Aotian's Challenge

Hearing the system's chime, Lihuo stopped his frantic eating. A surge of wild joy washed over him as he began to ponder.

In the original work, "Bloodline Web" was an ability that transcended both "Kekkei Genkai" and "Kekkei Tota."

It was formed by the fusion of seven nature transformations: Fire, Wind, Earth, Water, Lightning, Yin, and Yang. It was the true power of the Sage, an ability only a Sage could possess, or as it was otherwise known—Otsutsuki Power.

Now that the system had used "Bloodline Web" as the name for a hidden mission, Lihuo wondered what its intention might be. Just as he was feeling puzzled, the system provided a timely explanation.

"Mission Content: Satisfy certain conditions to exchange for corresponding 'Kekkei Genkai' or 'Kekkei Tota.' Simultaneously possess the Sage Body and Sage Eye while meeting specific requirements to exchange for 'Bloodline Web.'"

Doesn't this mean I can obtain any Kekkei Genkai I want!

Kekkei Genkai is the underlying logic of this world. I've never seen a ninja with a Kekkei Genkai who couldn't make a name for themselves.

With a Kekkei Genkai, I have the capital to compete in this ninja world! Thinking of this, Lihuo was incredibly excited.

"System, exchange for Wood Release!"

"Wood Release: 20 Earth Release ninjutsu of B-rank or higher, 20 Water Release ninjutsu of B-rank or higher, Sage Body, head-pat count 162/1500."

Seeing these exorbitant requirements, Lihuo immediately lost interest. As expected, powerful strength was not so easily obtained.

For the rest of the time, Lihuo studied the exchange system. He discovered that the requirements for exchanging Kekkei Genkai were roughly divided into two types.

The first type was the reserve of ninjutsu corresponding to two elemental chakra natures, and the second was that the number of head-pats had to reach a certain standard. The stronger the Kekkei Genkai, the higher the required head-pat count.

There was also a category of requirements that were extremely specific, which Lihuo classified as special requirements.

For instance, Wood Release required the Sage Body, the Byakugan required the Byakugan, and the Sharingan required the Sharingan.

This seemed like a joke at first, but after careful study, Lihuo discovered the clue. Taking the Sharingan as an example, as a member of the Uchiha Clan, Lihuo himself already possessed the "Sharingan" Kekkei Genkai.

As for characters like Kakashi or Danzo from the original work, they had the Sharingan transplanted into them later in life, which prevented them from using it with full proficiency.

If Kakashi possessed this system, he could use the system's power to truly transform the Sharingan into his own "Kekkei Genkai."

Similarly, Ao of Kirigakure had a Byakugan transplanted, yet he could never unleash the full power of the Byakugan.

But if Lihuo were to transplant a Byakugan, he could use the power of the system to truly master all its applications.

After careful selection, Lihuo finally found an extremely powerful Kekkei Genkai.

"System, I want to exchange for..."

Just then, a wailing cry came from outside.

"Lihuo! You better be okay!"

Lihuo: (･_･;

The person who arrived was none other than Uchiha Obito. Obito hurriedly pushed open the door and saw Lihuo crouching beside the fruit basket, tears streaming down his face in agitation.

"Lihuo, I thought you were going to die! (ToT)/~~~"

Lihuo looked at his friend, his frustration boiling over.

"Uchiha Obito, I've heard of people being late for school, but never for visiting a patient."

"Oshima and the others left in the last chapter! How are you only just arriving now?"

Obito smiled sheepishly, then grabbed an apple and started gnawing on it.

Lihuo didn't mind and continued.

"Obito, what did you discover through this exam?"

"What could I discover? That you're very strong?"

"No, it's that you're really weak."

"(￣∇￣)"

"Whether it's basic knowledge or practical combat drills, you're lacking in more than just a little..."

"Alright, alright, I get it. You're finally visiting a patient, and all you do is lecture me."

"I know you're recovering. My grandmother and I are both worried about you. We bought you some supplements; remember to eat them."

With that, Obito turned and left without looking back.

Lihuo didn't know if Obito had taken his advice to heart.

