Gravity Talisman Upon the Body

Compared to Keigo Uchiha, although Hyuga Ruri is not weak, she has yet to find her own path.

She lacks the heart of a powerhouse even more.

As for Inuzuka Mi, while her talent is decent, she cannot compare to Hyuga Ruri or Keigo Uchiha.

Faced with Hyuga Ruri's question, how would Keigo Uchiha answer?

Orochimaru's lips curled up, filled with curiosity.

Among these three, Keigo Uchiha is the absolute center; regardless of whether Hyuga Ruri and Inuzuka Mi are present, he is destined to reach the summit. However, if Hyuga Ruri and Inuzuka Mi did not have Keigo Uchiha, they would only be weaker than they are now.

They would never be stronger than they are today.

"The strong do not hesitate; only the weak waver."

Keigo Uchiha's expression was indifferent, without the slightest ripple. Those eyes were so calm they were startling, as if nothing in this world could affect his judgment.

That handsome, peerless face was plated with a faint glow in the darkness.

He was radiating light!

"Do not consider the consequences, do not overthink things. What you need to do right now is to constantly experiment and constantly strive."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled softly, his gaze leisurely fixed on Hyuga Ruri.

"As for your claim that your eyes hurt, every promotion of the Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan is accompanied by bone-deep pain. What is this little bit of injury to you?"

His eyes flashed with a scarlet hue.

A pair of three-tomoe Sharingan spun gently, filled with an eerie charm!

"I understand!"

Hyuga Ruri took a deep breath, her pure white eyes filled with determination.

The look she cast toward Keigo Uchiha was full of shock.

She had always thought Keigo Uchiha reached his current position easily by relying on talent, but only now did she realize that Keigo Uchiha did not rely on talent alone.

He had endured countless amounts of pain!

He is a genius, but that cannot erase his hard work!

Time flowed on.

In the following period, the three of them trained constantly, their progress flying!

For Keigo Uchiha, the sparring sessions with Orochimaru caused his experience to rise rapidly.

And because of the improvement in Keigo Uchiha's experience, Hyuga Ruri and Inuzuka Mi also improved their combat experience in tandem!

Keigo Uchiha could even confirm that if he were to face Orochimaru again now, he could do so even more easily than last time.

"Keigo, Ruri, Mi, these are for you."

While they were training, Orochimaru's hoarse voice rang out, a smile playing on his pale face. "Based on Keigo's suggestion, I have developed a Gravity Transcription Seal!"

As he spoke, he handed three talismans covered in mysterious curse marks to them.

"This is... a Gravity Seal?"

Keigo Uchiha's eyes lit up!

Aside from combat experience, what he currently lacked was a way to make his body more robust so it could bear a more powerful Storm Armor Technique!

Furthermore, because his body would be able to withstand a greater burden, the chakra within him would also increase!

This Gravity Seal was exactly the suggestion he had proposed to Orochimaru: to seal and solidify the Light-Weight Rock Technique of Iwagakure, which could be attached to the body to freely adjust gravity!

"By training under the burden of gravity, not only can I raise the limits of my physical body, but I can also increase my body's capacity for chakra, allowing me to hold more!"

Keigo Uchiha's lips curled upward.

Ordinary training no longer had any effect on him.

Because he had practiced the Nintaijutsu of Kumogakure, his body had already reached a limit, making this external force absolutely necessary!

"That's right. You are currently in the golden period of growth. Subjecting your bodies to greater pressure at this stage will allow your physical forms and chakra to grow significantly."

Orochimaru explained in his hoarse voice.

"Currently, the gravity of these Gravity Talismans can be adjusted freely from one to three times your body weight. As for four times gravity and above, the current materials can hardly withstand it."

"But this is already enough for you to use."

Orochimaru's gaze was full of pride.

This was his own research creation!

Being able to let his disciples use it was his pride!

"Teacher, you could consider engraving this kind of Gravity Talisman onto the body in the form of a Cursed Seal in the future. It would be much more convenient, allowing you to freely adjust the gravity level during combat, which would yield unexpected results."

