Chapter Ten: Mechanical Ascension

On the square rock platform, Moriyue knelt on one knee, gripping the hilt of his sword tightly with both hands, supporting his body to keep himself from falling.

Yugito Nii's current form was quite monstrous. Two tails burning with blue flames appeared behind her, and her fingertips sprouted claws like Wolverine's. Black and blue flames burned around her, making her look like a demon cat born from fire, looking down on everything in the world.

"The future of the Hidden Cloud Village belongs to you." Yugito Nii deactivated her Tailed Beast Mode, and Moriyue, no longer able to support himself, collapsed onto the ground.

It had to be said that Yugito Nii was very surprised by Moriyue's progress, even to the point of being shocked.

Although Moriyue lost, she could clearly feel that he was like a completely different person compared to a month ago. She had also been gradually drawn into the fight with Moriyue. If she hadn't seen it with her own eyes, she would never have believed that this guy was just an ordinary person who had only recently gained Forbidden Jutsu power a month ago.

"He pushed me to use my Tailed Beast Mode, this kid..." Yugito Nii shook her head. Carrying the exhausted Moriyue on her back, she skillfully took him to the hospital.

The young nurse was used to this and expertly led them to the bed reserved for Moriyue.

"Trained yourself into a coma again?" The young nurse spread her hands, her expression helpless. She knew Moriyue's situation. Was it really okay for someone with such limited time to undergo such high-intensity training?

"He's strong and works hard. If he became a ninja, he would definitely shine in the ninja world, but it's a pity..." Yugito Nii had also been shocked by Moriyue's reckless attitude these days.

Others would say, "As long as you don't die from training, train to death." But he was different; he was "training to die." She didn't want the Hidden Cloud Village to lose such a powerful combatant, so during subsequent sparring sessions, she explicitly forbade Moriyue from using Forbidden Jutsu.

It was precisely because Moriyue had forced her to use her Tailed Beast Mode without using Forbidden Jutsu that she was so shocked by his progress speed. It was a shame; if this guy could learn Ninjutsu, he would definitely be a genius.

"Hmm? Did I lose again? What a shame." Moriyue, lying in the hospital bed, suddenly opened his eyes. Since he hadn't used Forbidden Jutsu, his body was fine. He jumped off the bed and bounced a couple of times as if nothing had happened.

"Still a shame? Do you know who you were fighting? Lady Yugito Nii is the Two-Tails Jinchuriki! You should be proud to be able to learn from Lady Yugito!"

Seeing Moriyue's regretful expression, the young nurse couldn't help but complain. "Give it a rest! That's the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, a being known as a weapon of war. Don't act like you're losing out when you're clearly benefiting, you scoundrel!"

"Oh, right, I almost forgot. Teacher Yū, you mentioned Forbidden Jutsu before, shouldn't we go take a look?" Moriyue was reminded by the young nurse and recalled something. In the original story, Yugito Nii was captured by Hidan and Kakuzu very early on. The Immortal Duo's strength was considerable. Yugito Nii died without even showing much of her power. Now that Yugito Nii was his teacher, he couldn't let that tragedy happen again.

"Teacher Yu... Teacher Yū? Never mind, do as you please..." Yugito Nii, who was usually stoic, actually turned her head away shyly upon hearing Moriyue's strange address. Why did "Teacher Yū" sound so weird?

However, her expression management was still good. In just an instant, she returned to her usual cold demeanor. Seeing Moriyue bouncing around as if he were fine, she nodded.

"Alright, but don't get your hopes up too high. Forbidden Jutsu is irreversible. It's impossible to use the effects of Forbidden Jutsu to counteract other Forbidden Jutsu, at least none of the people I know have succeeded."

Moriyue nodded excitedly when Yugito Nii agreed. He had waited for a month and finally had the chance to explore new Forbidden Jutsu. Being forced by Yugito Nii not to use Forbidden Jutsu for a month had made him feel a bit restless, and his suicidal tendencies were burning fiercely!

The definition of Forbidden Jutsu is very broad. Generally, it refers to techniques that cause irreversible damage to the user upon execution. Examples include Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu and Mutual Multiplication Explosive Tag. Then there are techniques that violate ethics and morals. These types of techniques do not have side effects on the user. An example of this type is the Impure World Reincarnation Jutsu.

"Eh, why are all these techniques developed by the Second Hokage? The master of Forbidden Jutsu lives up to his name." Moriyue recalled that it seemed all the famous Forbidden Jutsu were from Konoha. This was understandable, as the main stage of the world was in Konoha. They were the protagonists, after all.

"As you know, our Hidden Cloud Village isn't famous for Ninjutsu. While we do have Forbidden Jutsu, they lean more towards physical augmentation. What our Cloud ninja are best at is actually technology and Nintaijutsu..." Yugito Nii seemed to want to say something, but Moriyue listened for a long time without understanding what she was trying to do.

At this point, you're not going to tell me I can't train Forbidden Jutsu, are you?

Although he knew Yugito Nii cared about him, it was really unnecessary.

"Have you heard of... Mechanical Augmentation? I heard those scientists are researching the technology of fusing the body with machinery. Perhaps after fusion, the side effects of Forbidden Jutsu can be reduced..."

Yugito Nii still wanted to persuade Moriyue. After all, using Forbidden Jutsu to counter Forbidden Jutsu was such a crazy idea that one life was definitely not enough to mess around with. It was like using nuclear bombs to counteract hydrogen bombs; even if successful, it would be akin to drinking poison to quench thirst.

"Flesh is weak, mechanical ascension? Interesting idea, but I choose to look at Forbidden Jutsu."

To be honest, Moriyue was a little tempted at first, but when he remembered that he possessed the Dog Talisman and was already immortal, he felt like it was a waste to be converted into a cyborg.

"I treat you as a teacher, but you want to castrate me?"

It wouldn't be good to become a powerful lonely warrior, talking about things without seeds.

Seeing Moriyue refuse, Yugito Nii could only shake her head. She respected Moriyue's decision.

"Yugito is here? So diligent."

"Yes, I'm taking someone to the Ninjutsu storage room to select techniques."

"Okay, then please register..."

The two arrived at a stone chamber. This room was unremarkable, but only a select few had the privilege to enter it. Yugito was one of them. After filling out various forms, the old man guarding the door nodded. The sound of mechanical operation came from behind the stone door, and the heavy stone door slowly rose.

Moriyue glanced through the gap in the stone door, and that single glance made his eyes widen.

Scrolls, thousands upon thousands of scrolls, were neatly arranged on rows of bookshelves, divided into different areas based on type. The entire room was as large as half a standard football field, and it was filled with scrolls.