Capítulo 180: Chapter 180: The Nine-Tails!
Having determined various directions, Shuichi entered another busy phase. Each shadow clone focused on one direction, freeing Shuichi to concentrate his efforts on researching Hashirama cells and Asuka's cells.
Time passed, and March of Konoha's 46th year quickly ended.
The negotiations between Konoha, Sunagakure, and Iwagakure continued. Unwilling to concede, Iwagakure kept engaging in small skirmishes in the Lands of Rain and Birds.
With the arrival of April, the intensity of the war began to increase once more, and figures like Kakashi and Guy returned to the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Shuichi, keeping a close eye on the Land of Rain, received more and more intelligence on the Akatsuki from Sarutobi Shinnosuke. Yahiko and his companions were becoming increasingly active, their reputation spreading widely across the Land of Rain.
Yet Shuichi knew a dramatic shift was looming for the Akatsuki.
One day, while researching at Orochimaru's experimental base, Shuichi was suddenly notified by Orochimaru that Danzo wanted to meet him.
"I understand. Let him wait a bit," Shuichi replied nonchalantly.
Orochimaru didn't mind and asked with a smile, "How is your research on Hashirama's cells going? It looks like you really have no intention of implanting them."
Without looking up, Shuichi replied, "To gain the power of Hashirama's cells, implantation isn't necessarily required."
Orochimaru's eyes narrowed as he felt a sudden surge of vitality from Shuichi's cells—a vitality strikingly similar to Hashirama's. Though it couldn't quite match Hashirama's cells, it was the most potent life force he'd seen besides them, surpassing even the Eight-Tails.
"As expected of Shuichi-kun…" Orochimaru's gaze was intense. "You achieved this purely through Yang Release?"
Shuichi nodded. "Yes."
"Of course, it requires a vast chakra reserve, which depends on a strong physical foundation."
"Indeed, the nature transformation originates in the mind and is manifested physically."
Orochimaru couldn't help but praise, "Shuichi-kun, your understanding of chakra and jutsu's essence is astonishing!"
Even knowing the secret, Orochimaru's chakra reserves wouldn't suffice. Among the Sannin, Jiraiya had the largest chakra reserve, followed by Tsunade, with Orochimaru at the bottom.
Shuichi's words, though, proved invaluable to him.
Thus, even though Shuichi hadn't asked, Orochimaru proactively added, "Shuichi-kun, Danzo has fused Hashirama cells with a Sharingan bearing three tomoe. His strength is formidable."
Shuichi smiled, "Thanks for the warning. I'm quite looking forward to it."
…
"You're late!"
Danzo frowned at the belated arrival of Shuichi.
Shuichi chuckled, "I'm extremely busy. Coming and going as I please—what, do you think I'm Hokage?"
Danzo's face darkened.
However, he knew that Shuichi was no longer the child he once was; his strength could now rival the tailed beasts. Shuichi's extensive connections within Konoha also made him untouchable.
Suppressing his anger, Danzo took on a cooperative tone and asked, "What's the progress on your research with the tailed beasts?"
"Rest assured; I'll provide you with equivalent intelligence in exchange."
Shuichi nodded with satisfaction.
"This is what a partnership should look like!"
"The experiments in the Daimyo's territory were all unsuccessful. The theory remains intact, but finding suitable individuals is extremely rare."
Shuichi shared his information. "However, Kakashi's experiments show promising results."
"As it stands now, he is the most likely candidate to wield the power of a tailed beast."
Danzo's gaze sharpened. "Kakashi, huh…"
Shuichi looked at him. "Why, are you interested in Kakashi?"
"Seems all your Root experiments failed."
"Clearly, you haven't grasped the concept of spiritual will yet!"
"A killing machine without emotions doesn't equate to strong willpower."
"On the contrary, they're even more fragile than ordinary people!"
Danzo's expression soured. "So you knew this all along?"
Shuichi nodded honestly. "Of course. The theory originated from me."
In front of an old man, Shuichi saw no need for deception.
Danzo, however, could only seethe internally, wishing he could use his Sharingan to obliterate the smug young man before him!
"Alright, I've given my information," Shuichi said with a smile. "Now it's your turn."
"All research data on the Sharingan and Hashirama cells. I know you handed Hokage a diluted version."
