Kiyohara closed his eyes and quietly waited for the changes to begin.
Those tiny points of light started to slowly pour into his body.
The first thing to arrive was the stacking of spiritual energy.
Fragments of memories surged into his mind, scenes belonging to Toad Kiyohara's one hundred and eighty years of life as a toad.
From breaking out of the egg, to training at Mount Myoboku, learning senjutsu, taking part in missions, traveling to the ancient kingdom of Roran, and finally dying in battle on the Summoning Island.
There was not much, only scattered images here and there.
After giving them a brief glance, Kiyohara shifted his attention to the increase in his chakra.
His chakra system felt like a river whose channel had been widened, capable of containing far greater amounts of chakra.
At this moment, Kiyohara's chakra reserves had already surpassed ten Kakashis.
It had reached about eleven and a half Kakashi units.
In terms of sheer chakra quantity, Kiyohara now belonged to the group with truly abundant reserves.
Those who could still compare with him were probably only beings at the level of the Kage.
For example, someone like the Fourth Raikage, who was said to possess tailed beast level chakra, or powerful entities like Kisame that were called tailless tailed beasts.
Otherwise, only jinchuriki, tailed beasts, or certain strange composite beings could rival him.
More importantly, the nature of his chakra had changed.
It now carried a gentle, flowing quality.
Water nature.
The final chakra nature Kiyohara had been missing was finally complete.
This meant he could freely use ninjutsu from all seven chakra natures, allowing him to adapt to any extreme environment.
For instance, using water jutsu in the Land of Snow, combined with its unique climate, could easily transform into ice release techniques.
"How does it feel?"
Toad Kiyohara's spiritual form had already begun to collapse, continuously turning into light and merging into Kiyohara's body.
"Very… peculiar."
Kiyohara carefully chose his words.
"I can feel my body changing, but I haven't lost my human characteristics."
"It seems you inherited my essence rather than my appearance."
Toad Kiyohara proudly patted what little remained of his belly.
"The senjutsu of Mount Myoboku was originally meant for toads. When humans forcefully cultivate it, that is when they develop toad like traits.
As for your current state… you are half human and half toad? No, no, that is not right. A human body with a toad soul? That is not quite right either…"
Toad Kiyohara scratched his head in frustration.
"In any case, you are now unique. You possess a toad's affinity for natural energy, while retaining the upper limits of human potential."
Kiyohara nodded.
He could already sense that his senjutsu training had entered an entirely new stage.
Previously, he needed Toad Kiyohara to possess him in order to use senjutsu, but now he could perform it himself, and with greater power and finer control.
As they spoke, another wave of knowledge flowed into his mind.
It was the complete senjutsu training system passed down from Mount Myoboku.
From the most basic perception of natural energy, to refining senjutsu chakra, to activating and maintaining Sage Mode, and finally to the application of various senjutsu techniques.
There were even some forbidden senjutsu arts.
Kiyohara quickly skimmed through this knowledge, his heart filled with shock.
The senjutsu system of Mount Myoboku was far more complete than he had imagined.
After thinking about it, it made sense. Mount Myoboku was the land of toads.
A thousand years ago, those toads had already been capable of creating treasures like the Treasured Tools of the Sage of Six Paths, which had been used to save a dying Hamura Otsutsuki.
"Do not die too early, kid."
With those final words, Toad Kiyohara completely dissolved into countless points of light.
Kiyohara gave a slight nod as he watched them flow into his body.
'There are still changes…' he thought to himself.
And something even deeper.
He could feel his body undergoing transformation.
Not in appearance, but internally.
His meridians became tougher and broader, capable of handling more intense chakra flow.
His bone density increased slightly, and his muscle fibers rearranged themselves, becoming more suited for explosive bursts of power.
The most obvious change was his perception of natural energy.
Previously, he needed to calm his mind and concentrate to sense it, but now it felt as natural as breathing.
As long as he wished, he could draw in natural energy at any time and convert it into senjutsu chakra.
So this was the toad bloodline?
Kiyohara could not help but sigh that human ability truly had its limits.
In his short life, he had come to understand that the more one train, the more one would feel the boundaries of being human.
The shinobi world itself was like a family drama of the Otsutsuki clan.
If one wanted to shine in a world full of extraordinary beings, then one had to become something greater.
The only way to become that was to surpass humanity.
Kiyohara… had decided that he would no longer remain human.
He opened his eyes and looked at his hands.
His skin was still human, with no warts or webbing like a toad.
