Training Breakthrough: The Pinnacle of Lightning Release

After returning to the Hidden Leaf Village, Ling began training even harder. The threshold of Kage level was right before him, and he had to seize every minute and every second.

Deep in the Forest of Death at dawn, lightning raged. Ling's figure flickered rapidly through the woods, every movement bringing with it a piercing rumble of thunder.

"Still not fast enough..."

He felt the chakra surging through his body as his Two-Tomoe Sharingan operated at full power. With the system's assistance, his mastery of Lightning Release nature transformation was growing deeper by the day.

[Lightning Release mastery: 89%]

[Suggestion: Attempt the pinnacle of shape transformation]

Kakashi stood not far away, observing, occasionally offering guidance. "Remember, the essence of Lightning Release lies in piercing power and speed. But more important than that is control."

Ling nodded and gathered chakra in his palm. The lightning no longer burst out wildly, but instead condensed into a stable pillar of light.

"Lightning Release: Lightning Sword!"

The pillar of light extended into the shape of a sword, its sharp lightning edge splitting the boulder ahead in two. The cut was as smooth as a mirror, showing astonishing control.

"Very good." Kakashi gave a rare word of praise. "But a truly strong shinobi must be able to maintain that control under extreme conditions."

He formed hand seals and created a shadow clone. "Come on. Let me see your limit."

The two Kakashis attacked at the same time, the cry of Lightning Cutter tearing through the air. With the aid of both Sharingan, Ling could barely keep up with their speed.

"Lightning Release: Modified Lightning Flash Body!"

His figure split into three, facing the two Kakashis and the shadow clone separately. This was a new technique that combined a lightning clone with Lightning Flash Body, and it required extremely high chakra control.

A fierce clash erupted in the forest. Lightning kept colliding, and trees toppled in swathes under the aftershocks. Ling gradually began to struggle; Kakashi's experience and strength were indeed above his.

[Chakra remaining: 23%]

[Suggestion: Use Four Symbols Seal to regulate]

Ling immediately activated the Four Symbols Seal, and the suppressed curse mark energy slowly released. Under the system's precise control, that violent power was transformed into pure chakra.

"This is..." Kakashi sensed the change in Ling. "You can actually control the curse mark's power?"

The lightning abruptly intensified, and Ling's speed rose again. This time, he actually managed to briefly suppress Kakashi's shadow clone.

"Lightning Release: Chidori Sharp Spear Barrage!"

Several long spears of lightning shot out in succession, cutting off all of Kakashi's escape routes. But the silver-haired Jonin stayed calm in the face of danger, his Sharingan precisely finding the flaw.

"Lightning Cutter: Twin Lightning Shock!"

Two Lightning Cutters struck at the same time, not only dissolving Ling's offensive but also forming a counterattack. Ling was forced to retreat, his breathing somewhat ragged.

"That's enough." Kakashi put away his Sharingan. "Today's training was very effective."

Ling dropped to one knee, sweat dripping down nonstop. Though he had still lost, he could feel his own progress.

[Lightning Release mastery: 92%]

[Strength evaluation: quasi-Kage level]

At dusk, Ling came alone to Naka Shrine. There, he met an unexpected visitor.

"Looks like you're improving quickly."

Jiraiya sat on the shrine roof, a wine gourd beside him. His expression was unusually serious. "But the power inside you is drawing the attention of certain existences."

Ling's heart tightened. "You mean?"

"The Great Toad Sage saw an ominous omen in a dream," Jiraiya said in a deep voice. "An Uchiha possessing power from another world will change the fate of the entire ninja world."

Ling fell silent. As expected, the existence of the system had still drawn Mount Myoboku's attention.

"No need to be nervous." Jiraiya jumped down from the roof. "I don't care where your power comes from, as long as your heart is with the Hidden Leaf Village."

He handed Ling a scroll. "These are the Fourth Hokage's insights on the Flying Thunder God Technique. They may be of help to you."

Ling solemnly accepted the scroll. The Flying Thunder God Technique—this was the pinnacle of space-time ninjutsu.

[Detected S-rank ninjutsu materials]

[Flying Thunder God Technique analysis beginning]

[Estimated completion time: 72 hours]

After Jiraiya left, Ling immediately began studying the scroll. With the system's assistance, he quickly understood the principle behind the technique formula.

"So that's it... by marking coordinates with a formula, instant movement is achieved..."

He tried to inscribe the Flying Thunder God formula onto a kunai. But the process was more difficult than he had imagined, requiring extremely high attainments in sealing techniques.

[Flying Thunder God formula inscription failed]

[Reason for failure: Insufficient chakra control precision]

Ling did not lose heart and kept trying. With the aid of his Two-Tomoe Sharingan, his control continued to improve.

Late on the third night, the formula on the kunai finally lit up with a faint glow.

"It worked!"

He shot the kunai into the distance, then sensed the coordinates of the formula. Space rippled faintly, and in the next moment, he had already appeared beside the kunai.

[Flying Thunder God Technique mastery: beginner]

[Teleportation distance: 50 meters]

[Cooldown time: 3 seconds]

Though it was only a preliminary grasp, it was already a massive breakthrough. Ling could imagine the value of this technique in actual combat.

Just then, the system's notification rang out:

[Strength evaluation updated: Kage level]

[Achievement unlocked: Youngest Kage-level ninja]

[Reward: Mangekyo Sharingan evolution progress +20%]

[Current evolution progress: 45%]

Ling felt the surging power within his body, and a resolute light flashed in his eyes. At last, he stood at the peak of the ninja world.

But the system's next notification made him sober up instantly:

[Warning: Ten-Tails chakra fluctuations detected]

[The Akatsuki Organization's plan is about to be completed]

An even greater storm was about to arrive.