Naruto: I, Shikotsumyaku, Byakugan Princess

Chapter 194 The Ape Clan

"It's not that I'm disgusted, but Kai's summoning beast is so useless. I'm afraid I'll accidentally crush it if I use it as a stepping stone."

Hui Li couldn't help but complain to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

Two years ago, Kai did indeed want to give her the Ninja Turtle as a summoning beast.

That ninja turtle neither knew ninjutsu nor moved at all, and had absolutely no fighting ability. Relying on its ability to extract chakra, it was slightly more intelligent than ordinary wild beasts, and its shell was also quite sturdy, so it was often used by Guy as a stepping stone.

Seeing that she was young, Akai fooled her by thinking she was Japanese, saying that turtles have long lifespans and high potential, and that they could evolve into a Turtle Master in a few hundred or a thousand years.

That's pure nonsense.

Forget about evolving into Master Roshi, she wouldn't even want to evolve into Goku. With so much time, you could plant a Divine Tree and it would bear fruit by now. Who would still want to summon monsters?
"The ape race is different!" Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his beard, listening to his disciple's complaints with a smile.

Their ancestor was born before the Warring States period. At that time, he was just an ordinary commoner ninja. Although he was called a ninja, he was actually just an ordinary commoner with chakra. The only two ninjutsu he learned were the chakra extraction technique, which he accidentally picked up on the battlefield, and the C-rank ninjutsu that he kept with him—the summoning technique.

In order to gain power and find a powerful summoning beast, the ancestor, like Jiraiya, used the Reverse Summoning Technique to travel through space and encountered the king of the monkey tribe at that time - Monkey King Sarutobi.

The patriarch was rescued by Sarutobi and from then on followed him to learn the ape clan's Vajra Staff Technique and powerful Fire Release. The two had a teacher-student relationship as well as friendship.

Out of gratitude for the other's teachings and to commemorate their deep friendship, the ancestor, who had no surname, simply adopted the name of the Monkey King as the family name, thus establishing the first Sarutobi clan.

It can be said that the Sarutobi clan's ability to maintain a place during the Warring States period and even become one of the top clans in Konoha Village today is entirely due to the inheritance from the monkey clan. This is why the monkey clan holds an extremely high position within the Sarutobi clan.

Even the Sarutobi clan has an unwritten rule:

Only those members of the Sarutobi clan who gain the approval of the current Monkey King and become his partners in battle are qualified to inherit the position of clan leader.

Because of this rule, the Monkey King and the Sarutobi Clan Chief of each generation are brothers who share life and death, and the two clans have been on good terms for hundreds of years without any discord.

This summoning scroll was his most treasured possession. He had once wanted Jiraiya to sign a contract with the ape clan, but the contract failed because the ape demon didn't like Jiraiya.

Later, his three disciples each had the opportunity to inherit the legacy of the three holy lands. However, no one could inherit his strongest ape-type spirit beast, which made him feel very regretful.

Now, heaven has sent him a gifted disciple.

With her mastery of seven chakra nature transformations and the bloodline inheritance of the Hyuga and Taketori taijutsu clans, Hairi is the perfect successor to all of Hiruzen Sarutobi's abilities. There is no one more suitable than her in this world.

Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked the summoning scroll on the table, a relic of a century past, a testament to the friendship between his ancestor and Sarutobi:

"Come, Gray Glass! Swear an oath with your blood and sign a spirit contract, and you will be able to summon the strongest apes to fight for you!"

"Yes!"

Hui Li steadied herself, her eyes shining brightly.

Even if the ape race lacks magical arts and natural energy, the fact that they can transform into the Vajra Ruyi Cudgel alone makes it impossible for anyone to refuse to sign a contract with them.

Looking at the densely packed spirit contracts spread out on the table, she took half a step forward, raised her right hand slightly, and her slender white fingertips turned a dazzling crimson.

呲呲!

Hot blood, reaching temperatures of 70 or 80 degrees Celsius and constantly emitting steam, dripped onto the paper, but instead of seeping directly into it, it rolled around on the paper like mercury.

Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to remind Kairi to write her name in blood, he discovered that the silvery-mercury blood seemed to have a life of its own, flowing to the bottom of the name on its own, forming four tiny characters with intersecting strokes.

Finally, when Hui Li pressed his handprint, the blood characters began to seep into the paper, and the moisture evaporated like steam. In less than half a second, the blood contract was completely imprinted.

Releasing his pressing hand, Hui Li could sense that a mysterious connection had formed between himself and the spirit scroll. At this moment, as long as he used the spirit summoning spell, he could use this connection to communicate with a distant space and summon the apes in that space.

"Teacher, is this okay?"

"Ah um..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Hairi's palm in surprise.

Despite having just signed the blood pact, there were no wounds on his fingertips, not even any signs of blood contamination; they remained clean and white, leaving people in awe.

He had long known that his disciple was extraordinary, but the many unusual things that had inadvertently appeared about him could not be ignored.

