"This is the Shadow Clone Jutsu. Train well."
After Orochimaru obtained the Shadow Clone Jutsu, he immediately dispatched it via a White Snake, delivering it directly to Satori Hyūga.
Satori eyed the slimy ninja scroll, his mouth twitching slightly, trying not to gag as he unrolled it for study.
Snake-based techniques were undeniably effective, though undeniably repulsive.
Whether it was the innately menacing presence of cold, slick reptiles or the viscous saliva they spat from their jaws, both factors could severely undermine one's composure.
Generally, those lacking strong willpower would struggle to maintain even half their usual combat effectiveness when facing such techniques.
Even employing summoned beasts for message delivery was remarkably efficient.
Still, Satori didn't particularly like it.
He lowered his head and carefully studied the Shadow Clone Jutsu.
This technique was a B-ranked ninjutsu, somewhat difficult.
Fortunately, Satori had just unlocked the first of the Eight Gates, the Opening Gate, raising his chakra reserves to the Chunin level, so he didn't have to worry about running out of chakra.
Looking at the scroll, Satori formed hand seals with his fingers.
His index and middle fingers pressed together, both hands crossed into a cross shape, and chakra began to circulate regularly within his body.
With a loud "puff!"
A flash of white mist appeared, and an exact copy of Satori Hyūga materialized beside him.
"Incredible."
Satori stared at his shadow clone, murmuring with quiet awe.
The shadow clone possessed part of his consciousness and chakra, capable of attacking, researching, and studying.
No wonder novel protagonists go to great lengths to master this technique.
This technique was indeed the perfect option for improving power and reconnaissance.
If there was a dangerous mission, a shadow clone could be sent to complete it.
"Professor Orochimaru, he's all yours now," Satori said smilingly to Orochimaru.
The shadow clone also looked at Orochimaru and said, "I'll serve as your assistant from now on."
Orochimaru's lips curled into a satisfied smile when looking at his identical disciple.
"Satori, we'll see more of each other from now on. I hope you can bring me some surprises."
Watching Orochimaru and the shadow clone walk away, Satori's gaze turned distant, clearly deep in thought.
Enough of that. Power comes first. It's time to resume training the Eight Gates.
Putting aside the schemes and plans swirling in his mind, Satori resumed practicing and researching again.
Learning had no end.
The method of opening the Gateway to the Human Body's Treasury through the Eight Gates was formidable yet ruthless.
Satori tried breaking it down piece by piece, integrating it into his own ninjutsu system.
After just breaking through the first gate, he had wanted to push forward to the second, unfortunately interrupted by Orochimaru.
This made his momentum falter completely, unable to regain that earlier feeling.
Because of this, Satori gathered his energy and started practicing [Feeding-Back Jutsu 2.0].
Large amounts of chakra generated while opening the gates were slowly dissipating — in Satori's view, this was simply wasteful.
It would be better used for cultivation, replenishing himself.
He merged his chakra with his spiritual intent, slowly revitalizing the cells throughout his body.
Satori Hyūga's spirit was the embodiment of his training—woven from the willpower and memories forged through diligent efforts.
Therefore, when Satori used the Feeding-Back Jutsu 2.0 to replenish his cells, the cells unconsciously preserved the sensations and memories from the moment he opened the gate.
By the time Satori finished training, he felt like he had grasped a deeper understanding of how to activate the Eight Gates technique.
Previously, opening the gates required driving his body beyond its limits.
Now, it felt nearly effortless—as if he could activate it with a mere thought.
Of course, this was merely an illusion.
A single training session couldn't fully solidify the skill of opening the gate.
But with repeated practice, mastery would eventually come through familiarity.
This newfound understanding only deepened Satori's conviction that his Feeding-Back Jutsu 2.0 and the Eight Gates technique were mutually reinforcing.
The Feeding-Back Jutsu 2.0 refined his body and enriched his experience.
The Eight Gates unlocked human limits, amplifying his combat potential.
Just then, a growling sound from his stomach snapped him out of his thoughts.
Grrrrrrl…
His stomach roared in protest, clearly demanding nourishment.
"Tsk tsk tsk. One downside of the Eight Gates is how much energy it devours."
Rubbing his now-flattened stomach, Satori started considering where to eat.
After some consideration, he instinctively made his way to the ramen shop.
He frequented it not just out of habit, but also because Konoha didn't offer many decent dining options.
Among the village's many eateries, the ramen shop was already a rare gem.
As for Akimichi Barbecue, the price was way too steep. Eating there once in a while was fine, but frequent visits made Satori flinch at the price.
"The prices in the ninja world are ridiculous. Maybe one day I'll find a way to lower them."
Still, Satori knew there were reasons behind the high costs.
A stagnant feudal system, compounded by years of war and disaster, had drastically stifled productivity.
Moreover, the powerful Daimyos, eager to keep ninjas subdued as weapons, covertly pulled the strings behind the scenes.
That's why even though ninjas received large sums for missions, their lives remained tough and impoverished.
"If I'd been reincarnated as an Uchiha, I'd probably scream, 'The world is wrong!' awaken my Mangekyo Sharingan, and maybe even earn Madara Uchiha's favor."
"Unfortunately, I was born into the outdated, decaying Hyūga Main House—a life where food and shelter were never concerns."
Thinking that, Satori called out toward the kitchen: "Another bowl of tonkotsu ramen, please!"
Upon hearing his voice, Teuchi quickly ran out from the back and placed a steaming-hot bowl of tonkotsu ramen in front of him.
"Brother Satori, you've got quite the appetite! That's already your eighth bowl!"
Who wouldn't be shocked?
Even ordinary ninjas, famous for their monstrous appetites and rivaling professional gluttons, wouldn't go that far.
Satori ate enough for two or three men in one go—on par with an Akimichi.
"I'm still young—I need to eat more to grow bigger. Bigger means stronger."
"Teuchi, you should eat more too. Your handmade ramen still lacks the right chewiness—you need to eat more and exercise."
Satori Hyuga commented to the future Otsutsuki Teuchi.
Teuchi quickly straightened his posture, visibly anxious as he bowed deeply, apologizing.
"I will definitely put in twice the effort from now on."
A serious worker who studied diligently, Teuchi always worked hard to improve his ramen-making skills.
After working for over a month, he was finally allowed to prepare ramen himself.
Knowing this, Satori would occasionally come by to taste and critique his work—to help boost his reputation, one might say.
While offering critiques, he was also pushing Teuchi to improve and strive harder.
The strongest Otsutsuki of the future forged through my guidance… Well, that'd make quite an interesting tale to tell.
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