Keigo Uchiha spoke up to offer a reminder.

As he spoke, he stuck the Gravity Talisman onto his body.

Furthermore, he immediately activated one-fold gravity!

Although his body felt some pressure, it could not hinder his movements. Right now... it was equivalent to suppressing twenty percent of his speed and combat power, which was enough to show the results of Keigo Uchiha's three years of training in Kumogakure's Nintaijutsu!

Suddenly, Orochimaru's eyes lit up!

"A good method!"

A smile played on the corners of Orochimaru's mouth as he looked at Keigo Uchiha with satisfaction. "This not only saves materials but is also more convenient; it won't cause any inconvenience during combat. It's a great suggestion."

"I will attempt techniques in this direction. Perhaps... later on, I can also consider incorporating different things into this kind of sealing."

"For example... Ninjutsu, or for example... the Sage Art that Jiraiya is currently coming into contact with!"

Orochimaru's thoughts wandered, his gaze growing brighter and brighter. "To let an ordinary ninja independently master Sage Art! No, even with the help of this method, an ordinary ninja would be unable to fully master Sage Art."

"But even if they could master a portion of Sage Art, it would be enough to crush ordinary ninjas!"

Thinking of this.

Orochimaru's eyes were filled with excitement!

He couldn't help but look at Keigo Uchiha and praise, "Keigo, you really are a genius. To think you could come up with such a good method—this will have a very important role in my research."

"Then you two continue your training. My experiment isn't over yet! I need to continue testing a few things!"

Orochimaru's voice was hoarse, and his gaze collided with Keigo Uchiha's in the air.

The two of them shared a tacit, light chuckle.

Keigo Uchiha's eyes glimmered slightly. Half a month ago, Orochimaru had begun researching the relationship between the bloodlines of the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan, and whether they could erupt with even greater power!

This part was not known to Hyuga Ruri or Inuzuka Mi.

It was only a secret between the two of them.

Because... this had already touched upon the cells of the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama!

And neither Hyuga Ruri nor Inuzuka Mi would ever be able to accept it!

In Konoha, this already touched upon human experimentation!

It was a true taboo!

To think that after coming to this world and making contact with Orochimaru, not only did I fail to make him turn over a new leaf or delay his contact with human experimentation, but instead... I made him come into contact with human experimentation even earlier?

Keigo Uchiha's expression was strange.

But he didn't care.

So what if it was human experimentation?

In his previous life, this was never a taboo subject, and there were researchers who viewed it as technology that would benefit all of humanity.

Technology has no good or evil; power has no virtue or vice.

What truly determines good and evil is the person who uses it!

Orochimaru walked away quickly, that pale face full of excitement!

"With Keigo providing the blood of the Uchiha Clan, along with the cells of Senju Hashirama, this has shown me a new direction for research! Perhaps... it really is possible to stimulate that legendary power!"

"Although the time required will be long, I finally have a direction!"

Orochimaru murmured to himself, his eyes burning with the desire for knowledge!

He felt a lingering fear now.

If he hadn't taken Keigo as a disciple back then, he would definitely be regretting it to death right now!

"Adding the cells of Senju Hashirama to the cells of the Uchiha Clan will put the two in a delicate balance, but the cells of Senju Hashirama are still too violent; they need further reconciliation!"

Orochimaru's voice was hoarse.

He stepped quickly into the laboratory!

But just then, his footsteps faltered as he looked at a man in his early thirties standing at the laboratory entrance. His gaze was cold, like frigid ice!

And over his right eye, he wore a bandage that was shocking to behold!

"Orochimaru, how is the... research progress?"

"Shimura... Danzō!"

Orochimaru's amber pupils narrowed, and for a moment, he felt a sense of bewilderment.

The cells of Senju Hashirama were, naturally, not something he could have obtained on his own.

It was Shimura Danzō who had provided them to him.

The price for providing him with the cells of Senju Hashirama was that once Orochimaru uncovered the secrets of the Senju Clan, he would have to share them!

