The biting cold wind, mixed with fine snow particles, lashed against Takuno's face like countless tiny ice needles.
After leaving the Land of Rivers, he arrived in the Land of Snow, a world of eternal whiteness.
"My Lord, you've arrived." Kazahana Dotō, who had been waiting outside the teleportation node for a long time, immediately stepped forward, his voice loud yet filled with deep-seated respect.
He wore a heavy fur coat for protection against the cold, and his shoulders were covered in snow. He had clearly been waiting for a long time; Takuno had naturally notified the crows on this side before his arrival.
"Mhm." Takuno nodded slightly, his gaze sharp as a blade as he cut straight to the core, "There are no hiccups with the transport line, I hope?"
"Please rest assured, My Lord!" Kazahana Dotō straightened his back, his words full of confidence. "Roga Nadare is responsible for capturing and transferring subjects to the starting point of the Underground Railway on the front lines of Konoha and the Hidden Cloud Village."
"Throughout the transport, Fuyukuma Mizore has been guarding the shipment without leaving its side. Even the unique blizzards of the Land of Snow haven't caused a moment's delay."
"As for the final stretch into our secret destination, I personally monitored the handover to ensure it was airtight!"
"No failure in any link shall be permitted!"
He paused, a smile of undisguised contempt for his elder brother appearing on his face. "As for my dear brother, the Daimyo of the Land of Snow, Kazahana Sōsetsu?"
"He's probably still huddled in his palace, tinkering with that naive floor heating project, isn't he?"
"What use is a heater researched at the cost of national strength in a frozen land like this? Does he expect it to melt the icy peaks?"
"Immersed in it, he has neither the time nor the ability to notice the other railway we've laid right under his nose."
Takuno was clearly satisfied with Kazahana Dotō's efficiency and control. He gave a low "Mhm" in response, carrying a hint of a promise.
"Well done. Once the dust settles on the war between Konoha and Kumogakure, the reward due to you and your subordinates will certainly not be missing."
The Kazahana Dotō before him was originally a Daimyo in the original story. His push for the Land of Snow's technology could be considered an early pioneer of "Scientific Ninja Tools" in the Ninja World; his ability was beyond doubt.
Unfortunately, the foundation of the isolated Land of Snow was too shallow, ultimately unable to support more cutting-edge exploration.
However, for him, the sharp blade that was Kazahana Dotō was currently handy enough.
"To be able to serve My Lord is already the greatest honor for us subordinates!" Hearing this, Kazahana Dotō's eyes instantly flashed with excitement and desire, his voice trembling slightly with exhilaration.
Takuno glanced at him, understanding perfectly.
This kind of power, attached through authority and driven by interest—as long as he held more powerful chips in his hand, like the mysterious energy of the Gelel Stone, the Chimera Technique, or the basic Cursed Seal power—he didn't worry about them not continuing to be obedient.
Of course, it wouldn't be the full version of the Chimera Technique, but rather the crude "incomplete" version given to Hiruko's subordinates.
Nor would it be the "Cursed Seal of Heaven" that Orochimaru treasures. That thing consumes materials that even Orochimaru finds painful to lose, and more importantly, its survival rate is too low!
Throughout the entire timeline, only Sasuke and Mitarashi Anko possessed the Cursed Seal of Heaven.
Sasuke was the person whose body Orochimaru most wanted to occupy, while Mitarashi Anko was his favorite student. One can imagine how much importance Orochimaru placed on the Cursed Seal of Heaven.
"If there's nothing else, have Fubuki deliver a batch here later. Prioritize those with dual Wind and Water attributes."
"If there aren't enough, you can also send a pair consisting of one single Wind attribute and one single Water attribute." Takuno ordered decisively.
"Understood! I will notify Fubuki Kakuyoku immediately!" Kazahana Dotō accepted the order respectfully.
With those words, Takuno delayed no further. His figure merged into the wind and snow as he entered the underground fortress where the laboratory was located alone.
