Thus, a picture of the ancient power upon which humanity relied for survival and struggle before the era of chakra became clear in Shinichi's mind.
Swordsman: A lineage system that, before the widespread use of chakra, relied on tempering the body and refining weapon techniques (especially the sword) to combat the supernatural.
Core: Physical Energy.
Shrine Maiden/Priest: A lineage system that, before the widespread use of chakra, relied on spiritual meditation, talismans, prayers, and sealing techniques to combat the supernatural.
Core: Spiritual Energy.
Monks: A lineage system that, before the widespread use of chakra, relied on sensing heaven and earth, harmonizing with and utilizing natural energy to combat the supernatural.
Core: Nature Energy.
The three ancient systems represent three different directions and extremes in humanity's exploration of itself and external forces.
After Kaguya Otsutsuki descended and chakra gradually became widespread, this new energy form, which was easier to cultivate, more universal, and could integrate some characteristics of the three, eventually became mainstream.
These ancient traditions have been pushed to the margins of history or forced to change their form.
After figuring out the root causes, Shinichi didn't delve any further; it was too early to think about these things now.
Ultimately, he is currently a ninja of Konoha, and his identity and position dictate that he cannot simply go to any shrine or temple to become an apprentice.
Moreover, ordinary temples and shrines are unlikely to meet the stringent creation conditions of his system for an independent and complete extraordinary inheritance system.
Perhaps only places with a long history, complete traditions, and truly preserved core power, like the priestesses of the Land of Ogres and the monks of the Fire Temple, could meet the requirements.
"This needs to be considered carefully and planned out properly."
He temporarily set aside this future plan and focused his attention back on the present.
His gaze refocused on his system panel, which clearly displayed: [Number of draws: 1 (Blue)]
This is a rare opportunity, so why not take advantage of it?
As usual, he got up and went through the routine that had become a habit, seemingly devout but more for psychological comfort, taking a bath, washing his hands, and briefly organizing his thoughts.
"Bring it on."
He silently recited the command and initiated the extraction.
The panel shimmered with light, a pure blue glow flashed, and finally settled into a brand-new talent: [Endless Vitality (Blue): Your body is surging with vitality; your metabolism and tissue regeneration are at an extraordinary level. Deep wounds that expose bone can heal in a short time without leaving scars, and you can continuously recover in prolonged battles and harsh environments.]
"Endless Vitality? Is this a talent related to physical recovery?"
Shinichi felt a slight stirring in his heart, and then clearly felt the life force within his body suddenly become more active and vigorous, as if every cell was full of resilience and vitality.
His previous recovery ability wasn't actually weak, but that was mainly due to the side effect of the huge boost to his overall physical attributes from the talent, Superhuman Strength (Green) and Thick Skin and Flesh (Green). (Genius talent and Master Swordsmen occupation also have increased physical attributes.)
Both of these talents improve physical fitness, but one focuses on explosive power and muscle strength, while the other emphasizes resistance to blows and damage reduction.
Now, Endless Vitality (Blue) directly targets the area of recovery, providing powerful and specialized buffs.
This means that his body's self-healing ability has been elevated to a new, independent, and highly efficient level.
In addition, the speed and agility provided by the Swift as a Rabbit (Green).
After a rough calculation, Shinichi realized that in the most basic area of physical function, he had unknowingly gained special attribute enhancements in all four core categories: strength [Superhuman Strength (Green)], defense [Thick Skin and Flesh (Green)], recovery [Endless Vitality (Blue)], and agility [Swift as a Rabbit (Green)].
This doesn't even include the overall buffs from [Genius (Blue)], the increased efficiency of physical function from Master of Taijutsu (Blue), or the additional physical bonuses from the Master Swordsman occupation.
"My foundation is getting more and more solid..."
He flexed his wrists, feeling the seemingly inexhaustible vitality within him, and nodded in satisfaction.
A strong, well-rounded body that can withstand attacks and recover quickly is always the most reliable asset for dealing with this dangerous world.
This draw can be said to have filled in a very important piece of the puzzle.
.....
The winter of Konoha Year 45 arrived somewhat early. By evening, fine snowflakes drifted in the air, and the atmosphere was cold and crisp.
With no missions to complete and another day of tedious yet fulfilling training at the training ground, Shinichi Higashino headed home.
The shops along the street gradually lit up with warm lights, and the aroma of food dispelled the chill.
As he passed a barbecue restaurant, a woman's voice, clearly slurred with intoxication yet still booming, came from inside: "Hey! You brat over there!"
Shinichi paused and looked in the direction of the sound.
By the window, Tsunade was sitting alone, waving her hand casually. Several empty bottles were in front of her, her cheeks were flushed, and her long golden hair looked a little disheveled under the shop's lights.
Since that brief encounter and conversation at the hospital a few months ago, perhaps because of his silence, or perhaps because his reputation as a genius is indeed eye-catching, or for some other reason.
The two bumped into each other a few more times on the street or at the hospital, and could barely be considered acquaintances who could greet each other.
After a slight hesitation, Shinichi turned around and went inside.
As soon as he gets close, a strong smell of alcohol hits him.
"Lady Tsunade." He nodded politely.
"Sit down!"
Tsunade pointed to the empty seat opposite her, her tone leaving no room for refusal. She then called out to the owner, "Add another set of chopsticks and a bowl! Uh, give him something to drink, wine, juice, or tea, whatever he likes!"
"Lady Tsunade, I am not yet an adult and cannot drink alcohol." Shinichi sat down as instructed and calmly stated the facts.
"I know you can't drink! Stop nagging!"
Tsunade waved her hand impatiently, and the owner quickly brought over a cup of hot barley tea.
She ignored Shinichi and poured herself another cup of sake, downed it in one gulp, and then stared blankly at the snow-covered streets outside the window, silently drinking one cup after another.
Tsunade was in a terrible mood today because she had a big fight with Shizune.
As Dan's niece, Shizune was raised by Tsunade after Dan's sacrifice. This responsibility, along with her longing and guilt towards Dan, made Tsunade value Shizune very much.
Lately, Tsunade, with her keen sense of smell, has noticed the undercurrents surging beneath the calm surface of the Shinobi World from some subtle movements.
She was almost certain that by next year at the latest, in order to deal with the potential for escalating conflict and manpower shortages, Konoha might allow Shizune's class to graduate early.
The thought that Shizune might embark on a perilous path as a ninja, or even go to the battlefield, and possibly face the same fate as Dan and Nawaki, filled Tsunade with a suffocating fear.
Today, she tried to force Shizune to give up her idea of becoming a ninja, but this resulted in a fierce argument.
After their unpleasant parting, Tsunade, feeling frustrated and distressed, came straight here, trying to numb herself with alcohol.