Whether it's long hair that can be tied up without hairpins, or various ninjutsu that can be performed without hand seals, including the special ability to control blood that is separated from the body, none of these are earth-shattering abilities, and they are not worth mentioning compared to some strange bloodline limits.

Yet, it constantly reveals her uniqueness, showing that she does not belong to the same species as normal humans.

It evokes both longing and inexplicable fear.

"So I can summon the Ape Demon now?"

Immersed in her excitement, Hui Li was unaware of what Sarutobi was thinking. She eagerly sensed the unknown space, wanting to summon the Vajra Ruyi Staff to see if the weapon given to her by old Sarutobi was truly suitable.

Or perhaps I could ask for another set of golden chainmail, a phoenix-winged purple-gold crown, and lotus-silk cloud-walking shoes?

"Of course not. Before I summon the ape demon, I need to explain a few things to you."

Hiruzen Sarutobi stared intently at Kairi and slowly explained:

The ape clan is different from ordinary summoned beasts. They have been on good terms with my Sarutobi clan for generations. Their relationship is not simply that of master and servant, but that of precious partners and comrades-in-arms.

They are inherently proud and must never harbor any thoughts of commanding others, much less assume the status of master or master. If you anger the Monkey King, not only will this contract be voided on the spot, but no other ape will ever respond to your summons again.

Hui Li nodded. She could tell from Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone that the relationship between the Sarutobi clan and the monkey clan was extraordinary.

To put it nicely, the contract is null and void; to put it bluntly, it's like the Sarutobi clan is severing ties with her on the spot, and her master-disciple relationship with Hiruzen Sarutobi may also come to an end.

Seeing that Hairi understood, Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately held up two fingers:

"Secondly, although the ape race is proud, they are extremely loyal and affectionate."

Each ape will only choose one human partner in its lifetime, and the two will live and die together, never abandoning each other. Even if the partner dies, they will not respond to the calls of others.

The Ape Demon has been my partner since childhood. If you are in danger, it might help you out of respect for me. However, it's impossible for you to summon the Ape Demon to fight for you at will, as I do with it. Therefore, you need to find your own partner.

No wonder the Enma disappeared after Hiruzen Sarutobi died; the ape clan really has a unique personality!

Hui Li pondered to herself, "The Enma only recognizes Hiruzen Sarutobi, so I'm afraid I won't be able to summon him to fight as I wish."

"The last point, and the most important one," Hiruzen Sarutobi said, holding up his third finger.
"Although you have signed a psychic contract, you do not yet have any ape companions with whom you share life and death. Even if you use psychic magic, no ape will respond."

If you wish to summon the ape clan, you must first gain the ape demon's approval. Then, it will find suitable apes for you. Only after you both approve of each other and become partners can you summon them to fight for you!

So troublesome?

Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, Hairi frowned. This ape race was indeed completely different from the three holy lands.

All the summoned beasts in the three holy lands can be summoned directly by signing a contract and casting a summoning spell. Although they may not be obedient and some may even turn against their masters, at least they will not completely fail to respond.

Furthermore, the ape tribe has only one partner. Unlike the three holy lands, they cannot freely summon different spirit beasts based on the actual situation. You can only summon the ape who is your partner, and there is no such thing as changing partners.

Upon closer examination, this rule actually has both advantages and disadvantages.

The ape race is both a spirit beast and a weapon, and they must cultivate sufficient understanding to achieve their maximum effect. It is normal for them to have a fixed contract culture, and their loyalty and strength are worthy of this troublesome contract.

Arrogant, loyal, and stubborn.

The ape race is like a group of unyielding, indestructible steel staffs, with their personalities and abilities inherited from one another.

"So, I still have to get past the Enma." Hui Li tried hard to recall the original work. It seemed that Hiruzen Sarutobi had introduced the Enma to Jiraiya, but the two didn't get along, and the monkey clan didn't sign a contract with Jiraiya.

But she couldn't quite remember why Enma didn't take a liking to Jiraiya.

"Don't worry, if it's you, you'll definitely gain its approval!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said, his expression somewhat strange, but his tone extremely confident.

Am I highly compatible with the ape race?

Hui Li was secretly pleased. Toads, slugs, and snakes were not her favorite animals; in comparison, the humanoid ape demon was much more handsome.

After explaining the precautions, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not hesitate. He quickly formed hand seals, stood up, and stepped over the desk. Then, he bit his finger and drew blood in his palm before directly casting the summoning jutsu!

boom!
A huge cloud of smoke billowed into the sky from the Hokage's office, only to be swept out the window by a gust of wind from Haili.

At this moment, a majestic giant ape with its arms crossed suddenly appeared beside the hunched-over ape.

It was over two meters tall, covered in white fur, dressed in dark ninja clothing, with a tight headband, a high nose bridge, and slightly protruding fangs. At this moment, it seemed to sense Gray Glass's scrutiny, and suddenly opened its sharp golden eyes, appearing particularly majestic.

