Chapter 102: Kotoamatsukami

When the golden light disappeared from Samui's eyes, she remained in a trance for some time.

Her brain and soul were now trapped in a permanent illusion. This illusion differed from the Infinite Tsukuyomi, the mightiest when affecting groups; instead, it was the most potent single-body illusion. It could permanently alter a person's will and even their soul.

In essence, when a person was subjected to Kotoamatsukami, this illusion persisted even if the individual died, their soul entered the afterlife, or they were revived via Impure World Reincarnation. It endured across bodies, ensuring that the illusion remained unchanged.

To break free from this illusion, one would require strength or soul power that reached a level beyond, similar to how the Flying Thunder God technique's automatic erasure needed the power referred to as 'realm' to remove it.

However, Samui lacked such an ability. Consequently, unless Sato used Kotoamatsukami on her once more and overlaid the current illusion with a new one, even Sato, the caster, could not release Samui from the illusion imposed upon her by other deities.

Similarly, the illusion Sato had cast on Samui was known as... "To be unwaveringly loyal to the caster!"

"Master  Sato!" Samui called out hesitantly, her face flushed as she struggled with her words.

However, as the trance in Samui's eyes gradually dissipated, the image of the figure she needed to be unequivocally loyal to became incredibly clear. Addressing Sato became much smoother, and her expression shifted from resentful to fanatical.

"Excellent. Let's see just how effective this ultimate illusion is."

Seeing the transformation in Samui's demeanor, Sato first expressed satisfaction with a smile. Then, he seized Samui by her low-cut collar and lifted her from the ground.

With one hand on Samui's head and the other forming seals, Sato whispered, "Ninja·Mind Reading Technique!"

Instantly, a potent Yin Release Chakra entered Samui's mind. Aided by his Mangekyō Sharingan, Sato rapidly sifted through Samui's memories.

This mental exploration lasted for half an hour. Throughout this time, Samui obediently lowered her head, allowing Sato unrestricted access to her memories.

After thirty minutes had elapsed, Sato withdrew his hand and remarked, "So, that's the effect."

Through the Yamanaka clan's Mind-Reading Technique, Sato had grasped how Kotoamatsukami had modified Samui's will.

This illusion did not fabricate fictitious memories atop Samui's existing recollections. Instead, it left an inexplicable 'suggestion' that resisted explanation and could not be resisted. It influenced her emotions—the essence of Kotoamatsukami.

If one were to name the illusion cast by Kotoamatsukami 'Guardian of Konoha,' then the hint of 'protecting Konoha' implanted in the brain and soul would have minimal effect on someone who deeply loved Konoha. In such cases, it would merely reinforce their commitment as a true bearer of the Will of Fire.

However, if the person harbored profound resentment against Konoha, the 'protecting Konoha' suggestion would exert its full power. It would forcibly shift their will and emotions, converting their hatred for Konoha into a deep, unwavering love. They would become a fervent successor of the Will of Fire.

Even the person's perspective on the past events that fueled their hatred for Konoha would change. They would begin to view Konoha's actions as justified and reasonable, releasing their past grievances and hatred. After all, the dead could not be resurrected, and other such rationalizations were part of this influence's twisted manipulation. 

Now, Samui had succumbed to the illusion of 'absolute loyalty to Sato.'

It was evident that her memory had not been altered. It was also apparent that her two companions might have been killed, and Sato before her was likely one of the murderers. But none of that seemed to matter.

Under the influence of Kotoamatsukami, Sato's status held greater importance to her than that of Cloud Shinobi Village and even her own parents. So, whether Sato killed her comrades, obliterated her village, or took the lives of her parents, Samui would feel sadness, but ultimately, she would choose to forgive Sato and understand his actions.

When Sato was in jeopardy, she would willingly give her life for him. And even in death, there would be a smile on her face, content because she had protected Sato.

Indeed, that was the twist.

Kotoamatsukami was indeed the most potent single-body illusion, surpassing Danzō's Tongue Elimination Technique and Uchiha Madara's control over Obito and Rin Nohara. It even outshone Infinite Tsukuyomi, the peerless illusion for affecting groups.

The only drawback was that this formidable technique had no effect on beings from other dimensions who had mastered the Kekkei Genkai. Just as Naruto and his allies could resist Infinite Tsukuyomi, Six Paths-level powerhouses not only resisted it but could also dispel it themselves.

To take effect on god-like beings at the Six Paths level, Sato's Sharingan power would need to surpass theirs by at least one level, or Kotoamatsukami would need to undergo a transformation into another realm.

... "Master Sato."

At that moment, Samui's voice broke through Sato's thoughts.

Glancing down at Samui, still restrained by branches but not seemingly bothered by her current condition, Sato met her fanatical gaze. A faint twitch touched the corner of Sato's mouth.

With his index finger, Sato hooked Samui's chin, brushing her unwrinkled red lips, and with a smile, he corrected her, "Don't call me Master Sato; call me... Master."

"It's... Master."

"So adorable."

Sato's gaze rested on Samui, who had shed her icy exterior for a moment, smiling radiantly as their address became more intimate. He couldn't resist brushing her pale gold hair, much like one might pet a dog.

And Samui, like the most loyal of pets, eagerly nuzzled Sato's hand. To her, Sato's approval was the greatest reward in the world.

This display was even more exaggerated than Karin's original reactions.

This was the power of absolute loyalty.

Anything given by Sato, even a smile or a simple gesture, was cherished as the most significant treasure in the world.

Conversely, if Sato didn't approve, even a genuine treasure would appear insignificant in Samui's eyes, something to be glanced at cautiously, as if it might harm her eyes if stared at too long.

Currently, Samui was undoubtedly the world's foremost maid and warrior.

After "rewarding" Samui, Sato released her from the Silent Killing Technique. Instead of taking her with him, he remained stationary, placing his hand over his left eye to check the cooldown time of Kotoamatsukami.

As the most potent single-body illusion, one without Blood Succession Limits, Kotoamatsukami had significant restrictions.

Without Hashirama's cells, the ultimate power of Yin, even Shisui, the wielder of Kotoamatsukami, using it with his left eye would result in a cooldown period of several years.

However, with Hashirama's cells, the cooldown time for Kotoamatsukami was significantly reduced.

Sato's  Body, while slightly inferior to Ōtsutsuki Ashura's and reincarnated bodies, had a far more potent effect than Hashirama's cells.

Hence, the cooldown time for Sato's Kotoamatsukami was only... six months.

It had been reduced from more than ten years to just half a year.

Moreover, Sato had a hunch that when he bridged the gap in achieving an Immortal Body or became a Six Paths-level powerhouse, the cooldown time of Kotoamatsukami would no longer be measured in 'years' or 'months,' but in 'days.'

If that were the case, Kotoamatsukami would become a rival even to Obito's Kamui, the most potent Mangekyō Sharingan technique.