Kabuto Yakushi:
"Orochimaru-sama, it seems Lord Nagi's Mangekyō ability is no longer limited to merely accelerating Yin–Yang chakra."
Orochimaru:
"Indeed. It appears Nagi's Mangekyō ability has evolved over these past few years."
Jiraiya:
"I see… so that means Nagi can now cultivate all Five Element chakra natures simultaneously?"
Orochimaru:
"Judging from the results, that seems to be the case. And it looks like the threshold for training the Five Elements is much lower than that of Yin–Yang chakra."
Madara Uchiha:
"Hahaha! Nagi, that ability of yours is quite interesting. At this rate, you might even develop Truth-Seeking Balls yourself."
Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki:
"With Nagi's wisdom and strength, forming Truth-Seeking Balls is only a matter of time. He might even attempt Kekkei Mōra someday."
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki:
"Impossible! Absolutely impossible! Hagoromo, you should know better than anyone what Kekkei Mōra entails."
Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki:
"And precisely because I understand it, I believe Nagi may actually achieve it."
Ōnoki:
"Excuse me, Sage… what exactly is Kekkei Mōra?"
Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki:
"Kekkei Mōra is the fusion of seven nature transformations: Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Lightning, Yin, and Yang."
"Each technique created from it is extraordinarily powerful. For example, Yomotsu Hirasaka used by the Ōtsutsuki, and the Infinite Tsukuyomi you all know, are both Kekkei Mōra techniques."
Rasa:
"Damn! That powerful?!"
Ōnoki:
Sigh. "That's far beyond my Kekkei Tōta."
Hiruzen Sarutobi:
"I see. If Nagi fully cultivates both Yin–Yang chakra and the Five Elements, he could theoretically develop Kekkei Mōra."
Jiraiya:
"Hmm… Naruko, Satsuki, and Hinata can help him train Yin–Yang chakra. That means among the Five Elements he's still missing three… no, two people?"
Jiraiya had already remembered that Samui could help Nagi cultivate Lightning Release chakra.
Ōnoki:
Ahem. "Nagi, my granddaughter Kurotsuchi is extremely skilled in Earth Release. She could definitely help you."
Mei Terumī:
"Oh my, handsome boy. If you want to train Fire Release, I'd be happy to help."
Shikaku Nara:
"Ino's Earth Release affinity and spiritual power are quite good as well."
Across the ninja world, people began enthusiastically recommending female shinobi proficient in Fire Release or Earth Release.
Meanwhile — Private Conversation
Kabuto Yakushi:
"Orochimaru-sama, if Kekkei Mōra really requires women to accelerate its awakening, it may actually slow down Lord Nagi."
Orochimaru:
"Heh. In Nagi's and my plan, Kekkei Mōra isn't a necessary goal."
"There's no reason to pursue something where the effort may not match the reward. However… the girl named Hinata on the screen has a relatively high probability."
Kabuto Yakushi:
"I see. If Lord Nagi reaches the Six Paths level, it seems he won't need to follow the conventional path."
Orochimaru:
"After all, when dealing with the Ōtsutsuki, you cannot rely entirely on the Ōtsutsuki's own power."
Jiraiya:
"Ahem… putting that aside, Shizuka is pretty direct."
Fūma Kagerō:
"Yes. In that regard, she's even better than her master."
Tsunade:
"Oh? Looks like little Shizuka is progressing the fastest."
Mabui:
"Not necessarily. Who knows how far Samui progressed during those 'black screen' moments?"
Tsunade:
"Fair point."
Kushina Uzumaki:
"Sigh… don't remind me. Our Naruko is practically in last place."
The Screen Continues
After a while, Shizuka reluctantly let go of Nagi's embrace.
However, improving their strength was the priority.
So afterward, she began sparring with Nagi using Wind Release techniques, helping both of them digest the insights they had just gained.
Evening
To thank Nagi for helping her earlier that day, Shizuka invited him over to her home for dinner.
Just as the two opened the door—
They suddenly heard a surprised voice nearby.
"Nagi? Shizuka?"
Both turned around.
Standing there was Naruko Uzumaki, looking completely bewildered.
Since Jiraiya had brought Shizuka to Konoha, she had been arranged to live near the Namikaze residence, so she had gradually become acquainted with Minato's family.
Shizuka smiled.
"Good evening, Naruko."
Naruko blinked before responding.
"Oh—good evening. Wait… hold on! Nagi, what are you doing here?"
"I'm visiting Shizuka's home today," Nagi replied.
"Oh… I see…"
Naruko paused.
"Wait—that can't be right!!"
She rushed toward them anxiously.
"Hold on! Since when did you two know each other?!"
"When? Shizuka and I are both members of the International Exchange Class. Didn't Uncle Minato tell you?"
Naruko froze.
Actually… Minato had mentioned something like that before.
But she hadn't listened carefully.
Shizuka was her friend.
Nagi was also her friend.
Yet seeing the two of them getting along so well somehow made Naruko feel a little uncomfortable.
At that moment, Kushina Uzumaki stepped outside.
"Naruko, haven't you bought the ingredients for dinner yet?"
She then noticed the three teenagers standing outside Shizuka's house.
Dinner at the Namikaze Residence
"Nagi, it's been a long time since you visited our home. Come taste Auntie's cooking!"
Kushina sat beside Nagi and enthusiastically placed food onto his plate.
Shizuka sat on Nagi's other side, still slightly stunned.
She barely remembered what happened earlier—only that Kushina had hooked an arm around each of them and dragged them inside with overwhelming enthusiasm.
Across the table, Minato and Naruko watched helplessly.
Ever since Nagi had once escorted Naruko home years ago and accidentally met Kushina, her attitude toward him had completely changed.
Watching her now, it almost felt like Minato and Naruko were the outsiders.
Kushina asked Nagi and Shizuka about their missions.
When she learned they had just completed an S-Rank mission, Naruko couldn't sit still anymore.
She suddenly stood up and turned to Minato.
"Dad! Team Seven wants to take an S-Rank mission too! We—"
Bam!
"Ow!!"
Kushina immediately punched Naruko on the head.
"Absolutely not! You're a genin team! Taking an S-Rank mission—do you want to scare your mother to death?!"
Naruko clutched her head miserably.
"But Nagi's team already did an S-Rank mission! Team Seven only does D-Rank missions all day. And Kakashi-sensei seems perfectly happy about it!"
Minato quickly stepped in before Naruko could get punched again.
"That's because their C-Rank mission turned into an S-Rank mission due to unexpected circumstances."
Naruko's eyes suddenly lit up.
"Then if we take C-Rank missions too, they might get upgraded as well!"
Bam!
Kushina punched her again.
"Don't say such unlucky things!"
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