Awakening Of Uchiha [Naruto/One Piece]

Chapter 38: The Difficulty Of Flying Thunder God Technique

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"This…"

Utatane and Homura hesitated upon hearing this.

It did seem inappropriate to continue with such a course of action—if they angered Mito, she could easily settle accounts with them later.

"Why not?"

The ever-stubborn Danzo sneered. "What's wrong with making this decision based on the village's interests?"

"Didn't we already remind the Uzumaki clan to relocate their entire clan to Konoha?"

"It was Uzumaki Aminari who refused."

"Even if they are wiped out, how can they blame us for it?"

"Besides, we can't predict when the other ninja villages will act!" Danzo continued. "If they do attack, they'll send a small but elite force for a sudden raid—"

"It'll be swift, like a thunderclap."

"And by the time we dispatch a large force to rescue them, it'll already be too late!"

"Or are you suggesting we send a large contingent to station near the Land of Whirlpools in advance, just to be on guard? Do they really deserve such special treatment?"

Danzo's tone was filled with disdain. It was obvious he held little regard for the Uzumaki clan's so-called ignorance and inability to assess the situation.

To him, fools who failed to understand their position deserved to be destroyed.

However, he still couldn't allow their sealing techniques to fall into enemy hands. If the other villages acquired those secrets, their Jinchūriki would be perfected—and that would be disastrous.

"Indeed," Homura agreed reluctantly, nodding at Danzo's words.

"The Uzumaki clan brought this upon themselves. What else can we do? We've already done our part."

"How about sending a small, elite force to support them?"

At this point, the Third Hokage spoke up again, exhaling slowly as he considered the matter. "For now, we can assemble a team of elite forces, including members of Anbu and Root, and prepare them to act at any moment."

"I expect that when the time comes, Lady Mito will send the remaining Senju elites to aid the Uzumaki clan as well."

"We can work alongside them."

"How much effort we choose to put in during the rescue will be up to us."

"In this way, even if we ultimately fail to save the Uzumaki clan, Lady Mito can't blame us for not trying."

"What do you think?"

Hiruzen paused to let his words settle. Based on the intelligence they had received from spies in recent days, the other four major ninja villages were likely to take action soon.

Under no circumstances could the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques fall into enemy hands. Those secrets had to be secured.

"Agreed," Utatane said decisively.

"Fine. That works," Homura added.

Danzo's expression remained stern, but his eyes glinted as he thought of the Senju elites Mito might send into the field. Clearly, he was already formulating other plans in his mind.

Still, outwardly, he maintained his reluctance. "Then let's go with that."

"Good. It's settled then," Hiruzen concluded.

---

Katsumi's side.

After returning home, Kaori smiled and took out several scrolls of ninjutsu and sealing techniques. Handing them to Katsumi and Mikoto, she said, "Here are the ninjutsu and sealing techniques from this transaction. You're free to pick some to learn."

"Yes!"

Katsumi grinned, stepping forward eagerly. He immediately picked up the Flying Thunder God Technique scroll and scanned it. After a moment, he frowned slightly and muttered, "As expected, this technique requires a solid foundation in sealing techniques."

"It looks like I'll need to study sealing techniques first before I can tackle this one."

Setting it aside for the moment, Katsumi moved on to the Water Style ninjutsu scrolls. He carefully read through and memorized each one.

Next, he unsealed the massive scroll of sealing techniques and immersed himself in its contents.

"I'll memorize everything first," he decided, speaking to himself. "I can take my time practicing later."

"Eh? Auntie, can I study them too?"

Mikoto, standing off to the side, pointed to herself with a look of surprise. She turned to Kaori and asked hesitantly, "Really?"

"Of course!"

Kaori smiled knowingly. "You call me 'auntie,' and you've already signed a contract with Katsumi. How could I leave you out?"

"Auntie also hopes that you can grow up quickly so you can help Katsumi!"

"So, study hard! Learn as much as you can."

"However, don't get greedy at the start. Pick a few techniques to learn first; after you master those, you can move on to more."

Biting off more than you can chew would only delay real progress.

"Yes! Thank you, Auntie!"

Mikoto nodded gratefully. Under Kaori's encouraging gaze, she picked up the Flying Thunder God Technique scroll.

However, it wasn't long before Mikoto frowned and put the scroll down. "This is too difficult—it's not suitable for me right now. I'd better start with sealing techniques first."

As for Water Style? She didn't have the water attribute, so it wasn't worth her time for now.

"Just follow your instincts."

Kaori had no objections. She took the Flying Thunder God Technique scroll in hand and said curiously, "Is this technique really so troublesome? Let me take a look."

After a while, she rubbed her temples and set the scroll aside. "It is indeed quite troublesome! It's no wonder Senju Tobirama was able to create it."

"In terms of ninjutsu creativity, he really was a monster."

She couldn't help but admire his ingenuity.

Kaori then picked up a Water Style ninjutsu scroll and began studying it. As she skimmed the contents, she muttered, "Water Style will be especially useful since we'll often be heading to the pirate world in the future."

"It could have unexpected benefits on the sea—especially against Devil Fruit users."

"Huh?"

Mikoto blinked in surprise and asked, "Then should I also learn some Water Style techniques?"

"Don't worry about that just yet."

Kaori shook her head. "You're still young, and you don't have the water attribute. We can revisit it later."

"For now, focus on Fire Style, Lightning Style, and Sealing Techniques. Add Taijutsu, Haki, and health-preserving exercises to that, and your schedule is already full. Don't overdo it."

"Wait until you master form changes for Fire Style and Lightning Style, along with Nature Transformation."

That way, her strength could grow steadily without unnecessary delays.

"Yes!"

Mikoto nodded immediately. Kaori's advice made perfect sense.

"Katsumi, what are your plans next?"

Kaori glanced at Katsumi while still holding the Water Style scroll.

"Me?"

Katsumi looked up at his mother, then lowered his head again to continue memorizing sealing techniques as he answered thoughtfully, "First, we'll go to Gunkanjima to collect the dragon bones so we can make longevity medicine."

"After that, we'll head to Cocoyasi Village and Windmill Village to meet some talented children with potential."

"Finally, we'll go to Shimotsuki Village to learn swordsmanship from the pirate world."

"At that time, you might have to help me open the map or even accompany me."

This was the plan for his next steps: practicing chakra control, ninjutsu, Taijutsu, body conditioning, and swordsmanship—all at the same time.

Of course, health-preserving exercises couldn't be left out.

He planned to do those exercises after meals as a digestion aid. That way, he could save time while improving his digestion, enhancing vitality, and increasing his lifespan.

It was killing two birds with one stone.

"Is that so? Sounds good!"

Kaori nodded in understanding. "That works out well. I actually lit up the map for Logue Town yesterday—I forgot to tell you!"

"From Logue Town, we can set off directly."

"I remember you mentioned that Gunkanjima isn't far from there, right?"

"Yeah!"

Katsumi nodded affirmatively. "It's close by—should only take about a day's voyage."

"Speaking of which, not having a flying mount really makes this process inconvenient."

"Mom, have you still not found a suitable flying mount yet?"

If they had a flying mount, everything would move much faster.

Without one, it would take who knows how long to light up all the smaller islands on the map.

It was far too slow!