But when he circulated chakra, he felt an unprecedented smoothness, as if the connection between his body and natural energy had risen by several levels.
"Kiyohara?"
Tsunade's voice called out.
The bloodstains on the ground had already dried under the heat of the flames and turned to ash, and with the wind and sand sweeping through, no trace remained.
Tsunade walked over, her expression as calm as ever.
"Are you alright? You suddenly stopped moving just now…"
"I'm fine, sensei."
Kiyohara flexed his fingers, feeling the changes in his body.
He had simply undergone a small evolution.
He suddenly wondered whether his descendants would be able to inherit his bloodline.
Perhaps he could even establish an entire clan specializing in senjutsu.
Compared to ordinary training methods that required talent and vast chakra reserves, a bloodline based inheritance like his would be far more stable.
However, for now, Kiyohara had no need for descendants.
He glanced at Tsunade.
If it meant restoring the glory of the Senju clan together with her, that might not be a bad idea.
After all, one should never let their children suffer, and someone like Tsunade would be ideal.
"I just gained… a little something."
He did not explain in detail, as some things were difficult to put into words.
"Has the ultimate summoning beast been dealt with?"
"Yes, the core has been purified, and the fragments have all been smelted."
Tsunade pointed toward the sand gold furnace.
Inside, the fragments had been completely melted by the high temperature into black slag, devoid of any life.
"That is good."
Kiyohara dispersed the furnace, and the sand gold returned to his gourd.
"Let's head back to camp. Everyone is tired today."
By the time they returned to camp, it was already deep into the night.
Everyone else had gone to rest, leaving only Kiyohara sitting by the campfire.
He continued to feel the changes within his body.
The inheritance of the toad bloodline had brought not only changes in chakra nature and affinity with natural energy, but also something more fundamental.
The length of life.
Human lifespan had its limits.
Even someone like Madara, who possessed the so called Sage's Eyes, had only lived for several decades, and that was with the support of chakra from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
But the toads of Mount Myoboku could easily live for hundreds of years.
This was not a matter of chakra quantity, but a fundamental difference in species.
Just like how turtles and rabbits have different lifespans, or trees and flowers, the form of life determines the upper limit of longevity.
And now, Kiyohara could feel that his own life form was undergoing a subtle transformation.
He was not becoming a toad, but rather integrating certain toad characteristics into his human foundation.
A longer cellular division cycle, stronger regenerative ability, greater adaptability to natural energy.
He did not know exactly how long he would live.
But it would certainly be longer than an ordinary human.
Moreover, this transformation was still ongoing.
'No, it is not that I have inherited toad traits directly… it is more like a manifestation of senjutsu itself,'
Kiyohara thought to himself.
If senjutsu were divided by natures, then Mount Myoboku's would undoubtedly lean toward yang, enhancing both taijutsu and ninjutsu, while Ryuchi Cave's focused more on perception and the strengthening of yin release and creation abilities.
For example, the technique known as Sage Art: Inorganic Reincarnation.
'If I were to obtain the White Snake's bloodline in the future, would it cause some kind of qualitative change in my senjutsu?'
Kiyohara thought about this.
Soon after, he suppressed the thought in his mind, because what he was truly curious about now was what the next final wish would be.
By stacking different futures like this, layering different bloodline limits and even different species…
What he would ultimately become, even Kiyohara himself did not know.
The blood of all living things.
Containing all phenomena in existence?
Or perhaps something akin to the Otsutsuki?
No, no, it would likely surpass even the Otsutsuki.
After all, even the Otsutsuki clan could not awaken every single bloodline limit.
They merely carried those genes within their bodies, but could not fully express them.
Moreover, their physical bodies would eventually reach the end of their lifespan.
They had to continuously plant Kama seals to obtain vessels, and then reincarnate within those vessels, compressing their own data into the Kama and overwriting the original host to turn it into themselves.
But at its core, this was nothing more than Orochimaru's Living Corpse Reincarnation, just without the side effects.
Living like that, constantly reincarnating and seizing others' bodies, was something Kiyohara had no interest in.
Because that process was extremely dangerous. Suitable vessels were difficult to find, and if anything went wrong with the seal, the original self would die.
Otsutsuki Isshiki had died precisely because his body collapsed and he did not have time to transfer himself into a new vessel through Kama.
In the following days, Kiyohara and the others located the sea monster.
The so called sea monster was actually Amachi's summoned creature, Umibozu.
