Chapter 15-16

I was back in Konoha and on a week-long break.

Minato used the break to run missions by himself, while Kakashi and I pursued individual training.

I planned on using my free week to add the lightning palm to my repertoire.

I however finished ahead of schedule completing the lightning Palm in one day.

I had met all the requirements before I started learning it.

All I needed to do was make it seal-less or to get it down to one hand-seal.

And that could be done later.

So, I need to find something to do for the rest of the week.

Hmm…

I think ill try for another Lightning Jutsu.

Off to the library, I go…

…

I was in the library under a Henge and sitting in the Genin section, I was of course using my Byakugan to read the books in the Chunin section.

I had a few choices in jutsu.

Lightning Release: Lightning ball.

Lightning Release: Wall.

Lightning Release: Lightning Arrow.

The lightning ball was out, it required that the user be able to manipulate the chakra away from the body.

Lightning release: wall, was a multi-person jutsu and thus too draining to use, so it was also out.

That left the simple lightning arrow.

Sorry lightning ball and wall maybe next time.

I focused on the Lightning Arrow scroll and memorized it with Kokoro no kyōka.

My work was done, I exited the library and made my way to my favorite training ground, I had a lot to do today after all.

…

I sat down and started on the lightning arrow technique.

'The user molds then shapes lightning-natured chakra. They can then throw the lightning as a projectile, or combine it with a Water Release technique to electrocute a target.'

This technique was a simple C-Ranked jutsu only requiring the ram hand-seal.

I set my hands into the shape of the ram hand-seal then gathered lightning chakra on my palm shaping it as arrow-like as possible.

I then launched the lightning arrow to the nearest tree.

It hit the tree leaving a small scorch mark.

Alrighty, that wasn't quite where I aimed but that's fine, I'll get better.

…

I spent the rest of the day shooting lightning arrows.

I experimented with the size and number of the arrow.

Eventually, I got low on chakra and had to call it a day.

…

I arrived home around mid-evening.

I was met with my mother who looked visibly nervous.

She waved me into the dining where took a seat at our Chabudai.

She motioned for me to join her, and I did after a moment of hesitation.

She stared into my eyes for a moment before she looked away and seemed to get lost in thought.

I kept my silence, only raising an eyebrow when she met my gaze after a few moments.

"Shiro… I've been ordered to watch you…"

By who and for what?

"Why have you been ordered to watch me?"

And who would order a mother to watch their son, that sounded a bit crazy?

"The Hokage was concerned about your mental stability when you experimented on some bandits."

What did he not like? He lets Danzō abduct children into root and doesn't bat an eye.

"So?"

My mother drummed her fingers on the table for a moment before replying.

"The Hokage doesn't want you to experiment on people from the village."

Not a problem, don't eat where you shit and all that.

"That's not a problem, I wouldn't experiment on anyone that was not already meant to die."

Which was true, if you accepted the fact that everyone from the second they were born was meant to die.

"Yes, I know, that's why I'm telling you this. Don't even heal any non-ninja from the village, it might be taken the wrong way."

Was she concerned for me? This was rather touching.

"Thanks, mom."

A smile appeared on her face at the word mom.

"Anytime Shiro."

We sat in silence for a while longer.

"Shiro."

She started finger drumming on the table again.

"Yes?"

After a moment she stopped.

"Don't bring up experiments anywhere even around your team. If you do need to experiment make sure no-one knows of it, not even myself."

Uh-oh, this doesn't sound good…

"Can you tell me the reason?"

She looked me in the eye, the most serious expression I had ever seen her make was on her face.

"Greatness and Madness are neighbors and sometimes they borrow each-others sugar."

She took a deep breath before continuing.

"Every great person you'll ever meet is mad, to become great, they sacrifice relationships, public perception, morals, family, and even their own well-being."

My eyes widened, this wisdom was unexpected. My impression of my mother rose with her words.

"Shiro, ninja fear greatness, they will fear your greatness. Ninja will do anything to stop greatness before it becomes a problem."

She took another breath and continued.

