"Finally finished?"
In his study, Shūichi paused as he sorted through his jutsu notes, a smile spreading across his face.
His Shadow Clone's feedback signaled that he had finally mastered Magnet Release.
And that wasn't all. With the New Year approaching, it was a double victory.
Another Shadow Clone had just mastered the Electric Field.
In other words, he could now use Lightning Release to create a stable electric field reliably. His next step would be developing new jutsu based on this electric field.
Of course, even just controlling an electric field was rated as an A-level difficulty in his Tag System.
The strength of the electric field force depended on the amount of chakra output and the specific nature of the Lightning Release.
The electric field itself is a vector, with both direction and magnitude.
Releasing an electric field has a combined offensive and defensive capability, similar to the Chidori Current. However, the electric field's range is broader and more comprehensive, with no blind spots whatsoever.
On the offensive side, the range was equally impressive; any enemy entering the field would be struck by a high-voltage current.
"Now, aside from my Fire Nether Chains, I've mastered three Kekkei Genkai: Lava Release, Scorch Release, and Magnet Release. Just two more to go."
Setting aside his notes, Shūichi headed to a clearing outside the Forest of Death.
This open space was perfect for testing jutsu.
Of course, Shūichi wasn't here to test a jutsu but to explore his control over electric and magnetic fields.
Mastering Magnet Release didn't automatically mean mastering magnetic fields.
The Magnet Release he learned from Shukaku merely involved magnetizing chakra.
The Third Kazekage used it to control iron sand, while the Fourth Kazekage now focused on controlling gold dust.
Additionally, a Magnet Release user in the Cloud Village could magnetize weapons or enemies, making projectiles auto-track their target using magnetic attraction.
So, whether it was the Third or Fourth Kazekage or the Cloud Village Magnet Release user, they only controlled the basic magnetism.
This limitation was why they couldn't manipulate enemy weapons.
Now, Shūichi's Magnet Release was more advanced than the Third and Fourth Kazekage, but he still hadn't reached full magnetic field control.
However, thanks to his Listening Technique, he could sense magnetic fields very clearly.
If he hadn't mastered the electric field, Shūichi would have needed to gradually use Magnet Release to control the magnetic field step by step.
Just like he did when controlling the electric field with Lightning Release.
Yet, electric and magnetic fields are intimately linked. Since Shūichi had already taken the initial steps to master electric fields, he believed he could pursue both fields simultaneously, allowing one to complement the other.
After all, electric and magnetic fields are simply different manifestations of the same phenomenon: a moving electric field generates a magnetic field, and a changing magnetic field creates an electric field. Together, they form a unified electromagnetic field.
Standing in the clearing, Shūichi clasped his hands together.
In the next instant, electric currents surged outward from his body, enveloping him in a state reminiscent of the Lightning Chakra Mode.
But unlike that technique, arcs of electricity wrapped around him, and the orderly movement of electric charges created a vortex-like electric field around him.
As he manipulated the charge movements, adjusting the electric currents, the electric field shifted accordingly. This transformation or movement led to the appearance of a magnetic field.
Shūichi could now distinctly sense the magnetic field's existence.
Then he activated the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and Sage Mode, enhancing his control over the electric field and the Magnet Release he had just mastered.
Now, Shūichi attempted to simultaneously control the electric field and magnetic forces, aiming to manipulate the resulting magnetic field and merge the two.
This fusion meant uniting the properties of Lightning Release and Magnet Release to form an electromagnetic property transformation.
But it was far from simple.
Not only did he fail to unify the electric and magnetic fields, but the two powers spiraled out of control, distorting the air, light, and even space around him. Explosive blasts echoed out, waves of energy surged in all directions, and terrifying high-voltage currents scorched the ground to ash wherever they touched.
Splurt!
Shūichi coughed up blood.
He had sustained internal injuries.
It felt like an overwhelming, chaotic force had nearly torn him apart.
Thankfully, his quick reflexes and the protection of the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and Sage Mode prevented the worst.
The Mitotic Regeneration kicked in, swiftly healing his internal injuries.
Shūichi sighed to himself, "As expected, it's not that simple."
"Electromagnetic force is the second strongest of the four fundamental forces. Uniting electric and magnetic fields is far harder than I imagined."
"It seems I need to further improve my control over electric fields and Magnet Release... Ideally, I should master the magnetic field using Magnet Release alone before attempting a full unification."
Better to leave this to Shadow Clones. Testing this in person is far too dangerous!
Even with just that brief attempt, Shūichi had sensed the terrifying power of the electromagnetic force.
This also reminded him of the Rinnegan's Universal Pull.
It likely harnessed gravitational force.
And then there's Planetary Devastation, which also seems to involve gravitational manipulation.
Meanwhile, Almighty Push seemed more like a repulsive force.
...
Leaving two Shadow Clones to further explore and improve their mastery of the electric and magnetic fields, Shūichi returned to his study.
He still had to prepare for his upcoming "Flash of Insight."
There were only two days left until the end of Konoha Year 46.
Organizing his notes, reviewing his plans—he was so absorbed that time flew by, and soon, evening had arrived.
The aroma of food drifted in from outside.
Stretching as he rose, Shūichi left the study and spotted Asuka busily preparing dinner.
As soon as she saw him, Asuka beamed. "Shūichi, wash up and get ready for dinner!"
Washing his hands, Shūichi called out, "Where's the Director?"
Asuka replied, "Nonō is still at the hospital and won't be back for dinner. I'll bring her a bento later, and one for Shizune too."
"Oh, and Shūichi, you can take Tsunade's portion to the lab base, okay?"
Tsunade had developed quite a habit of freeloading at Shūichi's place.
"Alright."
After washing his hands, Shūichi joined Asuka in the kitchen, watching her as she bustled about, feeling his heart stir.
Asuka had become more and more graceful.
"Blame it all on Pakura... she's the one who got to enjoy this first…" Shūichi thought, silently shifting the responsibility.
Asuka sensed his intense gaze and turned around, blinking. "Shūichi, you…"
Shūichi moved behind her, wrapped his arms around her waist, and rested his chin on her shoulder with a soft chuckle. "Asuka, will you stay with me forever?"
Blushing, Asuka replied gently yet firmly, "Of course."
Shūichi caressed her lower abdomen, murmuring, "And will you be mine someday?"
Asuka stammered slightly, "W-Well, Shūichi, you shouldn't be thinking about... that kind of thing right now; it could affect your health."
Shūichi burst out laughing. "Oh, Asuka, it seems you're the one with your mind in the gutter! I didn't say anything like that."
Asuka's face turned scarlet, her body softening in his arms with embarrassment.
Suddenly, she turned around, stood on tiptoe, and quickly pecked him on the lips. Flushing, she whispered, "Let's wait until your birthday, okay?"
With their foreheads gently pressed together, Shūichi smiled warmly. "Then give me a very special gift for my birthday. What do you say?"
Asuka asked, "What kind of gift?"
He whispered, "How about a child?"
Her eyes sparkled, and she nodded, her face bright red. "Okay."
"Oh no, the soup is boiling over!"
Asuka quickly left his embrace to check the soup, flustered and bustling once again, while Shūichi watched her with a deep sense of contentment.
Anyone who dared disrupt this would have to go through him first!
---
After a cozy dinner, Shūichi and Asuka delivered bento boxes to the hospital and then used the Flying Thunder God Technique to bring Tsunade's portion to the lab.
As soon as he entered, Tsunade turned with a scowl. "Hey, you're way too slow! I'm starving over here!"
Shūichi glanced at Tsunade's well-stocked food supply and couldn't help feeling it was a bit wasteful. However, he replied with a helpless smile, "You know, Tsunade, it's not like you're so busy that you can't come over to eat."
Snatching the bento, Tsunade retorted confidently, "If someone's bringing it to me, why waste time?"
Shūichi sighed. "It's Shizune's fault for spoiling you!"
Already devouring her meal, Tsunade muttered through bites, "Stop being so stingy. Besides, Shizune isn't an adult yet, so don't hog her all to yourself."
Shūichi's eyes widened in protest. "Hey, that's totally unfair! You're the one always keeping Shizune from me! Otherwise, we'd be living together by now."
Tsunade glanced at him sternly. "It's for your own good."
"Nonō and Asuka spoil you way too much."
Shūichi huffed, "You can still interfere for now, but when we're adults, you'll be all alone."
"No one will be there to cook, clean, or bring you food."
Tsunade paused, considering this seriously. "In that case, I'll just keep Shizune with me. After all, you already have Asuka."
Shūichi shot her a sly smile and, eyeing her food supplies, replied, "Well, I have a win-win solution for that. Why don't you marry me, too? I don't mind your age."
Tsunade froze, and then an angry roar filled the lab. "Go to hell, you brat!"
Too bad for her, with his Flying Thunder God Technique, Shūichi was already out of range.
"That little pest! Just like Jiraiya, always causing trouble!" Tsunade fumed, looking down at her clenched fist.
She looked at her supplies, grumbling, "As if I didn't notice where his eyes were wandering."
"Hmph, I'll make sure Shizune sees his true colors."
Tsunade was determined to teach him a lesson—he was getting far too cheeky.
...
After escaping from Tsunade, Shūichi didn't go home; instead, he went straight to the research base at the Daimyō's residence.
Pakura happened to be eating there as well.
Looking at her meal—a bland, watery broth—Shūichi remarked disapprovingly, "This is way too low in nutrition."
"How about coming back to Konoha with me the day after tomorrow?"
Pakura looked up, surprised. "Lord Shūichi, wouldn't that be inappropriate?"
Shūichi teased, "Afraid of getting caught sneaking a treat?"
Normally composed, Pakura's face flushed with embarrassment. "That's not what I meant," she murmured, slightly annoyed.
Dropping the teasing tone, Shūichi reassured her, "Don't worry, no one will mind."
"It must be lonely for you here by yourself."
"Alright, it's settled. I'm your Lord Shūichi, after all; you have to listen to me."
With a resigned nod, Pakura couldn't help but feel a warm happiness spreading within her.
At that moment, she felt herself being lifted off the ground—Shūichi had picked her up. "Time to give you some 'nutritional' support."
Instinctively, Pakura wrapped her arms around his neck, confused. "What kind of nutrition?"
In a flash, Shūichi carried her to the bedroom, where he skillfully began employing his familiar secret techniques.
The relentless onslaught left Pakura utterly defenseless.
With a shift in position, Shūichi loosened her hair and initiated a newly developed technique, causing a cascade of sensations that reverberated through her entire body.
A long while later.
Completely drained, Pakura lay limply to the side.
Meanwhile, Shūichi, in a rare state of serene clarity, decided it was time to activate his "Flash of Insight."
The Strength of a Hundred Seal, activate!
Processing speed—maximum!
Focus—maximum!
Flash of Insight, activate!
Knowledge began to converge in Shūichi's mind as he attempted to innovate with his unparalleled, short-term insight.
Time passed minute by minute.
Six minutes later, Pakura had recovered and noticed Shūichi deep in thought. She didn't disturb him but found herself gently touching her abdomen.
Content.
It's said that people absorbed in their work, whether men or women, possess a unique allure.
Watching Shūichi's profile, Pakura felt herself growing captivated.
But ten minutes was all too brief.
Even for Shūichi, with his heightened mental agility, it was nowhere near enough.
Especially with each problem requiring increasingly intricate insights; even a year's preparation sometimes wouldn't suffice.
"Ah…"
As the "Flash of Insight" came to an end, Shūichi sighed and opened his eyes.
Though he had made some progress, it still fell short of his expectations.
Pakura, brought out of her daze by his sigh, quickly sat up. "Lord Shūichi, is something wrong?"
"While my Yang Release has advanced, I still need a few more elements to fully harmonize it with Asuka's unique bloodline."
Slightly unsatisfied, Shūichi then broke into a smile. "But I've made significant progress on the Star Seal. Not only does it now enhance Wind Release, but it also provides self-healing capabilities without requiring any hand signs when activated."
He turned to Pakura, now serious. "Pakura, let's start by adjusting your seal."
"Yes, Lord Shūichi," Pakura responded instinctively.
(End of Chapter)
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