Visiting Uzumaki MitoNew
Click! Click!
A terrifying sensation coursed through his body as his bones emitted a crisp, unsettling sound. Orochimaru's vision wavered, and he suddenly noticed that everything around him appeared shorter. But in an instant, his expression turned to one of horror—
It wasn't the surroundings that had shrunk; he had grown taller.
His clothes suddenly felt tight and constricting, as though he had put on an outfit a size too small.
"How is this possible!?"
Orochimaru looked down at himself, unable to believe his eyes. His entire body had expanded, muscles bulging with newfound strength.
"Why is it impossible?"
Xu Ming smiled faintly, lowering his fingers, and said:
"Chakra holds nearly infinite possibilities. Have you never considered its true nature? A power capable of manifesting the seven attributes—Wind, Earth, Water, Fire, Lightning, Yin, and Yang—how profound must its essence be?"
Orochimaru stood in stunned silence.
After a long pause, he sighed and nodded. "You're right. The essence of Chakra is indeed incredibly profound. I've always overlooked this aspect."
"But tell me, Xu Ming, how do you know this?"
"Your tone doesn't sound like mere speculation—it's as if you're absolutely certain."
Orochimaru's sharp eyes locked onto Xu Ming.
"I have my sources," Xu Ming replied calmly. "You're free to speculate, but I won't tell you… at least not yet."
He then added thoughtfully, "Moreover, the transformation of Yang Release isn't suited for you. Your path lies elsewhere."
"So today, I can only confirm my hypothesis about Yang Release? You won't reveal anything more?" Orochimaru asked, feeling somewhat helpless.
"That's correct."
Xu Ming nodded with a gentle smile. "But I won't keep it from you forever. If you continue on this path, step by step, all the answers will eventually come to you."
"Is that so?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow, smirking. "Then, I'll be waiting."
After his conversation with Orochimaru, Xu Ming made his way to the Senju Clan, where he met the legendary first Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails—Uzumaki Mito.
Despite being in her sixties, Mito still appeared remarkably youthful, her strong vitality and the Chakra of the Nine-Tails preserving her appearance as though she were only in her thirties or forties. Her bright red hair burned like a flame, vibrant and dazzling.
"Well, well, young one, what brings you here today?" Uzumaki Mito asked with a warm smile.
She held Xu Ming in high regard. As the fourth disciple of Hiruzen Sarutobi, he was exceptionally talented and intelligent, yet humble and perceptive of the bigger picture.
Mito often thought that if she had been younger, she might have competed with Hiruzen for a disciple like him.
"I regret not visiting sooner, but I had some matters to attend to," Xu Ming replied politely.
"Nonsense."
Mito chuckled, waving him off. "You're always busy with something or another. Admit it, you simply don't want to waste time with an old lady like me."
"Mito-senpai, am I not here now?" Xu Ming laughed.
The two sat down in the tea room, engaging in lighthearted conversation. Their discussion was casual, devoid of any serious matters.
Mito, however, assumed Xu Ming had come simply to fulfill an obligation, likely nudged by Hiruzen. After all, with the medical ninjutsu project now completed, what else could he possibly want?
She was convinced that his visit was merely a formality.
"Actually, I do have a favor to ask of you, Mito-senpai," Xu Ming suddenly said, setting his tea down.
Crack.
The illusion of casual conversation shattered in Mito's mind.
"Oh?" she said, feigning composure as she sipped her tea, trying to hide her slight embarrassment.
I misjudged this one…
"It's about medical ninjutsu," Xu Ming continued, pausing briefly before smiling. "To be honest, I have mastered three Forbidden Technique-level medical jutsu. I wonder if you and the Senju Clan might be interested?"
"Hmm, Forbidden Technique-level medical ninjutsu, you say?" Mito nodded absently.
Pfft!
A second later, she spat out her tea in shock.
She no longer cared about her composure as she asked in astonishment, "What did you just say? Forbidden Technique-level medical ninjutsu? Three of them?"
"Yes," Xu Ming said calmly, sipping his tea as if discussing something trivial.
"Impossible!" Mito furrowed her brows. "I haven't heard of any such developments from the project team."
"That's because these were not developed by the project team." Xu Ming smirked. "They are my personal achievements."
"Your personal achievements!?"
Mito's eyes widened in disbelief.
"Is it so hard to believe, Mito-senpai?" Xu Ming chuckled. "I conceptualized medical ninjutsu. I also developed Chidori and Rasengan… So why should it be impossible for me to create something new on my own?"
"But these are Forbidden Techniques!" Mito exhaled sharply.
She was well aware of Xu Ming's exceptional talent.
Some minor breakthroughs outside the project? That wouldn't have surprised her in the least.
But to claim that he had single-handedly developed Forbidden Technique-level medical jutsu—techniques that had eluded an entire team of experts—was almost too incredible to accept.
Could his individual talent truly surpass that of the entire project team?
Wait… maybe it actually could.
Mito pressed her fingers to her temple, feeling a headache coming on.
"Mito-senpai, why don't you hear me out first?" Xu Ming suggested.
"Alright."
Mito composed herself, pushing aside her skepticism. "Let's hear it."
"These three Forbidden Techniques are advanced applications of Yang Release, forming an interlinked system of jutsu." Xu Ming began explaining in a steady voice.
From the Hundred Healings Mark, to Mitotic Regeneration, and finally, to the Strength of a Hundred Technique.
Each step built upon the last, culminating in an astonishing effect.
Mito's expression shifted as she listened, struggling to maintain her composure.
Isn't this… the complete evolution of the Senju Clan's Yang Release techniques?
No, it was beyond that.
The Senju Clan was still at the foot of the mountain.
Xu Ming had already reached the peak.