Konoha's Tag-System Ninja

Konohagakure, Experimental Base.

Staring at the sticky slices of the Six-Tails on the tray, Shūichi suppressed his disgust, shoving each piece into his mouth, chewing, and swallowing it in a matter of seconds.

A warm sensation spread through his stomach, followed by the sudden surge of the Six-Tails' chakra, brimming with malice.

However, this had no effect on Shūichi. Such hostility was far from enough to shake his mental fortitude.

After the initial mental attack, the chakra of the Six-Tails began to corrode his body.

Yet, having already assimilated the Eight-Tails, Shūichi was utterly unaffected by the Six-Tails' power.

As the flesh was gradually digested, the Tailed Beast chakra enveloping him shrank and seamlessly integrated into his body, becoming indistinguishable from his own.

An hour passed in the blink of an eye, and the Six-Tails' flesh was completely absorbed.

This marked the fifth Tailed Beast Shūichi had assimilated. Not only did his physical constitution improve further, but a new chakra nature transformation also emerged within him.

"Boil Release—formed by combining water and fire chakra natures."

Shūichi smiled. "Not bad at all."

With this, he now possessed Scorch Release, Lava Release, Boil Release, Magnet Release, and the Fire Nether Chains, totaling five Kekkei Genkai.

However, since the Fire Nether Chains originated from his Tag System, he was still one Kekkei Genkai short of unlocking the [Kekkei Genkai Expert] tag.

"Once I consume the Five-Tails, I should be able to obtain Boil Release."

Shūichi pondered whether the Two-Tails possessed any Kekkei Genkai abilities.

After dealing with the Two-Tails and Five-Tails, the only ones left to consume would be the Seven-Tails and Nine-Tails.

"It's truly exciting to imagine. If I assimilate parts of all nine Tailed Beasts, aside from a massive chakra increase, what other transformations might my body undergo?"

Shūichi's mind buzzed with anticipation.

The Seven-Tails resided in Takigakure, though he wasn't sure if it already had a Jinchūriki.

Well, this could be assigned to the Immortal White Zetsu for investigation.

After tidying up his tools, Shūichi left the Tailed Beast cell cultivation room and resumed his research on Hashirama's cells and Asuka's cells.

The research had progressed significantly. Previously, he had successfully modulated and fused Hashirama's and Asuka's cells, achieving preliminary balance. These fused cells had been transplanted into his summoning beast, Shiro, greatly enhancing its power.

The only drawback was that the physical enhancement caused mental overexcitement and restlessness in the experimental subject.

Thus, Shūichi had been working on further analysis and improvement.

This process also allowed him to study the differences between Hashirama's Yang Release and Asuka's Yang Release nature transformations.

Of course, there was also Wood Release.

However, Shūichi had far too many tasks on his plate. Even with shadow clones to share the workload, his focus was stretched thin.

Moreover, research like this was far slower than using chakra to establish a mental link.

---

Mid-November.

One day, while Shūichi was in his home study analyzing curse marks, he suddenly frowned slightly.

"So, Orochimaru beat me to it…"

Shūichi sighed, somewhat resigned.

The shadow clone he had sent to track Jūgo reported back that the young Jūgo had already been taken away.

By none other than Orochimaru.

"Sage Transformation…"

After some thought, Shūichi mused, "I'll negotiate with Snake Bastard for a sample of Jūgo's cells when the time comes." 

For him, researching cells was far less efficient than directly learning in the mental realm.

Huh?

Just as Shūichi was about to return to his studies, another shadow clone's memories surged back.

"Finally, some good news."

A smile spread across Shūichi's face.

The clone at the experimental base had made a breakthrough in studying the Hydrification Technique of the Hozuki Clan.

Rising from his desk, Shūichi walked toward the courtyard, pondering the potential applications of the Hydrification Technique.

While the technique didn't directly increase his combat ceiling, its immunity to physical attacks was undeniably valuable.

"Perhaps I could use heavy water as a base to create a Water-Style mecha."

"Immense power, immunity to physical damage, excellent defense—and heavy water could even counteract its weakness to Lightning-Style."

Standing at the center of the courtyard, Shūichi clasped his hands together. His body instantly transformed into a humanoid water form, which quickly expanded to a towering three meters.

Except for his head, located on the forehead of the water giant, Shūichi's other physical features had entirely vanished.

"Doesn't feel particularly powerful…"

Shūichi frowned. "Without favorable terrain, this state wouldn't be hard to deal with."

Of course, that was relative to opponents of a similar level.

Shrinking back to his normal form, Shūichi reflected, "Using heavy water to nullify the Lightning-Style weakness is enough for me. But as for offense… Could I use hydration to 'hydrate' an opponent?"

