Konoha Notes

Chapter 376 The Measure of Youth

Shuuji has always had the idea of ​​appropriately promoting the immortal arts system, ever since he helped Hongdou cultivate.

There are very few people who can directly activate Sage Mode in battle; throughout the history of the ninja world, they are few and far between.

Shuji didn't have unrealistic fantasies about mass-producing sages. His goal was simpler: to cultivate a group of ninjas capable of sensing, understanding, and even initially guiding natural energy.

Even if one cannot ultimately enter Immortal Mode independently, as long as one can use natural energy to slightly enhance physical fitness, increase sensory range, or perform certain specific auxiliary immortal techniques.

In potential future confrontations, this might give them more adaptability and allow them to explore unexpected tactical paths.

How effective will it be? Nobody can say for sure right now.

But at least, someone has to start moving forward.

And at the beginning, there probably won't be many people who can take this path.

After all, the orthodox standard of Sage Mode training, which is not like Kabuto Yakushi's use of technology, is that of the two known individuals, Jiraiya and Naruto, who both represent the highest score of ten in terms of energy, or chakra. Hashirama Senju goes without saying.

A chakra level of 10 is basically the level that would allow someone from Mount Myōboku to be recommended for Sage Mode training.

Anko, who trained for a year with his assistance, had an estimated chakra level of eight.

What is the concept behind this "eight"?
The current Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, granddaughter of the First Hokage, has a chakra level of eight. Orochimaru's own chakra level is seven. Even Yamato, who received some Hashirama cells and can use Wood Release, has a chakra level of seven.

It's fair to say that Anko's talent was exceptional, which is why she was chosen by Orochimaru.

Among the remaining Konoha ninjas with names and identities, those with chakra stronger than Anko are Might Guy and Hyuga Hizashi, who died a few years ago.

Besides, many elite Jonin, including Hiashi, the current head of the Hyuga clan, are only at the level of 8.

This means that, if we use Anko as a reference standard, to select adult ninjas who are qualified to try Sage Mode training, their chakra level must be at least seven.

Because the potential of adult ninjas is mostly set and their room for growth is limited, the basic requirements must be solid enough.

Students are different; their bodies are still growing, their potential has not been fully developed, and their future possibilities are greater.

The selection criteria should be based on potential and adaptability. It doesn't matter if the chakra level is not high enough for the time being. As long as one can safely conduct the most basic meditation on perceiving natural energy under guidance, they are worth being considered.

Among the younger generation, their chakra potential might be sufficient. During the Fourth Shinobi World War, there were only four named individuals whose chakra level reached seven.

Choji Akimichi, Neji Hyuga, Rock Lee, Sasuke Uchiha.

For the adults, the Hokage's office can simply access the ninja files and conduct a preliminary screening based on their chakra levels.

For students, those who can start immediately should be in the special training class.
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A training area specifically for special training classes.

Before Xiu Siren even entered, Kai's penetrating roar surged towards them like a tangible sonic wave.

"Yes! That's it! Feel the muscles stretching! The blood rushing! This is the passion of youth!!!"

"Li! Make your movements more precise! Even one more punch is a step closer to the highest realm of youth!"

"Hey, you Sunagakure kid! No slacking off! Taijutsu is a testament to willpower! Prove your worth with your sweat!"

Shuji stepped onto the edge of the training field, and the scene before him came into view. On the open, paved ground, ten figures were sweating profusely in different ways.

Might Guy moved quickly around the field, sometimes appearing next to Rock Lee to encourage him loudly, and sometimes flashing next to Kankuro to give him a lecture.

What made Xiu Si raise an eyebrow was that among these diligently training figures, he saw a somewhat unexpected "good boy".

Deidara.

This bomber was training just like everyone else, behaving unusually well.

"Shushi!"

The green whirlwind came to an abrupt halt beside him.

"It's rare to see you here."

"Has your desire for ultimate physical skills been rekindled? Are you planning to return to the training ground?"

Xiu Si waved his hand and said, "Senior Kai, please spare me."

"If I were to do extreme training now, I would become overly fatigued."

“It’s a real shame. I remember you completed the training perfectly during that time,” Kai said, knowing what Xiu Si was doing now and therefore not taking it to heart.

Shuji glanced at Deidara: "He seems to be cooperating fairly well?"

"Deidara?" Kai immediately perked up, pointing to the boy doing frog jumps. "That's a very interesting kid!"

He clenched his fist, his voice unconsciously rising another notch: "Although I still can't fully understand the aesthetics of his art—those strange clay figurines he sculpts—but!"

"His almost obsessive focus and passion for the 'art' he pursued, and his never-ending pursuit of breakthroughs! That wholehearted dedication, that burning passion of his life!"

"Without a doubt, that's one of the most extreme expressions of youth!!!"

Kai's undisguised voice carried the evaluation to Deidara's ears. Deidara, who was training, turned his head towards Kai, a smile of unruliness and pride spreading across his face. He then raised a shiny thumb covered in dust and sweat.

He's finally found someone who appreciates his art.

Moreover, this guy's strength is ridiculously high.

Deidara still remembers the scene when he was about to perform an art piece, when Kai pressed close to him and placed his hand on his shoulder.

There are more and more interesting people in Konoha these days.

Kai's passionate speech came to a temporary halt. He turned to Shuji, his high spirits subsiding slightly, and his tone became much more serious: "So, Shuji, you came here specifically for more than just to inspect the training, right?"

"Hmm, I have some new ideas. I plan to start by observing and evaluating them in the special training class." Shuuji's gaze slowly swept over every figure striving hard on the training field, finally lingering a little longer on Hyuga Neji.

Judging from his current level of development of his potential and control over chakra, he is perhaps one of the candidates closest to that threshold.

Shuji withdrew his gaze and looked again at the energetic Jonin beside him, asking, "Gai-senpai, have you... heard of Sage Mode?"

(End of this chapter)