Deep within the Wet Bone Forest's most sacred chamber, the Sage Art Cave pulsed with overwhelming energy. The air itself seemed thick and heavy, saturated with an intoxicating natural essence that permeated every corner of the ancient space.
Shihouin Naraku sat in perfect meditation posture above the pool's surface. Upon closer inspection, one could observe that he was actually floating just above the water, never quite making direct contact with the liquid beneath him.
The pool's surface remained unnaturally still—not even the slightest ripple disturbed its mirror-like perfection.
Only the Slug Sage, standing vigilant nearby, could sense that the concentrated natural energy within the pool was being steadily absorbed into Naraku's body, gradually strengthening his life force and transforming him from within.
These changes were allowing Naraku to undergo a fundamental metamorphosis that would reshape his very essence.
"This is it—the moment of truth!" the Slug Sage whispered with barely contained anticipation.
The ancient being watched Shihouin Naraku intently, sensing that new Senjutsu chakra was about to be successfully refined within his body for the first time under these extreme conditions.
As time passed steadily, Naraku's entire form began emanating a soft, translucent light. The gentle radiance resembled the first rays of dawn—not blinding or harsh, but filled with comforting warmth and vitality.
The flickering luminescence cast dancing patterns of light throughout the Sage Art Cave, transforming the sacred space into something truly ethereal.
The Slug Sage, having witnessed this phenomenon once before during her own transformation, recognized clearly that Naraku had successfully refined the legendary Senjutsu chakra. This newfound power was bestowing upon him the eternal vitality of nature itself.
Once this critical process reached completion, Naraku would achieve true immortality.
"BOOM!"
A tremendous shockwave erupted through the Sage Art Cave, causing the very foundations to tremble.
The Slug Sage tilted her massive head in surprise. Had Shihouin Naraku's refinement process proceeded so rapidly?
Actually, this accelerated timeline likely resulted from his physical constitution being far stronger than that of ordinary humans, allowing him to complete the transformation in such a remarkably short period.
A gentle aura of light continued pulsing around his body, its rhythm perfectly synchronized with Naraku's steady heartbeat.
This represented a clear sign that his newfound power was about to fully awaken.
Suddenly, Shihouin Naraku's tightly closed eyes snapped open, revealing pupils that gleamed like brilliant stars in the cave's ethereal light.
In the next instant, an incredibly powerful windstorm erupted outward with Naraku at its epicenter. The force overturned the previously tranquil pool water and scattered every obstacle in its path, creating thunderous echoes that reverberated throughout the cave.
"He actually succeeded!" the Slug Sage cried out in jubilation.
The approaching hurricane of energy had absolutely no effect on the ancient being's massive form, which remained firmly planted within the cave like an immovable mountain.
With her extraordinary perceptual abilities, the Slug Sage immediately detected the pure and overwhelming chakra now flowing through Shihouin Naraku's body.
The essence of new life began radiating unconsciously from his form. The vegetation within the cave that had been scattered by the windstorm suddenly began sprouting fresh buds and experiencing miraculous rebirth.
This life-giving aura spread beyond the cave's boundaries, and the surrounding barren wasteland began transforming into lush greenery at a speed visible to the naked eye.
Within moments, the entire desolate landscape had become a thriving, verdant forest.
"What absolutely spectacular life force!" the Slug Sage marveled.
The ancient sage naturally sensed the dramatic changes occurring in the outside world, her gentle voice filled with pure joy and satisfaction. All the months of intensive training and struggle had finally proven worthwhile.
At this triumphant moment, Shihouin Naraku opened his eyes and floated serenely above the pool's surface, quietly experiencing the tremendous power that had been born within his body. A peaceful smile spread across his features.
"Is this the true power of Senjutsu chakra? It feels incredibly strong, yet also strangely familiar," Naraku observed thoughtfully.
He felt as though his entire body had undergone complete purification, now overflowing with strength and vitality that seemed limitless.
Although his power had been constantly growing throughout his previous training, Naraku had occasionally sensed the approaching limits of his physical capabilities. Now, however, those concerns had completely vanished. He felt as if he had finally removed a suit of heavy iron armor that had been restraining him, experiencing genuine liberation for the first time.
"System, display my attribute panel," Naraku commanded mentally.
[Attribute Panel Activated!]
[Name: Shihouin Naraku]
[Gender: Male]
[Age: 27]
[Kekkei Genkai: Magnet Style, Lava Style, Boil Style]
[Physique: Immortal Body]
[Spirit: EX (Host's spiritual power is undoubtedly the strongest in this world and has reached its ultimate limit!)]
[Soul: Kurikara (Acala!)]
[Chakra Control: SSS]
[Chakra Amount: SSS+++ (Excluding certain legendary species, the Host's chakra reserves are extraordinarily powerful!)]
[Chakra Attributes: Fire, Wind, Lightning, Water, Earth, Yin, Yang]
Naraku carefully examined the changes in his attributes. Aside from his spiritual power, which had already reached the ultimate level, every other quality had been dramatically enhanced.
Both his chakra control and chakra reserves had undergone tremendous improvements. With Shihouin Naraku's current chakra capacity, virtually no one could compare to him except for Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and other members of the Ōtsutsuki clan.
Even the legendary Senju Hashirama would be vastly inferior to him in terms of raw chakra reserves.
As for the Ōtsutsuki clan members, they had likely planted Divine Trees on countless planets and consumed numerous Chakra Fruits throughout their existence. In terms of pure chakra quantity, Naraku might still be unable to match their astronomical levels.
However, combat effectiveness didn't depend solely on chakra quantity—it also required the masterful application of various other abilities and techniques.
"I've gained two additional kekkei genkai—Lava Style and Boil Style!" Naraku noted with satisfaction.
Lava Style had been inherited from the Four-Tails, Son Gokū, while Boil Style came from the Five-Tails, Kokuō.
These were abilities that Shihouin Naraku had naturally acquired after obtaining chakra from these two Tailed Beasts during his previous encounters.
Setting those improvements aside, what concerned Naraku most was the transformation of his physical attributes, which had evolved directly into an "Immortal Body."
He wondered what this designation truly meant. Was this immortal physique similar to Senju Hashirama's legendary constitution, or did it more closely resemble the Slug Sage's eternal nature?
"System, explain the nature of this Immortal Body," Naraku requested.
[The Host's life level has undergone fundamental transformation and evolved into an Immortal Body!]
[Any fatal damage will automatically regenerate. The Host's cells are saturated with eternal vitality. Estimated lifespan: 5,000 years!]
"Wait—isn't this supposed to grant true immortality? How has it become a 5,000-year lifespan?" Naraku asked with confusion.
[The Host's maximum lifespan limit is indeed 5,000 years!]
The system's explanation made Shihouin Naraku realize that even the Slug Sage didn't possess complete knowledge about the true nature of concentrated natural energy and its effects.
This limitation was perfectly understandable. Although the Slug Sage had successfully embarked on the path toward immortality ahead of others, it didn't mean she had mastered every aspect of the transformation completely.
"The development of an Immortal Body is definitely beneficial," Naraku concluded. "At least I no longer need to worry about my physical attributes becoming a burden or being overshadowed by my spiritual capabilities."
Naraku had always been deeply concerned about maintaining balance in his physical condition. Previously, his spiritual power had threatened to outpace his physical development, but now he had finally achieved proper equilibrium.
"Little Naraku? Little Naraku..." the Slug Sage called out repeatedly.
Just as Shihouin Naraku became completely absorbed in analyzing his newfound abilities, the Slug Sage's persistent calling finally penetrated his concentration.
"Hmm? I apologize—I was lost in thought and didn't hear you calling," Naraku responded sheepishly.
"Little Naraku gave me quite a scare!" the Slug Sage admitted with obvious relief. "For a moment, I thought something had gone wrong with your chakra circulation, and I was preparing to intervene."
"Hehehe..." Naraku laughed awkwardly.
He had become so completely absorbed in examining his transformed abilities that he had unconsciously blocked out all external sounds and sensations.
The Slug Sage understood Naraku's behavior perfectly well. After all, it was entirely natural to become somewhat overwhelmed after gaining such extraordinary power.
"Little Naraku, can you feel how this chakra differs from your previous abilities?" she asked with gentle curiosity.
"Absolutely!" Shihouin Naraku replied enthusiastically.
He clenched his fists experimentally, feeling the incredible strength and vitality surging through every fiber of his being.
The sensation was absolutely wonderful—beyond anything he had ever experienced before.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion