199

*Chapter 199: Significant Improvement!*1

"Congratulations to the host for acquiring the Kekkei Genkai: Ice Release!"

"Ice Release: A Kekkei Genkai created by combining water-nature chakra and wind-nature chakra. It merges the sharpness of wind with the softness of water, forming ice capable of sealing everything."

*Features:*

1. The power of Ice Release is enhanced by both the wind and water chakra attributes. The higher the levels of these two attributes, the stronger the Ice Release becomes.

2. Mastery of wind-style and water-style ninjutsu can be converted into Ice Release ninjutsu.

3. Simultaneous mastery of the techniques [Wind Transformation] and [Water Transformation] can synthesize into [Ice Transformation].

4. The ultimate mastery of Kekkei Genkai requires an [Upgrade Package].

*Ding!*

Accompanied by the final system notification sound—

The 100-draw streak was over!

"It finally dropped!"

Sasuke let out a sigh of relief. If he hadn't drawn a Kekkei Genkai this time, he might as well have applied for citizenship in Africa for his poor luck.

With over 50,000 system points remaining, he decided: *No more draws!*

Sasuke took a moment to compose himself and closed the lottery list.

Currently, within his mind space, he had:

- [Experience Package] ×8

- [Upgrade Package] ×4

- [Attribute Package] ×2

"This draw's results weren't that great," Sasuke muttered.

After pulling three rounds of 100-draw streaks, he could clearly feel that Lady Luck wasn't on his side. It was better to wait for another time.

He opened the store menu.

"Time to restock the essentials."

Without hesitation, Sasuke clicked on the first red tool package.

*[Experience Package]:* Enhances any ninjutsu to perfection, reaching its ultimate state. Price: 350 points (Monthly purchase limit: 12. Refreshes in 24 days).

"Perfect timing!" Sasuke’s eyes lit up. He hadn’t expected his luck to shine in this regard.

He could purchase 12 packages. Combined with the 8 he already had, this brought the total to 20.

"Just enough to elevate Sage Mode and Lightning Chakra Mode to their ultimate states!"

*Purchase:*

350 × 12 = 4,200 points

*Remaining system points:* 50,484.

"So expensive!" Sasuke couldn't help but complain.

Buying a single experience package at 350 points felt fine, but buying 12 in one go was a heavy hit.

At this moment, Sasuke's mind space showed exactly 20 experience packages.

*Use!*

Buzz!  

Sasuke’s body trembled briefly.

*Ding!*

"Detected: Host is using multiple experience packages."

"Entering bulk-use mode."

"Select abilities to apply experience packages to:"

1. Sage Mode (10 packages)

2. Lightning Chakra Mode (10 packages)

3. Exit bulk-use mode and proceed with single-use.

Hearing these prompts, Sasuke focused his thoughts.

"Option 1."

"Option 2."

He selected both modes since he had just enough experience packages.

Buzz!  

Buzz!  

Sasuke’s body trembled again, and waves of strange sensations surged within him.

*Sage Mode achieved perfection!*

*Lightning Chakra Mode achieved perfection!*

This sensation was incredibly vivid.

At this moment, Sasuke’s mastery over his body had reached an extraordinary level. He could now enter Sage Mode at will and fully optimize Lightning Chakra Mode.

Combined with his S-rank physical stats, Sasuke's strength surged to new heights.

"Next…"

Sasuke's gaze shifted to the second row of the store menu, where a blue tool package awaited.

*[Upgrade Package]:* Raises a Kekkei Genkai's level by one. Price: 600 points (Monthly purchase limit: 4. Refreshes in 24 days).

"Buy!"

Sasuke’s strategy was clear. Limited purchases like this needed to be secured while he still had points. Otherwise, it could get awkward at the end of the month if he ran out.

*Purchase:*

600 × 4 = 2,400 points

*Remaining system points:* 48,084.

In an instant, Sasuke's mind space held 8 upgrade packages.

"Still 2 short! No rush. After dealing with Danzo next month, I’ll have plenty!"

Sasuke focused his thoughts and immediately used one upgrade package.

*Ding!*

"Host detected using an upgrade pack."

"Please select the Bloodline Limit to upgrade."