However, Obito knew that from that day on, he would set aside time every afternoon to train hard.

Watching Obito walk away, Lihuo returned to choosing a Kekkei Genkai.

"System, I exchange for 'Dark Release'!"

That was right—the Dark Release used by the villain Hiruko in the movie, whose signature skill was "Dark Release: Inversion Hole."

(This book adopts the Dark Release used by Hiruko in the movie, rather than the Dark Release used by Chukichi in the Fourth Ninja War.)

"The user releases the absorbed chakra in the form of blue flames to attack."

The ability to absorb chakra was the main reason Lihuo chose it. One had to remember that in the movie, Hiruko even boasted, "Ninjutsu is useless before me!"

This ability to devour ninjutsu and then counterattack made Lihuo extremely envious, and the exchange requirements were not harsh at all.

"Dark Release: 2 Earth Release ninjutsu of B-rank or higher, 2 Water Release ninjutsu of B-rank or higher, Sage Body, head-pat count 162/150."

"Exchange successful!"

The moment the system chime rang out, Lihuo's entire body was wracked with intense pain.

It's been a long time since I've felt this pain of growing stronger.

The pain came and went quickly. Lihuo's mind naturally grasped the method for using Dark Release, as well as its signature ninjutsu, Hole Absorption!

Correspondingly, two diamond-shaped seals appeared on the palms of Lihuo's hands; these were the foundation for using Hole Absorption.

Regarding Dark Release, Lihuo felt as though he had practiced it countless times, reaching a state of pure perfection!

Lihuo silently chanted in his heart, "Simplified Sage Mode, activate!"

Benefiting from the advantages of Simplified Sage Mode—its minimal side effects and rapid activation—Lihuo could enter Sage Mode instantly. It was precisely by relying on this swift burst of power that Lihuo had managed to save Lu Miao at the critical moment.

Upon entering Sage Mode, Lihuo's sensory abilities increased significantly. Sitting cross-legged, Lihuo circulated his chakra and activated "Yamanaka Secret Technique: Perception," carefully sensing the situation in his surroundings.

After confirming that the area was safe, Lihuo raised his right hand, palm spread open toward the front, and whispered, "Hole Absorption."

An invisible suction force radiated from Lihuo's palm. Lihuo spread his left hand, and a pale blue Rasengan formed instantly, emitting a dangerous aura.

Without the slightest hesitation, Lihuo pressed the Rasengan against the seal on his right palm. The Rasengan could not even touch the Hole Absorption seal; it was simply converted into chakra and absorbed by the mark.

"This technique is so strong!" Lihuo exclaimed in amazement.

Lihuo stopped his experiment, feeling thoroughly satisfied.

This technique can serve as my trump card, allowing me to catch others off guard! Lihuo thought to himself.

Suddenly, within Lihuo's perception, a familiar figure appeared in the hospital corridor, slowly walking toward Lihuo's room. It was Uchiha Aotian.

Lihuo hurriedly deactivated Hole Absorption and restored the room to its original state, waiting for Aotian's arrival.

Aotian pushed open the door and set down all the get-well gifts he had brought.

"Lihuo, how is your body?"

"Thanks, Aotian. The doctor says there's nothing serious."

Aotian did not sit down to chat with Lihuo like his other friends; instead, he stood there silently.

"Aotian, is something wrong?" Lihuo asked, puzzled.

"Lihuo, you are very strong, and you are growing stronger very quickly. I originally wanted to wait until I was absolutely certain of victory before challenging you."

"However, I'm afraid that if I wait any longer, I will never be able to catch up to you. Therefore, I want to issue you a challenge!"

Lihuo understood that ever since he had defeated Aotian, Aotian had been training day and night, working harder than that fool Obito by a long shot.

And his goal had been made clear to Lihuo from the very beginning: to surpass Lihuo!

Therefore, Lihuo was not at all surprised by the current situation, and he readily agreed.

"Alright! I accept. I'd like to see just how much you've improved over these past two months!"

"Then it's settled. Once you've recovered, we'll have a fair and square fight!"