Uchiha Ying Yue said slowly, "Many people believe Wood Release is a Kekkei Genkai formed by combining the chakra natures of Water Release and Earth Release. But I think that may not be the whole story. Wood Release can not only control trees, but also create real trees. This power isn't simply a combination of Water and Earth; it also involves Yang Release Chakra."
A look of surprise flashed through Tsunade's eyes. "Yang Release Chakra?"
Ying Yue nodded and continued, "That's right. Yang Release Chakra is responsible for growth and vitality. It's what allows Wood Release to create trees instead of just energy. Wood Release may be a Kekkei Tōta formed from the chakra natures of Water, Earth, and Yang, rather than merely a Kekkei Genkai combining Water and Earth."
Tsunade nodded thoughtfully. "That explanation does fit Wood Release's traits better. Perhaps my grandfather could use Wood Release at will because he had perfectly mastered all three chakra natures."
Tsunade nodded, the unease in her heart gradually settling. "Ying Yue, you're right. With such unique properties, Wood Release may not be a Kekkei Genkai formed by combining the Water and Earth chakra natures, but a Kekkei Tōta formed from Water, Earth, and Yang. Since you believe Yang Release Chakra is the key, I'll try combining the three chakra natures of Water, Earth, and Yang in that direction."
After a moment's thought, Uchiha Ying Yue decided to share some of the information he had obtained from the Destiny System with Tsunade.
Ying Yue said seriously, "Tsunade, I suspect that the difficulty of awakening Wood Release may have something to do with bloodline aptitude. Perhaps only those with strong enough aptitude have a chance of awakening it."
Tsunade clearly didn't accept that explanation. Frowning, she retorted unhappily, "I'm Senju Hashirama's granddaughter! We're so closely related by blood. How could I be unable to awaken Wood Release because my aptitude isn't good enough?"
Uchiha Ying Yue saw how worked up Tsunade was and knew that deep down, she had always been troubled by her inability to awaken Wood Release.
Ying Yue quickly reassured her. "Tsunade, don't get upset. I understand how much this matters to you, but we can't judge everything based on blood ties alone. There may be other factors that affect whether someone can awaken Wood Release."
Still emotional, Tsunade planted her hands on her hips and said loudly, "Hmph. Then tell me, what's the reason I can't awaken Wood Release? Is it really because I'm not good enough?"
Uchiha Ying Yue hurriedly waved his hands to show that wasn't what he meant. Patiently, he explained, "Tsunade, you've misunderstood. I'm not saying you aren't good enough. I just think the conditions for awakening Wood Release may be more complicated than we imagine. But don't worry. I've already asked Orochimaru to study Hashirama Cells. I hope he can find a way to improve your aptitude."
Tsunade's expression softened slightly, though she still asked doubtfully, "Can that guy Orochimaru be trusted? He won't use Grandpa's cells to do something bad, will he?"
Uchiha Ying Yue smiled and nodded, assuring her, "Don't worry, Tsunade. Orochimaru can be strange sometimes, but he's a genius, and he'll be careful. Besides, I'll keep a close eye on the research to make sure everything stays under control."
Tsunade fell silent for a moment, then finally nodded in agreement.
She sighed and said helplessly, "All right. Since you say so, I'll trust Orochimaru this once. I hope he can get results soon and help me awaken Wood Release."
Seeing that Tsunade had finally relented, Uchiha Ying Yue was secretly pleased.
Ying Yue encouraged her, "Tsunade, keep your confidence up. As long as we keep working hard, one day you'll awaken Wood Release. Then you'll become another legendary ninja of Konoha!"
Tsunade listened to Ying Yue and her expression turned resolute.
Clenching her fist, she said with confidence, "Mm, I'll do my best! For Grandpa, and for myself, I'm going to awaken Wood Release!"
Uchiha Ying Yue smiled in reply. "I believe you'll succeed. After all, you're Senju Hashirama's granddaughter. It's only a matter of time before you awaken Wood Release."
A relieved smile appeared on Tsunade's face. "Ying Yue, thanks for encouraging me. If I have any questions about Wood Release in the future, I'll ask you for advice."
