Even though many of the "doors" that had originally opened to Noah were now closed due to the different power systems of this world, he wasn't without options. Properly adapting to and experiencing this environment was a viable path.
Contemplating and experimenting with various forms of power was growth in itself.
He knew he might not need these specific powers once he returned, but that didn't mean there was no way to "level up" his existing repertoire. At the very least, if he could translate the "Shadow Clone" skill into magic upon his return, his future life might be significantly more comfortable.
For now, though, Noah focused on laying foundational preparations for his upcoming "spree." He closed his eyes and instantly entered system space.
The system offered no direct assistance, but he could still use the space as usual.
Days passed, and more of the younger generation arrived at their destination.
Because Noah was absorbed in developing ninjutsu, he dispatched a shadow clone to manage the outside world and prevent interruptions.
This allowed him to stay informed, and during these days, he devised some rather interesting techniques.
Through a combination of his theories and extensive magical experience, Noah found overlapping knowledge-even if chakra couldn't directly substitute for mana.
He developed techniques such as a "Yang Release Chakra Mode" and an "陰陽 (Yin-Yang) Release Chakra Mode." Essentially, it was a method of coating the body in special chakra for comprehensive physical enhancement.
The approach was dangerous.
Most people possessed very little Yin-Yang chakra. Its physical manifestation wasn't friendly to the human body.
Yang Release mode, unless your constitution was extraordinary-able to self-heal from a stab wound to the heart-was not something to attempt.
In Noah's memory, only the First Leader and Nathan (Naruto) met these standards.
He didn't know ancient figures like Ashura well enough to care, only that they could use it. The First Leader rarely used Yang Release, or perhaps not at all, since Wooden Release and Sage Mode sufficed.
Nathan was terrifying-chakra from all nine Great Beasts combined with Yang Release was essentially a simplified Sage of Six Paths mode, minus the Yin Release.
Yin Release was primarily mental, focusing on meticulous chakra control and maximizing power, unlike the physically-focused Yang Release.
The most notable Yin Release users were the Uchiha family. Justin (Sasuke), inheriting the Six Paths legacy, pushed this to its limit. His manifestation was the Spectral Knight (Susanoo), reaching a level beyond Madara, even capable of flight.
Madara, meanwhile, had achieved the legendary Yin-Yang Release Chakra Mode, taking a form reminiscent of the Progenitor Clan (Otsutsuki). This was logical-after all, the chakra originated from Kaguya, the Progenitor Queen.
Noah had already mastered the Yin Release manifestation of the Spectral Knight. After creating a "Golden Glowing Yang Release Mode," he tried combining the two.
He didn't turn into a white-haired freak. Instead, his body glowed golden, black magatama patterns overlaying it, with black spheres floating behind him. The Yin Release remained the Spectral Knight, but now his Yang Release fully merged, forming a giant, interlocking gold-and-black construct.
"This is better. I didn't want that freakish form anyway-Madara looked better in his original state," he thought.
The form let him sense a certain woman-Kaguya, the Progenitor Queen. It wasn't surprising; it was her chakra. But he didn't dwell on it.
That problem could be handled by his other self in this world. Besides, he doubted Kaguya would return.
He had been here twelve years. He had time.
"For example, wiping out that 'Dawn' (Akatsuki) group, then tracking down Black Zetsu and killing the bastard," he mused.
Testing this new power would be worthwhile. The system had even devised "interesting things"-his current body could remain here, living a normal life, even if he left. Noah didn't know the details, but he didn't care. At worst, he could leave it a grand, final performance.
Thinking this, he headed toward the gathering square. The exam deadline had arrived.
"You're here? I thought you'd fallen asleep," Justin said. Nathan crowded over as well.
"We were just waiting for you, Noah! Everyone's here!"
"I know, I know," Noah said, waving.
"Don't shout so loud. Honestly, why do you have to be so high-profile?"
He looked around. Everyone had arrived. Other prominent rookies of the Leaf were present. Some had arrived early, but his shadow clone hadn't interacted with them. Now that his true body was out, he dispelled the clone and absorbed the information.
Looking up at the Third Hokage approaching the platform, he anticipated the speech. He gave Nathan a light punch on the head to quiet him.
The Third Hokage's explanation wasn't profound-just a brief overview of the Mid-Level Ninja Exam. Essentially, it was a small-scale military display between nations. High-performing villages gained publicity, securing more future missions.
He didn't say it outright, but the young ninjas understood-it was a miniature war.
Once the group grasped this, the proctor, Hayate, introduced the preliminary round before the third phase. The rookies, just back from the Forest of Death, were stunned. Not everyone returned as easily; the forest had claimed many.
"Preliminaries?" Nathan shouted again.
Noah was indifferent. Too many participants remained. The third phase was high-profile and would take too long with everyone. Preliminaries weeded out the weak-those unfit to represent their village.
It sounded cruel, but exams tested all-around capabilities. Noah didn't care-he had seen it all before. Graduating "Hogwarts" and surviving numerous battles left him unfazed.
"Therefore, if you feel unwell or wish to withdraw after hearing the explanation, report it immediately. Otherwise, preliminaries begin."
"Starting now?"
Next was Kabuto. The Orochimaru's spy forfeited decisively.
Noah glanced at him. Kabuto had likely completed his mission and found the "children's games" boring. With a record of past withdrawals, retiring now would draw attention-but his plan was ending, so suspicion didn't matter. Also, he risked revealing his true strength if he continued.
Nathan didn't react-he hadn't interacted with Kabuto. No one else gave up.
Hayate explained the format: names appeared on a screen, the selected pair entered the arena, and the winner advanced. Individual battles, no team dynamics. Simple.
No one objected.
The preliminaries officially began.
The first match: Justin Uchiha versus Yoroi.