Chapter 082: The New Rankings, the Ninjutsu List Unveiled!!!
Chapter 082: The New Rankings, the Ninjutsu List Unveiled!!!
"My body..."
Sasuke moved his limbs, clearly feeling a power far surpassing what he had before. It was as if an incredibly powerful force, like a dormant volcano, resided within him.
"My strength has increased so much!!!"
This was Sasuke's first thought.
At that moment, Orochimaru entered the room.
"Orochimaru-sama!"
Sasuke bowed his head in respect.
Orochimaru smiled and said, "Sasuke, congratulations on your successful transformation. You have successfully integrated the Monster Cell Serum and combined the Cursed Seal with the power of the monster. You've created a new, even more formidable power. I must say, your condition would be nearly impossible to replicate."
"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama, for your guidance!"
Sasuke pretended to express his gratitude.
"Enough with the pointless pleasantries. Come, assist me in testing your strength."
Orochimaru ordered.
"Yes!"
Sasuke followed Orochimaru to the training ground.
Soon, Sasuke underwent a series of training tests. His strength, speed, and reflexes had all drastically increased.
Previously, even when Sasuke's Sharingan could keep up with the movements of stronger opponents, his body might not have been able to. But now, his physical speed had improved so much that it could naturally keep pace with the reflexes of his Sharingan.
"Excellent! Your physical abilities have nearly increased tenfold, completely compensating for any age-related disadvantages. Even Uchiha Itachi's physical prowess may not match yours—no, it certainly does not!" Orochimaru said, excitedly.
Orochimaru then added, "However, your most formidable power is the special energy within you, a combination of the Cursed Seal and the Monster's power. I've never encountered such a force before, so I need you to demonstrate it!"
"Alright!"
Sasuke immediately activated the terrifying power within him. It felt sinister yet immensely powerful.
Boom!!!!!!
As the power surged, black markings appeared on Sasuke's body, making him resemble a demon from the abyss. Then, a black aura surrounded him, and even a pair of horns grew on his forehead. Moreover, since Sasuke controlled Lightning Release, the black aura fused with the lightning, transforming into black lightning bolts.
"Sasuke, attack me!"
Orochimaru was thrilled.
The current Sasuke even posed a slight threat to him—though not a significant one—but that was already remarkable!
Without hesitation, Sasuke attacked.
He moved at supersonic speed, his hands crackling with a surge of black lightning as he unleashed the Chidori.
Zzzzztttt!
The air was torn apart, producing a sound like space itself was being ripped.
Orochimaru, wielding the Kusanagi Sword, engaged Sasuke. When Sasuke's Chidori struck the Kusanagi Sword, it caused the sword to tremble, though the Chidori remained unaffected.
Riiiipppp!!!!
Objects in the training ground were shredded one by one. The black aura, like the most terrifying substance, corroded the surroundings, causing many items to decay. Even Kabuto couldn't help but retreat, as the black aura was extremely aggressive, not only corroding objects but also threatening to corrode his body.
Moreover, the black aura had a frightening offensive capability. When infused into Chidori, it significantly boosted the jutsu's power, making it a formidable force both offensively and defensively.
This power was nearly omnipotent!
But soon, Sasuke collapsed, his energy drained, and his face pale—clearly, he had overexerted himself.
At this point, Kabuto approached and used medical ninjutsu to alleviate Sasuke's condition.
Before long, Sasuke had recovered.
"Sasuke, this power of yours is terrifying, even more so than the Cursed Seal. It's like the power of a demon. I think it should be called the 'Demonic Force.' What do you think?" Orochimaru asked.
"Then let it be called the 'Demonic Force,'" Sasuke agreed without objection.
Orochimaru commented, "The Demonic Force is very powerful and can greatly enhance your abilities. Its only drawback is the severe energy consumption. Therefore, you need to train your stamina more in the future!"
"Yes!"
Sasuke nodded.
Afterward, Orochimaru let Sasuke rest while he continued his research.
Sasuke's situation piqued Orochimaru's interest in this Demonic Force, making him eager to replicate it.
After Orochimaru and Kabuto left, Sasuke's gaze turned cold.
"Orochimaru, do you really think my transformation is only this much?"
Sasuke had not hidden anything regarding the display of his Demonic Force, nor his physical strength or stamina, as he couldn't conceal these from Orochimaru, whose strength surpassed his own.
However, Sasuke had concealed the evolution of his Sharingan.
Orochimaru didn't have the Sharingan, so he couldn't see through Sasuke's eyes.
In fact, as soon as he had awakened, Sasuke noticed that his three-tomoe Sharingan had changed. Normally, the three-tomoe Sharingan only evolves into the Mangekyō Sharingan under extreme stress, such as witnessing the death of a loved one or a family member.
But the birth of the Demonic Force had triggered a transformation in his body, causing a change in his three-tomoe Sharingan as well.
He had a feeling that if he continued to stimulate his eyes with the Demonic Force, his Sharingan would undoubtedly evolve into the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Moreover, the Demonic Force could continually temper and strengthen his body.
"Orochimaru, you want my body, don't you? Once I awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan and master even more powerful techniques, while understanding the Demonic Force better, you will no longer be frightening or even a match for me!"
Sasuke thought to himself.
Time passed, and in the blink of an eye, six months had gone by.
By now, whether it was Sasuke, Naruto, or other ninjas from the same generation, all of them were rapidly progressing, with nearly everyone reaching the level of a Jōnin.
In this era, Jōnin were emerging one after another.
Moreover, with the major ninja villages continuously studying the rewards from the Golden List, such as those pills, they had indeed made some breakthroughs. After all, Orochimaru was not the only one capable of such research.
The results of these studies naturally accelerated the growth of the ninjas, making their progress even faster.
At this time...
The new ranking list was about to be announced. But before the new list was revealed, the Taijutsu and Weapon rankings were refreshed once again. After all, it had already been a year since the last updates for the Taijutsu and Weapon rankings.
In the Golden List livestream room, numerous shinobi entered as the chat function was unlocked, allowing everyone to converse freely.
Soon, the Taijutsu ranking was updated. Compared to the last time, there weren't many changes, and it didn't take long to complete the update. The rewards were gradually distributed from the first to the hundredth place.
Next, the Weapon ranking was refreshed as well. Like the previous time, only a few positions at the lower end of the list changed; the rest remained the same. Subsequently, the rewards were distributed one by one. While there weren't any astonishing treasures, the listed shinobi were still very pleased, as these rewards were essentially free.
After these two rankings were updated, the new list was expected to be announced soon, and everyone began speculating about what it might be. However, opinions varied widely.
Before long, the new ranking was about to be revealed. At this moment, countless shinobi were focused on the livestream screen.
Suddenly, a line of text appeared:
[The Ninjutsu Ranking will be announced soon, including techniques with various attributes, and even Senjutsu can be considered within the scope of Ninjutsu. Note: Dojutsu, Taijutsu, and Kekkei Genkai are excluded.]
[Hashirama Senju: Hahaha, the Ninjutsu ranking! I'm sure I'll be on the list. My Wood Release is the most powerful Wood Release!]
[Tobirama Senju: Brother, your Wood Release isn't considered Ninjutsu; it falls under the category of Kekkei Genkai.]
[Hashirama Senju: Damn, I forgot!]