CHAPTER 211

Susanoo and the Improvement Plan

The operation to transplant the Mangekyō Sharingan was remarkably smooth. After the procedure, Naruto obtained a complete pair of Mangekyō Sharingan.

Compared to a single Mangekyō Sharingan, having a complete set is significantly more taxing. Without the chakra reserves of Kurama, Naruto would struggle to sustain its immense chakra consumption.

The moment the operation concluded, Naruto instinctively grasped the method to activate Susanoo.

However, instead of hastily manifesting its full form, he summoned Shisui Uchiha, who had just returned from suppressing bandits, and brought him to the vast, endless desert.

Shisui, upon being summoned, gazed at Naruto with a puzzled expression.

Naruto stood atop the sea of sand, clasped his hands together, and channeled his chakra. A translucent skeletal frame materialized from the void, enclosing him protectively—his Susanoo had emerged.

"Master Mianma, is this the legendary Susanoo?"

Shisui's tone carried a hint of doubt. He was well aware that unlocking the Mangekyō Sharingan granted access to Susanoo, yet he had never expected someone who had received transplanted eyes to master the supreme dojutsu so effortlessly.

Naruto smiled silently and continued exerting more chakra. Bloody flesh wrapped around the skeletal frame, followed by formidable armor, taking Susanoo to its third stage. Before them stood a towering, battle-ready samurai, exuding an overwhelming aura of destruction.

At that moment, over a dozen shadow clones erupted from beneath the sand, each brandishing a Rasengan.

One after another, Rasenshuriken struck Susanoo, generating powerful shockwaves that sent tremors through the battlefield. The force was so intense that the massive construct was driven into the sand, kicking up a swirling sandstorm.

Shisui furrowed his brows, uncertain of Naruto's intent. Was he testing Susanoo's resilience?

His assumption was correct. Naruto was indeed evaluating Susanoo's endurance—but the results left him somewhat disappointed. The construct failed to withstand multiple direct hits from Rasenshuriken.

If it couldn't endure even this level of assault, then against techniques like Tailed Beast Bombs or Dust Release, its defensive capabilities would be severely lacking.

However, through this experiment, Naruto confirmed a crucial realization.

Though Susanoo is an ability exclusive to Mangekyō Sharingan users, it is not inherently a dojutsu. Instead, it functions as a high-level ninjutsu that remains accessible even after losing the Mangekyō Sharingan.

Uchiha Madara exemplified this truth. Despite being blind, he effortlessly manifested Perfect Susanoo, using it to subdue multiple Tailed Beasts.

The only drawback was that without the Mangekyō's assistance, the chakra cost to sustain Susanoo increased exponentially. Furthermore, only chakra imbued with the Yin Release nature could construct Susanoo's form. In essence, Susanoo was an advanced technique tailored for the Uchiha Clan—one that could significantly enhance their combat capabilities in Uzushiogakure.

With this in mind, Naruto deactivated Susanoo and approached Shisui to discuss his thoughts.

Shisui listened intently before nodding in understanding. He had long known that even a blind Uchiha could manifest Susanoo, yet he harbored concerns about promoting the technique within the clan.

"Master Mianma, I understand your reasoning, but Susanoo consumes an enormous amount of chakra. Even among the elite jōnin who possess the Three-Tomoe Sharingan, none could sustain it for more than twenty seconds. Teaching it to the clan en masse wouldn't be practical."

"What if Susanoo's form could be minimized and worn as armor, like the Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode?"

Naruto proposed his idea.

Shisui fell into deep thought. He had never considered using Susanoo in such a manner, but modifying the technique would require an immense investment of time, effort, and, most importantly, the Mangekyō Sharingan itself.

Sensing Shisui's hesitation, Naruto patted him on the shoulder.

"I've already set up an operating room nearby. I'll transplant the Mangekyō Sharingan back to you. With your talent, you should be able to refine Susanoo's capabilities."

Feeling the warmth of Naruto's hand, Shisui hesitated before responding, his voice laced with gratitude.

"Master Mianma, there's no need to return the Mangekyō to me. If my eyes can aid your cause, I am willing…"

Naruto smiled, pressed his palms together, and activated Sage Mode, merging it with his Kurama-enhanced chakra.

"I don't need the Mangekyō Sharingan anymore. This level of power no longer interests me."

Shisui's breath hitched as he felt the vast ocean of Naruto's chakra. Every time he believed he had grasped the full extent of his leader's strength, Naruto shattered his expectations.

To be so indifferent toward the power of the Mangekyō… Was Master Mianma's strength already comparable to that of the legendary ninja gods?

Having made his point, Naruto led Shisui toward the operating room. His interest in Susanoo lay not in its raw power but in its mechanics—the way it manipulated chakra. He saw it as a foundation for future growth.

After all, Susanoo was a technique suited for battles against ordinary opponents. Against higher-tier enemies, such as Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, who could dissolve a fully manifested Susanoo with a single blow, the technique's practicality diminished.

However, one feature of Susanoo intrigued Naruto—the ability to fly.

His own method of flight relied on Wind Release, leveraging air currents to remain airborne. In contrast, Susanoo's levitation was fundamentally different, seemingly independent of external factors.

In the blink of an eye, a month had passed since Naruto and Shisui arrived at the Loulan Oasis.

Having relocated most of Loulan's survivors and healed Queen Sāra's injuries, the time had come for them to depart. Their destination: Uzushiogakure.

However, just before they set sail, an unexpected visitor arrived.

Orochimaru.

The moment Shisui saw him, his hand instinctively reached for the katana at his waist. Stepping forward, he positioned himself between Naruto and the infamous Snake Sannin, his gaze sharp and unwelcoming.

"Shisui-kun, there's no need for hostility," Orochimaru rasped, his forked tongue flicking out briefly. "I merely wish to have an audience with Master Mianma."

His tone dripped with amusement, yet his words carried an unsettling undertone.

"Besides," Orochimaru continued, "was it not I who provided you with Danzo's whereabouts? We are not enemies."

Naruto raised a hand, signaling Shisui to lower his weapon. His expression remained unreadable as he regarded Orochimaru.

"Orochimaru, your information was indeed valuable. However, explain to me why Pain is also pursuing Danzo. I need answers."

Orochimaru's eyes widened slightly in apparent surprise.

"Pain is after Danzo as well? My, my… How unfortunate for the old war hawk. But you misunderstand me, Leader Mianma. Pain wishes for my demise as much as anyone else. I have no reason to supply him with information."

Naruto exhaled coldly, his gaze steady.

"You had better be telling the truth."

Orochimaru merely chuckled, his golden eyes glinting with intrigue.

"Now, to the reason for my visit. I seek the Mangekyō Sharingan that Danzo possessed. I wish to negotiate its acquisition with you, Master Mianma."

As soon as Orochimaru uttered those words, Shisui's expression darkened with fury.

Naruto frowned and leaned back against a stone bench.

"I've already returned Danzo's stolen eyes to their rightful owners. If you truly desire a Mangekyō Sharingan, you might as well challenge Shisui. His strength isn't much different from Itachi's."

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