"After all, water makes up 70% of the human body…"

Lowering his gaze, Shūichi's mind raced, his thoughts operating at maximum speed and focus.

Moments later, he opened his eyes and first created a tangible shadow clone. Then, raising one hand, he filled the courtyard with a swirling mist.

It Was None Other Than the Hidden Mist Jutsu !

Shūichi briefly considered it but ultimately dispersed the Hidden Mist Jutsu. The thick mist in the courtyard quickly dissipated.

Clap! 

Shūichi clapped his hands together, concealing his chakra within the water vapor suspended in the air.

However, he immediately noticed a problem—the air's humidity was insufficient.

"In that case, I'll artificially increase the humidity…"

Shūichi shifted strategies, using Water Style to saturate the surrounding air with heavy water vapor, infusing it with his chakra.

The chakra-laced water vapor naturally entered the clone opposite him as it breathed.

Once inside, these specialized water molecules didn't leave through exhalation. Instead, they circulated through the bloodstream and spread throughout the body, becoming part of the clone's fluid exchange system.

Then, Shūichi raised one hand.

In an instant, streams of water erupted from the clone's nose, mouth, and ears. Its body shriveled rapidly before collapsing entirely.

Boom! 

The clone exploded, dispelling itself.

The sensations from the clone's death flooded back to Shūichi. Lowering his hand, he frowned briefly before smiling in satisfaction.

"Not bad. The technique has excellent stealth capabilities—unless the opponent has dojutsu like the Sharingan or Byakugan to detect chakra."

"Hmm, but the preparation time is a bit long…"

"Still, it's suitable for large-scale deployment or long-term ambushes."

Unfortunately, the technique was only rated as an A-rank jutsu.

Similarly, the earlier Water Giant transformation was also A-rank.

"What should I name it?" Shūichi mused before deciding:

"Let's call it Corpse-Dissolving Water!"

Even though such a technique might not always come in handy, it was better to have it than not.

---

Shūichi returned to his study to continue his work. Time slipped by until the alarm rang.

Stretching lazily, Shūichi turned off the alarm and stepped outside for some training.

"Though training always yields progress, even a waterfall feels like no challenge to me now."

"For further development, my body needs greater pressure."

Shūichi had considered weighted training, but for him, even increased weights would be too cumbersome to manage effectively.

"How about training with a blade in the ocean?"

Another thought struck him—he could increase gravity!

In other words, he could cast Added-Weight Rock Jutsu or even Ultra-Added-Weight Rock Jutsu on himself.

However, he'd first need to develop those jutsu. The shadow clones currently working on Earth Style techniques hadn't completed them yet.

"Until then, I'll try training in the ocean."

Shūichi sent a shadow clone to mark a Flying Thunder God seal near the coast. For today, he stuck to his usual routine.

Even if the effects were negligible, he still completed an hour of training before returning home.

After a shower, he found Asuka busy in the kitchen.

Drying his hair, Shūichi walked over. "Asuka, let me help!"

Asuka turned her head. "Aren't you busy with the Star Curse Mark?"

Shūichi smiled, stepping forward. "Taking a break might spark some new ideas."

"That's true."

Asuka's face lit up with a smile. "Alright, Shūichi, you can help peel this potato!"

"As you wish!"

Shūichi didn't use a knife; instead, he employed his Chakra Scalpel, deftly peeling the potato.

"My blade skills are top-notch."

Asuka chuckled. "Speaking of which, you don't seem to use blade techniques much in combat anymore, right?"

Shūichi grinned. "Not entirely true. If I'm up against a close-combat ninja, I'll still use them."

"In general, though, blades are more efficient than fists."

"Still, there aren't many close-combat opponents nowadays who can push me to use a blade."

Eyes sparkling with admiration, Asuka exclaimed, "That's because you're so powerful, Shūichi!"

"But developing so many jutsu and not using them—doesn't it feel like a waste?"

Feigning distress, Shūichi sighed, "You're right… it does seem like a waste."

"But I've thought of a solution."

Curious, Asuka turned toward him. "Oh? What's your solution?"

With a mischievous smile, Shūichi replied, "Of course, it's for you, Asuka, to have more kids!"

Asuka's face flushed bright red, but she nodded shyly, her eyes brimming with expectation.

At that moment, a cold voice echoed from the doorway:

"You perverted brat!"

"Lady Tsunade!"

Startled, Asuka quickly turned back to her work.

Shūichi glanced at the doorway, where Tsunade stood with her arms crossed, glaring at him. Behind her, Shizune peeked out timidly.

"Shūichi, need any help?" Shizune asked.

"Of course!" Shūichi answered without missing a beat, his expression thick-skinned as ever.

