Journey to Rōran

Konoha.

When Shamu appeared in the Hokage Office, Minato had not arrived yet.

As he flew over, he found Shikaku working at a small desk off to the side.

After Obito's declaration of war, the amount of work Minato had to handle had abruptly increased, so he had simply called Shikaku over to help with administrative affairs.

After all, leaving a genius with such a high IQ unused would be a waste.

"Lord Shamu."

Shikaku looked up, saw that it was Shamu, and greeted him.

Shamu waved a hand. "Keep working. I'll wait for Minato to return."

Shikaku did not stand on ceremony and lowered his head to resume working.

After entering Karma State II, Shamu had carefully examined Sasuke's body.

If he wanted to accelerate Sasuke's growth, he would need to find another way.

He had also asked Minato in detail about his battle with Jigen.

Minato had said that once he used Sage Techniques, Jigen could not absorb ninjutsu.

That was good news. After all, not everyone was an expert in taijutsu.

If ninjutsu could be effective in future battles against the Otsutsuki, it would greatly aid the people of the Shinobi World.

Sasuke's affinity for nature was extremely low, and he currently had no way to learn Sage Techniques.

Even among the Uchiha clan, there were plenty of people who could not learn Sage Techniques.

That would put them at an enormous disadvantage when fighting the Otsutsuki.

Shamu turned his attention to the Dragon Vein.

The Dragon Vein itself was a collection of Natural Energy, the kind that could be used directly.

If a large amount of Dragon Vein energy flowed through the body, it would make the body more compatible with Natural Energy.

But Shamu first needed to understand the Dragon Vein's exact condition.

Of course,