In theory, based on Haku's character, it was unlikely he would lie about chakra refinement. Even if he wanted to, Haku's knowledge wouldn't be enough to deceive someone like Daniel. Still, Daniel decided to verify the process with Sasuke, not because he doubted Haku, but to cross-reference the chakra refinement techniques across villages and see if they were indeed similar.
Chakra refinement methods differed greatly from the cultivation of internal energy or "true qi." With true qi, the technique used could significantly impact the outcome, with lower-tier techniques producing far inferior results compared to top-tier ones. However, chakra refinement had no such disparity. Regardless of the method, the difference between them was minimal, and one's chakra quantity was largely determined by innate talent—except in the case of jinchūriki.
The power of bloodline limits lay not only in their unique abilities but also in the increased chakra reserves they provided. Take the Uchiha clan, for instance. Their chakra reserves were far superior to those of the average person. After all, without a substantial chakra reserve, using techniques like Susano'o would be impossible.
"Alright, now use your Ice Release on the target," Daniel instructed Haku, seated in front of a monitor, observing Haku within a modernized testing chamber located near a small cabin in the dense forests near the Land of Fire.
Daniel wasn't in a rush to start his own chakra training. Sasuke was still bedridden, recovering from his injuries. Before the completion of the Great Naruto Bridge, Team 7 would remain in the Land of Waves, giving Daniel plenty of time to visit Sasuke.
In the meantime, he focused on studying Haku's body and the secrets of Ice Release. He had set up a research facility near the cabin, where he conducted his analyses.
"As expected, chakra is different from true qi, but it's still a form of energy. People like Esdeath and Akame could potentially learn chakra refinement as well," Daniel mused. While he had no problems training in both true qi and chakra due to his foundational training in the soul-based magic of Kamar-Taj, others like Esdeath and Akame might face compatibility issues.
"Bloodline limits really are powerful," Daniel observed. Haku, despite being only around 14 or 15 years old—three years older than Sasuke and Naruto—had already reached the level of a special jōnin. Naruto's frustration with Haku had stemmed from how strong the boy was, despite his youth and seemingly delicate appearance. If Haku had lived beyond that fateful battle, he likely would have reached elite jōnin level by the time of the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Technically, the term "elite jōnin" didn't exist officially in the ninja world. Ninja rankings only included genin, chūnin, jōnin, and special jōnin, along with the occasional term "Kage-level" for exceptionally strong individuals. The term "elite jōnin" was informally used to describe particularly skilled jōnin who handled high-risk missions, akin to special forces in the military.
"The combination of physical and spiritual energy to form chakra... If this method spread in the One Piece world, it could push those with Four Emperors-level strength to a new level," Daniel reflected. The One Piece world was predominantly centered around physical combat and devil fruit powers, but spiritual powers weren't absent—like the use of Haki. Miss Goldenweek's paint, for instance, controlled emotions through spiritual power, something akin to Haki in its own way.
Some individuals in One Piece possessed natural talent with Kenbunshoku Haki (Observation Haki), such as a child on Skypiea who had a range similar to Eneru's mantra.
If people in that world could refine chakra, the results could be astounding. With the immense physical and spiritual power possessed by figures like the Four Emperors, the addition of chakra could elevate their strength to unimaginable levels.
Moreover, basic chakra techniques like walking on water would revolutionize combat for devil fruit users. Imagine a battle where the ships are destroyed, yet the fighters continue to battle on the surface of the ocean, unaffected by the loss of their vessels.
"Try this." After several days of studying Haku's Ice Release, Daniel handed Haku a pill known as a "Zhenren Dan" (Immortal Pill). Its primary function was to drastically increase a person's internal energy (true qi), but Daniel was curious if it might also enhance chakra reserves.
Even if the pill didn't work on chakra, it was harmless. Confident in its safety, Daniel offered it to Haku.
Without hesitation, Haku swallowed the pill.
"Now, continue refining your chakra," Daniel instructed after Haku consumed the pill.
"How do you feel?" Daniel asked as Haku finished another round of chakra refinement.
"My chakra reserves have increased by about 10%," Haku replied, his voice filled with wonder. Chakra refinement had no shortcuts, and though Haku had taken various medicines to boost his physical condition, none had directly increased his chakra like this.
"Only a 10% increase?" Daniel muttered to himself, slightly disappointed. A single Zhenren Dan was enough to create a top-tier expert in the martial world, equivalent to a high-level jōnin in the ninja world.
While chakra-based abilities like ninjutsu had larger attack ranges than most martial techniques, one-on-one combat might see different results depending on the fighter.
"The pill wasn't entirely wasted, but it's not as effective as I hoped. However, it's possible that the effects will continue to grow over time," Daniel concluded.
If Zhenren Dan had even the slightest effect, that was enough for Daniel. He had an abundant supply of these pills anyway.
"Once the Mirror Dimension is perfected, all I need to do is capture Black Zetsu, and everything will fall into place." Given Daniel's expertise with spatial manipulation, even a master of escape like Black Zetsu would have a hard time evading the Mirror Dimension.
During the time he spent studying Haku, Daniel also worked on refining his connection to the Space Stone, continuously strengthening his abilities to manipulate space.
"I definitely need to pay Orochimaru a visit. He's conducted many experiments involving bloodline limits. His data could save me a lot of time. And then there's Hiruko and his Chimera Technique..."