And furthermore... to create a child who possessed Wood Release!

To let Konoha regain the power of Wood Release!

But lately, Keigo Uchiha had provided him with far too many insights!

While Shimura Danzō was still fixated on Wood Release.

Keigo had already provided him with the concept that fusing the cells of Senju Hashirama with those of the Uchiha Clan would yield even greater power; this was the... true direction!

So much so that he had cast aside Shimura Danzō, his teacher's teammate, and forgotten him entirely.

Orochimaru: "..."

Should I tell him that I've actually already forgotten you?

"It has been three months now; has there been no progress in cultivating the cells?"

Shimura Danzō lowered his gaze, his eyes like cold, sharp blades!

He was a hyena driven by ambition and desire!

The sheer intensity of his greed was enough to startle even Orochimaru, who was already a Quasi-Kage!

"Hehehe... Lord Danzō, do not be impatient. Wood Release is not so easily researched, and besides... experiments require test subjects, and within Konoha... there are currently no such subjects available."

Orochimaru chuckled softly, his voice filled with a raspy, eerie quality.

Those amber pupils held an inexplicable meaning.

"Of course."

Shimura Danzō snorted coldly, clearly dissatisfied with Orochimaru's current attitude.

Sarutobi Hiruzen was one thing!

He had already become a Kage-level powerhouse and was the Third Hokage, currently in the prime of his life!

He was far from someone he could oppose.

But now, Orochimaru, who was only thirty years old... was actually provoking him as well!

However... Orochimaru was already a Quasi-Kage!

He was also not someone he could oppose, and instantly, Shimura Danzō's face turned gloomy and incredibly unsightly!

"I will provide you with sixty test subjects next. I hope... you can create a killing machine that has mastered Wood Release!"

"Do not forget... we are partners. I need a child who has mastered Wood Release, and you need... to conduct your research!"

"I possess... the secret records of the Senju Clan!"

Having said that.

Shimura Danzō's voice carried a threat.

He turned and left with a gloomy expression.

He did not linger for even a moment.

Both of these master and student were equally annoying!

Sarutobi Hiruzen was overbearing in a way that made it impossible to resist, while Orochimaru was dismissive, not even bothering to look at you. If it weren't for the fact that he could provide Orochimaru with experimental data.

He even suspected.

Orochimaru would betray him without a moment's hesitation!

Watching Shimura Danzō's retreating figure disappear into the darkness, Orochimaru smiled with contempt.

"Hehe... partners, you say?"

The image of a certain youth crossed his mind. "You are nothing more than a hyena in the dark. Compared to my student Keigo, you... don't even qualify as a partner!"

"As for the secret records of the Senju Clan? I have no need for them anymore!"

Orochimaru's amber pupils were filled with disdain.

Because of the existence of his excellent student, he had already mastered even more shocking secrets. Whether it was the Senju Clan, the Uchiha Clan, or even the Hyuga Clan.

In his eyes, they held no secrets anymore!

"As for the secret records in your hands, Shimura Danzō... I fear they are nothing more than the secrets of the Senju or Uchiha clans, and to me... they are of no use at all!"

Orochimaru's eyes were cold as he turned and walked away.

His figure merged into the darkness, and all the light behind him gradually vanished.

Forest of Death.

The three members of Keigo Uchiha's team were adapting to the Gravity Talisman.

"So that's how it is. When two times gravity is activated, my internal strength is suppressed by fifty percent, and my speed decreases by half accordingly. And if it were three times..."

He adjusted to triple gravity without a moment's hesitation!

In an instant.

His body sank downward, and fine beads of sweat broke out on his forehead, as if he were enduring immense pressure!

"Once I activate triple gravity, my combat strength... drops to less than ten percent! Right now, I'm no different from an ordinary genin."

"My body has reached its limit! I can endure it, but it requires massive effort to resist. In this state... my muscles ache, yet they are constantly undergoing rapid repair!"

A glimmer of excitement appeared in the depths of Keigo Uchiha's eyes!

In this state.

His strength would grow rapidly!