The interior was like a different world from the icy world outside; the constant low temperature was mixed with the scent of disinfectant and metal.
He looked around and began to act. His fingers moved like illusions as complex and profound Chakra symbols flowed from his fingertips, precisely etched onto the laboratory walls, floor, and even the ceiling.
Layer upon layer of invisible sealing Barriers quietly unfolded, tightly wrapping the entire inner chamber.
While the Spirit Transformation Jutsu was powerful, it had a fatal weakness.
When performing the technique, the main body's defense was nearly zero. Therefore, when using the Spirit Transformation Jutsu, he had to create an impregnable fortress on the outside.
Even after setting up these Sealing Jutsu, Takuno still felt it wasn't enough. He formed hand seals.
"Wood Release: Wood Clone!"
A Wood Clone, identical to Takuno himself, condensed from the ground and stood quietly by his side.
In terms of combat, Wood Clones were indeed more useful than Shadow Clones. They didn't require an equal split of Chakra, and they wouldn't disperse immediately upon taking a single hit; they were considered clones that could both take and deal damage.
The Wood Clone was the final line of defense. Should an accident occur, this clone would buy him the most critical few seconds, enough to release the Spirit Transformation Jutsu and allow his soul to return instantly.
Although he believed the possibility of an attack in the Land of Snow's territory under multiple layers of protection was minuscule, years of caution were etched into his bones. Not a single preparation could be omitted.
Just as the light of the sealing barrier faded and the Wood Clone hid in the shadows, the heavy metal door of the laboratory slid open.
Fubuki Kakuyoku appeared at the door, followed by several "materials" secured in restraint devices.
"My Lord, as you ordered. Everything you need has been brought. The specific details have been recorded in the scroll; please check it." Fubuki Kakuyoku's voice was cold and efficient as she handed over the report.
At the same time, her gaze swept over the layers of seals Takuno had just placed. A subtle tremor of shock passed through the depths of her eyes. Although she didn't understand these Sealing Jutsu, to have arranged so many in such a short time—truly worthy of My Lord!
"Good efficiency." Takuno took the report and gave it a quick scan.
He raised his hand and pointed casually at a dual-attribute material. Fubuki Kakuyoku immediately operated the device to send it into the core experimental area.
Immediately after, Takuno's hand seals changed again, and a surge of life energy gushed forth.
"Wood Release!"
With a soft shout, on the empty space beside the core experimental area, wooden structures grew and intertwined rapidly as if they were alive.
In just a few breaths, a sturdy, wide wooden Isolation Cell with a simple internal structure rose from the ground.
Its generation speed and structural stability were by no means comparable to ordinary Earth Release.
"This—this is—" This was Fubuki Kakuyoku's first time facing this kind of power. Even though she already knew of Takuno's strength, she couldn't help but cry out in surprise, her pupils shrinking rapidly. "The First Hokage—the legendary Wood Release?!"
The shock in her heart was like a crashing wave.
This long-lost power, one of the strongest in the Ninja World that only existed in textbooks, was actually being recreated before her eyes so effortlessly!
Just how many secrets were still hidden within their Lord?
"You are responsible for guarding the rest. Don't lose them. When needed, I will come and get them myself." Takuno's command was unquestionable.
"My Lord, you just need to notify me, and I can bring them," Fubuki Kakuyoku suggested subconsciously, but suddenly felt a bone-chilling gaze shoot toward her.
A chill rushed from her tailbone straight to the top of her head, and cold sweat instantly broke out. She hurriedly changed her words, "—Yes! Your subordinate understands! I will guard the isolation area without leaving for a second!"
"Mhm." Takuno responded flatly, saying no more as he turned and stepped into the core experimental area.
With a "clank," the heavy, specially-made door closed tightly behind him.
Outside the laboratory, Fubuki Kakuyoku leaned against the cold metal wall, breathing deeply to calm the heart palpitations and terror that had nearly suffocated her—the pressure and warning contained in that gaze just now were truly too terrifying.
Inside the core laboratory, cold instruments and soft light sources intertwined to create an eerie atmosphere.
Takuno stood there, and his deep black eyes quietly turned crimson.
Within his pupils, two black Tomoe spun slowly, faster and faster, until they turned into blurred afterimages.
His prerequisite for using the Spirit Transformation Jutsu also required lowering some mental resistance lines to their lowest point.
It wasn't that he couldn't use the Spirit Transformation Jutsu to forcibly break through their consciousness, but because the upcoming "Fusion Experiment" required an absolutely stable controlled environment.
Intense mental resistance might prevent him from performing fine operations.
To increase the success rate, this was a necessary measure.
Sharingan: Genjutsu!
Formless and intangible ocular power, like the finest ice needles, began its work. It didn't destroy, but continuously applied pressure, wearing down their will and dulling their perception.
Soon, the preparations were complete.
Takuno slowly sat on a specially-made recliner, his hands forming the most central seal: "Spirit Transformation Jutsu!"
In the next second, his own consciousness was abruptly pulled away, and he slumped softly into the chair as if sinking into the deepest sleep.
The Wood Clone, like the most loyal guard, stood quietly by the recliner, its sharp gaze scanning the room for any possible movement.
At the same time, "Takuno" snapped his eyes open.
The emptiness in his eyes completely faded, replaced by a coldness originating from deep within.
At this moment, Takuno's consciousness was residing within this temporary body.
Takuno slightly moved the fingers of his "new" body and instantly sensed some resistance.
Unfortunately, after the previous Genjutsu devastation, that resistance was like weak waves hitting a reef; its influence on him was practically negligible.
After all, his spiritual energy could keep up with the increase in physical energy of the Uzumaki Clan; one could say he was exceptionally gifted.
Therefore, his soul was not something just anyone could shake.
By diverting just a small portion of his spiritual power, he easily suppressed it into a corner.
The core experimental goal was clearly presented in his mind.
Attempting to fuse the Wind and Water Chakra attributes to extract the Ice Release Kekkei Genkai!
In fact, many Jonin knew that some Kekkei Genkai were created by fusing two or more attributes.
However, they hadn't seen any single Kekkei Genkai become widespread in the Ninja World.
The reason was that even if you knew the principle, you might not be able to do it, because the risks involved were simply too great!
A moment of carelessness would result in death.
And the harvest was merely a Kekkei Genkai. While it couldn't be denied that every Kekkei Genkai was not weak, could one absolutely become a top-tier powerhouse relying solely on that Kekkei Genkai?
Obviously not. Thus, the harvest and the risks involved were completely disproportionate.
Furthermore, those with the talent to fuse a Kekkei Genkai could also become powerful Shinobi without one. Why take such a life-threatening risk? Success wasn't even guaranteed!
But now, Takuno seemed to have chosen this perilous path, yet he was different!
His greatest reliance in choosing this path was the Spirit Transformation Jutsu!
All the dangers were borne by this temporary "vessel"!
At the moment of fusion failure and Chakra rampage, he only needed a single thought to release the Spiritualization, and his consciousness could instantly return to his distant main body.
The price? Nothing more than some mental fatigue.
Of course, some problems were unavoidable.
He was using the Spirit Transformation Jutsu to control a body that wasn't his own, and he had to distract himself to suppress resistance, which significantly reduced his fine control over Chakra.
But in his view, this wasn't actually a very big problem.
Because as long as he tried enough times, it could be solved. This was precisely why he triggered the war between Konoha and Kumogakure—to enrich his opportunities for trial and error!
Of course, there weren't many with the suitable attributes, so he also possessed the Chimera Technique!
So, everything was not a problem!
One subject isn't enough? Then ten, or a hundred!
Moreover, if he could successfully extract Ice Release under such unfavorable conditions, then when he returned to his own body and used his even more powerful Chakra control to master this power, wouldn't it be as easy as turning over his hand?