Chapter 30: The Gift and the Bloodline
"Congratulations, Host. You have acquired: Permanent Chakra Enhancement Elixir x1, Permanent Physique Enhancement Elixir x1." The system's mechanical voice announced.
"Excellent," Uchiha Raizen murmured, a genuine smile gracing his lips. "These are exactly what I need right now." While not as flashy as the Muramasa blade, these stat boosts addressed his most fundamental weaknesses. Their value to him at this moment was immeasurable.
"System, use both items."
[Items used successfully. Permanent Chakra increased by 300. Permanent Physique increased by 300.]
Eagerly, he pulled up his status panel.
Host: Uchiha Raizen
Age: 15
Pickup Level: 2
Experience: 66/300
Daily Pickups: 6/6
Chakra: 600 / 600 | Evaluation: Chunin Level
Physical Skills: 620 / 620 | Evaluation: Chunin Level
Mastered Ninjutsu: Body Flicker Technique, Basic Shurikenjutsu, Feeble Shadow Clone, Fire Release: Little Fire Serpent
Kekkei Genkai: Sharingan (Awakening Progress: 1/10)
Pickups Available Today: 0/6
Warehouse: Fire Release: Grand Fireball x16, Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire x12, Fire Release: True Fire Extinguishment x2, Lightning Release: White Smoke, Primary Yin-Affinity Bloodline, Primary Wood Release Affinity Fragment, Insect Technique: Eavesdropping Bug x1, Insect Technique: Parasitic Bug x2, Insect Technique: Explosive Bug x2.
A surge of satisfaction washed over him. He had gone from a pathetic weakling to a bona fide Chunin in just over a month. In the grand scheme of the Warring States Period, he was still cannon fodder, but it was progress he could feel. He could build on this.
"System," he thought, "aside from the one-time use, can I actually learn the ninjutsu I pick up?"
[You may choose to learn them. At Level 2, you can permanently learn any picked-up ninjutsu of B-Rank or lower. Furthermore, picking up a nature transformation technique will grant you the corresponding chakra nature affinity.]
"That's what I wanted to hear," Uchiha Raizen said. "Use the Primary Yin-Affinity Bloodline and the Primary Wood Release Affinity Fragment."
He didn't care about bloodline purity. He craved all the bloodlines. He wanted the versatility to learn any technique, to potentially develop new Kekkei Genkai, and to master forbidden arts. He thought of the Third Tsuchikage's Dust Release, a terrifying power even Madara respected. That was the kind of ultimate power he sought.
[Successful use. Congratulations, Host. You have acquired Yin Release Affinity and Yang Release Affinity. Due to the host's current low level, the advanced applications of these affinities are sealed. They will unlock upon reaching Level 5.]
Uchiha Raizen was stunned. Yin and Yang Release? So that was the source of Hashirama's Wood Release? He checked his panel again, but saw no immediate changes, confirming they were dormant until he grew stronger.
Fatigue from the day's events finally caught up with him. The constant travel and mental strain were exhausting.
As he settled into bed, the door slid open softly. "Master, I..." Haruka's voice was hesitant.
"Come in," Uchiha Raizen said, pulling back the quilt for her.
Even though his body's limitations prevented him from consummating their relationship, he saw no reason for her to sleep alone. Holding a beauty close was far preferable to hugging a cold blanket. Haruka slipped in beside him, and soon, the gentle rhythm of her breathing signaled she had fallen asleep. Uchiha Raizen followed shortly after, his mind filled with dreams of Yin and Yang, and the immense power that awaited him at Level 5.