[Heavenly Demon Posture: (Perfection) 1/1000] (+1)
[Mountain Crushing Fist: (Small Success) 96/300] (+18)
[Lightning Spear Thrust: (Small Success) 67/300] (+15)
[Phantom Steps: (Small Success) 115/300] (+14)
In the past 4 hours of nonstop grind, Yoichi managed to accumulate a decent amount of proficiency exp. Every technique he practiced granted him over +10 EXP points and cycling the techniques. Optimization of the time spent on these methods was nothing but a manageable errand.
"This posture method might take a long time... Comprehension and enlightenment weren't my forte after all."
Nonetheless, his trouble came into the posture technique and gained him a ridiculous 1 point of proficiency.
However, Yoichi had patience and determination with time on his side.
No matter how hard or harsh it was, anything could be figured out by his stubborn willpower.
I should be focusing on the realm advancement rather than being stuck with techniques... Regarding the breakthrough process, it might be effortless alongside my trusted pills!
By 10 PM, he had cooked a sufficient meal for his voracious belly. Then, he smeared himself with the ointment and began the refinement process outside.
As the lonely naked boy felt like a bit of an exhibitionist, the winds swayed lightly along with the cold breeze in his stature. The inward gale slightly helped Yoichi as the Qi Blood radiated, boiling his skin along with the strong wafts of the medicinal ointment in his entire physique.
The tormenting discomfort screamed in his sanity yet Yoichi pushed onward and gnashed his teeth, cleansing the impurities on his metallic sheen skin.
Jade Skin was different and the pinnacle of the Skin Refining Stage.
In this process, the metallic elements and his natural skin must be incorporated along with the dense fibers of the muscles.
This demanding procedure was dangerous without any resources or supervision. Although the Martial Arts became much easier than the barbaric practices, the sheer danger didn't decline in casualties.
As they said, "High risk, high reward."
If an individual failed, his skin would be covered in cystic-like compounds due to the improper refinement, making the cysts durable and very uncomfortable.
It was deadly if untreated as the infection of active metal compounds within the ointment could potentially disable a limb or contaminate the body, ruining the opportunity for a stage progression.
Therefore, as Yoichi's focus started to slip, he suddenly halted all his actions.
"That should be currently enough..."
Earlier, Yoichi's Qi Blood swelled uncontrollably while the refinement process went out of control. At that moment, he had no choice but to stop his advances during the process.
Soon, the metallic luminance in his skin slightly faded. In the refined arms, Yoichi felt a protective and transparent layer above his skin, pinching the durable coating with all his might. But the magical membrane on his skin was tightly plastered, enduring his rounds of experiments.
"Impervious to sharp objects and corroding toxins... I'll concentrate on the stage in the next days. That might be my last defense for this operation!"
Yoichi clenched his fist as his mouth slightly curled up in satisfaction. As a result of his refining method, the entirety of his arms received the largest amounts of attention.
Lower body, torso, head, neck, and his private parts remained in the Gold Skin Stage. Considering his gains in the evening, he was ecstatic and soon went into his house immediately since he had no clothes, bare-naked.
After washing his entire body, he put on his white pajamas and slept soundly, ending the eventful day.
...
...
...
In the morning.
*Knock!*
*Knock!*
During the everyday routine, Yoichi raised an eyebrow and opened the door as his instinct hadn't been crazily screeching in his brain. Then, a child in a wolf's mask soon appeared in his eyes with a convenient present.
"Here's your fireworks..." Upon hearing Wolf's successful persuasion, Yoichi nodded while his face slightly lit up.
"Also, your suggestion was well received by Hokage-sama himself. So if you have any more inquiries, say it now." Wolf added with a hint of irritation in his tone.
He hadn't been able to practice for a long time due to numerous duties given by his superiors including this messenger-type assignment. In his mind, this measly task could have been in another operative's hands.
"There's nothing else, Wolf. I assure you'll be fine now."
When Yoichi responded Wolf tilted his head in confusion until he gradually figured out the meaning of his words, finally leaving with a bit of relief in his eyes.
ANBU's job must be too draining.
Without further ado, Yoichi closed the door and continued to eat his meal.
"Yoichi! Are you there?"
Since it was Sunday, Yoichi wanted to refine more of his Jade Skin Stage until a resounding voice was heard outside of his house. As he opened the door with a slight annoyance, his face became quite surprised by the sudden visitor.
"Greetings, Yoichi... It seemed that you're living just fine in your own little space."
"Kohaku-sama, please get in."