The muscles being constantly compressed, combined with the chakra surging through his body, were the best proof of this.

"Triple! Keigo, did you activate triple gravity!?"

Hyuga Ruri suddenly looked toward Keigo Uchiha. Her Byakugan could observe his entire body; at this moment, every muscle was bearing tremendous pressure, and some were even... tearing!

Yet they were recovering at an incredible speed!

This was practically self-torture!

"I'm currently using double gravity and it's already hard to bear; I have to use all my strength just to hold up under this pressure. But Keigo... he's actually enduring triple gravity!"

Hyuga Ruri could hardly imagine it, her beautiful eyes filled with shock.

She swallowed hard.

If she were to bear triple the pressure... how long could she last?

Ten seconds, three seconds, or... would she be unable to endure even a single second?

"This is perfectly normal."

Keigo Uchiha chuckled lightly. "During my previous training, I could reach this level of intensity, but after my strength grew, I haven't felt this kind of stimulating pressure in a long time."

"This is nothing to me."

"Ruri, it's a good thing you can handle double gravity. Don't deactivate it; you must persist."

He instructed calmly.

"Your current stamina is fully capable of handling it. Only by persisting can you break through yourself; only by persisting can you break your limits. As for you, Mi-chan, don't force yourself. Single gravity is... enough for you!"

The Three-Tomoe Sharingan in Keigo Uchiha's eyes flashed with an eerie light.

Under the gaze of the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, he observed every movement of the two girls.

"Under the pressure of gravity, it's not just our physical bodies that are strengthened; our internal organs are reinforced as well. This grants us greater cardiopulmonary power, faster reaction speeds, and sharper senses during combat!"

Keigo Uchiha looked at them, speaking word by word: "Whether it is me or you, Ruri, we both possess powerful constitutions. Through training, we can make our bodies possess vast, immense chakra, even reaching the point of taking on ten enemies at once."

"Therefore, this gravity training is indispensable. From now on, keep it active at all times until you have fully adapted to this gravity."

Keigo Uchiha's gaze flickered.

He and Hyuga Ruri were both cheaters, both possessing the potential for massive chakra reserves.

Inuzuka Mi's talent, however, did not lie in the quantity of her chakra.

Hyuga Ruri and Inuzuka Mi nodded heavily.

Looking at Keigo Uchiha's face, which had returned to a state of calm, both girls felt a mix of shock and realization in their eyes.

So... this was the reason Keigo had always been so strong?

Through constant, unremitting effort and tenacious perseverance, he could remain calm even under such intense training, constantly introspecting and demanding more of himself!

He persisted in his own path!

This was Keigo Uchiha—a monster who combined genius with hard work!

"I will work hard; I absolutely won't be left too far behind by you!"

Hyuga Ruri's beautiful eyes were resolute, shining with light!

"I... me too!"

Inuzuka Mi clenched her delicate hands, her exquisite, elf-like face staring intently at Keigo Uchiha. Keigo-kun... surely wouldn't like a weak girl, right?

She... had to work hard to catch up to Keigo-kun's footsteps.

"You two have worked hard, but for now, let's plan our next training direction. Gravity alone is not enough."

Keigo Uchiha smiled gently.

He looked at Hyuga Ruri. "Your main task now is singular: to develop your eyes. Just like the Uchiha Clan, your eyes are the most critical factor in your growth."

"Other methods might make you a jonin, but if you want to progress rapidly, you must rely on this Byakugan of yours."

The sunlight shone upon the faces of the three.

They were radiant.

Hyuga Ruri and Inuzuka Mi listened to Keigo Uchiha's teachings like obedient students.

The three of them possessed faces so handsome they seemed unreal, like three youthful deities.

They were filled with hope and radiance.

"Your Reincarnation Blast is one of the abilities inherent to the Tenseigan. It is just that your Tenseigan has yet to awaken, so you must train continuously. Using the Reincarnation Blast is a means to stimulate the Tenseigan; by mastering one, you can master the others!"