Cursing Orochimaru in his heart, Danzo outwardly remained composed and nodded. "No problem."
"And if you need a Sharingan, I can also provide one."
Shuichi, however, remained unmoved. "That won't be necessary."
"I prefer to obtain power on my own!"
He wasn't foolish enough to let Danzo hold something over him.
When he transplanted a Sharingan into Rin Nohara, it had been approved by the Third Hokage, so the responsibility ultimately rested with the Third. Additionally, with Obito Uchiha's involvement, even the Uchiha clan's reaction was tempered.
However, if Shuichi himself transplanted a Sharingan, especially a three-tomoe Sharingan, it might harm his friendship with Shisui.
Besides, a mere three-tomoe Sharingan was hardly of use beyond Izanagi or Izanami.
If he truly wanted a Sharingan, he'd bring the Divine Tree and unlock the Rinnegan directly, gaining both the Rinnegan and Sharingan powers.
After gathering the data he needed, Shuichi turned and headed to the Hokage Tower.
In the Hokage's office…
Handing the data to Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shuichi said, "It appears that Root's experiments have mostly failed, as expected."
"Danzo, however, has already gained the power of Hashirama's cells and the Sharingan. If the Sharingan becomes public knowledge, it could deepen the rift between the Uchiha and the village."
Hiruzen was used to Shuichi's relentless scrutiny of Danzo.
But at the moment, he couldn't act against Danzo; he needed him to handle certain matters.
Shuichi understood this well.
A chamber pot may smell foul, but it's quite useful when needed—keeps one's hands clean.
Unfortunately, Hiruzen's hold over Danzo was weakening.
"I will personally discuss this with Fugaku," Hiruzen decided with a sigh, feeling the frustration of having to clean up Danzo's mess.
Shuichi wasn't surprised by Hiruzen's decision, so he simply added, "Lord Hokage, I require the First Hokage's Wood Release techniques."
Hiruzen's eyes sharpened. "Shuichi, are you planning to transplant Hashirama's cells?"
Shuichi shook his head. "No, I intend to create Wood Release myself by combining Earth and Water Release."
"Wood Release is merely one of many Kekkei Genkai. The true strength behind the First Hokage's Wood Release lay in his immense Yang Release power."
Hiruzen nodded in understanding. "I see."
"Then Shinnosuke will escort you to the Scroll of Seals to copy the Wood Release techniques."
…
Upon leaving the Hokage Tower, Shūichi now held a scroll containing all the Mokuton techniques.
Studying Hashirama's cells alongside Mokuton techniques, and with the boosts of the [Prodigy] Tag, he didn't need to implant Hashirama's cells to gain Mokuton abilities. Whether his Mokuton could match the First Hokage's depended on his Yang Release mastery.
Although Shūichi's Yang Release was not as strong as the First's, in Sage Mode or Curse Mark state, he could rival the First's base form. Additionally, his research on Hashirama's cells continued, and with the [Prodigy] Tag's boost, acquiring knowledge from his studies to catch up with the First was merely a matter of time.
Back home, Shūichi created shadow clones to delve into the Mokuton techniques, then summoned a flock of crows and cast the Crow Clone Technique, sending them towards the Land of Rain.
With Akatsuki becoming increasingly active and Danzo likely ready to make his own moves, Shūichi sensed that a new act in this drama was about to unfold.
He had no desire or means to stop it. In fact, the day's events spurred him to revise his previous plans—Danzo was just too dangerous to let live.
After sending off the crows, Shūichi headed to visit his mentor, Minato Namikaze.
"Oh, Shūichi?" Kushina Uzumaki greeted him at the door. "Kakashi says you've been quite busy lately!"
As Kushina led Shūichi to the study, Minato looked up from studying the [Soul Sealing Seal] Shūichi had given him and smiled, "Shūichi, perfect timing! I could use your insight on something."
Shūichi stepped forward, smiling, "If you first learn the Spirit Transformation and Soul Binding techniques, it'll make it easier."
The Soul Sealing Seal, which Shūichi had developed to help Asuka better utilize her Adamantine Chains, allowed for soul-binding capabilities as a separate technique.
"Too much trouble; better to succeed all at once," interjected Kushina casually.
Shūichi didn't hold back, "That's just you being lazy, Kushina-san!"
Kushina laughed, "Hey, it's all about working smarter, not harder."
After answering Minato's question, Shūichi asked, "So, how's your progress with the Rasengan, or even the Wind Release: Rasenshuriken?"
Minato and Kushina exchanged a glance, their expressions growing serious.
"I'm comfortable with the Rasengan," Kushina said. "But I can't manage to throw the Rasenshuriken."
Minato nodded. "I've run into the same issue. But with my Flying Thunder God Technique, throwing isn't really necessary."
"That should be fine then," Shūichi replied. "The main concern is resisting the malice of the Nine-Tails—its negative energy is overpowering, but…"
Looking at Minato and Kushina, Shūichi grinned. "I trust you both to handle it!"
Kushina laughed, clenching her fist with determination. "Of course! I'm fully confident!"
"Now then…" Shūichi asked, "Sensei, have you decided where the other half of the Nine-Tails will be sealed?"
Minato answered, "We'll seal it in you."
"I've discussed it with the Third Hokage. Though we could give half to the Sand or Stone villages, we need to be prepared in case they discover it. Keeping half in you prepares us for anything unexpected."
This arrangement suited Shūichi perfectly, and he nodded. "Then it's settled. Starting today, Kushina-san can start sparring with the Nine-Tails' chakra."
Seeing them look a little tense, Shūichi laughed. "We'll take it step by step—first split the Nine-Tails, then adapt to its chakra, and finally, show it who's boss!"
Kushina's eyes lit up, her fist clenched in excitement. "Oh, I've been waiting to teach that beast a lesson!"
The Nine-Tails had been far from tame in her, frequently stirring trouble. Without the strength of her predecessor, Mito Uzumaki, she couldn't fully suppress it. It would be her pleasure to put it in its place—and avenge Minato for last time, no less!
---
With the decision made, Shūichi and Minato set out to prepare. They chose a secluded forested area in the mountains of Konoha, building a small cabin and erecting a barrier for extra security.
Although they were confident in subduing the Nine-Tails, they took every precaution. Three days later, preparations were complete.
Outside the barrier, Sarutobi Shinnosuke led a team alongside Shūichi's shadow clone, holding watch.
Inside the cabin, Shūichi and Kushina sat facing each other, while Minato held her hand, channeling chakra to form a mental connection.
With a soft, metallic clink, fiery chains extended from Shūichi's abdomen, snaking forward. He called out, "Kushina-san, release the seal!"
"Understood!" Kushina nodded firmly, lowering her gaze.
In the next instant, the outermost Eight Trigrams Seal on her abdomen was lifted.
With a loud whir, Shūichi's flaming chains shot forward, burrowing into Kushina's abdomen and pushing through the seal's gateway.
At last, Shūichi laid eyes on the Nine-Tails.
Hmm? It seemed a bit… subdued.
It was nothing like the unruly fox locked inside Naruto in the future; this one was pinned midair.
Beyond the chains, stakes pierced its body and tails, rendering it immobile—evidence of Konoha's or possibly even Hashirama's sealing techniques.
"Looks like nobody could handle this going forward…" Shūichi mused thoughtfully.
At that moment, Kushina and Minato's forms appeared beside him.
Suspended in midair, the Nine-Tails glared down at them, growling, "Cursed humans…"
Roar!
With a thunderous howl, it whipped up a furious gale, causing their hair and clothing to whip wildly.
Shielding her face, Kushina cast Shūichi a worried glance. "Shūichi, are you sure? This thing's power is overwhelming!"
Shūichi nodded solemnly; indeed, the Nine-Tails' strength was unmatched. In terms of sheer power, especially chakra volume, even Shukaku or the Four and Eight-Tails paled in comparison.
Moreover, Shūichi could sense the distinct potency of the Nine-Tails' chakra.
It wasn't just the quantity; it was the quality—chakra of unparalleled essence.
"No wonder it's the tailed beast closest to the Ten-Tails…" Shūichi thought in awe, before saying with resolve, "Since we're here, we have to give it a try."
"Kushina-san, unleash the seal!"
"Sensei, I'll be relying on you in a moment."
Minato nodded solemnly.
Kushina raised her hand decisively. "Let's begin!"
(End of Chapter)
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