In the end, it was naturally defeated with ease by Kiyohara.
He also seized intelligence from the base and obtained quite a bit of research data regarding curse marks.
At present, Orochimaru's research into curse marks was still far inferior to his.
Kiyohara estimated that it would take at least half a year to a full year before Orochimaru produced the first prototype version.
After that, Orochimaru would need over a decade to perfect it.
Meanwhile, the curse mark on Kiyohara's body was already a fully matured version.
"You are sure you will not come with us?"
Tsunade looked at Uzumaki Honoka.
Over the past two days, she had invited Honoka to return to Konoha with them.
She told her that there were still members of her clan in Konoha.
Although Honoka showed signs of being tempted, she ultimately chose not to leave.
"These people saved me, so at the very least I must protect them until they complete their research."
Honoka shook her head.
Uzushiogakure had been destroyed long ago.
Since the day it fell, they had lived in hiding under false identities.
Most of them had died in that upheaval, while others perished during their escape.
Only a very small number, like her, had awakened their bloodline limit and gained a certain level of strength.
And she had been fortunate enough to encounter a normal organization, one that did not capture her for experimentation.
"If you ever decide to go to Konoha, just mention my name."
Tsunade said.
The Senju and Uzumaki were originally distant relatives, and her grandmother had also been from the Uzumaki clan.
Tsunade herself carried a considerable amount of Uzumaki blood.
Between her and Honoka, it was entirely accurate to say they were related.
"I understand, Lady Tsunade."
Uzumaki Honoka was well aware of this connection, and thus her attitude toward Tsunade became noticeably warmer.
Meanwhile, Kiyohara stood behind them, watching their conversation.
Pakura had already been sent back to Sunagakur during the previous negotiation, and Kiyohara estimated that it would not be long before she was betrayed by her own village.
That would be a good opportunity for him to recruit her.
After all, Pakura was not weak, and her Scorch Release was an excellent ability.
If he wanted to build his own forces, he would naturally need to recruit talented individuals wherever he could find them.
At present, he already had two major subordinates, Kakashi and Might Guy.
As for Kabuto, he was still too young and had much more to learn.
What remained were the wars with Kumo and Kiri. As for Iwa, it probably would not last much longer.
Kiyohara thought to himself.
Several days later, the group returned to Konoha.
"Finally back."
Shizune carried her medical kit behind Tsunade, her face showing the ease that came after completing a mission.
Kurenai adjusted her windblown hair, but her gaze could not help drifting toward Kiyohara walking ahead.
The silver chain around his neck, similar in release to Tsunade's, slipped slightly out from his collar as he turned.
"Kiyohara."
Kurenai quickened her pace to walk beside him.
As the group passed through the gates of Konoha, the chunin on duty was visibly startled before immediately standing at attention.
"Lady Tsunade, Jonin Kiyohara, welcome back!"
Kiyohara gave a slight nod.
He had long since grown accustomed to the title of jonin, yet each time it was spoken with such formality, he could not help but recall that before Kannabi Bridge, he had only been a genin.
The group first returned to the Hokage building and reported Hiruzen about Hiruko.
Hiruzen let out a sigh.
He truly had not expected such a thing to happen.
At the same time, a sense of unease rose within him.
He hoped that his greatest disciple, Orochimaru, would never walk down this same path.
After thinking for a while, Hiruzen praised Kiyohara and then distributed the mission rewards.
"Dismissed."
Tsunade stopped at a fork in the road and stretched lazily, her graceful figure outlined under the evening light.
"You have all worked hard these past few days."
"You too, Lady Tsunade!"
Rin and Kurenai responded in unison. Since their homes were in different directions from Tsunade's, they soon parted ways.
Before leaving, Rin glanced back at Kiyohara as if she wanted to say something, but in the end she simply turned and disappeared into the flow of the street.
Kiyohara, meanwhile, followed Tsunade back toward home.
After placing his pack in the entryway, he suddenly remembered something.
"Sensei, I am going back to pick up a few things."
"Hm?"
"Some personal items," Kiyohara paused slightly, "and to check my mailbox."
Tsunade waved her hand to indicate she understood, then collapsed onto the sofa and pulled out a gambling guidebook from her clothes.
She had picked it up at the port of the Land of the Sea, where it was supposedly said to improve gambling skills.
Kiyohara could tell at a glance that it was a scam, but Tsunade seemed to believe it wholeheartedly.
There was nothing he could do about that.
