Yoru's vision shifted abruptly. He found himself back in the Anbu base on the previous full moon night.
In Fox squad's changing room, he was alone, sitting on the central bench, gazing up at the bright moon outside the high window.
This was the first time since crossing over that he had survived until the next full moon and could actively decide how he would die.
Luck was on his side, he had encountered Senju Bai, the insider, who led him into the heart of the Senju clan and to Senju Rinmu.
Rinmu was overwhelmingly powerful, almost instantly taking him down.
It was fortunate he was nearly killed, otherwise, surviving half-alive until the next full moon would have been disastrous.
Alone as an Anbu operative, going to assassinate the Senju clan head had already become an established fact. Apart from becoming a rogue ninja, there was no other choice.
If luck was worse, even the rogue path wouldn't exist.
[Arc of Full Moon Activated!]
Host has one resurrection opportunity per month, reviving on the previous full moon night.
Reward Draw:
1. A-rank Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet (Beginner)
2. Senju Secret Art: Superhuman Strength
3. Bloodline: Senju (Normal, Purifiable)
Excessive , all three options were highly useful, forcing him to waste two.
Any of the three alone could serve as a core ability, supporting him to become a Jonin.
Option 1: Water Dragon Bullet , an improved version of Senju Tobirama's water techniques, requiring only three seals. A top-tier offensive water jutsu, used by the Second Hokage and the Fifth Mizukage. Even against Uchiha Madara, it could hold its ground. Large attack range, high power, fire ninjas wouldn't threaten him.
Option 2: Secret Art: Superhuman Strength, Tsunade's core skill, maximizing chakra usage in the body. In taijutsu, second only to the Eight Gates. At its peak, tearing through Susanoo would be trivial.
Both were tempting, especially superhuman strength, with its higher ceiling.
Yoru's focus shifted to Option 3: Senju Bloodline (Normal, Purifiable).
The Senju's bloodline, innate strength, massive chakra, and purifiable. Refining it could potentially awaken Wood Release.
His chakra nature was Earth and Water, perfectly compatible.
The purity of Rinmu's bloodline was unknown, so his body could likely only handle the normal level.
Rewards were determined by the killer's strength and the host's physical capacity.
Senju Bloodline, immensely valuable. Hunting down Senju multiple times might even allow another chance to draw this bloodline, refining it further for even greater power.
After hesitation, Yoru chose the reward with the highest ceiling: Senju Bloodline. Potentially reaching a Six Paths level.
Immediately, a fiery heat surged through his body. Sweat steamed from his head and neck. Clothes clung painfully to his skin. Painful friction.
He quickly removed his clothing.
Every cell throbbed, each muscle strengthened, every tendon toughened. His heartbeat and even his organs felt stronger.
Chakra visibly increased, the immense chakra typical of the Senju clan.
Half an hour later, his body stabilized. He checked his status panel:
[Host Status:]
Chakra: 1.5× Elite Chunin Level
Chakra Nature: Earth, Water, Yang
Bloodline: Senju (Normal)
Ninjutsu: Water Release: Water Wall, Earth Release: Earth Clone
Taijutsu: Beginner Body Flicker, Beginner Cloud Blade
Sealing: Self-Karma Binding Seal
Special: Reflexive Response (Second Breakthrough), Natural Chakra Growth
His original chakra was 3.9× Chunin Level. Elite Chunin was 5× Chunin.
Even normal Senju Bloodline had increased it to 1.5× Elite Chunin.
Muscles were tighter, body stronger, full of power.
Even more surprising: a new chakra nature, Yang. Initially minor, but potentially impactful at Six Paths levels.
Special ability: Natural Chakra Growth. His chakra would increase naturally over time, reaching the bloodline's limit. Previous options for just more chakra wouldn't compare to this fundamental improvement.
The Senju were born with a silver spoon, even a normal bloodline granted immense enhancement.
The changing room door suddenly opened.
Purple Cat entered, shocked to see Fox nearly naked.
"Ah? Waiting for me? So impatient you strip yourself first?"
Purple Cat walked across, removing Anbu gear piece by piece, finally revealing her bare feet.
Half an hour later, she was begging.
"Not only is your body better… why has your stamina improved?"
An hour later, her legs could barely support her, and she almost fell if Fox hadn't supported her waist.
"Captain, new squad members are arriving soon; we can't be so reckless."
"Doesn't matter, given Anbu casualty rates, they won't last long anyway."
Purple Cat realized Fox captain was heartlessly pragmatic.
Seeing her gaze, Yoru said:
"Don't worry. I'm stronger now , I can protect you."
Before, he couldn't protect those around him. Now, his growing strength allowed him to do more.
"Thank you, Captain."
Yoru returned to one month earlier. Many events hadn't occurred; the squad hadn't been rebuilt; Bai and others were alive.
Dressed and masked, he walked through the Anbu base, entering the mission records room.
Black Ape Squad had performed many missions since joining the Anbu, but no mention of Hashirama cells.
Those were in Danzo's hands, when he could acquire them was uncertain.
With the normal Senju Bloodline, obtaining Hashirama cells could potentially unlock Wood Release.
Senju bloodline plus Hashirama cells, lower limit: another Yamato; upper limit: unpredictable.
Yoru remembered Orochimaru. After Nawaki's death, Orochimaru obsessively experimented, seeking immortality. Perhaps Danzo would only reveal Hashirama cells at that stage.