Chapter 167: Uzumaki Kenji
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Mito's gaze was fixed on him, a sharp glint appearing as she studied his reaction. "Now, tell me, Horyu Uchiha, what brings you really here? Not many stumble upon our hidden village without a deeper purpose."
He didn't look away as he answered, "I came seeking knowledge about the Uzumaki's sealing techniques. I found more than I bargained for."
"And you will find even more," Mito promised, her tone serious yet not without warmth. "Stay with us, learn our ways. Perhaps, in time, you'll use that knowledge for good."
Horyu nodded, the decision clear in his mind. The opportunity to learn from a legend like Uzumaki Mito was invaluable. "I intend to."
Horyu was amazed by Mito's strategic genius. Every step she described, from foreseeing Shinigami's betrayal to tricking the three villages and ensuring the Uzumaki's survival, was brilliantly executed. Risky, yes, but brilliantly calculated. This discussion not only impressed Horyu but also sparked numerous thoughts in his mind. Mito's mention of her and Hashirama's dealings with Shinigami raised questions. If Hashirama knew about the connection between Rashomon and the Plane of Specters, as Horyu suspected, why was it never disclosed? It made sense that the village at large might be unaware, but Horyu couldn't recall any mention of such a fact in the anime. This was puzzling indeed.
After some time, Horyu bowed respectfully. "I'm truly grateful for this opportunity, Mito-sama."
Mito responded with a gesture of dismissal. "You're welcome to study in the library. I'll start teaching you myself soon. I might not be as strong as I was before splitting, but since you, an Uchiha, are willing to assist us, I see no reason to withhold anything."
Horyu understood that Mito's willingness to teach him stemmed from her ability to sense his genuine intentions. And just as she believed, he had no reason to betray the Uzumaki; there was nothing to gain from such an action.
As Horyu walked to the real library that held the Uzumaki Sealing Art's true heritage, the middle-aged man beside him exuded a nearly palpable hostility. Curious about the man's guarded demeanor, Horyu inquired, "Why are you so guarded against me?"
The man snorted, "Kushina was my daughter." The revelation hit Horyu with unexpected force; he understood the man's animosity. Kushina had been killed by Shisui's order and Fugaku's sword—reason enough for her father to distrust any Uchiha. The man clearly feared that Horyu would betray their secrets, as past Uchiha had done to others.
Horyu shook his head, recognizing that no words could sway this man's hardened heart. Instead, he resolved to prove through actions over time that he had no intention of betraying the Uzumaki. His purpose here was knowledge, not subterfuge.
Upon entering the library, a chime echoed softly in Horyu's mind—a system notification signaling the completion of a quest.
[System Notification: Quest Completed: Uzumaki Quest: Delving into the Spiral - Subquest 2: Ruins of Whispers. Reward: Seal Breaker Gloves (Allows interacting with complex seals without triggering defenses, +300 XP, +20 SP)]
Horyu glanced down at his hands, where the Seal Breaker Gloves now virtually rested. These gloves, capable of interacting with intricate seals without setting off any defenses, would be invaluable in his continued exploration of sealing arts.
Content with the progress, Horyu turned his attention back to the shelves of the library. The scrolls and tomes here contained centuries of knowledge, and with each one he studied, the deeper his understanding of the Uzumaki sealing techniques would grow. He was particularly keen on those that detailed defensive seals, potentially useful should he need to protect himself or others from similar fates as the Uzumaki.
Horyu first dived into the history of the Uzumaki clan, eager to uncover the secrets that had evaded him so far. The Uzumaki, known for their formidable sealing jutsus and longevity, had always intrigued him, but what he discovered in the archives shed new light on their past. They were distant relatives of the Senju clan, sharing a common ancestry that stretched back to the Warring States Period. This connection explained the deep bond and mutual support between the two clans during countless battles, a partnership that had shaped the course of history.
When Hashirama Senju proposed the idea of a unified village to end the ceaseless conflict, he extended the invitation to the Uzumaki as well. However, the Uzumaki chose to remain in their ancestral lands, opting instead to strengthen their alliance through marriage. Mito Uzumaki's union with Hashirama was more than a political move; it was a bridge between Konoha and the Uzumaki, ensuring mutual protection and support.
As Horyu sifted through the scrolls, he realized the Uzumaki's decision to stay isolated had both preserved their unique culture and made them targets. Their expertise in sealing techniques, particularly those involving life force and chakra, had made them invaluable allies but also envied enemies. Their eventual downfall was a testament to the fear and greed their power had inspired in others.
Horyu was pulled from his thoughts by the arrival of the man who had been his reluctant guide—the father of Kushina. The man's gaze was wary, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes.
"I see you're deep in our archives. Found anything interesting?" he asked, his voice tinged with a mix of skepticism and genuine interest.
Horyu looked up, acknowledging the man's presence. "The history of the Uzumaki is fascinating. Your ancestors were not just allies to the Senju but were integral in shaping the world as we know it. It's a shame how history has overlooked their contributions."
The man's expression softened slightly, a flicker of pride crossing his features. "Yes, our history is rich and our powers, unique. But with power comes envy and fear, leading to our downfall."
Horyu dove into the Uzumaki archives with a purpose, meticulously studying the scrolls and texts that detailed the foundational sealing techniques of the clan. His goal was to fill in any gaps in his knowledge, ensuring a solid foundation upon which he could build more advanced skills. The library was a treasure trove of information, and Horyu treated each scroll with the reverence it deserved.
His focus initially was on basic seals, those that formed the cornerstone of the Uzumaki's legendary prowess. Despite the System rewarding him with pieces of this knowledge through various quests, he wanted to verify and consolidate his understanding. This approach wasn't just about mastering techniques; it was about respecting the depth and complexity of Uzumaki's legacy.
As he worked, the father of Kushina, who introduced himself as Kenji, occasionally passed by. Their initial interaction had been frosty, but a shared interest in preserving Uzumaki knowledge seemed to thaw the ice somewhat.
One day, Kenji couldn't help but express his curiosity. "You're not like the other Uchiha I've known. Why the interest in sealing techniques?"
Horyu looked up from a particularly complex scroll, pausing to consider his response. "Sealing techniques are universal. They don't discriminate based on clan or bloodline. In the right hands, they can protect; in the wrong ones, they can cause great harm. I guess you could say I'm here to ensure I'm the former."
Kenji nodded, the guarded look in his eyes softening a fraction. "Fair enough. Just remember, the knowledge you're accessing is sacred to us. It's more than just techniques; it's our heritage."
Horyu understood the weight of Kenji's words. "I understand. And I have no intention of misusing what I learn here."
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