Chapter 20: Choosing the Kekkei Genkai

Akira was deep in thought, carefully deliberating over which five kekkei genkai he should fuse using the Chimera Technique. This decision required precision—no resources could go to waste.

"Which five kekkei genkai would be best to choose?" Akira pondered, his thoughts swirling as he struggled to settle on a decision.

In the ninja world, renowned kekkei genkai were few and far between. Many were achieved through dedicated training rather than being passed down through bloodlines, and the truly inherited ones were rare. The Sharingan of the Uchiha, the Byakugan of the Hyuga, the Shikotsumyaku of the Kaguya, the Ketsuryūgan of the Chinoike, and the ice techniques of the Yuki Clan—these were among the most well-known.

(T/N: The Ketsuryūgan can manipulate the blood within a living target, whether it be themselves or another being.)

Although the Senju and Uzumaki clans were descended from the Sage of Six Paths, neither clan appeared to have a unique kekkei genkai.

With limited options, Akira immediately dismissed artificially cultivated abilities like Scorch Release or Steel Release. Such techniques, although potent, lacked the immense potential of ancient bloodline abilities linked to the Sage of Six Paths and Kaguya Otsutsuki. Those bloodlines, originating from the Divine Tree and the Sage himself, held secrets of the world that no man-made ability could rival.

Thus, Akira's attention centered on kekkei genkai associated with the Sage and Kaguya Otsutsuki.

"I wonder… would that ability Karin has—the one where a single bite can restore chakra—count as a kekkei genkai?" Akira's thoughts began to expand. He then recalled Jugo, whose natural ability to absorb sage energy essentially granted him a Sage Body.

"Perhaps," Akira mused, "the unique powers of Uzumaki heritage and Jugo's Sage Transformation could also count as kekkei genkai."

He nodded to himself. Having sage capabilities was crucial. Without Sage Mode or the ability to use natural energy, fighting future threats like the Ten-Tails or a Jinchuriki with the Ten-Tails would be a losing battle.

Akira resolved to find both Karin and Jugo after the war ended, using the influence of the Uchiha to bring them to Konohagakure.

"With that settled, I only need one more kekkei genkai," he thought.

"For now, it looks like the Shikotsumyaku of the Kaguya clan is the best choice." After much consideration, Akira decided to go with this option for the time being.

His lineup would include the descendants of Kaguya—Uchiha, Hyuga, Senju, Uzumaki, and Kaguya clans—and Jugo's Sage Body. Akira felt this combination offered the best potential. The Chimera Technique might yield incredible results once completed.

"There's only about six years until the next solar eclipse," Akira noted. During this time, he hoped to locate his targets with the help of the Uchiha clan's resources. The Chimera Technique would require the unique conditions of the eclipse for the final fusion ritual, which had to be performed on Mount Shumisen.

The upcoming eclipse was scheduled for the 56th year of Konohagakure. Missing this opportunity would mean waiting another twelve years, until year 68.

"The timeline is tight, and there's much to accomplish," Akira thought, considering the accelerated development of biotechnologies.

Once he found Karin and Jugo, Akira had no intention of treating them as mere tools for his fusion, like Hiruko would have. Instead, after the war ended, he planned to use the Uchiha clan's resources to advance biological cloning. Using clones would suffice—he felt more comfortable avoiding direct usage of their bodies.

The journey back to Konohagakure was uneventful, and after two days, Akira and his team safely escorted the injured shinobi back.

As they approached the village gates, Akira and his team saw the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, waiting alongside a team of medical-ninja.

"Well done, all of you," said Hiruzen, wearing the Hokage's ceremonial robe and cap. Despite his age, he stood with a powerful presence, his smaller stature belying his strength.

"This is simply our duty as Konohagakure shinobi," Akira and the others replied.

Hiruzen glanced at Akira for a brief moment before turning to the medical-ninja.

"Take the wounded to the hospital for treatment."

The battle reports had already reached Konohagakure, so Hiruzen was well aware of Akira's accomplishments on the battlefield. Observing the young Uchiha, he thought, Another prodigy from the Uchiha clan.

With a slight smile, Hiruzen addressed the group,

"Go get some rest. When you're ready, submit your mission reports."

"Yes, Hokage-sama," Akira replied, along with Kakashi and the others.

Back in the Uchiha district, Akira was met with a hero's welcome. His battlefield exploits had spread, and even the more reserved shinobi came out to greet him. As for the civilians, they were openly exuberant, greeting him warmly as if he were a returning champion.

What should have been a few minutes' walk to his home ended up taking nearly half an hour.

The next morning, Akira met with Kakashi and the others, and they proceeded to the Hokage's office to report their mission.

"Hokage-sama, that's the full account of our mission," Kakashi reported solemnly.

"Remarkable that you encountered not only Kirigakure's ambush but also Hiruko," Hiruzen said gravely. "This mission's level is now officially upgraded to S-rank."

"It's our duty as Konohagakure shinobi," Akira and the others responded.

Hiruzen turned to Akira. "Akira, are you certain Hiruko is dead?"

Akira nodded. "Yes, Hokage-sama. Based on the circumstances, I am confident he's been eliminated."

Hiruzen's expression relaxed, clearly pleased. "Impressive work. Hiruko was already a jonin during the Second Great Ninja War. You've done well."

Akira remained calm. "Eliminating rogue ninja is a duty all Konohagakure shinobi uphold."

Hiruzen gave a satisfied nod, addressing the group once more. "Get some rest, but stay ready. The battle may be nearing its end, but there may be sudden changes, so be prepared to return to the front if necessary."

"Yes!"

After formally acknowledging the Hokage's orders, they all exited the office.

Shortly after they left, Danzo Shimura entered, his head wrapped in bandages.

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