"...Whatever type Master wishes me to become, that is the type I will choose."
Here, Gin paused before continuing, "But if I must choose, I would choose the strength type because I am already accustomed to my original combat style. Changing it rashly would require a very long adaptation period."
"That's true, but a biological body and a prosthetic body are different," Ryuji said. "The strength of a biological body cannot compare to a prosthetic. Even if we structure it for innate great strength, it still can't match a prosthetic with a hundred times the muscle density of an ordinary person. Nor can it, like a prosthetic, activate Ninjutsu seals engraved within by simply activating them; one must practice and master them."
"Doesn't choosing the other type also mean starting from scratch?" Gin asked, somewhat puzzled.
"..."
Ryuji opened his mouth, somewhat speechless.
'Right, this isn't a choice between a biological body and a prosthetic. Why am I stuck on this issue?'
"Alright, I understand."
After ending the call with Gin, Ryuji patted his cheeks to refresh his mind, then continued his work.
First, body strength.
Although it couldn't be made like a prosthetic or adjusted arbitrarily, adjustments based on existing data were still possible.
At the very least, he couldn't have Gin start training from the level of an ordinary person or a new Genin, right?
One hour later.
"Phew~"
Ryuji looked at the fully constructed Sage Body model on the monitor and couldn't help but sigh in relief. "Now, only the appearance adjustments remain. We can just use the original data for that."
"Master, lunch is ready."
Aka entered carrying a tray, holding rice, two dishes, and a soup. The rich aroma of food spread, immediately causing his already exhausted body to protest, his stomach rumbling loudly.
"Alright, I'll eat first. Please finish the remaining work."
"Understood, Master."
Aka smiled sweetly, placed the tray on another lab table, then walked over to the monitor station and began operating it.
Her intelligence was undoubtedly among the highest among humans. Although she hadn't studied the relevant knowledge, her frequent visits to Ryuji's lab and exposure to his experiments meant she understood the basics and how to operate the instruments.
Asking her to create a puppet from scratch might be impossible, but using the 3D Printer for simple operations was within her capability.
"Master, Orochimaru came looking for you earlier," Aka said while retrieving data. "But since Master was busy researching in the lab, I sent him away."
"He's in Konoha Village too?"
Ryuji was surprised.
Tsunade was one thing; she was a Medical-nin.
Coordinating the medical department from the rear allowed her to contribute far more than directly on the front lines.
But Orochimaru wasn't support personnel.
Konoha's frontline combat strength was currently strained. What was a powerful fighter like him doing here instead of at the front?
"Perhaps because winter has arrived, and the frontline situation has eased," Aka guessed.
If freezing occurred in winter, it would be disadvantageous for Earth Release Shinobi. As long as Iwagakure's commander wasn't a fool, they'd choose to avoid combat during this time.
"Did he say what he wanted?"
"No, he only said he'd come again tomorrow for a visit."
"Understood."
Ryuji replied casually, then focused on his meal.
As for what Orochimaru wanted, he didn't care. He'd just ensure he had no business with him.
…
Half an hour later.
The meal was finished, and Gin's body was also complete.
Delicate features, beautiful face.
Short silver-white hair, tall stature.
Apart from a significant difference in weight, her appearance, height, and measurements were exactly the same.
"Master, I don't recommend replacing Gin's body right now."
Looking at Ryuji, who was conducting data checks on Gin's new body, Aka offered a suggestion. "Although giving Gin a biological body would allow her to reach new heights, in the short term, her combat strength would struggle to match her prosthetic body's level."
There is a vast difference between a human body and a prosthetic body.
A prosthetic body doesn't require physical training because an artificially created body doesn't change through exercise. It doesn't require practicing Chakra Control; Chakra Flows according to the preset artificial Chakra Network. It doesn't require learning Ninjutsu; activating the Ninjutsu seals within the body with Chakra allows for the use of corresponding techniques.
However, correspondingly, learning is useless; training doesn't make it stronger.
The functional power set during creation determines the maximum output.
To improve further, one must upgrade the prosthetic body.
But a human body is different.
Humans are fragile at birth, requiring constant growth and training to become stronger.
As for Chakra Control... although there are geniuses naturally gifted with strong control, most need to train step by step to improve. And Ninjutsu can only be mastered through diligent study and practice.
Even if Ryuji could adjust the body's strength during creation, he couldn't make physical strength comparable to a prosthetic, nor could he make someone inherently master Ninjutsu.
If Gin changed bodies, although she could reach greater heights in the future, her combat strength would be significantly reduced for now.
"No need to worry about that," Ryuji chuckled. "Although I can't make someone inherently master Ninjutsu, Ninjutsu knowledge can be digitally implanted directly into memory, saving the effort of learning. As for practice... she's used Ninjutsu for so long; even if she only used it by activating seals, her understanding of the techniques has reached a considerable level. Learning will be fast."
"Moreover, Gin's prosthetic body won't be discarded. If needed, she can temporarily switch back later."
"...I forgot about that."
Aka slapped her forehead in exasperation.
"Everyone has mental blind spots sometimes. I'll call Gin over to try on the new body."
…
Consciousness gradually cleared.
Gin slowly opened her eyes, immediately seeing that familiar, handsome face.
"Master."
Gin instinctively tried to sit up, but the unfamiliar sensation from her body made her go limp, falling back down.
"No rush, get used to the body's differences first."
"Yes."
Gin nodded, then carefully sensed the changes in her body.
First, weight.
She felt incredibly light now, as if a simple jump could make her fly. However, the feeling of weakness told her this was just an illusion.
Along with the weight loss came the loss of her former peerless strength.
"Both weight and strength are severely reduced."
Gin murmured, describing the bodily changes.
"Of course," Ryuji smiled. "How could a human body compare to a prosthetic in terms of strength and weight?"
Even with innate great strength, it was still far from matching a prosthetic with a hundred times the muscle density of an ordinary person.
Tsunade's monstrous strength surpassed Gin's prosthetic body not because her physical constitution was superior, but because her precision in Chakra Control far exceeded Gin's, giving her a slight edge in strength.
"I don't feel good right now," Gin said after adapting for a moment, frowning. "Just sitting up makes me feel dizzy, unable to maintain balance."
"Tsk, adapting to a new body is harder than imagined."
Ryuji had changed bodies before but never encountered such issues.
Because his own body was too weak. Each new body he changed into was stronger than his previous one.
But coincidentally, he was accustomed to far greater strength through his powered exoskeleton armor. Even after switching to a stronger body, he didn't experience issues like loss of control or accidents.
As a result, he overlooked the differences between Gin and himself.
"I will work hard," Gin said.
"You'll have to endure the hardship."
"Please don't say that, Master. Assisting you is the very reason for my existence."
Hearing this, Ryuji felt comforted.
But at the same time, somewhat helpless.
His prosthetic technology had reached its limit. Even with upgrades, he could mostly only change functionalities, not achieve significant improvements in power.
To increase Gin's strength, he had to rely on the greater potential of a human body, allowing her to improve through later effort.
"I'll make two mechanical puppets to help you adapt to your body."
"Thank you, Master."