Chapter 284: Proving His Worth
All of Sha Shigehachi's bones had been replaced with special high-strength alloys, and his muscle fibers had been implanted with micro-chakra conduction devices. His meridian network had also been strengthened. This transformed body, in terms of physical strength alone, had reached the level of a jōnin, enough to allow him to perform a decent samurai swordsmanship.
"As a good chess piece, relying only on physical abilities will not be of much use," Sasuke muttered to himself, and then he devised another plan.
He extracted a regeneration core completely different from the previous two. This one emitted strong wind-attribute chakra fluctuations, and in its center, the shadow of a miniature desert falcon could be distinguished. This core, derived from the summoned beast, possessed a considerable amount of chakra, far superior to that of a typical jōnin. It was perfect for a ninja like him, without formal training.
Such a rapid acquisition of power, naturally, came at a price. The falcon's chakra was powerful and corrosive. Given the decomposition rate of this core, even with a powerful seal, without Sasuke's regular maintenance, his body would crumble in a year or two.
"The power and control range are perfect," Sasuke's eyes flashed, but his movements did not stop. With exquisite skill, he implanted the core in Shigehachi's chest, right near the heart, and placed a precise containment seal.
The transformation was completed quickly. "Sleep well. When you wake up, you will have new strength," he said in a calm voice.
He formed a seal, and a spatial wave enveloped him and the unconscious Shigehachi. The next instant, they reappeared near the Golden Spring Oasis.
Sasuke dropped Shigehachi on the sand and released the seals.
"Ahem!", he slowly regained consciousness. He felt a wave of unprecedented power that flooded him. "This is...", he could clearly feel the explosive force of his modified bones and strengthened muscles, as well as the surge of chakra that emanated from the protrusion on his chest. This power was much greater than he had imagined, a hundred, a thousand times!
Overwhelmed with ecstasy, he jumped to his feet and threw a punch. He tried to mobilize the core; a whirlwind, as powerful as a C-rank ninjutsu, condensed in his palm. "This is the power of a ninja!", he roared, his eyes filled with ambition.
However, upon reaching Sasuke, who remained silent at his side, this ray of hope was extinguished, as if trapped in an ice cellar. Shigehachi was not a mindless sand wolf. He knew that everything he possessed had been granted to him by his enigmatic master. What the master could give, he could easily take back.
Without hesitation, he knelt down. "Master, I will never forget your kindness! I will face any adversity for you, swearing loyalty until death!"
Sasuke looked at him and nodded with satisfaction. "Use your power wisely. Stabilize the Oasis, develop the Dawn, and liberate more." Then, he warned again: "I hope you remain faithful to your original aspiration. Every six months, I will maintain your energy core."
As soon as he finished speaking, he disappeared without a trace.
Shigehachi finally looked up, only to find himself in a void. His pupils shrank, and a chill ran down his spine. This method of disappearance was beyond his comprehension.
"Yes! I will keep it in mind. I will never forget my original aspiration and I will swear loyalty to my master until death!", he bowed repeatedly, his voice filled with awe and fear. The small thoughts that were beginning to grow in his heart were instantly crushed.
A long moment passed. Only then did he dare to get up and fully feel the power that was overflowing within him. "An Lujing, Xinxie? How can they compare to me?", he was filled with pride. But he was not naive. 'What if they see that my master has given me a golden energy core and they look for him, begging for a similar reward? Then, my advantage will disappear!'
At this thought, a sense of crisis washed over him. "I must achieve greater merits so that the master can see who his most capable subordinate is!"
He quickly returned to the Oasis. He would gather his forces and formulate a plan. His goal was the Red Lizard Oasis, less than a hundred miles away.
Just as Shigehachi was about to deliver the decisive blow, in the heart of the Land of Wind, a wave spread through space, and Sasuke's figure emerged silently. In front of him was Sakumo, sitting cross-legged. A Flying Thunder God Kunai, the same one Sasuke had left behind, rested in front of him.
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