This is the current king of the ape race—the Ape Demon!
"Hiruzen, what is it?"

The ape demon looked down at Hui Li for a moment, noticing that she didn't look like an enemy, before turning to look at his old partner beside him.

"This is Hui Li, my last disciple whom I took in a few years ago. She just graduated from the Ninja Academy yesterday and doesn't have a suitable summoning beast yet, so I want her to establish a summoning contract with the ape clan."

"Gray Glass, this is my partner, Enma." Hiruzen Sarutobi acted as a go-between for the two. Whether Gray Glass could establish a contract with the ape clan depended heavily on Enma's senses, and he couldn't force her too much.

"Hello, Ape Demon!"

Hui Li greeted them with a smile, secretly trying her best to suppress the intimidating aura within her body to prevent any unnecessary misunderstandings.

"Ah hello."

To Hui Li's surprise, the aloof-looking ape demon quickly nodded in response, his bright golden eyes scanning Hui Li up and down before he calmly nodded in agreement.
"can."

Huh? So hasty?

Hui Li, who was secretly gathering her chakra in preparation to show Enma her strength, was dumbfounded. She remembered that when Sarutobi introduced Jiraiya to Enma, the other party was particularly difficult to talk to. How could this be acceptable?

Hui Li couldn't help but look at the cold-blooded ape demon, mainly at the emotional light spots above its head. Above its pale white fur, light representing goodwill was constantly emerging, which was quite different from the dignified and indifferent expression on its face.

"It's good that you agree. Then I'll trouble you to find a suitable child for Hui Li to sign a contract with." Seeing his old partner's easygoing manner, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not surprised at all.

He knows his old partner all too well.

Despite his aloof and seemingly indifferent exterior, he is actually a secretly lecherous person who is obsessed with good looks. In his youth, he deliberately put on that demeanor to attract the beautiful female apes in his tribe.

He introduced Jiraiya to Enma in the first place, thinking that the two would have something in common and it would be easier for him to gain approval. Who knew that Jiraiya would say right away that his dream was to capture all the beautiful girls in the world.

This made the ape demon extremely unhappy, and naturally, the contract was not agreed upon.

"No problem, but we need to test Xiao Huili's physical skills so that I can help her choose a partner of similar strength."

Faced with his old friend's request, the reserved yet passionate ape demon readily agreed.

His sharp golden eyes looked at Hui Li, seeing her delicate skin and frail appearance, and he was already thinking about Yuan Xuan in his mind.

Just by looking at her, you could tell she had a quiet and gentle personality. The little rascals on the mountain were all restless, and it seemed there was no one who could match her. If all else failed, they would have to choose from the female apes, but their strength might be weaker.

Hmm, judging from this girl's physical skills, she's not very strong; a weaker female ape would be just right...

Hui Li had no idea what the Monkey King was thinking, nor did she know that this guy with the kingly demeanor was just like Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya.

Seeing that she agreed so readily, his sharp eyes kept scrutinizing her, and he thought that the other party had sensed her powerful aura and recognized her strength.

Is the ape demon's perception really that sharp?
Hui Li was secretly alarmed.

She was completely enveloped in a barrier spell that even the White Eye couldn't penetrate, and the Blood and Flesh Curse Seal blocked her pheromones. She hadn't released any malice just now, but even so, the Ape Demon could still sense her power.

It truly lives up to its reputation as the strongest summoning beast!
Thinking of this, Hui Li's gaze towards the Ape Demon became more cautious. Her Deathly Gray Eye Power pierced through everything, constantly scanning the Ape Demon's supposedly indestructible body.

"Little Gray Glass, are you ready?" The Ape Demon walked quietly to Gray Glass, his tall and strong body blocking out the light, his shadow completely enveloping her.

"Ah."

Hui Li nodded solemnly.

Knowing that the other party was going to test her physical skills, the muscles in her body that had not been used for a long time gradually expanded and twisted under the periosteum, like a giant python coiling around or steel bars twisting, emitting strange moans!
Her delicate fist clenched tighter and tighter, as if even the air itself had solidified.

"Go all out, don't be nervous!" the ape demon comforted the somewhat nervous beautiful girl in front of him.

Hiruzen Sarutobi licked his lips, wanting to remind his old friend not to underestimate Hairi.

But considering the ape demon's formidable indestructible body and the physical skills that Hui Li hadn't practiced in five years, he hesitated for half a second and changed his mind, saying:

"Grey Glass, this test is related to the strength of your future partner. You must give it your all and show the Ape Demon your limits!"

"understood!"

Raising her right fist, the gentle smile on Hui Li's face faded, and the scorching steam from her breath began to spread out from her mouth and nose.

Seeing this, the ape demon confidently grinned, puffed out his chest, and pounded his left chest with his fist, which was as big as a sandbag:

"Come on! Attack here!"

(End of this chapter)