For Luo Ning, ninjutsu presented no real difficulty. There was no need to distinguish between elemental affinities; as long as he desired it, he could perform any technique that had a clear rank in his mind simply by forming hand signs and molding chakra.
Even complex physical techniques like the Eight Inner Gates required no deep study of his meridian pathways. Using them was as simple as breathing—he just formed the signs and released his chakra. The only limitation was his current level; he could not manifest a 'Gate' that exceeded his current capacity.
However, there were still abilities beyond his reach, such as certain Bloodline Limits or specialized occult and forbidden arts. Furthermore, there was one iconic technique from the world of shinobi that he found impossible to use: the Summoning Jutsu.
Without a signed contract, even if he performed the technique perfectly, nothing would appear. Since there was nothing to summon, the technique simply would not activate. Unless he could find a suitable beast and form a pact, the Summoning Jutsu would remain dormant. Luo Ning planned to look for an opportunity to test this on a wild beast; perhaps he could make the summoning technique his own after all.
He also began to wonder what would happen if he expanded his perspective. By analyzing the relationship between chakra and Nen and applying the concept of Vows and Restrictions, could he reinterpret his own abilities?
This thought made his eyes light up. Chakra itself might simply be a variation of Nen. Following this logic, many things became easier to understand.
His level restrictions, the requirement to find and absorb Scarlet Eyes, and the fact that the number of eyes needed increased as his own eyes evolved—these were undoubtedly forms of Restrictions. Under the weight of these Restrictions, his Nen transformed into chakra. The explosive power of his ninjutsu, the ease of elemental transformation, and the evolving effects of his eyes were the benefits granted by his Vow.
One could say that from the very beginning, Luo Ning's transformation into a Scarlet Eye user granted him a Specialist Nen ability. It was a more efficient and direct form of Specialization tailored specifically for him. He could call it 'Ninja' or 'Sharingan,' since everything began with those eyes. He intended to use these unique eyes to peer into the hidden secrets of this world!
Furthermore, a careful analysis suggested that Nen was not just life energy; it also encompassed spiritual energy. Whether it was Gon's mental cultivation while in a state of Zetsu or Chairman Netero's punches of gratitude, both involved spiritual training.
Gon had twice broken through the restraints placed upon him—once with the promise made to Wing and once with Knuckle's ability. In Wing's case, Gon made his aura more stable, reflecting his inner state. In Knuckle's case, his total aura capacity saw a massive increase. This was proof that Nen and spiritual energy were inextricably linked.
When spiritual energy is strong enough, that strength reflects directly onto one's Nen. Thinking of his own situation, Luo Ning understood why his strength had grown so rapidly. When he transmigrated, he had absorbed the dissipating soul of the body's previous owner. That absorbed essence supplemented his own spiritual energy, giving him a pool of mental strength far beyond that of a normal person.
This was also why he possessed the previous owner's memories, though many childhood details remained blurry. Only the most recent events—especially the massacre of the clan—were vivid. Perhaps, in his final moments, the previous owner had also enacted a Vow and Restriction. He might have sacrificed his own soul to summon a new soul that could bring about change. The price of that Restriction was likely eternal dissipation, never to enter the cycle of reincarnation—if such a cycle even existed.
Having clarified these thoughts, Luo Ning felt a deeper understanding of Nen, Vows, and Restrictions. To him, Nen felt all-encompassing, while chakra remained the specific energy used to manifest ninjutsu and the Sharingan.
He also noted that both Nen users and ninjas had their own weaknesses. Powerful Nen users like Chairman Netero, the Chimera Ant King, and the Royal Guards were well-rounded, possessing high attack power, defense, and speed. Ninjas, on the other hand—even those at the level of a Kage—tended to be glass cannons. Their destructive power was terrifying, but their physical defense was worrying compared to Nen users, particularly those of the Enhancement type. They usually relied on specialized techniques to evade damage.
During his previous fight with Uvogin, the damage Luo Ning sustained from using the Frontal Lotus while the Eight Inner Gates were active was arguably greater than the damage he dealt to Uvogin. This was the gap in physical constitution. When Luo Ning entered a pure chakra state, his defensive capabilities were significantly lower than when he was in a Nen state. Even in a hybrid state, his defense was weakened. His strongest defensive form was undoubtedly his pure Nen state.
Perhaps this would change once he perfectly mastered the Lightning Style Chakra Mode. That was a B-rank technique, but its consumption was massive. Furthermore, Luo Ning hadn't fully acclimated to that extreme speed, which was why he hadn't used it against Uvogin. Even with the Sharingan's assistance, adapting to that level of speed required extensive practice.
'That Raikage fellow really was a freak,' Luo Ning thought. If he could master that mode, fighting Uvogin would be much simpler. He might even be able to break through the man's defenses head-on. Next time—if Uvogin was still able to fight—Luo Ning would crush him from the front, right in his strongest domain.
As for his Hatsu, Luo Ning planned for it to assist him in generating more chakra. This would maximize the potential of both his Nen and chakra modes. Ideally, he wanted to become like Kisame Hoshigaki—a Tail-less Tailed Beast. Or perhaps he could go a step further and develop toward becoming a Tailed Beast himself, creating one within his own body.
However, he still needed to figure out the specifics of creating such an entity. In his mind, becoming a Jinchuriki carried too many risks; it was more practical to simply turn himself into a Tail-less Tailed Beast. As for being greedy and trying to do everything, that was a bad idea. Nen development involved 'memory capacity.' Someone like Chairman Netero succeeded because he specialized, allowing him to push the strengths of Enhancement to their limit.
It was a pity he wasn't a Conjurer. Otherwise, he wouldn't mind conjuring a Samehada; that would certainly solve his chakra deficiency. But if he were a Conjurer, his physical combat skills would suffer.
A multitude of thoughts collided in his mind. Luo Ning felt he needed more time to think and experiment to find the best way to maximize his aura capacity.
He looked out the window. Vast wheat fields were blurring past his vision. They were getting close to Mordin City.
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