As long as Hyuga Mirai could observe and absorb natural energy, even minimally, his shadow clone could analyze his body's data changes and use the advanced calculations of Unit 18 to determine the most optimal method for absorbing it.
By monitoring his breathing, chakra flow, sealing techniques, blood circulation, cellular activity, and more, all the data would be collected and processed to arrive at a feasible method.
After an extended period, the voice of Unit 18 echoed in the laboratory:
"Sir, the calculations are complete. There are two viable methods. The first method involves chakra circulation. According to the calculations, if chakra flows through these specific points, it will enable you to perceive and absorb natural energy."
"The second method employs sealing techniques. By using the Spirit Transformation Technique, you can sense and absorb natural energy. The duration of each absorption should be controlled to 92 seconds, and after three repetitions, the natural energy will balance equally with your spiritual and physical energies. This energy can then be sealed for storage."
"The rate of natural energy erosion on the body is calculated at 3.2. In critical situations, I recommend injecting the cell activation serum to enhance the efficiency of expelling natural energy."
Unit 18 not only outlined methods for developing Sage Mode but also provided detailed data, including corrections for minor mistakes Hyuga Mirai had made during the balancing of natural energy.
With several monitoring tubes and instruments in place, even the cellular changes in his body were measured accurately. For any issues he overlooked, the system provided precise solutions.
Hyuga Mirai rubbed his chin thoughtfully and said, "It seems like the first method is simpler."
"There is no distinction between simple and complex in these methods, sir."
"I'm referring to the steps involved, Unit 18," Mirai clarified. "Compared to the second method, the first method omits many unnecessary procedures."
Unit 18 didn't respond further.
Afterward, Mirai instructed, "Alright, let's stick with this for now. Unit 18, send me the data and methods you just calculated."
"Data successfully sent, sir."
"You're dismissed for now, Unit 18."
"Understood, sir."
After ending his communication with Unit 18, Hyuga Mirai reviewed the two methods for developing Sage Mode in detail. The first method had its challenges, particularly in absorbing natural energy into the body. However, once this step was achieved, the rest wouldn't pose much difficulty for him.
"The cell activation serum has also been optimized by Unit 18. She removed unnecessary ingredients, reducing the cost to seventy thousand ryo per dose," his shadow clone noted while sorting through the data sent by Unit 18.
Mirai nodded. "Prepare two doses, just to be safe."
After hours of fusion with natural energy, Hyuga Mirai felt it wasn't overly challenging. However, to be cautious, he ensured the necessary contingencies were in place.
For the following days, Hyuga Mirai focused entirely on Sage Mode training.
His shadow clone, meanwhile, found himself with plenty of downtime. With Unit 18 handling most of the computational and research work, the clone had little to do.
As the Uzumaki Trade Association sold more computers, Unit 18's computational power grew stronger. She had even begun constructing a database and was preparing for the next phase: building a satellite launch station.
If the future development of the Uzumaki Trade Association wasn't a concern, Unit 18 was already capable of launching a satellite. Satellite deployment was a necessary step to improve the poor network communications of the ninja world. Initially, satellite communication would be established, with upgrades planned for later stages.
During his Sage Mode training, Hyuga Mirai failed the natural energy absorption step over a dozen times. The calculated methods were effective only if he was in an optimal state. A single mistake in the process resulted in failure.
Despite his high chakra control, it still fell short of the precision required by Unit 18's simulations. However, repeated failures allowed Mirai to accumulate valuable experience.
"With the end of my leave approaching, I need to succeed in these final attempts," he thought to himself.
The Third Shinobi World War was only in its early stages. Soon, the five great nations would escalate their conflicts, with Konoha inevitably caught in the crossfire. Battling Sand Shinobi, Rock Shinobi, Cloud Shinobi, and even Hidden Mist interference would leave the village in dire straits.
In such a volatile situation, Hyuga Mirai needed to rapidly increase his strength.
Clearing his mind, he clasped his hands into a seal, activated his chakra, and emptied his thoughts to sense natural energy.
Moments later, he succeeded in absorbing natural energy into his body—a step where he had previously failed numerous times. His careful approach this time ensured success on the first attempt.
"Not bad. Now, I just need to balance the three energies and maintain the equilibrium to enter Sage Mode," his shadow clone remarked approvingly. Holding a cell activation serum in hand, the clone was ready to inject it if Mirai failed to control the natural energy. The serum would forcibly enhance his physical energy to expel the invading natural energy instantly.
Fortunately, this precaution seemed unnecessary.
Once natural energy enters the body, it exerts a powerful corrosive effect. Without sufficient chakra control, the energy would slowly erode the user's body until it became completely saturated with natural energy.
In the Sage Modes taught at the three great sanctuaries, failure often resulted in physical transformations resembling the sanctuaries' inhabitants. However, Mirai did not train in any of these sanctuaries, despite his contract with Ryūchi Cave.
According to the data, the natural energy within his body did not expand its corrosive effect. Instead, it remained stable for an extended period.
Ten minutes later, faint blue-green markings appeared at the corners of Mirai's eyes. His entire aura transformed, creating an almost seamless connection with the surrounding natural environment.
When Mirai opened his eyes, he noticed a significant enhancement in his perception. Unlike the Byakugan's telescopic vision, this new sense allowed him to detect every ninja within a two-kilometer radius. With focus, he could even discern subtle chakra differences and identify the individuals.
"So, this is Sage Mode," he murmured.
Without delay, the shadow clone placed Mirai's body on the observation table and connected him to the monitoring equipment for a detailed physical assessment.
While the clone conducted its analysis, Mirai internally examined the changes in his body.
The most noticeable difference was a newfound lightness in his movements. Despite the ongoing effects of the Weighted Rock Technique's sealing formula on his body, the condensed sage chakra seemed to nullify its influence.
"Cellular activity isn't heightened; rather, it feels like the cells have entered a dormant state. The boost in physical performance comes directly from the natural energy. It seems that natural energy functions more as a medium, while sage chakra serves as a bridge connecting internal and external forces."
After a while, the shadow clone reviewed the report and remarked, "Plenty of data here. You'd better look at it yourself."
With that, the shadow clone dispelled itself, transferring the chakra and memories back to the original body.
After reviewing his state in Sage Mode, Hyuga Mirai had a clear understanding of its effects.
However, it felt like a waste to limit Sage Mode's potential to just enhanced physical performance from sage chakra. He resolved to develop powerful sage techniques that could maximize its capabilities.
(End of Chapter)
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