At this moment, Yoichi bowed slightly and distinguishedly became polite, acting as a host in front of Kohaku.
"Well then, thanks for having me."
In a relatively good mood, Kohaku went inside the room and unhurriedly sat down on the chair, elegantly seated upright in his poise.
"I wonder what the purpose of your esteemed visit is?"
For a while, the atmosphere inside the room felt a little bit odd and silent before Yoichi poured a tea, breaking the stillness with his direct term.
"Hmmm..." Kohaku took the teacup and sipped some tea until he said, "Always remember your roots, Yoichi."
Noticing Yoichi's perplexity, Kohaku added, "You know that I'm not ceasing your activities. But don't be too much involved in outside parties, you must collectively unite with our clansmen instead of the strangers!"
To be honest, Kohaku felt complex about Yoichi's ties with the Uchiha and his unusual relationship with the Senju alongside the Hokage.
Thanks to Yoichi's unscrupulous moves, some of the Uchiha Elders were furiously pushing Kohaku to decide on punishment for this talented yet distant kid from the Uchiha Clan.
From Kohaku's standpoint, such a treacherous way should be eradicated without a single thought and strip them out of their allocated resources.
However, Yoichi's circumstances were undoubtedly problematic because the child didn't even ask for anything else aside from a safe house to live in.
Yoichi hadn't been appealing for Sharingan guides, Fire Release Uchiha signature techniques, and many more available resources to mobilize.
"Are Naoko and Nobuyuki troubling your mind? Child, don't act too independently on your own. Do not be hesitant to ask for anything else!"
Kohaku revealed a gentle smile as he looked towards the indifferent face of Yoichi, patiently persuading him.
"I'm pleased with your concerns, Kohaku-sama. I really don't require these things as of now. For that family, I'll just be separated from them and remove myself in the meantime."
In such persistent words, Yoichi frankly stated his refusal. His life was perfectly moving forward like a well-oiled cog in a machine. While for his family, there were no issues.
Out of sight, out of mind.
"Are you really certain?" Upon hearing Yoichi's words, Kohaku's face dulled as his tone was filled with authority and utter dominance.
His patience was running thin. This was the first time Kohaku did not like a conclusion since he became the leader of the prestigious Uchiha Clan.
As a part of the hawk faction, Kohaku was dominant before he got the seat with his blood, sweat, and tears to fight for his rightful position.
But now, his gentlemanly attitude has twisted back to his usual self.
"I'm confident. Even if you gouge my eyes right now and strip away my lineage." Stubbornly fighting back, Yoichi glanced at him with extreme coldness. Although this adamant mindset seemed irrational, Yoichi felt the need to retaliate.
With Mito-sama and the Hokage's backing, let's see who's going to be pushed into extinction!
Yoichi stood honorably with his small frame, giving the tenacious spirit outwardly alongside his Indomitable Aura passive ability.
"Fine kid, you win. But remember to visit now and then..." Kohaku finally relented, rubbing his temples and continued, "I'll take my leave now. Don't forget what I just said!"
It was an unstoppable force versus an immovable object. However, Kohaku had backed down for a number of reasons. Primarily because Kohaku felt like Yoichi had nothing to lose.
Yoichi's potential along with the seemingly nonexistent resources was something that bewildered Kohaku.
Trouble! This child is too formidable and tenacious like a cornered beast! Perhaps I should consider my subtle approach next time.
As Kohaku's silhouette faded away in the radiant light, Yoichi took a deep breath and sighed. He wasn't the type of guy to be illogical but conceding his own independence was indeed an ideology Yoichi wouldn't give to anyone else in this world.
I suppose I have to make a few compromises. I'm gonna have to visit the family and Uchiha on the weekend. That should suffice.
Soon, Yoichi shook his head and threw the thought in the back of his mind, eventually practicing his realm advancement in his free time.
________________
(Current Progress)
[Realm: Skin Refining Stage] (Gold Skin)
[Heavenly Demon Posture: (Perfection) 1/1000] (+1)
[Mountain Crushing Fist: (Small Success) 96/300] (+18)
[Lightning Spear Thrust: (Small Success) 67/300] (+15)
[Phantom Steps: (Small Success) 115/300] (+14)
[Tickets: 1 Prismatic, 0 Gold, 0 Silver.]
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Shoutout to doomslayer24 and HologramBuddha for the Power Stones! Holy shit! Absolute Cinema!
Thanks for reading the chapters and bookmarking the novel! See ya! XDD!