"1. Ice Release."

There was only one option.

No choice at all.

Sasuke didn’t hesitate to choose.

Option 1!

With a single thought, Sasuke immediately used an upgrade pack. A wave of refreshing coolness swept over his entire body.

Moments later.

Sasuke clearly felt that he had completely mastered Ice Release ninjutsu.

"Interesting!"

Sasuke shifted his gaze back to the third green toolkit in the shop list.

*[Attribute Pack]: Increases the host's chakra attribute capabilities. Price: 1000 points (Limited to 2 per month. Refreshes in 24 days).*

"Buy!"

Without a moment's hesitation, Sasuke made the purchase.

Now was the time to buy, buy, buy!

*1000 x 2 = 2000*

*Current System Points: 46084*

Buzz!  

In Sasuke's mental space, the attribute packs now totaled four.

"Use!"

*"Ding!"*

*"Host detected using an Attribute Pack."*

*"Current Chakra Attributes: Lightning x6, Water x4, Wind x2!"*

*"Please select the Chakra Attribute to enhance!"*

*1. Fire Attribute*

*2. Lightning Attribute*

*3. Earth Attribute*

*4. Wind Attribute*

*5. Water Attribute*

Without any hesitation, Sasuke selected Lightning Attribute four consecutive times.

Buzz!  

In an instant, streaks of electricity flashed across Sasuke's body.

His Lightning Attribute had reached a staggering *x10* multiplier.

The effect of his Lightning Release chakra was now ten times that of an ordinary person's.

Absolutely insane!

After completing this, Sasuke also allocated points to both his Body Attribute and Spirit Attribute, restoring his physical condition to its peak.

*"Flying Thunder God Technique!"*

With a single thought, Sasuke teleported back to the Forest of Death, standing on a tree. The surrounding sky had darkened, and the atmosphere was heavy with danger.

"Let’s test this out!"

Closing his eyes, Sasuke attuned himself to the surrounding natural energy. Black markings appeared on his face, and deep blue eyeshadow accentuated his eyelids.

*Sage Markings!*

In an instant, Sasuke entered Sage Mode.

In this state, Sasuke opened his eyes.

His dark pupils transformed into a deep blue hue, with a faint purplish tint.

Sasuke's Sage Mode was unlike any from the Three Great Sage Lands.

It wasn’t like the Curse Mark either.

This was a unique Sage Mode, one never before seen in the ninja world.

A mode exclusive to Sasuke.

Buzz!  

The next moment, Sasuke's eyes morphed into the crimson hue of the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan. The scarlet pupils seemed to fuse Sage Mode directly into his very soul.

"Something’s different!"

A glimmer of surprise flashed through Sasuke’s eyes.

Upon entering Sage Mode, Sasuke noticed a profound change in his Sharingan's vision.

His sight became more detailed.

When he focused on a specific point, his vision could reach microscopic levels.

His hearing, smell, and chakra perception also elevated to an entirely new realm.

If he focused his mind, he could hear every sound within the Forest of Death.

He could even form concrete judgments based on those sounds.

Paired with the system's gifted map, it was like having a built-in radar!

"Interesting."

Sasuke’s lips curled into a faint smile. He then canceled Sage Mode, and immediately his body radiated with purple lightning.

*Lightning Release Chakra Mode!*

Terrifying lightning chakra enveloped Sasuke’s body, forming a sturdy armor on the outside while activating the cells within his muscles.

"So powerful!"

Sasuke’s Sharingan widened. He could clearly feel the immense power coursing through his enhanced body.

This feeling was distinct from Sage Mode.

Sage Mode was more balanced, strengthening both physical and ninjutsu capabilities equally.

Lightning Release Chakra Mode, on the other hand, brutally pushed the body’s physical limits to their peak.

Sasuke could feel every muscle fiber in his body reaching maximum vitality under the stimulation of the lightning chakra.

Whoosh!  

With a slight movement of his ankle, Sasuke's figure turned into a bolt of lightning, instantly darting to the entrance of Gate 1 in the Forest of Death.

A speed comparable to teleportation!

Sasuke’s speed was so fast that even his Mangekyo Sharingan struggled to keep up. At full speed, everything around him blurred into obscurity.

