章節 86: The Sealing Time Array

Konoha Village

Uchiha Clan Territory

"Clan Leader, we have successfully trained four teams of barrier personnel, capable of providing continuous coverage over the entire clan territory."

Kiyoshi reported to Fugaku.

Fugaku nodded after listening to Kiyoshi's report. Over the past few years, with the exceptional use of barrier techniques, Kiyoshi, Daichi, and Iyoji have all seen steady improvements in their abilities. Especially Kiyoshi, whose strength had significantly progressed after his Sharingan evolved to three-tomoe. Importantly, Kiyoshi was very dedicated to the clan, always putting in his best effort in everything he did. Fugaku had come to rely on him significantly.

"How are the contingency plans against potential threats?"

"Clan Leader, we have completed preparations for contingency scenarios one and two. For scenario three, we have deployed a large number of ninja cats and ninja crows in the forests around the clan territory for reconnaissance. While this incurs additional feeding costs, it ensures comprehensive surveillance around our territory."

Fugaku waved off the concern. "Don't worry about the feeding costs; the Uchiha clan is not short on money."

"Iyoji, your role is also crucial. Besides you, we need a backup candidate."

Iyoji nodded. "Understood, I will select a suitable backup immediately."

"Daichi, you will be responsible for gathering personnel. Ensure there is a contingency plan in place if you are unavailable."

Daichi responded solemnly, "Yes, Clan Leader."

"During training, our people must return to their designated positions at the first sign of an alert. The current development of the Uchiha clan was hard-earned, and you must all be diligent."

Fugaku's words were heartfelt.

Kiyoshi nodded firmly, "Rest assured, Clan Leader. If anyone dares to disrupt the peace of the Uchiha, they will have to step over my dead body!"

Iyoji and Daichi echoed, "The same goes for us!"

...

After assigning tasks to Kiyoshi and the others, Elder Yangping soon approached Fugaku.

"How did it go?" Fugaku asked anxiously.

Elder Yangping's role was crucial for the clan's security.

"The esteemed individual has agreed, but due to the distance, he cannot come personally. He has sealed the array into an artifact that we can activate. We are currently preparing the necessary materials. I left Yangshu, Daiba, and Luren there to oversee things. They should arrive in a few days."

Fugaku exhaled in relief. "Good."

"I will handle the subsequent arrangements. Elder Yangping, you've worked hard. Please go and rest."

Elder Yangping, weary from the journey, discussed a few details with Fugaku before leaving.

Fugaku stood alone in the open space of the clan territory, deep in thought. Natsuki, we cannot rely solely on you even though you've made arrangements.

His gaze shifted to an elevated platform outside. It was a newly constructed terrace with ample space, inscribed with an extensive array of symbols and runes. Nearby, a few crows pecked at their food.

...

Eight days later.

Several elite Uchiha members escorted a mysterious box into the clan territory. Among the escorts was a man wearing a black high hat.

Fugaku met him immediately.

"Hello, Lord Fugaku. I am Ashiboe. I apologize, but the priestess could not leave the shrine, so I was sent to deliver the artifact on her behalf."

Ashiboe was tall, handsome, and wore black-framed glasses. He exuded a scholarly aura, instantly likeable.

Fugaku nodded. "No need to apologize. It's my fault for being inconsiderate, given the long journey."

"Could you please explain this artifact to me?"

Ashiboe opened the box, revealing a Kagura bell on a purple cushion. When he picked it up, the bell made no sound.

Fugaku used his Sharingan to sense the powerful energy sealed within the bell, noting the unfamiliar sealing technique different from those in the Land of Fire.

Ashiboe explained, "This artifact contains the Sealing Time Array, infused with Priestess Miroku's spiritual power. By inputting chakra, you can activate this spiritual power and form the array."

Ashiboe demonstrated by inputting a small amount of chakra, causing the bell to light up and float in the air. The bell rang softly, and a white light dome enveloped both Ashiboe and Fugaku.

The dome gradually disappeared, leaving behind a series of connected rune patterns on the ground.

Fugaku curiously looked around. He could sense something additional in the space, but he couldn't see it.

Ashiboe continued, "The Sealing Time Array can block spatial fluctuations within its bounds, preventing space-time movement."

Fugaku tried forming seals.

"Summoning Jutsu!"

He slammed his palm to the ground, but nothing happened.

"Additionally, once the array is activated, it allows entry but no exit. Anyone inside the array cannot leave."

Fugaku reached out, feeling an invisible barrier preventing him from moving outside the array.

Satisfied, Fugaku nodded.

Ashiboe pressed a button on the artefact, and the glow receded as the artefact fell. Ashiboe caught it, and the surrounding runes disappeared.

Fugaku asked, "How large can the array extend, how long does it last, and can it be moved?"

Ashiboe replied, "The array can cover up to five kilometers, but at that size, it only lasts for five minutes before Priestess Miroku's spiritual power dissipates. Once deployed, the array cannot be moved."

"If the spiritual power runs out, is it rendered useless?" Fugaku pinpointed the critical issue.

Ashiboe nodded.

"Fifty million for five minutes..." Fugaku rubbed his chin.

Ashiboe quickly added, "The Sealing Time Array is one of the few that can block space-time fluctuations. Currently, only Priestess Miroku of the Land of Demons can create such arrays. Fifty million is a bargain."

Fugaku smiled without commenting. Natsuki's contingency plans included reverse summoning techniques to call back Itachi and Shisui if Obito attacked. As a last resort, Natsuki could be summoned back, too. However, upon learning that Obito's Mangekyo Sharingan involved space-time manipulation, Fugaku devised an alternative strategy. It's better to capture Obito than to constantly defend against him.

"While the artifact is satisfactory, its duration is an issue. Five minutes for fifty million..."

Ashiboe, aware of the need to appease the influential Uchiha, responded, "I apologize, Lord Fugaku. The artifact's spiritual energy storage is limited, thus the short duration. If the price is a concern..."

Fugaku interrupted with a wave of his hand.

"I will pay one hundred million. Please make another trip and bring us another one."

Ashiboe was stunned.