Watching Shizune step forward to help, Tsunade couldn't help but grit her teeth in frustration.

This shameless brat—what's so great about him?! 

Meanwhile, Shūichi leaned in close to whisper something in Shizune's ear, "You should have a few more kids too."

Shizune's voice became as faint as a mosquito's buzz, overwhelmed with embarrassment.

After delivering his cheeky remark, Shūichi provocatively glanced at Tsunade and said with a grin, "I've mastered several Kekkei Genkai now. Of course, I need to pass them on. Otherwise, it'd be such a waste."

Tsunade immediately retorted with a cold snort, "While Kekkei Genkai are inherited through bloodlines, there's no guarantee they'll pass down to the next generation."

Shūichi didn't miss a beat. "If the First Hokage had more children, his Wood Release could've been passed down, don't you think?"

Tsunade's temper flared. "My grandfather mastered Wood Release only after he had my father!"

Shūichi laughed, "Which is why it's better to have more kids!"

"Besides, speaking of Wood Release, I feel like I'm close to mastering it myself."

"Tsunade, soon enough, Wood Release will belong to the Hoshita clan!"

Shizune quickly tugged on Shūichi's arm. "Shūichi, don't provoke Lady Tsunade on purpose."

Tsunade's fists clenched tightly, her teeth grinding in frustration. She couldn't explain why she was so angry—everything about Shūichi's smug tone and expression made her want to punch him flat.

"I've lost my appetite!"

Tsunade flipped her ponytail and stormed out.

"Lady Tsunade!"

Shizune stood up quickly, but Shūichi held her back with a smile. "Don't worry, I'll go bring her back."

Shizune nodded, though concern lingered in her eyes.

After Shūichi left, Asuka smiled and reassured Shizune, "Don't worry. Shūichi knows what he's doing."

Shizune nodded but added, "I'm just afraid Lady Tsunade might hit him."

Asuka chuckled, confident in her husband's abilities. "Then there's nothing to worry about. Shūichi can handle it."

---

Sure enough, thirty minutes later, Shūichi returned with Tsunade in tow, sporting only a black eye.

This minor injury did nothing to disrupt their harmonious dinner together.

After the meal, they all went out for a walk to digest.

True to her habits, Tsunade wandered into a bar, with Shizune rushing after her.

Shūichi shook his head subtly but chose not to intervene, continuing to stroll with Nonō Yakushi and Asuka.

---

By 10 p.m., Shūichi retired to bed right on schedule. However, just as he lay down, Immortal White Zetsu emerged from the ground.

"Lord Shūichi, I have some news—neither good nor bad. The Akatsuki has already taken control of the Fourth Mizukage."

Shūichi sat up. "So soon?"

Just days ago, the Mist Village had formally agreed to end the war with Konoha. The negotiators were Ao and Mei Terumī.

With Ao no longer possessing the Byakugan, it would likely be challenging for the Mist Village to uncover the truth about the Fourth Mizukage being controlled by the Sharingan.

A smile spread across Shūichi's face. "Looks like I'll have to play the hero."

Immortal White Zetsu chuckled. "So, Lord Shūichi plans to lend Mei Terumī a hand?"

Shūichi didn't respond directly but instead said, "Keep an eye on her. If she's in danger, report to me immediately. It'd be a shame to lose such talent."

White Zetsu grinned slyly. "A woman with two Kekkei Genkai—if she were to have children with you, the offspring would undoubtedly be extraordinary."

Shūichi nodded. "That's the right way to think."

White Zetsu continued, "Meanwhile, the Cloud Village has already made preparations to deal with you. If you go, you'll need to be cautious."

Shūichi smirked. "They're ready, are they?"

"In that case, let's act tomorrow."

White Zetsu chuckled again. "Speaking of which, the Two-Tails Jinchūriki is quite impressive as well. It'd be such a waste if she were to die after losing her tailed beast."

Shūichi glanced at White Zetsu, certain that this creature was a perfect example of a scheming courtier.

"Go inform Shisui."

"Understood!"

White Zetsu's body sank slowly back into the ground.

---

The next morning.

After finishing breakfast, Shūichi sensed Shisui waiting outside.

Asuka helped him tidy his clothes and said earnestly, "Shūichi, you're already very strong, but please be careful."

"Of course."

Shūichi leaned down and planted a kiss on Asuka's forehead. "Don't worry. I'll be back soon."

With that, he disappeared.

(End of Chapter)

❇❇❇

Support me on Patreon - Read Up to 50+ Advanced Chapters There!

patreon.com/RedX43 (Upload 2 chaps per day)

Limited CHRISTMAS Offer: Use code E7475 for 25% off!

❇❇❇