Whoosh!  

Accelerating once more, Sasuke bolted directly toward the central tower of the Forest of Death.

The scenery around him flashed past rapidly, retreating into the distance.

The protection of the Lightning Armor allowed Sasuke to feel no chill from the rushing wind.

Moments later...

---

*Chapter 199: Significant Improvement!*2

*At the Entrance to the Tower!*

“So fast!”

Even Sasuke hadn’t anticipated the boost in speed he had just experienced. Now he finally understood why the Fourth Raikage was so powerful.

No, wait!

The Third Raikage was even stronger!

Sasuke thought about the original story where the Second Brother (himself) was utterly defeated by the Raikage. The more he thought about it, the more he felt that his past self had been overconfident.

But this was not yet the pinnacle!

The Lightning Chakra Mode could be combined with Sage Mode!

A smug smile curled at the corner of Sasuke’s lips.

Not now, though.

He decided to save this combination for a future battle, to keep it as a surprise. Otherwise, it would be boring!

Still...

Strange thoughts started swirling in Sasuke’s mind. He deactivated the Lightning Chakra Mode, reactivated the Flying Thunder God Technique, and returned to the tree in the Forest of Death.

“Ice Release.”

“With sealing capabilities.”

“Solidification.”

“With this, my Ninjutsu Simulation Technique is perfected!”

When Sasuke first gained Ice Release, his immediate thought was to enhance his Ninjutsu Simulation Technique.

Lightning Release could simulate gaseous states, allowing him to replicate techniques similar to Fire Release and Wind Release.

Storm Release could simulate liquids, effectively covering Water Release-like techniques.

And now...

The newly acquired Ice Release would allow him to simulate solid-state techniques.

Sasuke immediately thought of a certain jutsu he had failed to execute earlier.

*Clap!*

Sasuke clapped his hands together.

*Wood Release: Deep Forest Emergence!*

But this time, he used Ice Release as the medium.

*Ice Release: Frozen Forest Descent!*

In his mind, Sasuke visualized the scenes of Wood Release he had seen in the Naruto anime and controlled his Ice Release chakra accordingly.

*Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!*

In an instant.

One by one, pure white ice pillars burst from the ground, twisting and coiling like dragons made of ice.

These icy dragons emerged from the ground and spread across the Forest of Death. The ground between each dragon became frosted and froze into a single icy sheet.

In just moments.

The entire forest’s temperature plummeted.

Before his eyes, the area had transformed into a world of ice.

The moonlight reflected off the frozen surface, creating dazzling and elegant patterns.

“Success!”

Sasuke’s eyes lit up. He had always thought Wood Release was an incredibly powerful jutsu. Unfortunately, it was a Kekkei Genkai he couldn’t obtain.

Not in this lifetime.

If he could use Ice Release as a substitute, though, it was still a remarkable achievement!

And so...

Sasuke’s mind became more active, rapidly absorbing the surrounding natural energy and entering Sage Mode.

Unique sage markings appeared on his face.

His entire chakra transformed into Sage Chakra.

His imagination began to run wild.

*“Sage Art: Ice Release—True Thousand Hands!”*

Sasuke’s expression became serious. He wasn’t sure if this technique could succeed or if his chakra could sustain such a massive form.

*Rumble...*

In an instant.

Trees collapsed behind him.

The Forest of Death shook violently.

A colossal statue of Kannon (the Thousand-Armed Goddess of Mercy) appeared behind Sasuke. Countless hands unfolded from the statue’s back.

*The Thousand-Armed Kannon!*

From its appearance, this True Thousand Hands was only slightly smaller than the version used by Hashirama Senju. Otherwise, it looked almost identical.

But there was one major difference...

Hashirama’s True Thousand Hands was created with Wood Release, while Sasuke’s was entirely formed with Ice Release.

A magnificent Thousand-Armed Buddha sculpted from ice.

It stood proudly in the Forest of Death.

“So cool!”

Sasuke admired the grand Buddha behind him and the frozen world beneath his feet, feeling incredibly satisfied with himself.

If he showed this off...

Who knew how many system points he could earn!

