"In addition to lengthening the body, there's also hardening, regeneration..."
"My Yang Release isn't as strong as Xu Ming's, but by incorporating the Second Hokage's concept, I use Yang Release to place my body in a special Chakra Mode. In this mode, my body retains a certain memory, allowing it to return to its original state after short-term transformations."
"By referencing the memory transfer effect of the Shadow Clone Technique, I record my physical state within the Yang Release Chakra Mode and restore it at the end, achieving the effect of limb regeneration."
Orochimaru muttered to himself, his expression gradually turning into one of admiration.
It wasn't just because the technique he developed had amazing results—it was because he thought of Xu Ming.
Xu Ming had said that this technique suited him, and he was absolutely right.
His development process had been remarkably smooth, with ideas constantly emerging, and the results were immensely gratifying. It felt as if this technique was tailor-made for him.
At the Same Time
A system notification flashed before Xu Ming's eyes.
[Feedback on Strength Enhancement...]
[You have perfectly mastered the S-rank Yang Release Secret Technique—Life Adjustment! Using Yang Release Chakra, your life force enters a highly active state, allowing you to freely modify your appearance, body shape, organ size, and strength. You can even regulate the functionality of your internal organs and tissues.]
As the system's feedback registered, an immense amount of knowledge flooded Xu Ming's mind.
He was momentarily stunned, his expression turning dazed.
It was as if he had instantly undergone sixty years of rigorous training, breaking through obstacles one by one with relentless effort.
In the end, he had evolved body transformation into something far greater—a high-level life adjustment technique!
This technique allowed him to modify not just his external body, but also his internal organs, blood vessels, nervous system, hormone secretion, and even hair growth.
If traditional body modification only enabled muscle expansion and made his figure resemble that of an ape…
Then Life Adjustment could grow thick fur all over his body, transforming him—inside and out—into an actual ape!
"I've taken another step toward true shapeshifting..."
Xu Ming couldn't help but sigh in amazement.
The Life Adjustment technique had nearly unlimited potential.
As long as he possessed enough biological knowledge and understood various life structures, he could assume the appearance of different creatures.
Creatures that soar through the sky, run across the land, or swim in the water.
If Xu Ming dissected a corpse, he could immediately transform into that species.
"And Chakra is absolutely ridiculous..."
"Normal body transformation techniques have limits—they can't drastically alter body mass or shape. But Life Adjustment can shrink me into a palm-sized bird, making extra flesh and weight disappear into thin air."
"It's beyond absurd."
Xu Ming shook his head, half in disbelief.
Orochimaru was right—humans were never meant to wield the power of Chakra.
The fragile, primitive structure of human biology was completely unworthy of such an incredible force.
Only the Ōtsutsuki Clan, who were essentially gods, could fully utilize Chakra.
"But that's a concern for the future."
Xu Ming shook his head, dismissing the thought.
For now, he had other matters to focus on.
He turned back inside, grabbed a thick cotton coat, and stepped out into the cold.
From today until the end of the New Year celebrations, he would be staying at Lord Hiruzen's house.
The same arrangement applied to Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
As orphans with no families, the Third Hokage had invited them to the Sarutobi Clan's residence to celebrate the occasion.
Tsunade, however, remained with the Senju Clan.
At the end of the year, the Third Hokage would take Xu Ming and the others to visit Uzumaki Mito, before they all gathered at the Senju Clan's estate.
Evening
The sky was overcast, and light snow drifted down.
When Xu Ming arrived at Hiruzen's residence, he was met with an unexpected scene of chaos.
"Just teach me one more time! I swear I'll get it this time!"
"Orochimaru, please! Trust me!"
"I can feel myself grasping it!"
Jiraiya was sprawled across the floor, desperately clinging to Orochimaru's leg, practically wailing.
What on earth is happening?
Xu Ming raised an eyebrow, stepping forward out of curiosity.
Before he could speak, Orochimaru spotted him—
And immediately kicked Jiraiya away.
Jiraiya was sent flying—right into Xu Ming's leg.
"Xu Ming!!"
Jiraiya latched onto him, wiping his snot and tears all over Xu Ming's pants.
"Please teach me! The body-lengthening technique is amazing, I have to learn it!"
"Get away from me!"
Xu Ming shoved Jiraiya off in disgust.
Jiraiya initially tried to resist, but he suddenly realized—Xu Ming's grip was like a mountain, completely overpowering him.
Just like that, Xu Ming lifted him like a sack of potatoes and flung him aside.
"So much strength..."
Jiraiya's eyes flashed with surprise as he adjusted his stance midair, landing gracefully without losing balance.
"Honestly, Xu Ming, this body transformation technique you developed from the Akimichi Clan's Multiplication Secret Technique is incredible!"
Jiraiya dusted himself off and grinned, throwing an arm around Xu Ming's shoulder.
"I really want to learn it—please teach me!"
"This isn't my exclusive ninjutsu. Why don't you just ask Orochimaru?" Xu Ming looked at him, puzzled.
While body transformation was an S-rank Forbidden Technique, it wasn't particularly valuable in battle.
It was classified as S-rank mainly because it required proficiency in Yang Release and posed a high risk of deformity during training. If performed incorrectly, the user could become an inhuman creature and fail to revert back.
However, the derivative techniques—such as hardening, elongation, and flexibility—were only B-rank ninjutsu.
In combat, their effectiveness was debatable.
Even in the future, Orochimaru would mostly use them as support techniques.
(For reference: The rank of a jutsu reflects its difficulty level, not necessarily its power or value.)
"Orochimaru is a terrible teacher."
Jiraiya shot a side glance at Orochimaru, pouting.
"You bastard!"
Orochimaru's blood pressure spiked as he snapped back:
"I've already taught you twenty times! From morning until now, I've practically talked myself hoarse! You idiot still don't get it!"
"That's nonsense! You just don't know how to teach!"
Jiraiya stood his ground, refusing to admit fault.
"Heh, I haven't seen you for a few days, and your shamelessness has grown so thick that even a kunai wouldn't pierce it."
Orochimaru sneered, crossing his arms.