As Daniel contemplated his next move, he wandered to the site of the bridge construction. Seeing the progress, he couldn't help but think, "Things are moving quickly. With a few ninja helping, this would go even faster."
The construction site was surprisingly relaxed. Perhaps it was because Kado was dead, or maybe Daniel's assurance had made Kakashi and the rest feel more at ease. Either way, Kakashi seemed more focused on his book than on keeping guard. Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura were nowhere to be seen, leaving Kakashi perched on a high beam, chuckling at the contents of Icha Icha Paradise.
"They're practicing tree climbing, huh? Without his clan to guide him, Sasuke's progress has slowed." Daniel noted how Sasuke, who had mastered the Uchiha clan's Fire Release techniques in the Academy, had yet to master the basic ninja skills of tree climbing or water walking.
"If the Uchiha clan were still around, they'd never allow this," Daniel thought. He then quietly used his voice to send a message to Sasuke through the wind.
"Uchiha Sasuke, do you want to know about Itachi? If you do, come meet me alone in the west. Don't tell anyone."
The sudden voice startled Sasuke, causing him to lose balance and fall from the tree he had just climbed. However, Sasuke's reflexes kicked in, and he grabbed a branch mid-fall, swinging himself to another tree limb. His eyes scanned the area for the source of the voice.
"Ha! Sasuke, you're such a loser!" Naruto's laugh rang out as he watched Sasuke fall from the tree.
"If you don't come in the next ten minutes, you'll never learn the truth about Itachi. And remember, come alone," the voice whispered again, ignoring Naruto's mockery.
Sasuke, driven by his obsession with avenging his clan, ignored Naruto and swiftly changed direction, heading west as instructed. He couldn't afford to miss any chance to learn more about Itachi.
Naruto's voice called after him, "Where are you going, Sasuke?"
"I'm just going for a walk. Don't follow me," Sasuke shouted back, disappearing into the forest.
The moment he was out of sight, Sasuke turned and ran west, eager to meet the mysterious voice.
"Kids these days are so smart. Already using misdirection tactics," Daniel chuckled, sensing Sasuke's movements through his Kenbunshoku Haki.
Ninja matured quickly in this world. After all, Kakashi had become a jōnin at 12, and Itachi had joined the ANBU at 13.
Sitting on a tree branch in the forest's west end, Daniel smiled as Sasuke finally arrived. "Yo."
The boy's eyes burned with hatred the moment Daniel mentioned Itachi. "You know where Itachi is?"
"You really think you're ready to face him? Itachi became an ANBU captain at 13. Do you have any idea how strong he is now?" Daniel countered, hoping to temper Sasuke's impulsiveness. Sasuke, still a genin, had no chance against someone like Itachi.
"I don't care! Tell me where he is!" Sasuke growled, pulling out a kunai and rushing at Daniel.
Sigh. "So impulsive," Daniel muttered, lightly shaking his head. With a flick of his wrist, Daniel summoned a chain that
quickly wrapped around Sasuke, suspending him in the air.
"Calm down, Sasuke. Before you go after Itachi, don't you want to know the truth about the Uchiha massacre? Have you ever wondered why Itachi spared your life? And do you really believe Itachi could single-handedly wipe out the entire Uchiha clan?" Daniel's words cut through Sasuke's rage like a blade.
Sasuke stopped struggling, hanging silently as he processed the questions.
"You've never questioned how a village as powerful as Konoha could let something like the Uchiha massacre happen without intervening? And how did Itachi escape so easily afterward? Does any of this make sense to you?"
Sasuke, still furious, was now forced to think about the inconsistencies. His hatred for Itachi had clouded his mind, but Daniel's words brought up questions he had ignored for years.
"The truth. What is it?" Sasuke finally asked, his voice cold and calm.
"The truth... I'll tell you, but nothing comes free. I'll trade you the truth for something of equal value. How about that?"
"What do you want? My eyes? Fine! I'll give them to you after I've killed Itachi," Sasuke offered, his obsession with revenge blinding him to the gravity of his words.
Daniel chuckled. "I don't need your eyes, Sasuke. I only want the chakra refinement technique and some basic ninjutsu."
"That's it?" Sasuke asked, surprised by the simplicity of the request. In the ninja world, the chakra refinement method was as basic as it got.
"That's it. Now, show me how you refine chakra."
Sasuke quickly relayed the method, though he still seemed confused by Daniel's request.
As Daniel followed the steps, he soon felt the familiar yet distinct sensation of chakra flowing through him. "So this is chakra..."
Sasuke then demonstrated the basic techniques of the ninja world: the clone technique, substitution, and transformation.
Finally, Sasuke shared the Uchiha clan's iconic Fire Release technique: the Great Fireball Jutsu. After a few attempts, Daniel successfully replicated the technique, albeit with room for improvement in actual combat.
Having mastered the basics, Daniel was ready to delve deeper into the world of chakra and its potential.
_________________________________________
From May 26 to June 3, I'm offering a 33% discount on all Patreon tiers.
Just use this code when you sign up: 83AA7
If you'd like to support the project and get early access to chapters, now's the perfect time to join or upgrade.
This limited-time offer lasts only for these 9 days!
Thank you for your support ❤️
[w w w . p @ t r e o n . c o m / M u t t e r]