As Shion began to cast her Purification Jutsu, the instrument immediately began to hum.
Hoshino's mechanical prosthetic eye flickered slightly as he stared intently at the energy pattern flowing like water on the holographic projection.
The Natural Energy did not surge haphazardly, but rather followed an ancient rhythm, forming an elegant spiral trajectory around the Shion.
"A completely different method of Chakra transmission..."
Hoshino noticed that the energy field formed by the Priestess Power was as dynamic as a living thing, capable of autonomously capturing Natural Energy from the surrounding environment and transforming it into pure healing energy.
The efficiency of this transformation is far greater than any known Medical Ninjutsu.
Seven consecutive days of observation allowed Hoshino to gradually understand the characteristics of the Priestess Power.
Most shockingly, this power not only does not diminish with use, but actually becomes stronger with each use.
Shion's body is like a sophisticated furnace, capable of perfectly converting Natural Energy into its own, completely bypassing the Chakra refining process required of ninjas.
These discoveries completely overturned his understanding of the energy system of the Shinobi World.
If a ninja's Chakra is like fuel that needs constant replenishment, then the Priestess Power is more like a self-sustaining energy cycle system.
"No wonder that in ancient times before the advent of Chakra, priestesses were the true masters of this world."
Of course, those gods must be removed.
"It is indeed recorded in the books left by my mother!"
Upon hearing this, Shion paused slightly, then revealed a thoughtful expression.
"In ancient times, priestesses controlled the flow of energy between heaven and earth. They could not only heal wounds but also regulate the changing seasons and balance the growth of all things."
"Look at this, as Natural Energy passes through your body, it spontaneously forms a structure similar to a barrier."
Hoshino's fingers slid rapidly across the holographic projection, continuously magnifying the energy map.
Shion curiously leaned closer to observe, her hair falling onto the projection and intertwining with the flowing light patterns.
"My mother said that a shrine maiden's constitution is different from ordinary people. Our meridians are like..."
"Like a natural Sealing Jutsu technique." Hoshino continued, pulling up a set of anatomical diagrams.
"The unique geometric arrangement of your cells is likely the key to their ability to autonomously guide Natural Energy."
In the days that followed, Hoshino designed a series of meticulous experiments.
He had Shion perform spells in different environments.
Forests at dawn, deserts at midday, and valleys after rain—these capture the subtle differences in the flow of Natural Energy.
A month later, Hoshino's research made Great Breakthrough.
He built a special energy conversion device in the laboratory and successfully channeled a small portion of the Priestess Power into the prosthetic system.
When the device is activated, spiral patterns similar to those seen when Shion performs her spells appear on the surface of the robotic arm.
"This proves my conjecture." Hoshino excitedly showed it to Shion, "The principle of the Priestess Power can be analyzed and replicated!"
"But it's... much more rigid than the Priestess Power."
Shion gently touched the robotic arm, sensing the familiar energy fluctuations, and keenly pointed out the differences.
"Because it lacks the most crucial element: resonance with nature." Hoshino pulled up comparative data, "Machines can only imitate forms, but they can't truly understand the rhythm of nature."
"What do you need me to do?" Shion asked earnestly.
"Teach me to feel the flow of Natural Energy." Hoshino's mechanical eye gleamed with unwavering determination. "I want to experience firsthand how the Priestess Power works."
In the days that followed.
Under Shion's guidance, Hoshino began an unprecedented training program.
Every day at dawn, the two would come to the sacred spring behind the shrine.
Shion gently placed her palm on Hoshino's prosthetic body, guiding him to feel the pulse of Natural Energy.
"Don't use Chakra- based perception! Try letting the energy flow in naturally, like listening to the wind."
Initial attempts all ended in failure.
A violent repulsion reaction occurred between the mechanical prosthetic body and Natural Energy.
Artificial nerves cannot transmit that pure life fluctuation, and even transplanted Kekkei Genkai twitch violently when Natural Energy flows through them.
Hoshino pulled up a complete structural diagram of his own body and discovered that every part was designed based on the Chakra system.
The Chakra conduction devices in the mechanical joints, the artificial energy fluid flowing in the blood vessels, and even the protective coating on the surface of the panel all instinctively resist the penetration of Natural Energy.
Like a river that has been artificially channeled, it has long forgotten its original way of flowing.
Even more troublesome is the energy circulation system within Hoshino's body.
Those meticulously designed Chakra circuits act like stubborn dams, blocking out Natural Energy.
Each time Shion guides energy in, these circuits automatically activate their defense mechanisms, resulting in intense energy conflicts.
The most serious incident nearly disrupted the balance between the Kikaichū and the Shikotsumyaku, causing the All-Killing Ash Bones to go berserk; fortunately, the response was timely.
Hoshino stood in the center of the laboratory, gazing at his body covered in signs of modification, a sense of unprecedented confusion welling up inside him.
Are machines and nature ultimately two paths that can never intersect?
His fingers unconsciously traced the energy core in his chest, where a rhythm that did not belong to flesh and blood pulsated.
The modification technology they were so proud of had now become the biggest obstacle; every intricate mechanical structure was silently resisting the call of nature.
The flesh and blood that I sacrificed in pursuit of power now seem like an irreversible mistake.
"How ironic..."
A bitter smile tugged at the corners of Hoshino's mouth.
I once thought that mechanical evolution was a shortcut to surpassing human limits, but I never imagined that the further we went down this path, the further we strayed from the origin of the world.
It's too late to turn back now.
The laboratory lights cast distorted shadows on the metal surface, much like his chaotic thoughts at that moment.
Hoshino thought of those ninjas who cultivated Sage Mode; at least they retained their complete physical bodies, which could serve as containers for Natural Energy.
His mechanical body was like a meticulously crafted cage, shutting out the most primal power.
His gaze fell on the small breakthroughs recorded in the experimental log.
Perhaps the problem lies not in the machines themselves, but in his overly narrow understanding of them.
With this in mind, Hoshino pulled up detailed information on all the failed cases and began to rebuild the theoretical model, secretly making up his mind.
If we cannot return to the realm of flesh and blood, then let machines evolve to the point where they can understand nature, and perhaps those so-called divine levels can also serve as a new reference.
"Looks like I'll have to contact Pain, and while I'm at it, I'll visit the shrine in Uzushio Village, or maybe check out the Uzumaki Clan's Mask Storage Temple in Konoha."