After all, her gambling skills had no room left to decline. No matter how much she studied, the result would likely remain the same.
Kiyohara then headed out and walked through two streets until he reached the small house under his name.
Because the orphanage would occasionally send him letters, he sometimes checked his mail.
But when he opened it this time, he froze.
The mailbox was stuffed full of items, neatly bundled stacks of banknotes.
On top of them were two dark brown ninjutsu scrolls and a letter sealed with wax.
Who put money in my mailbox?
Kiyohara stroked his chin.
This mailbox was not the same as Tsunade's. It had been newly built after he moved in.
In the shinobi world, letters were a common means of communication.
There even existed a special type of shinobi known as postal shinobis.
They were responsible not only for delivering mail domestically, but also between countries and hidden villages.
Unlike ordinary couriers, they wore hats marked with identification numbers and had telescopic lenses over their eyes.
Kiyohara frowned and stepped forward to take the letter.
The seal bore the shape of a fan, the crest of the Uchiha clan.
He opened it. The contents were concise.
"To Kiyohara, recent affairs have kept me busy and I have been unable to express my regards in person. Please accept this small gift as a token of my sincerity. Should you find the time, I would be honored to host you at my residence. Respectfully, Fugaku."
At the end was Uchiha Fugaku's personal seal.
Quite formal.
Kiyohara felt that Fugaku could indeed be considered a cultured man within the Uchiha clan.
He folded the letter and looked at the pile of banknotes in the mailbox.
A rough estimate placed it at no less than three million ryo.
For an ordinary shinobi, that was equivalent to the reward of over ten A rank missions.
For a large clan like the Uchiha, however, it was nothing extraordinary.
If even major clans lacked money, then the smaller clans and commoners would have no way to survive.
Ordinary Uchiha who did not become shinobis typically managed the clan's businesses.
As for the two ninjutsu scrolls, Kiyohara opened them and glanced through.
Both were advanced applications of fire release, and one of them was even a secret technique of the Uchiha clan, Fire Release: Dragon Flame Release Song.
"Quite generous."
Kiyohara stored everything into a sealing scroll.
Just as he was about to head back, he noticed Kurenai approaching from a distance.
She was carrying a rather large cardboard box.
"Kiyohara."
Kurenai waved at him.
"Kurenai?"
Kiyohara looked somewhat surprised.
"What brings you here?"
"I came to deliver your birthday present."
Kurenai smiled.
She opened the box, revealing a light colored wooden desk and a simply designed table lamp.
"This is for you."
Since shinobis could enhance their bodies with chakra, Kurenai had carried it all the way without breaking much of a sweat.
"I ordered it several days ago."
She gestured for Kiyohara to carry it upstairs.
Kiyohara nodded slightly. With one hand he lifted the desk, stacked the chair on top of it, and picked up the lamp with his other hand.
Instead of taking the stairs, he leaped upward and entered his room directly through the window.
Seeing this, Kurenai stepped onto the wall and walked upward into his room as well.
Climbing walls was a simple matter for shinobis.
Kurenai watched as Kiyohara placed the desk against the wall, set the lamp on top, plugged it in, and flipped the switch.
A warm yellow glow instantly filled a corner of the room.
"This way, it will be much more convenient when you read or organize scrolls at night."
She clapped her hands lightly, a hint of pride in her tone.
Then she looked around the room, her voice carrying a trace of helplessness.
"You really have not added anything at all."
Kiyohara followed her gaze.
The room was empty, aside from a bed and a wardrobe.
Well, there was also a very small chair that he occasionally used while studying ninjutsu.
"It is enough."
Kiyohara said.
"Enough for what?"
Kurenai puffed her cheeks slightly.
"If you read scrolls like this, you will ruin your eyesight."
She said.
Shinobis were still human, after all, and could become nearsighted.
That would be quite troublesome.
Kiyohara looked at the lamp. The soft glow flickered across Kurenai's face, illuminating her slightly round cheeks.
"I understand. Thank you, Kurenai."
Kiyohara said.
Kurenai suddenly felt a little embarrassed and turned her face away.
She walked over and sat on the edge of the bed, her fingers unconsciously tracing the fabric of the sheet.
"Speaking of which, Kiyohara…"
She lifted her head, her eyes carefully studying him.
"Have you gotten taller again?"
Among his peers, Kiyohara was already quite tall.
Although Kurenai was still growing, the growth of women tended to slow earlier, and now she only reached slightly above his shoulder.
(End of Chapter)