Late at night, Shigure quietly stepped out of Hinata's room.
After he had soothed her into peaceful sleep, Mei Terumī, clad in a loose night robe, lounged lazily on the living-room sofa, watching him with half-lidded eyes.
"The Hyūga heiress is asleep?" she asked, her voice teasing.
Shigure nodded lightly.
"What are you doing out here?" he asked cautiously.
Mei stretched her long legs, swirling the wine in her glass.
"Waiting for you, of course."
"Waiting… for me?"
Mei smirked, cheeks faintly flushed from alcohol.
"Compared to that shy little girl… shouldn't a mature woman like me be more appealing?"
A soft laugh escaped her lips.
"As your elder sister figure… I have my own charm, don't I?"
Shigure couldn't help a moment of silence.
Was this how she planned to keep him tied to Kirigakure? He had already accepted the title of Mizukage-to-be…
He was now the Jinchūriki of the village. There was nowhere else for him to go.
Even so… it wasn't exactly a loss for him.
The Next Morning — An Experiment Begins
Before dawn, Shigure arrived on a remote training island outside the village.
For some time now, he had been deeply curious about the subtle influence of Yin Release and Yang Release on ninjutsu.
With the number of kekkei genkai he wielded continuing to increase, he noticed something new:
Every Bloodline Limit carried traces of Yin and Yang Release.
His enhanced mastery over nature transformation — thanks to the passive skill slot — now let him feel that flow clearly.
When he used Ice Release, he sensed Yin and Yang Chakra blending invisibly together to create the element.
The sensation was even more evident with Cloud Release:
Increasing mist density → Yin Release rose
Converting mist to acid, snow, or storm clouds → Yang Release surged
Even within Ice Release, altering its properties changed the balance:
Greater hardness → more Yang Release
Faster freezing → more Yin Release
No matter which ninjutsu he used… Yin and Yang were always there.
This fascinated Shigure.
Wood Release, however, was different — overwhelmingly Yang-based, with almost no Yin flow.
Meanwhile, Magnet Release drew heavily on Yin Release.
And Light Release had only formed when he forced Yin Release into Storm Release beyond its limit.
So what if I manipulate the balance on purpose?
Among all his abilities, Wood Release was the perfect test subject — pure Yang Release at its peak.
Shigure now intended to inject ultimate Yin Release into it.
Great Sage, Begin Calculation
[Great Sage: Calculating…]
[10% Yin release injected]
[20% Yin release injected…]
…the progress jumped instantly…
[Calculation complete]
Shigure exhaled.
A new formula… a new way to create Wood Release.
Water + Earth + concentrated Yin Release…
His chakra surged outward.
At first, only a few blades of grass trembled.
But in the next second—
Life exploded.
Grasses erupted from bare stone cliffs — thick vines burst out like serpents — and in the blink of an eye, the entire island transformed into a towering sea of greenery.
Shigure stared.
"…Grass Release?"
Wood Release enhanced with Yin Release, degrading into a plant type — but its scale and growth speed were monstrous.
He flexed his fingers, and the massive weeds twisted and coiled like living whips — easily capable of binding an enemy.
"So that's it… adjusting Yin–Yang ratios doesn't create entirely new kekkei genkai."
"It changes how the same power manifests."
Which explained why Storm Release + Yin Release = Light Release.
Meaning…
What about Storm Release + more Yang Release?
Shigure smiled faintly.
"No need to experiment blindly anymore."
Great Sage, I'll leave the calculations to you.
[Great Sage: Understood, Host]
Great Sage, calculate every possible fusion route for all kekkei genkai.
I want them all.
[Great Sage: Task registered. Calculations in progress.]
Shigure raised his hand. Yin and Yang Release swirled into balance inside him — and a black rod formed silently in his palm.
This was the real purpose of his early-morning training:
Unnoticed by even himself, his passive skill had fully optimized his control over Yin–Yang Release.
This had awakened a new power — the ability to manifest black receivers.
Contrary to common belief, one did not need a Rinnegan to produce them — only true mastery over Yin and Yang.
Shigure flexed his fingers, recalling Mei Terumī's words from the night before.
She had asked when he intended to take full command of Kirigakure.
It was a fair question.
If he was going to become Mizukage, it meant taking responsibility — for the village, its future, and its strength.
He didn't care for world domination… but a village so strong that no one dared provoke it?
That… sounded ideal.
Shigure turned toward the sea and spoke calmly:
"Let's head back."
From the mist, Kuji and Akira appeared at once.
They followed him to the shoreline — where the waves surged and shaped themselves into a massive Water Dragon under Shigure's will.
He stepped lightly onto its head.
The Water Dragon twisted its body and shot across the sea, its surface carrying the three forward at high speed — a method of travel no inferior to the Flying Nimbus.
This was the result of infusing Yin Release into Water Release — making the flow easier to control, stable enough to bear weight, and capable of flight.
As Great Sage refined the Yin–Yang ratios across his techniques, all of Shigure's ninjutsu would continue to evolve — and grow increasingly dangerous.
Return to the Hidden Mist Village
Kirigakure was bustling with excitement.
Today marked the official rebirth of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.
Shinobi flooded the ceremonial grounds, eager to witness the new legends.
Mei Terumī entered the venue, walking with a slight stiffness in her step.
Behind her, Ao frowned with concern.
"Lord Mizukage… are you injured?"
Mei's cheeks warmed just a bit.
"It's nothing."
"Nothing? It looks like you fought someone. Was it a strong opponent?"
Mei paused, considering. A wry smile tugged at her lips.
"…Yes. The fight was quite intense."
At that moment, Shigure arrived — leading the newly chosen Seven Swordsmen.
When Mei's eyes landed on him…
Her expression shifted.
Complex emotions flickered in her gaze — pride, confidence… and something more private.
Shigure pretended not to notice.
There was a village to lead.
And today — the entire world would see its rebirth.
...
TN:
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