"This is the carrier for the [Cursed Seal]?"
Kiyoshi looked at the numerous cell tissues contained within the various culture vessels. Without needing to be told, Kiyoshi knew they contained the cells of the Jugo clan.
Jugo was not just the name of an individual, but the name of an entire ethnic group, similar to the Uchiha or Hyuga. Their lineage naturally absorbed natural energy without needing to focus and sense it like others did to synthesize it internally.
Ninjas capable of learning [Sage Mode] were one in ten thousand. Yet every member of the Jugo clan could do it; they simply tended to fall into a state of uncontrollable berserk rage.
"Exactly. These are a special kind of cell," Orochimaru said, licking his lips.
They were as unique as [Hashirama Cells]. However, the two had different focuses. Aside from Senjutsu, [Hashirama Cells] were almost omnipotent.
"I see."
Kiyoshi's eyes flickered. The [Cursed Seal] was indeed excellent. Furthermore, no rule stated that [Cursed Seal Mode] couldn't be stacked with [Sage Mode].
Conventional [Sage Mode] required gathering natural energy temporarily to synthesize Senjutsu chakra, which showed it absorbed energy from the outside. Yet Sasuke and other Cursed Seal ninjas could activate their seals instantly.
This was naturally because they had already accumulated Senjutsu chakra synthesized in their cells beforehand. The [Cursed Seal] patterns acted as the carrier. When they needed to use it, they could activate it directly from the inside.
What Kiyoshi wanted to do was combine the advantages of both to create a truly perfect [Sage Mode]. After all, this power remained relevant even in the later stages of the world's history.
"But these are inferior methods. Given your aptitude, Ryuchi Cave should be your destination," Orochimaru said, a dangerous light flashing in his eyes. He was curious to see if Kiyoshi's capacity would allow him to master Senjutsu.
"Do you mean you intend to take me there to learn, Lord Orochimaru?"
"Wait until this incident is over. Things are currently too unstable," Orochimaru shook his head.
The Hidden Stone's movements were too massive. To avoid panic, most ninjas in the village didn't know they had deployed ten thousand shinobi; they only knew the Stone was taking action. Once another window of stability arrived, he could take Kiyoshi to Ryuchi Cave.
"Thank you, Lord Orochimaru."
Kiyoshi thanked him once again. Orochimaru really dropped quite a lot of "loot." From Ninjutsu to Senjutsu, it was no wonder so many were willing to follow him. He actually gave his subordinates something to sink their teeth into.
However, one could also see Orochimaru's disregard for life. Going to Ryuchi Cave was life-threatening if anything went wrong. Kiyoshi would make sure to be fully prepared before going.
Orochimaru continued to introduce these research subjects, and Kiyoshi silently committed everything to memory. Having Orochimaru's data would provide great convenience for his own independent research into Senjutsu. The two lingered in the lab for nearly an hour. Seeing that it was getting late, Kiyoshi took his leave.
As Kiyoshi's figure disappeared at the end of the hall, Orochimaru picked up a test tube. Under the reflection of the lights, his pale face was visible beneath the glass surface.
"I hope this wind doesn't come to such a boring halt here."
...
That night, Kiyoshi received his mission. An Anbu member came specifically to deliver it. Kiyoshi had expected this mission to be assigned.
After all, in the entire Hidden Leaf, he was the only one who could fly. It required a significant level of mastery in both [Wind Style] and [Fire Style]. However, he was slightly surprised by the reward offered.
"Hiruzen Sarutobi is really paying a high price," Kiyoshi thought to himself.
The only A-rank jutsu he currently knew was the [Mystical Palm Technique], which belonged to the medical category. Aside from that, he didn't have a single combat jutsu at the A-rank level. The [Scroll of Seals] contained many good things, ranging from B-rank to S-rank jutsu.
"They'll probably give me a redacted table of contents, but it will be enough."
Kiyoshi already had an idea of what kind of jutsu he wanted to choose. Early the next morning, Kiyoshi went out to find Tsunade. He waited at Tsunade's house for a while, but no one appeared.
"Did she go to the village gate to wait for me?" Kiyoshi wondered.
Just then, the front door opened a crack.
"Kiyoshi, Lady Tsunade went to the gambling parlor."
A small head poked out from the gap in the door.
"The gambling parlor?"
Kiyoshi finally had a real understanding of Tsunade's gambling addiction. They were departing at noon, yet she was still gambling in the morning.
"I see." Kiyoshi nodded and turned to leave.
"Wait, Kiyoshi-kun," Shizune called out.
Kiyoshi turned back and looked at Shizune. Her short black hair draped around her face, making her look very quiet and studious.
"I heard you've already learned the [Mystical Palm Technique]?" Shizune asked after a moment of hesitation.
She usually helped out at the Hidden Leaf Hospital. She had heard them say that before Yakushi Nonou retired, she had taught Kiyoshi many medical ninjutsu, including the [Mystical Palm Technique].
"Yes." Kiyoshi didn't deny it.
Mastering an A-rank combat jutsu and an A-rank healing jutsu were completely different concepts. The latter relied more on pure talent. Rin Nohara was a mess with other jutsu, yet she already knew B-rank medical ninjutsu. She would likely master the [Mystical Palm Technique] before long, though that wasn't far from the time of her death.
Kiyoshi noticed that perhaps due to the early outbreak of the war, the fighting was extremely intense. Many timelines from the original story were being pushed back, and Rin was much older than she was in the original.
"If there's anything you don't understand, Shizune-kun, you can come and ask me."
Kiyoshi gave a slight smile, radiating a feeling like a warm spring breeze. Tsunade was always either drinking or gambling; the time she could actually spend teaching Shizune was quite short.
Most of the time, Shizune had to accompany Tsunade to these venues, and in extreme cases, she had to dodge creditors with her. There were fewer debt collectors in the village, but life was still harder than for most ninjas.
If one asked how much money Tsunade owed, the answer provided by the "Book of Fighting" was that however much Jiraiya earned from writing his books, that was how much Tsunade owed. And Jiraiya's wealth exceeded at least six hundred million ryo.
"Eh, really?" Shizune was stunned by Kiyoshi's reply.
"Of course." Kiyoshi nodded and then turned to walk away.
Shizune was one of the people closest to Tsunade; she had been with her ever since Dan Kato died. If he established this connection, he would have many more opportunities to interact with Tsunade in the future. He was quite greedy for [Super Strength] and the [Strength of a Hundred Seal].
Shizune stood there alone until Kiyoshi had completely disappeared from sight before shrinking her head back and closing the door. Her face was still flushed. What young girl doesn't have romantic thoughts?
Whether in appearance, strength, or age, Kiyoshi was top-tier. Shizune realized that among the peers she knew, no one was more outstanding than Kiyoshi! Even Kakashi, who could be compared to him, spent every day with a cold face, and the scent of blood on him was becoming increasingly heavy.
***
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