Shiyu gasped heavily as he sprinted home from the training ground, having just run at full speed in one breath. His speed had noticeably increased, and if he were to take the school's comprehensive test now, his speed score would undoubtedly be one-third higher than before. This improvement was merely the result of having physical skills in his skill bar for less than a morning. His physique was continuously being strengthened, albeit gradually, every ten seconds—a testament to the saying, "A drop of water can wear through a stone." Shiyu could clearly feel the changes in his body.
The passive skill bar's magic was undeniable, but Shiyu's attention was currently fixed on Active Skill 3. Approaching noon, Shiyu felt a pang of hunger after his quick run. He rummaged through the refrigerator and prepared a simple lunch. Living alone since the age of three or four, and being a time traveler, cooking was hardly a challenge for him.
After hastily finishing his meal, Shiyu tidied up and sat cross-legged in the living room. Closing his eyes, he summoned the system interface. The passive skill bar was the first thing he saw, but he bypassed it this time, concentrating instead on the three active skills.
He temporarily disregarded the first two skills, focusing intently on the last one:
**[Active Skill 3: Daxian※]**
This skill was nothing short of divine, capable of helping him rapidly master swordsmanship. This ability alone thrilled Shiyu, and he wanted to explore its other potential uses. But without a clear method for testing it, he was momentarily at a loss.
"Calm down, calm down," he told himself, "don't get excited. Think about how to thoroughly test all the functions of this skill."
**[Active Skill 3: Daxian※]**
**[Application Dialogue]**
What? Could this skill communicate? If so, was it still just a skill?
It seemed almost on par with artificial intelligence! When learning swordsmanship earlier, the skill had actively requested to be activated, behaving much like AI.
"Agree!" Shiyu said.
**[Daxian※: This skill is currently in a damaged state and is urging the system to repair it. Presently, only the analysis function is available, and some parts of the analysis function are damaged and cannot be activated. Forced activation may cause this skill to completely collapse.]**
Was it explaining itself? The analysis function related to his recent swordsmanship learning was the only one left operational. Could it only assist with rapid learning?
Shiyu frowned. He had rushed back to test whether this skill could enhance his Chakra refining technique. Seeing the term "analysis" in the system's prompt, he wondered if this skill might analyze techniques he already mastered.
**[Daxian※: The calculation ability is damaged and unable to fulfill the host's request.]**
Calculation? Could this skill truly enhance already mastered techniques? Was this enhancement function called "calculation?" How fitting! But why was it damaged? How frustrating!
If it weren't damaged, the analysis could potentially lead to perfect swordsmanship. Calculating the Chakra refining technique might even transform it into the Chakra Surge Technique.
Unfortunately...
"I wonder how long it will take to repair!"
**[Daxian※: Repair time is unknown. However, as the Host becomes stronger, the system's repair ability will improve, accelerating the repair process.]**
So, becoming stronger would enhance the system's repair ability. That was promising. At least there was a chance to see Active Skill 3 fully operational. Strengthening himself was crucial.
Having grasped Active Skill 3's capabilities, Shiyu turned his attention to Active Skills 1 and 2.
**[Daxian※: Data is lost, and the specific effects of the skills are unknown.]**
"No information? Then I'll test them myself!"
**[Daxian※: Activating two skills will delay this skill's repair time and share the system's repair rate. This may result in this skill and other active skills never being repaired.]**
Was that so? Shiyu paused, sensing something peculiar. It seemed like Active Skill 3 wanted all the repair rates focused on itself, almost as if it were protecting its restoration.
**[Daxian※:...]**
Oh? Not speaking anymore? Was that an implicit admission?
If a skill could think, Shiyu needed to be cautious.
**[Daxian※: Repairing this skill is currently most beneficial to the Host. Once repaired, it can assist the system in repairing other skills, making it the best choice.]**
Indeed, if this skill could aid in repairing others, prioritizing its repair was logical.
...
In the Hokage building, Yueguang Hayate waited over ten minutes until the Third Generation was free to see him. Entering the Hokage's office, the Third Generation Hokage noticed Hayate's cheerful demeanor and jested, "Look at you! What's the occasion? Did you come to see the old man right after a date?"
Though not very close, they shared familiarity due to their respective positions as Jonin and Konoha's core strength. Such jesting facilitated a closer rapport.
Hayate, a bit embarrassed, shook his head, then adopted a serious demeanor as he addressed the Third Generation Hokage. "Lord Third Generation, I have an unexpected surprise to report!"
"A surprise?" The Third Generation Hokage smiled, wondering what could be deemed a surprise at this time. Relaxing into his chair, he listened intently. "Go ahead!"
"I belong to the Moonlight family, and today I discovered Moonlight Shiyu has the same potential as Konoha's White Fang!" Hayate declared. "His swordsmanship talent surpasses any in Konoha today!"
The Third Generation Hokage, previously about to close his eyes in contemplation, snapped them open, fixing Hayate with an intense gaze. "What did you say?".