"Infinite chakra... What do you mean by that? Haseo, what are you implying?"
In response to Haseo's sudden remark, Orochimaru's reaction was unexpectedly enthusiastic, a rare occurrence indeed.
"You don't seriously not understand what I'm saying, do you? You must know exactly what I mean. Come on, you've definitely thought about it before."
Orochimaru: "..."
The exaggerated description of infinite chakra wasn't actually all that exaggerated. Such a dreamlike concept for ninja did have methods to realize it.
"You see, you get it. That's good enough."
Haseo lifted The Black Cat onto his shoulder, abruptly ending this unexpected conversation. The Black Cat blinked in confusion, completely unable to comprehend the meaning behind their cryptic exchange.
The reason Haseo dropped the subject was because he had already understood Orochimaru's thoughts—Orochi was still fairly easy to fool. His curiosity was even stronger than his future self's, yet currently lacked the later version's sense of rationality, judgment, and awareness.
Simply put, at this age, he wanted everything and wanted to stick his nose into everything, without knowing exactly what he truly needed—especially when it came to Konoha's classified secrets.
"In any case, let's focus on developing freshwater aquaculture first. The sooner we get results, the better."
Haseo handed Samehada over to Orochimaru, urging the Konoha biologist to work hard, then sent him on his way. He'd said "as soon as possible," but no one could've predicted just how fast Orochimaru would move.
...
Konoha heavily invested in the development of new districts. Meanwhile, the newly arrived Uzumaki clan members had also been given adequate temporary accommodations. Only then did Kagenami slowly resume its operations.
After all, as ninja, they couldn't keep skipping work indefinitely.
A few days later, while Haseo was examining his injured arm, Uzumaki Shikou—who had returned to active duty—reported something to him.
"Lord Haseo, Lord Danzo Shimura of Root has formally requested us to provide a secret arts technique intended for sealing and confidentiality purposes for lower-level Root members..."
Haseo first slung his arm over his neck before slightly curiously asking, "Are you certain that Lord Danzo… used the word 'request' instead of 'demand'?"
Something felt off about such polite wording—Haseo found it difficult to believe that actually came from Danzo.
"It definitely was a request; this is the official document."
Uzumaki Shikou handed a document over to Haseo while continuing to explain, "Because of Root's purpose and nature, its members come into contact with much classified intelligence. To prevent leaks, Lord Danzo requires these personnel to be placed under an information-sealing Secret Arts... This was their stated explanation."
Although certain silencing techniques might not be very humane, ninja—particularly those belonging to covert units like Root—themselves were beyond needing to discuss such concepts. After all, they were meant to be unfeeling killing machines.
Danzo Shimura's reasoning wasn't entirely incomprehensible, but...
Haseo couldn't help but inwardly scoff—nobody could say for sure whether Danzo wanted this secret technique to protect Root's secrets or his own. After all, Danzo was known for handling shady operations, many of which seemed like personal side projects even the Third Hokage wasn't fully aware of.
So, did Danzo making such a request mean he was planning to become active again?
"Does Uzumaki possess such a sealing technique?" Haseo asked outwardly with a calm expression while thinking this.
"Yes," Shikou replied. "Whether it's something *spoken aloud* or something *locked deep within the mind*, the Uzumakis can seal either.
Verbal sealing is relatively straightforward and crude, whereas memory sealing is actually a kind of misdirection technique—it buries key information deep within the brain and covers it with layers of redundant data. To some extent, it can resist enemy memory searches and interrogation through genjutsu."
There was no doubt about the Uzumaki clan's mastery of sealing techniques. Even so, protecting someone's memories was far more complex and difficult than simply preventing certain individuals from uttering specific words, and ultimately, not one hundred percent reliable.
Haseo pondered briefly before speaking. "Since what Danzo wants to exchange comes from the Uzumakis, naturally the decision must rest with the Uzumakis themselves. So rather than being a request for Kagenami, it should go directly to the Uzumaki clan.
If this sealing method can be exchanged and isn't considered crucial knowledge by the Uzumakis, then handing it over to Danzo wouldn't be an issue.
The Uzumakis have already arrived at Konoha. Either way, showing a willingness to cooperate demonstrates your active desire to integrate into this village and contribute where you can.
Of course, cooperation aside, nobody can expect you to give away such secret arts for free. You could negotiate something in return—like asking Danzo to provide policy assistance or material support for rebuilding the Uzumaki.
As long as the principle of equivalent exchange applies, there shouldn't be any problem.
Uzumaki secret arts hold great value, and Danzo wields considerable influence in Konoha, so such cooperation would benefit everyone."
Everything Haseo said came strictly from the standpoint of the Uzumakis. His thinking was simple—if the Uzumaki clan truly wanted to integrate into Konoha, they needed to make the village leadership feel that integration. Actively sharing their sealing techniques with the village made perfect sense.
They shouldn't give Konoha's upper echelons the impression that they were holding their techniques as a bargaining chip. That kind of attitude could bring nothing good to either the Uzumakis or Konoha in the long run.
Shikou nodded. "Within our clan, we think the same way too. However... we were considering just giving Danzo-sama a favor. If he wants that sealing technique, why not just hand it over directly?"
This idea sounded reasonable, but Haseo still found himself pursing his lips slightly—"Hmph, no need for that. Danzo isn't the type who'll remember favors. Fair exchange will always be the best approach."
What's the point of doing Danzo a favor? You think he'd ever show gratitude or offer help to the Uzumaki in return? Honestly, just hoping he won't turn around and screw you over is already a blessing.
Gratitude and repayment? Guided by his ironclad belief that "Konoha's interests come first," Danzo Shimura has never been known for returning favors. In fact, he's far more experienced in repaying kindness with betrayal.
"...I understand, Lord Haseo." Shikou seemed to recall Danzo Shimura's cold, emotionless face. In the end... she found herself agreeing with Lord Haseo's words.
"Glad you see it that way," Haseo smiled, then continued, "Now that we've cleared that matter up, there's something I'd like to ask the Uzumaki clan to assist me with..."
Then Haseo gave Shikou a detailed explanation regarding a certain matter.
"Would a seal like this even be possible?"
Uzumaki Shikou pondered carefully before responding cautiously, "In theory, it could be done if based on the Four Symbols Seal combined with some unique custom design, but... If you were to use such a sealing technique, how would your combat capabilities be maintained, Lord Haseo? Or are you planning to retire from being a ninja so soon?"
"Just link the purpose of Kagenami with the matters I've already explained, and you'll understand why I'm confident this action won't hurt my combat effectiveness at all," Haseo replied.
"..."
Shikou contemplated his words carefully, eventually reaching understanding. "I understand what you mean now, Lord Haseo. The Uzumaki will handle this as soon as possible."
Haseo's intentions and actions seemed vague at first glance, as if hidden behind a fog—but when analyzed closely, they weren't hard to understand at all.
If someone truly had the power to see into the future, naturally, he wouldn't remain a wandering ninja adrift in fate's currents forever.
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