“So, Brother Makoto, have you mastered it?” Obito leaned closer, his face full of anticipation.
Makoto looked at him, his expression suddenly turning dead serious.
“Obito.” “Huh?” “Do you believe I’ve already mastered this ability?” Obito blinked, then nodded vigorously.
“I believe you!
Of course I do!
I’ll believe whatever you say, Brother Makoto!” [Ding!
Obito Uchiha has completely believed your lie: “I have mastered the partial Tekkai hardening ability.” Trust Level: 100%.
Manifestation Level: 80%.
Ability manifested!] *It worked.* Makoto felt something shift inside his body.
He raised his right hand and willed it.
In an instant, the muscles throughout his entire right arm contracted tightly, and the surface of his skin took on a faint metallic sheen.
Meanwhile, his left arm, legs, and torso remained completely fluid and relaxed.
“Whoa!” Obito’s eyes widened into saucers.
“It really works!
Brother Makoto, you actually pulled it off!” “It’s alright,” Makoto said with feigned nonchalance, casually swinging his hardened right arm.
“Just took a tiny bit of effort.” Inwardly, he was thrilled.
An 80% manifestation level wasn’t full completion, but it was more than enough for practical use.
Furthermore, he had discovered a new mechanic of the system: telling the exact same lie to different people allowed the manifestation progress to stack.
What did that mean?
It meant that if he could get both Obito and Guy to believe the same lie, the resulting effect might surpass what a single person’s 100% belief could produce.
“Come on, Obito, this is what we’re practicing today.” Makoto dismissed the hardening.
“Let me demonstrate the principle first…” As it turned out, Obito was far better at talking big than actually training.
“Partial hardening!
Partial…
Huh?
Why did my whole body stiffen up again?!” “Relax, relax!
Only harden your arm!
I didn’t tell you to hold your breath!” “I…
I’m trying!” Two hours later, Obito lay sprawled out on the ground, completely spent.
Makoto stood beside him with his hands on his hips, wearing an expression that said *I knew this would happen*.
“Brother Makoto…” Obito groaned weakly.
“This is way harder than normal Tekkai…” “Of course it is.
It’s an advanced technique,” Makoto said, crouching down.
“But you’re a genius, Obito.
How can a genius complain about things being hard?” Hearing those words, Obito struggled to sit back up.
“Right!
I’m a genius!
I can’t give up!” Makoto patted him on the shoulder.
“That’s the spirit.
We’ll continue tomorrow.” In his head, Makoto thought, *You better not give up, kid.
I already bragged to everyone that you’re a genius too.
If you lose the upcoming spar, where am I supposed to put my face?
That would deal a massive blow to my credibility!
Losing credibility hurts way worse than losing a fight myself!* *** Early the next morning, Makoto headed to another training ground.
Guy was already there doing handstand push-ups, shouting with every rep: “Ninety-seven!
Ninety-eight!
Youth must burn brightly!” “Guy!” Makoto called out.
Guy flipped upright and landed on his feet, flashing a dazzling grin.
“Makoto!
You’re here!
Are you teaching me a new move today?” “Something even stronger.” Makoto walked to the center of the clearing.
“Watch closely.” He raised his right hand and focused his mind.
Instantly, his entire arm hardened, gleaming with a cold, metallic luster in the morning sun.
“Guy, hit me!” “Watch out, Makoto!” *Thud!* A dull thud rang out, and Makoto’s right arm didn’t budge an inch.
Guy’s eyes flashed with excitement.
“Is this…
an advanced application of Tekkai?” “That’s right!
I call it Flowing Iron Body.” Makoto released the hardening and looked at Guy.
“Instead of freezing your whole body, you harden whichever part you want.
That way, you can defend yourself in combat without sacrificing mobility.” Guy stepped forward and felt Makoto’s arm.
Though it had already softened, he had witnessed the transformation clearly just moments ago.
“Incredible!” Guy danced with excitement.
“Makoto!
You’re a true genius!” Makoto met his gaze and asked the crucial question: “Guy, do you believe I’ve already fully mastered this ability?” “Of course I believe it!” Guy answered without a second thought.
“I just saw it with my own eyes!” [Ding!
Might Guy has completely believed your lie: “I have mastered the partial Tekkai hardening ability.” Trust Level: 100%.
Manifestation Level: 70%.
Ability manifested through stacking!] [Current Total Manifestation: 100%] A resonant hum echoed through Makoto’s body.
*It’s different.* Makoto realized that Guy’s conception of Flowing Iron Body possessed a much higher upper limit than Obito’s.
The sensation was entirely distinct from what he had gained from Obito the day before.
If the Flowing Iron Body that Obito believed in was steel with a hardness of 100, then what Guy believed in was an alloy with a hardness of 150.
It was harder, stronger, and more resilient.
He tested it by hardening his right arm once more.
This time, the metallic sheen across his skin was distinctly richer and darker, faintly exuding a heavy, obsidian texture.
It was practically turning into Armament Haki.