Chapter 71 - An Intriguing Sealing Technique

"Gai, congratulations on securing the first place in your grade," Makoto said with a smile on his face.

Observing Makoto's smiling face, akin to the warm spring sun, Might Gai found himself momentarily entranced.

He had always been a person with unwavering self-confidence, believing that he could achieve greatness through ceaseless day-and-night dedication. Despite not yet graduating from the ninja school, he had already endured numerous failures and setbacks. He initially failed the entrance exam and was admitted through supplementary enrollment. His academic performance was subpar, earning him the unflattering title of "loser." His first encounter with Kakashi ended in a one-hit defeat...

Most of the time, he brushed off these setbacks and pressed on, occasionally harboring doubts but promptly refocusing on his goals.

Nevertheless, Might Gai had never anticipated that change would come so swiftly. In the previous semester's combat examination, he didn't even manage to rank among the top 20. Now, he was securing the top position in his grade this semester.

He was acutely aware of who had brought about this transformation—Makoto.

Makoto had instructed him in Taijutsu and provided valuable secret medicines. In a remarkably short period, he had accelerated his growth.

"Thank you for your teachings, Teacher Makoto!" Might Gai clenched his right fist, his eyes moist with gratitude.

"Never underestimate your own efforts. My guidance may be effective, but your unwavering determination is the key to securing the first place. If you continue to work as diligently, you will undoubtedly realize your dreams," Makoto encouraged.

Might Gai's blood surged with excitement upon hearing these words, as if he could already envision the day when he would become the Taijutsu ninja. He was eager to commence push-up exercises on the spot.

"This is Soru's practice manual with my experience. Take it with you and review it at home. Tomorrow morning, I will guide you through the training," Makoto said, handing the scroll to Might Gai with a smile.

[You presented the disciple with a training scroll. The disciple greatly appreciated it. You acquired: Leaf Dragon God (Mastery)]

In the midst of heightened emotions, Makoto spontaneously mastered an advanced Taijutsu technique, with numerous memories flooding his mind.

Makoto recollected information about this technique from the original series.

In the anime, the Leaf Dragon God was an advanced taijutsu technique created by a taijutsu master named Master Chen. Even Master Chen's own disciples had yet to fully master the Leaf Dragon God. It would seem rather abstract if it were to be used by someone else.

Nevertheless, even disregarding any copyright concerns, Makoto had no intention of teaching his disciples this taijutsu. The technique demanded a high level of physical capability and chakra that was unsuitable for their current stage of training.

"Teacher Makoto, I understand. I will study it diligently once I get home," Might Gai replied with a gratified expression.

When Makoto had previously tutored Shisui, he had been enthusiastic about learning Soru. Thus, when Makoto had provided him with Soru's training scroll, Might Gai had stashed it away like a precious treasure.

"You need not come over to my place for training today. Instead, take the time to relax and engage in activities that you enjoy," Makoto suggested.

Obito had been consoled and motivated by Might Gai to set out on a new training mission aimed at securing first place in the class. However, Might Gai had yet to initiate a fresh training mission.

Undoubtedly, training missions played an integral role in securing rewards. Completion of such missions garnered a substantial amount of chakra and diverse high-level skills.

Hence, Makoto began contemplating ways to trigger a new training mission in the wake of the recent mission's conclusion, two weeks prior to the final examination.

The disciple who hadn't secured the first place would be prompted by words of solace and encouragement to attain that position.

As for the disciple who held first place, a new training mission would be initiated based on the individual's character, aspirations, and ambitions.

Makoto believed that for Might Gai, a training mission focused on defeating Kakashi was apt and more likely to be triggered. Consequently, he instructed Might Gai to engage in an activity he cherished.

Might Gai's strength had dramatically improved, resulting in his rise to the top of the class. Such progress indicated that it was high time to challenge his best friend and enduring rival.

Might Gai defeating Kakashi would undoubtedly serve as a catalyst for the commencement of a new training mission.

While previous attempts along similar lines had not yielded the desired outcome and had only triggered a mission related to devising training techniques, Makoto felt it was not a flaw in his approach. Rather, it was the lack of trust at the time and Might Gai's unfamiliarity with his abilities.

Might Gai nodded and resolved to seek out Kakashi later.

Since he had embarked on intensive training, Might Gai had not, until this point, challenged Kakashi to a duel. His eagerness for such a contest had been building for some time.

After tending to Obito's injuries, Makoto returned to his study of sealing techniques and continued to learn from Kushina.

Ten days had passed since Kushina had bestowed the Three-Finger Seal upon him. In reality, Makoto had mastered it by the sixth day and had spent the subsequent days refining his understanding.

As he delved deeper into the realm of Fuinjutsu. Makoto developed a more profound comprehension of this complex art. He uncovered some of its fascinating mechanisms.

Under identical chakra conditions, seals that exerted minimal influence were more resistant to breaking, growing stronger and sturdier.

Consider the One-Finger Seal as an example. This seal was intended to lock away the body's entire chakra and was extremely easy to unravel.

However, if the One-Finger Seal were modified to target the chakra of a specific limb, its effectiveness and resilience would increase significantly.

Without altering the seal's intended effect, increasing the amount and potency of the chakra channeled through it would enhance the seal's strength.

The Six Paths — Chibaku Tensei, capable of imprisoning Kaguya Otsutsuki, stood out as the most potent sealing technique in the Ninja World. However, it possessed considerable limitations and could only be activated through the power of the Six Paths' Yin and Yang.

Makoto theorized that the Uzumaki clan's innate talent for sealing was likely attributed to their naturally abundant chakra reserves.

"Chakra is paramount," Makoto mused, reflecting on the vital importance of chakra quantity.

"As the summer break approaches, the pace of chakra accumulation may decelerate," Makoto contemplated.

With the arrival of the summer vacation, the only source of chakra replenishment available to him would be the examination's rewards in two days.

In the evening, Makoto purchased fish and returned to his home in the main city. His plan for the day included preparing a delectable and visually appealing dish for Kushina and Minato.