Perhaps due to Ryuzetsu's inherently robust physique, the effects of "Blue Spider Lily No. 1" on her far exceeded Shinji's expectations.
This further validated Shinji's hypothesis: the stronger the shinobi, the more potent the effects of "Blue Spider Lily No. 1"!
However, Shinji also identified some issues.
Compared to mice and monkeys with simpler brains, Ryuzetsu—an exceptional shinobi in every respect—surprisingly struggled to assimilate the potion's effects.
After thorough investigation and analysis, Shinji reached a conclusion.
Mice and monkeys, though they might possess trace amounts of chakra, didn't know how to use it. They relied purely on instinct to utilize their bodies, which paradoxically allowed them to absorb the effects of "Blue Spider Lily No. 1" more quickly.
In contrast, Ryuzetsu, accustomed to fusing physical and mental energy to refine chakra and wielding it, was less adept at using raw physical strength compared to these animals.
Ultimately, it was a matter of habit.
Thus, after completing Ryuzetsu's full physical examination, Shinji began special training with her.
Boom, boom, boom.
In the forest, a series of clashing fists and feet echoed, causing the surrounding leaves to rustle softly and startling nearby birds and beasts.
While parrying Ryuzetsu's attacks, Shinji said, "Good, keep it up! Don't use chakra—try to rely solely on your physical strength!"
"Got it!" Ryuzetsu responded firmly.
After overcoming her initial discomfort, she gradually adapted to launching attacks using only her body's power.
As her body loosened up, she was astonished to find her strength had unknowingly increased several-fold.
A full-force punch had unexpectedly snapped a tree as thick as a thigh.
Moreover, her injured fist healed in mere dozens of seconds. After wiping away the blood, she found no trace of a scar.
As a medical shinobi from the Hidden Grass Village, Ryuzetsu knew that under normal circumstances, only medical ninjutsu could heal wounds so quickly.
Boom.
Another punch sent Shinji staggering back, crashing into a tree and shaking its trunk violently.
Ryuzetsu hurriedly asked, "Are you okay? I'm sorry, I wasn't paying attention…"
Shinji shook his head, chuckling lightly. "Not bad!"
Ryuzetsu's strength now bore some resemblance to Yakumo's "Monster Strength Punch." Had Shinji not fully employed his "Breathing Technique," that hit might have been tough to withstand.
Ryuzetsu looked at her fist in confusion. "How… how did I get this strong?"
Shinji brushed the dust off himself and said, "This is just the beginning. You haven't fully absorbed the potion's effects yet. The process will continue for a while."
Ryuzetsu exclaimed, "I'll get even stronger?"
Shinji nodded slightly. "Absorbing the potion's power will enhance your body comprehensively. After that, it's up to you to train and learn how to harness that strength and convert it into refining chakra."
Ryuzetsu's current level was roughly equivalent to an average Special Jonin. Shinji hadn't gone to such lengths just to cultivate a few Special Jonin, so this was far from the full potential of "Blue Spider Lily No. 1."
Hearing this, Ryuzetsu's face lit up with joy.
She bowed to Shinji. "Thank you so much for your efforts!"
In the Land of Hot Springs, at the headquarters of Kama Real Estate Company:
En Oyashiro lounged lazily while reviewing the accounts. Below him stood a row of employees, heads bowed, chests tight, and foreheads beaded with sweat.
Smack.
Slamming the ledger onto the table, En Oyashiro said coldly, "You have three days to fix the discrepancies. You know the consequences if you don't."
"Y-Yes, sir…" the employees stammered nervously.
At that moment, En Oyashiro suddenly glanced out the window, his expression shifting. He waved dismissively at the employees. "Get out!"
Once they left, En Oyashiro shed his authoritative demeanor, stood, and approached the window, bowing respectfully. "En Oyashiro humbly welcomes you, my lord!"
Shinji stepped in from the window, landing inside the room, and casually strolled around En Oyashiro's presidential office.
En Oyashiro followed cautiously, silent.
When Shinji had subdued him in "Hell Valley," En Oyashiro had yielded only out of fear of Shinji's overwhelming strength.
After escaping the "Hell Valley" prison and interacting with the shinobi world's nations, he learned just how terrifying the Akatsuki organization was.
Not even a clan like the Uchiha, nor the Hidden Leaf Village, nor even the combined might of the five great shinobi villages, could do much against Akatsuki.
As a remnant of the Chinoike Clan, exiled by the Uchiha, En Oyashiro quickly transitioned from reluctant obedience to genuine loyalty to Shinji.
Years had passed without a summons from Shinji, leading him to believe Akatsuki had forgotten him. Yet, today, Shinji had come in person!
Ignoring En Oyashiro's internal musings, Shinji, after touring the office, teased with a smile, "Looks like you're living quite well!"
En Oyashiro grinned. "The Land of Hot Springs sits at the border of three nations. With enough boldness, opportunities are everywhere!"
Shinji nodded lightly, then asked, "Where's Chino?"
Chino was En Oyashiro's daughter and, alongside him, the last surviving member of the Chinoike Clan.
The Chinoike Clan's Ketsuryūgan had an extraordinary affinity for blood, making it highly compatible with "Blue Spider Lily No. 1." Thus, seeking more test subjects, Shinji immediately thought of Chino, with her Ketsuryūgan.
En Oyashiro paused, then smiled. "Please, follow me!"
Following En Oyashiro, Shinji arrived at a large training ground. From a high viewing platform, he saw numerous youths training below, including the petite Chino.
"These children…" Shinji frowned slightly.
He recalled that in the original timeline, En Oyashiro had gathered many children with Bloodline Limits, pitting them against each other to entertain spectators.
He hadn't expected En Oyashiro to already be doing this, and just like in the original timeline, to include his own daughter among these "tools."
"Bring Chino to me," Shinji said, leaving the training ground.
En Oyashiro bowed deeply. "As you wish!"