzen's tone remained fierce. "Your new assignments will come after this year's academy graduation. Prepare yourselves. The new recruits will need to be trained to match the strength of the current elites, and I expect nothing less than perfection from you all."
As his words hung in the air, the ANBU could feel the weight of responsibility pressing on their shoulders.
Hiruzen dismissed the majority of the group with a wave of his hand, his gaze sharp and calculating.
"Squad captains, stay behind," he added, watching as the rest of the ANBU dispersed.
Once the field was cleared, Hiruzen addressed the squad leaders.
"In the coming months, we will face enemies who will test the limits of our strength and resolve. Ensure your squads are ready for the challenges ahead. Each of you will receive specific assignments soon, but until then, continue to prepare. We must be ready for anything."
The captains nodded, their loyalty to their Hokage unwavering.
Hiruzen's face relaxed slightly as he dismissed the remaining leaders.
He was already strategizing for the future, confident that with the ANBU at full strength, the village would be prepared for the storm that was soon to come.
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