*Dispel!*

At Sasuke’s command, the Ice Release jutsu was deactivated. The ice Buddha quickly melted, the icy dragons dissolved into water, and a flood swept through the Forest of Death.

*Whoosh!*

Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, Sasuke left the area and returned to the Uchiha compound.

The test was over.

The goal had been achieved!

This felt satisfying!

He could accept that!

Without overthinking, Sasuke lay down and went to sleep.

---

*The Next Day.*

Morning.

Jiraiya arrived early at Sasuke's doorstep and began knocking rapidly.

*Knock, knock, knock...*

The continuous knocking forcibly dragged Sasuke out of his dream world.

"Who is it?!"

Sasuke shouted irritably.

The Uchiha clan's desolate area, which Danzo had designated as a restricted zone, felt more like a prison.

No one ever came here.

And now, someone was knocking this early in the morning?

How annoying!

Sasuke got up, stormed to the door, and flung it open, only to be greeted by Jiraiya's grinning face.

"Good morning, Master!"

Jiraiya waved cheerfully, his expression as sly as ever.

"Good morning, my ass!"

Without hesitation, Sasuke raised his foot and delivered a flying kick straight toward Jiraiya's chest.

*+20*

A number flashed before Sasuke's eyes.

"..."

Jiraiya hadn't expected his young master to be so hot-tempered. Seeing the incoming kick, he quickly raised his hands to block it.

Immediately, Jiraiya’s palms collided with Sasuke’s foot.

*Boom!*

A loud impact echoed.

Jiraiya was sent flying backward, crashing perfectly into the hole in the wall Sasuke had previously blasted open with his Chidori Spiral. He tumbled to the ground, leaving behind a human-shaped imprint.

"So it was you, Jiraiya!"

Sasuke rubbed his eyes and finally recognized the figure he had just kicked. He realized his aim had been impressively accurate—it was a direct hit.

"If the national soccer team had skills like mine, they'd have made it to the World Cup by now," Sasuke thought smugly.

*+30*

The number before Sasuke’s eyes ticked upward again.

Jiraiya lay flat on the ground, staring at the sky. He clearly felt his wrists dislocated, and his bones had taken some damage.

"This master of mine is way too harsh!"

Wait...

No, it wasn't "too harsh."

It was "too brutal!"

If he hadn’t blocked that kick, his ribs would’ve been shattered.

Jiraiya winced at the burning pain coursing through his body, which reminded him of the times he was caught peeping on Tsunade. Though she had landed only a single punch, it had been worth it.

"Stop lying around. Get up already. I know you're fine—I held back," Sasuke said.

Having shaken off his morning grumpiness, Sasuke's gaze softened as he looked at Jiraiya.

"Heh, heh, heh..."

Jiraiya chuckled weakly and adjusted his dislocated wrist. Such injuries didn’t warrant a trip to the Leaf Village Hospital. With his robust body, he’d recover in no time.

"Master," Jiraiya began, "I came over so early because—"

"I know—you’re here to pester me about updates!"

Sasuke interrupted, spreading his hands helplessly. He suddenly sympathized with authors in his past life. They’d pour their energy into writing all day, only for readers to finish their work in three minutes flat.

It wasn’t easy.

Sasuke couldn’t help but admire those authors who could churn out chapters at lightning speed—they were truly saints.

*+40*

The number before Sasuke’s eyes ticked upward once more.

"No, no, I’m not here to pester you!" Jiraiya quickly clarified. "Master, you said yesterday you’d demonstrate the ultimate Chidori Spiral—"

"Oh, that."

Sasuke’s expression turned indifferent as he took a step forward. His demeanor became cold and aloof.

In that single step, black markings appeared on Sasuke’s face, and blue eyeshadow spread over his eyelids. Within seconds, he entered Sage Mode.

*+100*

The number before Sasuke's eyes jumped sharply.

Jiraiya’s eyes widened in disbelief.

Such a scene was unimaginable.

He’d entered Sage Mode instantly!

Jiraiya, who had spent years mastering Sage Mode, still required at least 30 minutes of preparation to enter the state.

This was insane!

Jiraiya took a deep breath, staring in awe as Sasuke approached him step by step.

At that moment, Sasuke raised his right hand, palm facing upward.