The two exchanged smiles, their bond growing closer through their conversation.
Uchiha Ying Yue felt that as time passed, his connection with Tsunade would grow closer. It wasn't just because they shared an interest in Wood Release, but also because of the deep feelings they had built along the way.
After his pleasant conversation with Senju Tsunade at the Senju Compound, Uchiha Ying Yue felt especially relaxed.
After saying goodbye to Tsunade, Ying Yue walked alone through the streets of Konoha, reviewing the experiences and growth he had gone through recently.
During the time he had spent training under Hatake Sakumo, Ying Yue had felt his strength improve considerably.
Under Sakumo's guidance, he had made huge breakthroughs in both swordsmanship and Taijutsu, and had also gained extensive combat experience through a series of difficult missions.
Ying Yue thought back to himself a few months earlier. Although he had already shown exceptional talent, he still lacked the baptism of actual combat.
Now, he had transformed into an experienced fighter with sharp combat instincts.
With Sakumo's help, Ying Yue's combat ability had improved tremendously. His progress in swordsmanship and Taijutsu in particular had already given him an overwhelming advantage in battle.
Teacher Sakumo's guidance has benefited me greatly. Over these past few months, I've not only mastered more combat techniques, but also learned to stay calm and think during a fight. I'm no longer the boy who relied on talent alone to fight.
Ying Yue found a quiet place and sat down. He decided to take stock of how much his strength had improved and check the Destiny System's status panel to see exactly how he had changed.
As Ying Yue focused his thoughts, the Destiny System's status panel slowly appeared:
[Character: Uchiha Ying Yue] [Identity: Genin] [Bloodlines: Senju Clan, Uchiha Clan] [Kekkei Genkai: Sage Body 52%, Sharingan (Three-Tomoe) Eye Power 42%, Wood Release] [Chakra: 16 cards] [Special Abilities: Ninja World Dance King, Professor of Ninjutsu] [Ninjutsu: Three Basic Jutsu, Body Flicker Technique, Ying Yue Style Taijutsu, Ying Yue Style Kenjutsu, Uchiha Style Shurikenjutsu, Wood Release: Wood Clone, Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence, Wood Release: Cutting Sprigs, Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall, Eight Inner Gates (Sixth Gate: Gate of View), Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique, Fire Release: Majestic Destroyer Flame, Fire Release: Dragon Flame Song Technique, Earth Release: Earth-Style Wall, Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet] [Destiny Points: ]
When Ying Yue saw his status panel, he couldn't help feeling shaken. Months of training and missions had brought a tremendous leap in his strength.
My Sage Body awakening is already at 52%, and my chakra reserves have reached an astonishing level. Even an ordinary elite Jonin only has around that much chakra. My reserves are already comparable to those of many Kage-level fighters. Ying Yue thought it over. Although my Three-Tomoe Sharingan's eye power is only at 42%, with a soul and spiritual strength far greater than an ordinary person's, it's only a matter of time before I awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan.
As for ninjutsu, Ying Yue had not only improved his mastery of Wood Release, but had also developed Ying Yue Style Taijutsu and Ying Yue Style Kenjutsu to suit himself.
These original combat techniques had made Ying Yue's fighting style more versatile and more deadly.
As his training in the Eight Inner Gates progressed, Ying Yue had become capable of reliably opening the Sixth Gate—the Gate of View. It gave him tremendous speed and strength.
"My strength has already far surpassed that of an ordinary Jonin. I'm even among the top Jonin," Ying Yue concluded. "I'm already one of the strong ones in the Ninja World."
With his strength continuing to grow, the rank of Genin no longer suited him. Although, in the story, Konoha's Genin were supposedly the strongest—Naruto and Sasuke could fight Six Paths-level enemies at seventeen—Ying Yue hadn't been given a power-up by the Sage of Six Paths. So he decided to become a Chunin.
Completing numerous high-difficulty missions had not only given Ying Yue a wealth of combat experience, but also earned him widespread recognition in the village. Becoming a Chunin would be an important step on his path to becoming Hokage.
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