Chapter 41: Chapter 41
Originally, Neji and Hinata were close as siblings, and after having his fate sealed by the curse mark, he must have lashed out at Hinata, and with her soft character, this must have hurt her badly.
After a brief silence, Kazuki questioned, "My understanding is that the original intention of the cursed mark was to protect the Byakugan; isn't that right?" However, the old man chose to keep his silence, and by the same time, they reached the Hyuga clan compound.
"Kid, thank you for taking care of the princess. It's already getting dark; you should quickly head back home." The old man, after sincerely thanking Kazuki, left with Hinata. Kazuki understood that the old man was not comfortable discussing topics related to the cursed seal. Kazuki had not explored the Hyugas' curse mark, so he was not exactly sure about how the curse works.
Just before Kazuki left, he saw Danzo, followed by two of his Shimura guards, leaving the Hyuga compound. Although Kazuki was far away, he could discern that Danzo was in a very foul mood.
Senju clan compound.
Kazuki meticulously laid down a ritual circle, ensuring that every detail was in place. Once satisfied with the preparations, he walked into the room where his master, Tsunade, along with Shizune, Kakashi, and Naruto, were sleeping soundly. Kazuki knew it was time to perform the chakra-enhancing ritual.
"Master, are all the materials prepared?" Kazuki inquired about the items needed for the complex fuinjutsu ritual. While he had agreed to assist Tsunade and the others, the Senju clan head had to arrange for the necessary materials, and each ritual incurred significant costs.
"Yes, kid, I've already gathered everything you requested. I also have one more favor to ask. I hope you can fulfill it," Tsunade said, catching Kazuki by surprise. He raised an eyebrow in confusion.
"I'd like to give up my slot for someone else. Don't worry; they've already been put under the sleeping drug. I understand the ritual is complex and places a burden on you. With our limited resources, it's better if I give up my spot," Tsunade explained, expressing concern for Kazuki's well-being.
Kazuki questioned, "So, who is the person you're willing to give up your slot for?" He wanted to understand Tsunade's motivations. She quickly moved to a nearby room and brought back Tenzo, who was peacefully sleeping under the influence of the drug.
"This is Tenzo; he recently joined the Senju clan. He will be taking my spot." Tsunade gently laid Tenzo down with the others.
"Master, you're putting me in a tight spot. Sigh, it's fine. I hope you've procured an additional set of materials. You don't have to give up your spot. I can handle one more ritual," Kazuki replied, not wanting his master to miss out on the enhancement. He chose to compromise and perform the ritual on Tenzo as well.
Kazuki had to redraw the ritual circle each time, making the process time-consuming. "Of course, kid. I knew you wouldn't let me down, so I procured a few more additional sets," Tsunade said, and Kazuki couldn't help but squint at his master for seemingly anticipating his reaction. She must have known he would act this way, considering she had prepared additional materials beforehand. Each set was not only costly but also challenging to find.
Once everything was in order, Kazuki and Tsunade established the sequence for the chakra-enhancing ritual. The Sannin herself would be the first to undergo the procedure, followed by Shizune, Tenzo, Kakashi, and, lastly, Naruto.
Earlier that day, Kakashi's Sharingan issue had been addressed. After being rendered unconscious, Kazuki applied a special fuinjutsu to help Kakashi consciously control the Sharingan without experiencing the usual backlash. This fix ensured that Kakashi could regulate the Sharingan like other Uchiha members.
Kazuki chose to perform the ritual on Naruto last, as they needed to take extra precautions. Tsunade had obtained Hiruzen's consent to modify the [Hakke no Fūin Shiki] (Eight Trigrams Sealing Style) seal on Naruto, replacing it with a more robust and intricate seal of Kazuki's own design. If Kazuki hadn't undergone the chakra ritual earlier himself, it would have been challenging to handle so many consecutive rituals. He had made ample preparations and medicines specifically for today's occasion.
"Ready, Sensei?" Kazuki couldn't help but ask the Sannin with a smile on his face. "Ready when you are, kid," Tsunade responded, and Kazuki directed Tsunade to the chamber where the ritual was arranged.
The massive Fuinjutsu ritual altar stood in the center of an expansive chamber, bathed in a soft, ethereal glow. Crafted from a combination of polished stone and intricate metallic materials, the altar exhibited a seamless blend of ancient design and advanced craftsmanship. Its dimensions were imposing, dominating the space with an aura of mystique.
The surface of the altar was adorned with an array of meticulously inscribed seals, forming an elaborate pattern that seemed to pulse with a faint energy. The symbols and characters etched into the stone radiated an otherworldly luminescence, giving the impression of an arcane script from a bygone era. The intricate patterns seemed to tell a story only decipherable to those well-versed in the art of fuinjutsu.
At strategic points around the altar, smaller pedestals held various ritualistic implements—a collection of scrolls containing sacred texts, vials of rare and potent liquids, and ornate tools crafted for the delicate process of sealing. Each item was positioned with precision, contributing to the overall symmetry and balance of the ritual space.
Kazuki directed his master to the center of the altar, and he stepped out of the ritual circle. The ritual began.
Eight hours later, Kazuki had successfully performed the ritual on four people, and Naruto was the last one left. Tsunade was standing by the side. When Tsunade had completed the ritual earlier, she couldn't help but test her new chakra level. It was almost six times her previous level, and being of the Senju bloodline, the increase was quite monstrous. She felt like she could simply crush a mountain with a single punch.