"Once your Reincarnation Blast reaches a level of extreme proficiency, it may allow the Tenseigan to awaken rapidly."

Keigo Uchiha looked thoughtful, rubbing his chin.

This was much like how Nagato had obtained the Rinnegan.

As one uses the Rinnegan, one gains increasing mastery over it; the principle is exactly the same.

"I understand. From now on, I will train in the Reincarnation Blast constantly until I awaken that power known as the Tenseigan!"

Hyuga Ruri nodded heavily, her pretty face filled with excitement!

She said in a delicate voice, "As long as I can awaken the Tenseigan, then... I will have a chance to defeat Keigo, right?"

"I will work hard!"

"Only by defeating Keigo will I have the strength to change the entire Hyuga Clan!"

She looked at Keigo Uchiha with a fighting spirit, as if Keigo Uchiha were those stubborn forces within the Hyuga Clan.

Keigo Uchiha: "..."

"Are you looking to get beaten up again?"

He raised an eyebrow, and Hyuga Ruri immediately ran to the side, looking as if she were far enough away that he couldn't reach her.

"Keigo-kun, what about me? I also want to become stronger; I don't want to be a burden to Keigo-kun."

Inuzuka Mi spoke weakly.

She clenched her soft hands tightly, yet her beautiful eyes were filled with determination.

Keigo Uchiha chuckled softly and ruffled Inuzuka Mi's soft hair. "I already have the best plan for Mi-chan."

"Your talent is very special."

A glimmer flashed in his eyes.

He had known all along that Inuzuka Mi had a talent for manipulating chakra, but even he hadn't expected her talent to be this strong!

"Really?"

Inuzuka Mi's pretty face was dazed, flushed like the sunset on the horizon.

"Of course."

Keigo Uchiha said with a smile, "You don't have the Ice attribute, yet you can manipulate an Ice-attribute Ninja Snake. This isn't something everyone can do; to be precise, only a very small number of people can!"

This was even rarer than one-handed seals!

"Under normal circumstances, the Ninja Swords we use must be purchased to match our own attributes. If you have a Lightning attribute but buy a Fire-attribute Ninja Sword, it is difficult to unleash its power, and you might even be unable to use the sword's strength at all!"

His gaze flickered as he looked at Inuzuka Mi's trembling eyelashes, which resembled butterfly wings.

Exquisite, adorable.

Pitiable enough to stir the heart.

"Yet, even without the Ice attribute, you can manipulate a Ninja Snake that possesses it and use that snake to release Ice-attribute ninjutsu. This is an absolutely brilliant talent!"

"It proves that you possess extremely powerful chakra control!"

"Likewise, your chakra is extremely special—clean and pure. Such qualities allow you to use any type of Ninja Sword and master any ninjutsu with ease!"

Keigo Uchiha chuckled. "Your Inuzuka Clan is too fixated on family secret techniques..."

"It has wasted your talent!"

"Your direction will change from now on. You must start training in taijutsu; this is the only way to make you stronger. Other paths would at most make you an Elite Jonin, but training in taijutsu can allow your limit to reach that of a Kage-level powerhouse!"

Both Hyuga Ruri and Inuzuka Mi opened their small mouths in shock.

They looked at Keigo Uchiha in disbelief.

"I... can I really become a Kage-level powerhouse?"

Her pretty face carried hesitation and a lack of self-confidence.

"Of course. You could already tell as much when you defeated Gekko Yabu."

Keigo Uchiha smiled to reassure her. "I have already planned your training path for you. Now, you only need to train, and you will become the most powerful taijutsu ninja in all of Konoha!"

His pitch-black eyes shimmered with light.

"For now, you will continuously improve your taijutsu. Later, I will contract my teacher's Ninja Snake, and you will successfully become a contractor of Ryūchi Cave. Given the purity of your chakra and your control over it, you have the best constitution for learning Sage Art!"

"When that time comes, with the enhancement of Sage Art, you will become the most important combat force by my side."

That's right.

The path Keigo Uchiha had planned for Inuzuka Mi... was the path of Sage Art!