Next, Takuno spent almost every day using the Spirit Transformation Technique to attach himself to Jugo's body, immersing his entire being in the perception and mastery of the delicate balance of Senjutsu chakra.
Half a month passed in a flash, and Takuno was already able to temper the fusion process of a fixed ratio of natural energy and his own chakra to a level of perfection, without the slightest error.
If measured by Naruto's training standards, he would already be considered ready to "graduate" at this moment.
After all, Naruto was limited by only being able to absorb natural energy in a static state, and the total amount of Senjutsu chakra he could condense was always constant; this was precisely the fundamental shackle that allowed his Sage Mode to only last for a brief five minutes.
However, Takuno was uninterested in this kind of Sage Mode that required long-winded preparations and had such harsh time limits.
Just as he knew of Minato—the latter also mastered this technique, yet it was rarely seen performed on the grand battlefield, likely for reasons no different from this.
As his thoughts flowed, Takuno suddenly paused.
What he was thinking about now was the Minato from the original work, rather than the Minato existing in this current space-time.
Six or seven years had already passed since the early death of that Fourth Hokage in the original work.
In such a long torrent of time, who could assert that this "Yellow Flash"—the greatest genius among those of ordinary bloodlines—had not climbed to a brand new height?
Admittedly, in terms of chakra "quantity," Minato might find it difficult to achieve leapfrog growth.
His body had already passed its peak growth period, and the heavy official duties of being the Hokage ruthlessly compressed the gaps in which he could temper his physique.
Even if his total chakra amount increased, the magnitude would inevitably be limited.
But theory is just theory; Takuno knew well that he must never underestimate Minato's heaven-sent talent.
Perhaps... in these years extra-endowed by fate, he had already found another path and realized the method of how to flexibly use Sage Mode in actual combat?
Even if he couldn't achieve full coverage, he would only need to exert an instantaneous burst of destructive power when facing a strong enemy, and that would be enough.
If that were truly the case, Minato's strength would surely leap to an awe-inspiring new level.
The enhancement of Sage Mode would be sufficient to compensate for his shortboard of slightly insufficient explosive destructive power.
Takuno narrowed his eyes slightly, his thoughts going a layer deeper.
With Minato's startlingly brilliant comprehension and more abundant time than in the original work, had he already explored and shaped that peerlessly powerful "Wind Style: Rasenshuriken"?
Even if it wasn't that technique, with his extraordinary intelligence, integrating chakra nature transformation into the Rasengan to create other S-rank ninjutsu with sufficient destructive power was by no means a fantasy.
Imagine, carrying the all-around amplification brought by Sage Mode, supplemented by newly created ninjutsu with peak destructive power, and coordinated with that unpredictable Flying Raijin Technique...
Minato's strength had likely far exceeded his previous estimates.
The more he thought, the more Takuno felt his current line of thinking was correct; he absolutely could no longer look at the current Minato through the lens of the original work!
"As expected of Namikaze Minato..." Takuno let out a sincere sigh from the bottom of his heart; besides admiration, he didn't harbor too much worry.
Because no matter how the opponent broke through imagination, the "upper limit" of their power was vaguely visible in his eyes; unless they miraculously obtained Nine-Lama Mode, Minato's strength was already close to the limit that his bloodline could carry.
After all, he was ultimately just an "ordinary person"...
To be able to temper a mortal body to such a degree was already world-shaking.
And the path to a higher level, in that world where bloodline was supreme, was nearly severed for non-bloodline-successors.
Thinking of this, a trace of indescribable regret flashed through Takuno's heart.
If placed in a world that didn't judge heroes by bloodline, this brilliant star, Minato, should have blossomed with an even more dazzling light.
Unfortunately, in this world imprisoned by the shackles of bloodline, even a peerless genius finds it hard to break free from this invisible cage.
After a light sigh, Takuno's gaze became increasingly firm as a rock.
He was absolutely unwilling to follow in the footsteps of such a fate!
Even if his own talent couldn't compare to Minato's at all, at this moment, by virtue of his unique opportunities, the peak he could reach in the future was destined to hang high above Minato.
And he was firmly and unswervingly climbing toward that highest peak that belonged to him.
With his mind set, Takuno's hands swiftly formed seals.
That tough barrier that isolated the inside from the outside and blocked the flow of natural energy shattered at his command, turning into bits of flowing light and dissipating into nothingness.
Surging and unceasing natural energy instantly rushed into "Jugo's" body like a tide.
Next, what he had to face was an even more severe and critical stage of training
Amidst the torrent of natural energy unceasingly rushing in, he had to seek that ever-changing perfect balance point and allocate perfect Senjutsu chakra!
Takuno, or rather 'Jugo', slowly closed his eyes, his entire mind and body sinking into it.
Violent natural energy was like a rushing river, continuously washing through every inch of Jugo's Tenketsu.
Takuno's consciousness was immersed in this uniquely endowed "Sage Body," conducting an attempt far more dangerous than imagined.
Unlike previous practices with fixed amounts, right now he needed to precisely harmonize the chakra and spiritual energy within the body amidst the energy torrent, which was far more difficult.
With the slightest carelessness, that violent natural force would completely erode him.
If it weren't for Jugo's body—which was naturally compatible with natural energy—serving as a shield, and if he had used his own body directly instead...
Takuno had no doubt that he would have already turned into a silent stone statue in some dark corner.
The training of Sage Mode was dangerous far beyond common sense.
Even the summoning toads or snake clans residing in the Three Great Sacred Lands, who had been bathed in dense natural energy since birth, often met tragic ends by petrifying and falling or turning into withered bones.
Obtaining this power was no different from walking a tightrope over a ten-thousand-foot abyss.
Even for someone like Takuno, whose desire for power bordered on obsession, if he hadn't possessed Jugo's body as a "key," he would rather choose the relatively controllable but slightly inferior "Cursed Seal Mode" and would never easily touch this extremely dangerous "Sage Mode."
No matter how powerful the strength, one needs a life to carry it.
After a full month, Takuno finally, for the first time without the protection of a barrier, precisely allocated and stabilized the first wisp of his own "Senjutsu chakra" within Jugo's body.
This process was long and agonizing; every successful harmonization was accompanied by several tremors that verged on losing control, which also meant that his current proficiency was far from enough.
Another month passed, and that rawness was finally ground by high-intensity willpower into a near-instinctive proficiency.
When Takuno's consciousness slowly withdrew and re-condensed, his eyes opened; deep in his pupils, there still remained a profound realization of the flow laws of natural energy, and his vision was briefly blurred.
Control of the body was returned.
Jugo moved his limbs, which hadn't been led by himself for a long time, his movements carrying a trace of imperceptible unfamiliarity.
In the past three months, the time Takuno occupied this shell was far more than that of his true master.
At this moment, Jugo's eyes—which belonged to a child but were exceptionally steady—burst forth with an unprecedentedly burning light, locking tightly onto Takuno.
Because Takuno's success meant that his long-held desire was finally within reach.
That intense gaze of expectation, which was almost tangible, was naturally felt by Takuno.
He easily read the thoughts in Jugo's heart, but his own pure thirst for power made him feel a trace of indescribable confusion toward Jugo's choice.
"Jugo," Takuno's voice broke the silence, carrying an inquiry, "do you still insist that I seal your constitution for absorbing natural energy?"
"Even without the help of a seal, you won't go on a rampage again, and you can possess a very powerful strength through this."
"Yes, My Lord!" Jugo's answer was categorical, without a hint of hesitation.
The memories from his childhood of hurting others because he couldn't control his rampages—being feared and rejected—instantly rushed to his heart, his voice carrying deep-seated pain and loathing.
"This power... it was never my pursuit. I loathe it, loathe this curse that follows me like a shadow and could swallow me at any time!"
Takuno gazed at the determination in the youth's eyes, knowing he couldn't change his mind.
He shook his head slightly with a helpless sigh: "Since this is your final decision, I will fulfill my promise and apply the seal for you."
In an instant, uncontrollable wild joy was like a flood breaking through a dam, immediately drowning Jugo's always beyond-his-age steady face.
His lips parted slightly, almost overflowing with words of gratitude.
"However..." Takuno's tone suddenly shifted.
Just these two words caused the joy on Jugo's face to freeze instantly, turning into visible tension, and his body tensed up slightly.
Seeing this, Takuno let out a rare light chuckle: "Don't be nervous. A promise is a promise; the seal will be completed. Just..."
"I will simultaneously tell you the method to undo this seal."
Jugo was stunned, subconsciously wanting to refuse.
However, Takuno raised his hand to stop him: "Don't say 'no need'. Jugo, power itself has no good or evil; the key lies in the will of the one holding it.
The world is unpredictable; there will always be moments when you need to protect those you cherish.
Haku, Director Nonō... if one day danger is right before your eyes and you are helpless because you gave up your power, what will you do then?"
Takuno's gaze pierced toward Jugo with the power of an interrogation of the heart.
Jugo fell silent.
He believed the Land of Snow was safe under Takuno's protection, but what about the "what if"?
Once that worst-case hypothesis became true, if only he were on the scene and he had lost this power—which once cursed him, yet was also matchlessly strong...
He didn't dare imagine that kind of powerlessness and regret.
After a long silence, Jugo slowly raised his head, his eyes becoming clear and firm again: "I understand, My Lord!"
"Mhm." Takuno took a step forward and, with a rare gentleness, reached out and ruffled Jugo's slightly messy hair.
In the next second, an arcane light lit up in his palm, and countless fine, tadpole-like black incantations seemed to gain life, surging out from his fingertips like an inky stream, rapidly traveling across and covering Jugo's entire body.
The symbols intertwined and flickered, and finally, the light pulled inward, completely disappearing beneath Jugo's skin, leaving only a faint energy mark.
"Feel it." Takuno withdrew his hand.
No reminder was needed at all; Jugo's body already clearly transmitted to him an unprecedented, indescribable sense of "lightness."
Those natural energy light spots that originally filled the world and had a fatal attraction for him were still clearly visible.
However, at this moment, they seemed to be blocked outside by an absolutely transparent barrier. No matter how he tried to actively pull them, not even a wisp of natural energy could invade his body again.
The shackles that had troubled him for years... were shattered!
A massive sense of relief enveloped him like a warm tide, and a pure, childish, brilliant smile blossomed on his face.
Deep in his heart, a certain dark corner that had always lurked—born from fear and the loss of control over power—or rather, a hidden second personality, quietly collapsed along with the sealing of his constitution, completely turning into dust and drifting away.
Then, Takuno began to teach the technique to undo the seal.
The method was not complicated; the core lay in a specific chakra flow path and a sequence of several key hand seals.
Jugo studied with full concentration; he was already intelligent and soon firmly mastered this key-like life-saving charm.
"My Lord," Jugo restrained his smile and solemnly bowed deeply toward Takuno, his forehead almost touching the ground, his voice full of pure gratitude, "thank you!"
Takuno was clearly a bit unaccustomed to such a solemn thank-you; he was slightly stunned before returning to a calm state: "You should also know that my helping you was not entirely without selfish motives."
Jugo straightened up, his gaze clear and sincere: "I know. But I know even better that without you, I would be forever imprisoned in the shadow of rampages, with no day of liberation!"
Takuno gazed at the youth's extremely serious face; for a long time, a very faint emotion, bordering on reflection, flickered in his eyes.
In the end, he just nodded and turned toward the way home:
"Let's go, let's go back together."
"Yes!" Jugo's voice carried an unprecedented lightness and determination as he followed with large strides.
In the orphanage, both Nonō and Haku could feel that Jugo seemed a bit different today.
The smile on his face was far more frequent than usual, and he also seemed to have recovered some behaviors appropriate for his age.
Although she didn't know why, Nonō also felt happy for Jugo.
She looked toward Takuno; these years of contact had given her a bit more understanding of him.
As long as one didn't touch his core interests, he was actually a fairly decent person.
Just like Jugo's behavior today—it should be because of him, right?
Thinking so, a smile appeared on her face; she liked her current life very much, and it would be good if it could stay unchanged forever.
Haku, however, guessed something and looked toward Takuno.
Takuno nodded to Haku, and Haku immediately revealed a joyful smile as well.
Because if that were the case, it truly belonged to a double blessing: the Lord had obtained the power he had been training for these months, and Jugo had finally escaped the nightmare of all these years.
It truly is wonderful!