“If you merely wish to become a Jonin, then I don't mind you following my path.”
“The Hyuga Clan’s training for Jonin can be said to be systematic; they should have more experience than me in cultivating Jonin.”
“However, if you wish to surpass Jonin and reach the Kage level, the Hyuga Clan might find it quite difficult.”
“After all, the entire Hyuga Clan isn't particularly adept at nurturing Kage-level powerhouses.”
Here, Tsunade was still quite tactful, not directly pointing out that the Hyuga Clan’s training model had a low ceiling.
The number of Jonin in the Hyuga Clan was truly considerable, steadily surpassing the number of Jonin in the Uchiha Clan.
If it weren't for the fact that Uchiha Clan Jonin were stronger in combat at the same rank, the title of Konoha's foremost Family would truly be debatable.
But if one were to compare the number of Kage-level powerhouses produced, the gap between the two Clans would be vast.
Without mentioning the Tenseigan, the Byakugan's upper limit was inherently inferior to the Sharingan, and a formulaic Gentle Fist stifled the creativity of the Hyuga Clan members.
This made the number of Kage-level powerhouses produced by the Hyuga Clan truly few and far between, while the Uchiha Clan, although not all Clan Chiefs possessed the Mangekyo, generally had Kage-level strength.
Comparatively, the Uchiha Clan had produced more Kage-level individuals.
“And if you want to follow my path to reach a higher point, I actually wouldn't particularly recommend it either.”
“The Super Strength Fist’s drawbacks are very similar to your Family’s Gentle Fist; both require close-quarters combat to be effective.”
“But in actual combat, situations where one engages in purely close-quarters fighting are truly rare.”
“Therefore, in actual combat, it often needs to be paired with the Creation Rebirth Technique to be effective.”
“As for learning the Creation Rebirth Technique, not to mention that it is a Ninjutsu from the sealing scroll, its learning requires proficient use of Ninja Art: Creation Rebirth.”
“This requires extensive Medical Ninja experience, which means that if you want to follow my path, you almost certainly have to become a Medical Ninja.”
“And the time required to become a Medical Ninja is truly too, too much, and it's not that easy either.”
“Think it over carefully. If possible, you can also consider listening to your Family’s opinions.”
“Of course, I’m not entirely without anything to teach you.”
“The Hyuga Clan probably doesn’t have exclusive Spirit Beasts, do they?”
“If you need to, I can arrange for you to enter the Shikkotsu Forest and meet the Katsuyu Immortal.”
With that, Tsunade turned to look at Uchiha Yakoto.
“As for you, Yakoto-kun.”
“I’ve arranged a different teacher for you.”
“Oh, just in time.”
The moment Tsunade finished speaking, a presence came from behind Uchiha Yakoto.
A somewhat eerie voice followed.
“Long time no see, Yakoto-kun.”
...After Tsunade gave a few simple instructions, Uchiha Yakoto was led by Orochimaru to his laboratory.
Orochimaru's laboratory was underground on the outskirts of Konoha, some distance from Konoha's training grounds.
Neither Uchiha Yakoto nor Orochimaru were particularly talkative, and the journey there was exceptionally quiet.
Orochimaru led Uchiha Yakoto all the way to the training ground within the laboratory.
Orochimaru turned around, licked his lips, and said.
“First, let me see your full strength, Yakoto-kun.”
Uchiha Yakoto said nothing, his eyes sharpened, and he flung out some Iron Sand with both hands, then quickly formed hand Seals.
Instantly, the surrounding air seemed to become heavy, and the Iron Sand, which was about to scatter to the ground, instantly condensed into needle shapes, shooting towards Orochimaru.
At the same time, Uchiha Yakoto followed closely, using a Body Flicker to rapidly advance towards Orochimaru.
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed slightly, and a playful smile appeared on his face.
Magnet Release, huh? Orochimaru, who had just returned from the Land of Wind battlefield, had directly encountered the Third Kazekage.
“Wind Release: Great Breakthrough.”
Streaks of wind blades blew away the Iron Sand needles and sliced towards Uchiha Yakoto.
Uchiha Yakoto's eyes widened, and he immediately made a judgment.
No good, I can't take this head-on. Even a normal Earth Release might not be able to block it.
Having no other option, Uchiha Yakoto slammed his hand on the ground, integrating the Iron Sand into the soil to create an earth wall.
The wind blades struck the earth wall, emitting a dull thud.
Although the earth wall blocked most of the attack, several wind blades still pierced through it.
They grazed Uchiha Yakoto's cheek, leaving several bloody marks.
Orochimaru's Wind Release had actually pierced through an earth wall mixed with Iron Sand.
The immense disparity in strength made Uchiha Yakoto's eyes widen.
This was the first time he had faced a confrontation with such a huge difference in power.
No, I can't conserve Chakra anymore.
Uchiha Yakoto slammed his hands together, mobilizing his Chakra.
Dense, countless Iron Sand particles emerged from the ground, like sharp spikes, stabbing towards Orochimaru.
Seeing this, Orochimaru's smile widened even further.
“A bit interesting, but this isn't enough.”
Orochimaru quickly formed hand Seals with both hands.
“Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.”
A giant fireball roared towards the Iron Sand spikes.
The Iron Sand met the fireball, emitting sizzling sounds.
The nearby Iron Sand melted from the high temperature, making it difficult to reach Orochimaru.
Just as Orochimaru made his move, Uchiha Yakoto's eyes glowed red, activating his Sharingan.
The surrounding scene slowed down in his vision.
Uchiha Yakoto increased his Chakra output, and more and more Iron Sand surged forth, attacking Orochimaru from all directions.
“Iron Sand World Method!”
The surrounding Iron Sand gathered into a massive block, like a small mountain, crashing towards Orochimaru.
With a crash, Orochimaru was completely surrounded by the Iron Sand.
Seeing Orochimaru restrained, Uchiha Yakoto did not let his guard down in the slightest.
Lines of Seal runes crawled along the Iron Sand on the ground, climbing onto the block of Iron Sand trapping Orochimaru.
It wasn't until his Sharingan saw Orochimaru's Chakra being sealed within the Iron Sand that Uchiha Yakoto unconsciously let out a slight breath.
Just as Uchiha Yakoto relaxed slightly, there was a sudden movement from underground.
No good, Uchiha Yakoto used a Body Flicker, retreating with all his might, while simultaneously mobilizing Chakra to control the Iron Sand to block the source of the sound.
A giant snake suddenly burst out from the ground, and the snake opened its mouth wide.
Orochimaru, holding the Kusanagi Sword, emerged from the snake's mouth, thrusting it towards the retreating Uchiha Yakoto.
Seeing the glint of the Kusanagi Sword, Uchiha Yakoto had no choice but to control the Iron Sand to horizontally block the Kusanagi Sword.
With a crisp metallic clang, Uchiha Yakoto narrowly dodged Orochimaru's attack.
Seeing Uchiha Yakoto evade the attack, Orochimaru's arm extended like a snake, and the Kusanagi Sword aimed directly at Uchiha Yakoto's throat.
Uchiha Yakoto, however, remained unhurried, his footwork changed, and he slid back a distance.
Orochimaru let out a soft exclamation, his body spun, and the Kusanagi Sword swept horizontally.