"Sage Art: Storm Release - Chidori Spiral!"

Sasuke’s proud voice echoed through the Uchiha clan's streets as a black, spinning lightning sphere appeared in his hand.

The sphere looked different from the regular Chidori Spiral.

It emitted a faint, hazy glow and brimmed with natural energy.

*+150*

Jiraiya’s eyes widened even further, nearly popping out of their sockets.

This was terrifying!

Utterly terrifying!

Jiraiya could no longer look at Sasuke the same way.

His perspective had undergone a complete shift. When they first met, Jiraiya thought Sasuke was just someone the Third Hokage had assigned to him.

But as time went on, he was astonished by Sasuke’s extraordinary talent.

After being captivated by Sasuke’s genius, Jiraiya gradually realized that Sasuke’s power was far beyond ordinary.

And now...

Jiraiya couldn’t shake the feeling that Sasuke might even surpass him.

Such terrifying learning ability.

An almost monstrous mastery of ninjutsu.

It was too much!

*Whoosh!*

At that moment—

Sasuke directly launched the Rasengan Chidori in his hand, striking the wall in front of him.

*Boom!!!*

In an instant, rubble flew everywhere.

The ground collapsed.

The entire Uchiha clan's district felt as though an earthquake had struck.

*+200*

A number jumped in front of Sasuke's eyes.

At the same moment, Jiraiya flashed away to avoid the potential shockwave from the attack.

Moments later, as the dust and smoke settled, Jiraiya could see a deep crater in front of him. Its edges bore spiral patterns with faint, jagged marks along each trace.

“This…”

Jiraiya swallowed hard, his eyes filled with shock. The power of the Storm Release: Spiral Chidori, enhanced with Sage Chakra, was simply astonishing.

It was incredible.

He didn't even know how to put it into words.

“Sasuke, there are a few things I need you to handle.”

Sasuke’s voice suddenly broke the silence. Having demonstrated his power, it was time to address important matters.

“What things?”

Jiraiya asked instinctively, having already begun to see Sasuke as his master.

“First,” Sasuke declared in an uncompromising tone, “I need you to go to the Third Hokage and request a month-long leave of absence for me. During this month, I will follow you around, and I don’t want any missions assigned to me!”

Right now, the Chunin Exam candidates were in their rest period.

Once the rest period ended, missions would resume.

Sasuke didn’t want to waste his time on meaningless tasks at this critical juncture. If he delayed too long, allowing Danzo to secure the position of Fifth Hokage, the situation would spiral out of control!

“You’ll follow me?”

A question mark practically appeared over Jiraiya’s head. He didn’t even know what he was doing most of the time, so why would Sasuke want to follow him?

“That’s what you’ll tell the Third Hokage. Obviously, you’ll be following me,” Sasuke said, waving his hand dismissively and cutting off any further questions. He continued:

“Second, in the next few days, I’ll try to write a few novels and draw a couple of manga. Your job is to get them published as quickly as possible and recover as much money as we can.”

Sasuke spoke with utmost seriousness.

“Master, are you short on money?”

Jiraiya stared at Sasuke. Despite his scruffy appearance, Sasuke always seemed to have a little stash of funds.

“To be precise, I urgently need money,” Sasuke replied. Raising a third finger, he seemed about to say something else but then slowly lowered his hand.

“Forget it.”

“There’s no third task.”

“Go to the Konoha Hospital to treat your injuries, then head to the Third Hokage to handle the leave request.”

With that, Sasuke turned and walked toward the front door, leaving Jiraiya staring at his back.

“Understood—”

Jiraiya responded absentmindedly. Truthfully, he didn’t want to visit the Third Hokage, but since Sasuke had asked, he had no choice.

For a moment, Jiraiya was at a loss.

Could the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy be wrong?

Was it really his student who would bring about the ninja world’s transformation?

Or was it his master?  

Jiraiya began to doubt himself. He was hesitant even to take on new students now—those who seemed like the Child of Prophecy often met untimely ends when he wasn’t paying attention.

Maybe recognizing a master was better.

Not only did he get to read novels...

There were manga too!

Absolutely worth it!

---

*(End of Chapter)*