Now, Kazuki was meditating to bring himself back to his peak state. Sandaime had vehemently opposed tampering with the Nine-Tails' seals in Jiraiya's absence, not wanting to take chances. However, Tsunade was able to convince the old man, and with Kazuki's expertise and assurance, the old man reluctantly agreed. Hiruzen only knew about the part where Kazuki was applying a more complex fuinjutsu, which would help Naruto down the line.
Kazuki had to take many things into consideration because the Eight Trigrams seal that Minato had applied to Naruto was a variation of the original. During the process of changing seals, he had to make sure not to destroy the chakra imprint left behind by Minato. He intended to transfer the imprint completely to the new seal.
Kazuki woke up from his meditation after attaining a peak state and was greeted by Tsunade and the old man Hiruzen waiting next to her. What most in the village didn't know was that the Senju clan was now covered with more than a dozen barriers. Even Hiruzen had placed two barriers of his own as an additional precaution, even after Tsunade promised him that the barriers could easily subdue the Nine-Tails if something untoward happened. As an added precaution, Hiruzen had asked for his most loyal team of Shinobi to form a perimeter around the Senju clan.
Kazuki, however, had no intention of letting anything go wrong with Naruto's ritual. So, he made sure to triple-check everything before carrying the now-sleeping little Naruto to the altar. Just before starting the ritual, he asked the others to clear the room, including his master. However, the primary reason was that Kazuki wanted to have a private conversation with Kurama. Once he changed the fuinjutsu, it would alter many things for both little Naruto and Kurama.
"[Jūroku Shiren Ten Fūin]" (Sixteen Ordeals, Heaven Seal) Kazuki initiated the fuin ceremony by weaving a series of handsigns while simultaneously working on the Nine-Tails seal to ensure a smooth process. As the sealing ritual commenced, unlike the other participants, he plunged his consciousness into the Nine-Tails' sealing space using the ritual.
Inside the seal space, Kazuki was greeted by a colossal gate. The anime had not done justice to the sheer scale of the gate that confined the Kyuubi. The moment Kazuki's consciousness entered, the Nine-Tails stirred from its slumber. Slowly advancing towards the seal gate, a massive paw emerged from the darkness within, attempting to capture and crush Kazuki. Maintaining caution, Kazuki skillfully evaded the Nine-Tails' claw.
"Feisty one, aren't you?" Kazuki couldn't help but comment on the beast's blatant aggression. Finally setting his sight upon the most iconic entity in the Naruto world, Kazuki marveled at the magnificent chakra beast. Naruto's growth wouldn't have been the same without the Nine-Tails.
Contrary to his expectations, the Nine-Tails was tightly bound with massive golden chains, each of its colossal tails staked to the ground with huge pillars, allowing no freedom of movement.
"Truly a pity, such a magnificent beast." Kazuki couldn't help but admire the creature sealed behind the gates. The Nine-Tails observed Kazuki, awaiting an opportunity to strike or perhaps manipulate him into opening the seal.
Kazuki's subsequent actions rekindled the deep-seated hatred within the Nine-Tails. After executing a series of hand signs, Kazuki initiated the new fuinjutsu. Simultaneously, in the ritual room, altars and fuinjutsu seals glowed, while Kazuki, seated outside the ritual circle with closed eyes, maintained his consciousness within the sealing space.
As the sealing commenced, the Nine-Tails became aware of the abnormality, thrashing around in an attempt to break free. Unexpectedly, the entire sealing space transformed, filling with black ink that rose to Kazuki's knee. Out of the ink, numerous pitch-black chains emerged, binding the Nine-Tails completely.
"Now that you are truly bound, shall we have a talk?" Kazuki, cautiously maintaining his vigilance, walked toward the Nine-Tails without fear, standing next to the massive gate.
"Kid, who are you? How did you get here? How did you know I was not completely bound?" While conversing, Kurama attempted a sneak attack, but with a simple gesture, the black chains tightened, pinning the Nine-Tails into the black pool of ink. It was then that the Nine-Tails realized the black chains and ink were draining its chakra.
"What do you think you're doing? Kid, I don't know how you made it here. Undo the seal, and I will make you strong, even beyond your wildest dreams. No one will be your opponent after that," the Nine-Tails attempted to tempt Kazuki with promises of power, recognizing his proficiency in fuinjutsu.
"Even Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki?" Kazuki asked casually. However, the mention of the name made the Nine-Tails thrash around with renewed vigor, attempting to break its bindings.
"You! How do you know Father's name? Tell me who you are, and what else do you know?" The Nine-Tails desired answers from the child standing before it. Once focused on ripping apart the child, Kurama now seeks information.
"Calm down, Kurama. I am not here to harm you; I am just here to make a deal. It would benefit you if you listened." Kazuki wanted a peaceful dialogue with the Nine-Tails, hence mentioning the Sage of Six Paths and the Kyuubi's true name.
"Benefit, haha! What kind of benefit are you talking about? Don't tell me you are willing to release me right now; that's the only benefit I can think of for myself." Kurama was now a bit more restrained, curious about Kazuki's intentions.
"Well, that I cannot do. But I can help you with the next best thing if you are willing to cooperate." Kazuki aimed to strike a deal that would be advantageous for both the Nine-Tails and little Naruto.
"Haha, kid, all humans are the same. If you don't want to release me, you can leave. Humans just want to control everything. You can leave; I will not agree to any of your deals. I will find my own way out. Soon enough, I will rip this kid to shreds and be free." Kurama, now with Kazuki's interruption, contemplated a new plan for escape from the cage.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone