After modifying the Martial Arts system, Naruto estimated that Takuma Genji's strength should now firmly stand at the Kage-level.
Kage-level shinobi are rare everywhere; anyone who reaches that stage does so through overwhelming talent, unique bloodline abilities, or powerful techniques.
Naruto places immense importance on Martial Arts. Although its entry barrier is low, it demands an enormous amount of food. Strengthening the body and refining essence into Qi—especially through consuming high-quality meat—accelerates a Martial Artist's growth.
The reason Martial Arts can extend lifespan is precisely this: external energy nourishes and strengthens the body, allowing it to evolve far beyond natural limits.
Chakra, on the other hand, is formed through the fusion of spiritual energy and the life force within cells. Without a strong physical foundation, Chakra refinement can actually shorten one's lifespan due to strain on the body.
Of course, Chakra also has significant advantages—its growth speed is high. As long as one has sufficient Chakra reserves, Ninjutsu can be unleashed at will.
While early-stage Martial Artists can match shinobi, ninja pose the greater threat during the early phases. However, in later stages, the balance shifts. A Martial Artist can withstand most Ninjutsu, move with extreme speed, and strike during the shinobi's hand seal period.
Only high-level Ninjutsu can break through their defenses. At that point, Martial Artists become the greater danger.
Yet their cultivation demands even more resources than Chakra-based training, and their advancement is far more difficult. The benefit, however, is tremendous—Martial Artists live nearly twice as long as ordinary shinobi.
From its creation to the present, the Martial Arts system has matured considerably. Compared to its crude beginnings, each stage now has distinct titles—a naming convention Martial Artists seem to enjoy.
The first stage, Skin Refining, is commonly called Iron Skin. After tempering the epidermis, it feels as though a layer of iron protects the body.
The next stage, Muscle Refining, is often called Bronze Body, as overall physical strength increases again.
Following that is Jade Marrow. After refining all the bones, the skeletal structure evolves, vitality increases, and the benefits of Martial Arts cultivation truly begin to appear.
The stages beyond are referred to as Dragon Sinews and Phoenix Organs.
Dragon Sinews marks the refinement of the body's tendons and meridians. This stage is divided into two sub-partitions: the Tendon System, which resonates with the bones, and the Meridian System, which strengthens the organs and viscera.
Only after both are completed is the foundation set for the next stage.
When the internal organs and viscera are refined, and the entire body reaches a state of perfect harmony, Martial Arts Divine Power can emerge.
Above that is the stage where one introduces Natural Energy into the body. A physique pushed to its limit undergoes another transformation, merging Qi and blood with Natural Energy to create a heightened, more formidable vitality. With this, even greater power can be unleashed.
At this level, cultivation shifts toward the transformation of the Spirit—one's mental energy. When spiritual power reaches its peak, it can condense into a Primordial Spirit. When the body and spirit evolve in tandem, and the Primordial Spirit undergoes full transformation, one can reach a level comparable to the Six Paths.
Originally, Naruto did not possess cultivation methods for the Six Paths-level Martial Arts. But with the advantages granted by Heaven Rewards Diligence, this obstacle was resolved.
Spiritual transformation is the key to stepping into the Six Paths. The Sage of Six Paths cultivated Yin–Yang Release: Yin Release for the Rinnegan and Yang Release for the Sage Body. Martial Arts follows similar principles.
Upon forming a Primordial Spirit, the soul can temporarily leave the body and perform spiritual attacks, broadening the Martial Artist's arsenal.
Although the realms of Martial Arts are now complete, the system still lacks comprehensive techniques and secret arts. Naruto no longer has the time to develop them all. The flourishing of Martial Arts will depend on future generations.
For now, the basic techniques are adequate.
After Lee's refinements, several Taijutsu techniques have also been formalized into Martial Arts techniques. At the same time, Lee possesses the Eight Gates secret art. The Martial Arts version of the Eight Gates has been passed to the Umbrella, taught under Might Guy's guidance.
At present, Lee can open up to the Seventh Gate.
…
On the high platform, Shikamaru looked down at the formations below. After the assessment, the combat power displayed by these Martial Artists astonished him.
The current strength of the Umbrella was likely no weaker than any of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
And this was only their lower-tier combat force.
As for the top-tier combat power, there was Naruto, Uchiha Shisui, Uchiha Yu, Uchiha Izumi, Zabuza, Sasuke, Neji, Lee, Takuma Genji, Orochi, and even Konoha was gradually contributing strength to the Umbrella.
Thinking of this, Shikamaru subconsciously swallowed. A surge of ambition rose within him.
Given the scope of Naruto's grand, world-shaking plan, it might actually be achievable.
Over the past two years, he had learned enough to understand Naruto's ambitions. It wasn't just reform—it was a complete overhaul. He aimed to dismantle outdated systems and reshape the entire world structure. The Ninja World would be transformed, and a single misstep could plunge everything into chaos.
This was even greater in scale than the previous Great Ninja Wars. Naruto's actions would undoubtedly disrupt the interests of nobles and even the Daimyō themselves.
This was a class conflict—one that could not be avoided.
Only one side would survive.
Whether the idealists of the Umbrella would triumph, or the noble–Daimyō system would be swept away, would depend on their efforts in the years to come.
Because this struggle involved every nation, every economy, and ordinary citizens across the continents, its impact would be far deeper than any previous ninja war. During past wars, nobles rarely suffered losses; most casualties were just ordinary people caught in the crossfire.
But what Naruto intended—the nobles and the political class they represented would never allow it.
The moment he bared his fangs, the entire Ninja World would tremble. That was why he was constantly accumulating strength.
To achieve victory with the lowest possible cost, power alone wasn't enough. Another element was just as crucial: popular support.
In Naruto's previous life, there was a saying: "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world." That truth applied here as well.
Over the years, Naruto sent the Seven Colors Trading Company to conduct business across the nations, building networks with various shinobi clans like an intricate spider web stretching across the world.
Trade routes, construction recruitment, economic promotion—Naruto handled all of these with precision and talent.
Thanks to Heaven Rewards Diligence, his knowledge of astronomy, geography, strategy, and military theory had reached a profound level.
If war truly erupted, the scales of victory would tilt heavily toward Naruto.
The question was how to minimize casualties.
For Naruto, the Ninja World itself might be a hurdle—but he would never forget the greatest crisis awaiting him: the Ōtsutsuki Clan from beyond the stars.
That was the true, most terrifying threat.
Just a few Ōtsutsuki had already caused earth-shaking changes to the Ninja World. What would happen when members even more powerful descended?
No one knew how many lived on the Ōtsutsuki homeworld, nor their average level of strength. A race capable of planting chakra-absorbing trees across the cosmos was something to fear on an unimaginable scale.
To prepare, tireless development was necessary—strength, knowledge, unity, and the evolution of Martial Arts and the shinobi system itself.
Kaguya was both an ending and a beginning.
And the true storm was still on the horizon.
...
TN:
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