"When your great you don't just have to watch your enemies but also your allies. The Third Hokage and Danzō Shimura being a prime example. Danzō and The Third used to be friends, but The Third rose to greatness and became Hokage, a position that Danzō desired.

Now Danzō does his best to undermine The Third."

She stopped for a moment, I figured this was the time to ask a question.

"Why hasn't The Third done something about Danzō

I knew that it was because of his past friendship, but I wanted to hear an outside perspective.

"A mix of weakness and morals. The Third and Danzō were friends, The Third probably thinks fondly of his past friendship with Danzō and is hesitant to put him in his place."

She blinked and looked to the side.

"No one can ever prove Danzō has done anything. And when they can they disappear."

She focused back on me.

"If the Hokage executed Danzō for something he couldn't prove it would be seen as morally wrong."

I sighed and rubbed my eyes, Danzō was one of my biggest worries, and just talking about him was giving me anxiety.

"Shiro, I believe you will be great, and I want you to hide your greatness for as long as you can until no-one can stop you from doing what you want to achieve."

I think that was a nice way of telling me to hide my madness.

"So, the Hokage thinks I'm mad?"

My mother sighed and rubbed her nose.

"You are attracting too much attention, and need to hide your greatness so your life doesn't end before it even begins."

She didn't say I wasn't mad…

"I was healing people at every village we stopped at during missions, should I stop doing that?"

My mother shook her head.

"No that's a point in your favor, it's the reason you're not being interrogated by a Yamanaka

right now."

I felt the hair on the back of my neck stand-up, I was pretty close to a session of mind-rape.

"Is there anything else I should be aware of?"

She hummed in thought.

"Keep making attempts at friendship with your teammate, and stay friends with Gai. Those were both a point in your favor."

I was mentally thanking the power of Youth when my mother continued interrupting my thought.

"Your Jonin-Sensei is also tasked to watch you, so be careful of what you say and do around him."

I felt a bit of betrayal but realized that this was Minato I was thinking about, the man who will sacrifice himself, and his child for the village. I doubt he would lose any sleep if I were to die for the betterment of the village.

"Thanks mom."

That got another smile out of her.

"Anytime Shiro, sorry for ranting at you about madness I was anxious."

I smiled at her.

"No worries, I appreciate the warning and enjoyed talking to you."

I needed that warning, I would have bumbled my way into a Yamanaka mind rape.

My toes curled at the thought.

I couldn't wait to get out of this shit hole.

"Thanks again mom, and goodnight."

She smiled at me.

"Goodnight Shiro."

I made my way to my room, I figured I wouldn't get any sleep tonight but at least I could curl up in my bed and be comfortable while I stewed in anxiety.

I had so many experiments I wanted to do, the reason I hadn't started on them was that I needed long term test subjects.

I knew I couldn't stop on my path of medical ninjutsu, it had gotten me the most results after all.

Sigh…

Do I need to pursue something else for a while until I'm not under scrutiny?

Perhaps Fuinjutsu?

Fuinjutsu tied nicely into medical ninjutsu and I had planned to look into the Strength Of A Hundred seal anyway.

…

The next day I sent a clone to the Hyuga and public Library's they were tasked with looking for books and scrolls about Fuinjutsu, so I could later burn it into my memory.

I sent a third clone to go see Kushina and ask what she knew about the strength of a hundred seal.

I was headed shopping I had to find a new outfit, I no longer deserved to wear a Youthful jumpsuit.

…

The Hyuga library clone predictably had no luck finding stuff about seals.

The public library had some of the basics, but nothing that would let me go past making a basic storage seal.

The clone that I sent to Kushina was Missing In Action, so I figured he was dragged into some sort of traumatic social experience and would be a while longer.

I was still looking around for a new outfit I wanted something white but was hesitating.

I'd look good.

But id also have to buy a new set of clothes if I got blood all over them, which was pretty much a given.

Sigh…

…

I exited the store with my outfit after many assurances from the clerk that there are cleaners capable of getting blood out of clothing.

Both the shirt and pants of my outfit were white, I had wanted a white sweater but I couldn't find any white pants that looked good with it.

So, I ended up with a baggy shirt and pant combo.

I disliked the buttons but I was willing to put up with them…

I wonder what my clone is doing...

When they last this long they usually start acting silly.

I was a bit worried about what my clone had gotten up-to, but figured that it would Henge if it wanted to pull something…

Sigh… Time to get home.

…

I was taking my pre-sleep shower when my clone dispelled.

The clone had gone to Kushina and was promptly manhandled.

The clone finally got down to business when it was having its nails painted.

…

"Kushina?"

She didn't stop painting my nails as she responded.

"Yes, Shiro?"

How do I word this…?

"I'm looking to learn about The Strength Of A Hundred Seal, I figured since you know a lot about Fuinjutsu id ask you about it."

Kushina bit her lip for a moment and paused her nail painting.

"The Strength Of A Hundred Seal doesn't have a lot to do with Fuinjutsu, it has more to do with chakra control."

She refocused her attention back to my nails and resumed painting.

"The easiest way I can explain it is that you're crafting a seal with your chakra. When you finish the seal, you can use it to store excess chakra."

Kushina moved onto the next nail this time changing colors.

"In order to make the seal, you have to constantly store most of your chakra at a point in your forehead for three years straight. This also means while you are asleep. This can only be done by people who have excellent chakra control."

Kushina finished with my fingernails and moved on to my toenails.

"When making the seal you have to dedicate about 80% of your chakra reserves, meaning that you will only be able to use the remaining 20%."

It was quiet for a moment and Kushina started humming to herself.

I was quietly contemplating the seal. I had needed to slow down anyway, but this seal was a three-year-long investment.

I brought up my memory of the timeline.

...

I still had about four years until the war, that seemed like enough time to make the seal.

But in those three years, I wouldn't improve much and my combat power would be extremely limited.

I wouldn't be able to make any more progress on my Ninjutsu.

I probably wouldn't be able to use any Ninjutsu at all.

And would the Hyuga Elders take the chance to seal me when my attention was focused on making the seal?

What if they did and I had to fight back?

Would I have to restart the seal?

"Kushina?"

She was done my right toes and had moved onto the left ones.

"Yes?"

I think I need the seal.

"Where could I get the scroll for the technique?"

It was such a huge boost in combat-power and survivability I couldn't pass it up.

"I could get it for you, my sensei practiced the technique. You only need permission from the Hokage."

Danm roadblock.

"Could you ask the Hokage for me?"

I didn't want to ask him.

"Aww Shiro! Are you shy?"

Sure, let's go with that.

"Yes! the Hokage is my idol and I can't even get a word out in his presence!"

I tried my best to sound nervous.

"Aww, that's so cute! Don't worry Shiro ill ask the Hokage for you!"

I smiled.

"Thanks, Kushina, this means a lot to me!"

She smiled back at me.

Eventually, the clone's nails were finished and Kushina had no-more things to braid or paint, so he exited the apartment and made his way to the forest where he could dispel.

…

I was still in the shower I had sat down and was letting the water hit my back while I got lost in thought.

My healing factor would benefit a lot from the seal.

The only limit to my healing was the amount of chakra I had and with the seal that would no longer be a problem.

I would be almost unkillable.

That alone was worth the 3 years of probable stagnation.

To prepare for the seal id have to be better at managing my chakra.

And I'd have to map out the chakra cost of all my techniques and then only stick to low-cost techniques.

That meant no Shadow Clones and no Lightning Release.

I had meant to "Create" the Rasengan but that might be impossible as well.

Sigh…

The benefits were greater than the costs.

I stood up and turned off the shower.

Sigh…

I might not even be allowed to learn the technique…

I guess I'll see what happens…

It was three days after I had talked to Kushina about The Strength Of A Hundred Seal.

I was six days into my week-long break.

I had gotten up early and planed on measuring the amount of chakra required for my techniques.

I headed to the door pencil and notebook in hand.

My mother stopped me before I got out of the door.

"Shiro, don't exhaust yourself, me and you have to talk tonight."

Again?

"Yep, no problem."

Oh boy…

…

I arrived at the third training ground.

I had wanted to test all my techniques.

But most of my techniques didn't have a set chakra cost.

Meaning most of my techniques can have a small or a large cost depending on how powerful I want the effects.

The Gentle Fist was one such technique.

The Gentle Fist injects chakra into an opponent's chakra system causing damage to any organs connected to the chakra pathways that are hit.

The amount of chakra used in the Gentle Fist depended on the chakra of the opponent.

If I didn't use enough chakra the opponent could overcome any chakra, I've injected them with.

If I used too much I'd kill or cripple my opponent which was the goal most of the time.

So, I usually have to adjust the amount of chakra I use on the fly.

…

Most of the Gentle Fist moves were low cost.

Like the Gentle Fist Art: Tenketsu Needle, the Hyuga use this to block tenketsu…

The Gentle Fist Art: One Blow Body, on the other hand was a high-cost technique.

I thought back to Tokama blabbering about it.

'A technique born from a Hyuga's innate ability to expel chakra from every tenketsu on their body, a member of the Hyuga clan can hit their opponent with a blast of chakra that will send them flying away from the user. This technique can be used with pinpoint accuracy to target the weak point of an opponent's technique allowing you to dispel it.'

Tokuma said he once used the technique to escape from a Water Prison Jutsu when fighting a Mist-Nin.

This jutsu was only useful if you were stupid enough to get caught…

Like Tokuma…

I didn't have a water user on hand, so I couldn't test it…

Sigh…

…

Well lest start with writing down all my moves and then I can work on identifying their chakra usage and then ill go from there…

…

No Cost.

Academy Taijutsu, The Power Of Youth.

Variable Cost.

Automatic regeneration - Mystical palms - Gentle Fist Taijutsu - Gentle Fist Art: Tenketsu Needle – Byakugan 150 m Predator (Heat) Vision, Magnify, Speed/distance reading (Thief) - Eight trigrams: 8-64 Palms - Gravity Seal - One For All.

Low Cost.

Kokoro no kyōka (Mind)- Chikaku no kyōka (Perception) - Henge - Body replacement – Standard Clone - Shunshin (thrown weapon version included) - Chakra scalpels - Anesthetic Jutsu - Chakra strings - Eight Trigrams: Vacuum Palm.

Mid Cost.

Lightning Release: Lightning arrow - Lightning release: Lightning strike - Gentle Fist Art: One Blow Body - Eight Trigrams: Vacuum wall Palm - Kinryoku kyōka (Muscular Enhancement).

High Cost.

Shadow clone – Eight Trigrams: Mountain Crusher – Chakra Transfer Technique.

…

Looking at my list while scratching my chin, I decided that it wasn't half bad.

A good portion of my moves are low cost and that was by design.

I after all didn't want to waste half my chakra on a move that an enemy would likely dodge.

Any variable cost moves were used depending on the situation and the amount of chakra needed.

I had thought about Shunshin being put under variable cost but decided that I only really used it in low-cost situations.

Kinryoku kyōka was the one technique I was upset about, I wouldn't be able to use it when I had other stuff to do during the day.

If I only had 20% of my chakra, I might need to take a desk job...

I looked at the sun and saw that I had around five hours of free time.

Hmmm… Gai should be getting out of the academy soon…

I think I'll go see Gai, and I'll bring him some food while I'm at it.

…

I was sitting on a tree branch watching the academy, food in hand.

It was only a short five-minute wait until a stream of students started to exit the academy.

I watched faces both new and familiar pass until I saw Gai exit the door with a Youthful bounce in his step.

I jumped down from the tree and started making my way to Gai.

I heard the cannon fodder make some comments about me 'playing ninja' but I ignored it and continued.

Eventually, Gai and I met eyes.

"MY MOST YOUTHFUL FRIEND SHIRO!"

Nice going Gai, now everyone is staring at us.

"Hello Gai, I brought lunch in preparation for our Youthful training!"

My reply was quieter but no less Youthful.

"YOSH! I SHALL TRAIN TWICE AS HARD WITH A FULL STOMACH!"

Gai ended his yell with a nice guy pose.

I figured I should match his Youthful enthusiasm…

"A MOST YOUTHFUL IDEA MY DEAR GAI! WE SHALL FAN OUR FLAMES OF YOUTH!"

I ended my yell with my nice guy pose.

Now everyone still at the academy was staring at us.

Time to make my escape!

GAI LET'S NOT WASTE ANY TIME! WE MUST FAN OUR FLAMES OF YOUTH!"

I promptly started running towards the third training ground, I was eager to escape the stares.

"YOSH!"

Gai followed after me and we both kicked up a trail of dirt as we were leaving…

…

I came home mentally tired but physically Youthful.

By physically Youthful I of course mean dressed in a youthful jumpsuit.

Even after getting my outfit I still liked dressing youthful sometimes…

I was on my way to the bathroom when I came across my mother.

I gave a nod of acknowledgment as I passed her.

Just as I was about to enter the bathroom she spoke.

"Meet me in the dining room after your shower."

Oh, yeah I forgot…

…

I couldn't enjoy my shower as I was busy wondering about what our 'talk' would be about…

I got dressed and made my way to our dining room.

My mother was already seated and was enjoying some tea she had brewed.

I took my seat and waited for her to begin.

"The Hokage called me and Minato into his office yesterday."

Don't leave me hanging!

"What for?"

A slight smile appeared on my mother's face.

"Kushina has been very insistent that you learn the Strength of a Hundred Seal."

I hoped that smile also meant there was good news to be had.

"Any good news?"

The smile disappeared from my mother's face.

"The Hokage wants to meet with you and talk about it."

Fuck!

"Do you know why? And when does he want to meet with me?"

My mother shook her head and took a sip from her tea before replying.

"He just asked us our thoughts about you, so I don't know why."

She again took a sip of her tea.

"And you're scheduled to meet him tomorrow at seven."

I was curious about what Minato had to say.

She went to take another sip of tea but I snatched the cup away from her.

"What did Minato say about me?"

She ignored me snatching her cup and grabbed my empty cup, she filled it almost to the brim with tea and started sipping from it ignoring my question.

"…"

Eventually, she spoke.

"He didn't say anything good, he was worried that you cared about your own goals more than the villages…"

Of course, I didn't give a shit about the village, but what tipped him off?

"What gave him that impression."

She rolled her eyes.

"He believes that your experimentation on the bandits was purely to advance your strength and that you would do anything to gain more power."

Minato wasn't wrong but dammit I would have left those bandits alone if I knew they would be causing me future problems.

"Is Minato the reason the Hokage is suspicious of me?"

She nodded but didn't answer my question

"Take tonight to think about what the Hokage might ask you and what you could say in response."

Why didn't you tell me this earlier?

"A little more warning would have been nice."

She smiled at me.

"I didn't want to make you anxious."

Fair enough I suppose.

"Sigh… Thanks, I appreciate it."

I stood up and started heading to my room so I could panic in peace.

"Goodnight Shiro."

I nodded at her.

"Goodnight mom."

…

The next day I was seated in the waiting room of the Hokage tower.

I arrived 30 minutes early as usual.

Even if I was headed right into a mind rape session, I still wanted to be on time…

Eventually, the receptionist broke me out of my dark thoughts…

"The Hokage will see you now."

Off to my death, I go…

"Thanks."

I made my way to his office, every step I took my nervousness increased.

Finally, I stopped at the door to his office and took a moment to compose myself before knocking.

...

Knock* Knock* Knock*

The door opened and I was met with Kushina.

"Hello, Shiro!"

I was promptly snatched up and carried into the room…

I was still in Kushina's arms while the Hokage stared at me.

I was feeling better with Kushina here but figured that was the point and that I shouldn't let my guard down.

"I heard you are interested in the Strength Of A Hundred Seal."

I'm extremely interested.

"Yes, Hokage-Sama

I tried to bow even with my body restrained.

"I normally wouldn't give it to a Genin but Kushina was extremely insistent…"

He trailed off at the end and stared at Kushina.

Kushina replied with a "Yep" popping the P at the end.

"Before I give it to you, however, I want to ask you a question."

I was panicking but tried my best to keep my face neutral.

"What's your question Hokage-Sama?"

I was dying inside as he stared at me.

"What was the reason you experimented on those bandits?"

Fuck! He let Orochimaru experiment, why can't I?

"I wanted to find a way to improve musculature through Medical Ninjutsu…"

The Hokage's Gaze sharpened and I trailed off mid-sentence

"Why?"

Fuck off! Why are you on my ass!?

Bullshit no jutsu activate.

"I was trying to find a way to grow chakra reserves."

The Hokage narrowed his eyes.

"Hmm… Continue."

Did he buy it or is he humoring me?

"I was trying to find a way to grow physical energy so people with lots of spiritual energy would have their chakra reserves increase."

He nodded.

"Like the Nara and the Yamanaka."

Yes! Jump to conclusions!

"And the Kurama Clan."

Kushina added from behind.

Yes! Everything I did is for the village! It wasn't so I could skip my exercise!

"Shame it didn't work."

After the Hokage said that his posture relaxed slightly.

My own body also relaxed and I felt Kushina squeeze me.

The Hokage started running a hand through his chin hair and stared off lost in thought.

Everything was silent and I took this moment to take a breath and calm myself.

"..."

The Hokage regained focus and barked out an order.

"Bring me the scroll containing the Strength of a Hundred Seal!"

I was wondering what that was about when a scroll dropped from the ceiling and into the Hokage's palm.

I looked up only to see that the ceiling was closed.

In my nervousness, I forgot that the Anbu were a thing.

I blinked and focused back onto the Hokage.

He held the scroll towards me waiting for me to take it.

"Kushina do you mind?"

I wanted down.

"Sure!"

Kushina stepped forward and took the scroll from the Hokage's hand.

"I meant could you put me down."

I got a prompt "no" but at least my hands were now free.

I took the scroll from Kushina and waited for the Hokage to dismiss us.

"The scroll cannot leave the Hokage tower."

Ok then…

"Can I read it here?"

The Hokage nodded and started shuffling papers around his desk no longer looking at us.

Alrighty…

I unfurled the scroll and got to reading…

'The Strength of a Hundred Seal is a jutsu that is reputed to be the pinnacle of chakra control. By storing vast amounts of chakra over an extended period into a specific point on the body usually the forehead. The user creates this seal, which manifests in the form of a rhombus-like marking. When released, the seal will either spread across the user's face or wrap around their entire body. The stored chakra is then released into their body, greatly amplifying the power of their techniques. The seal will permanently remain even when the stores of chakra are exhausted. To form the seal you must…'

It doesn't say anything about using 80% of my chakra?

"I thought I would be restricted to 20% of my reserves for the next three years?"

The Hokage Hmm'ed and looked at me.

"Who told you that?"

The one who's manhandling me!

"Kushina did."

The Hokage shook his head.

"She would be right if you had Genin level reserves."

I felt Kushina shrug.

"Oops, Tehehe."

What do you mean oops!

"So how long would it take me to learn it?"

The Hokage Hmm'ed again while tapping his pen on his desk.

"Your reserves are at Jonin level, it'd take about six months if you put almost every bit of chakra you have into making the seal."

My jaw dropped.

"Assuming you didn't mess up of course."

I didn't know how to feel…

Kushina…

Why…

I'll take things the things she says less seriously from now on…

…

I had prepared myself for three years of stagnation…

I blew a breath out of my nose trying to refrain from sighing…

I didn't know if sighing in-front of the Hokage would be considered rude.

I looked at the Hokage and saw he was no longer focusing on us and had returned to his paperwork.

I decided that I should do the same and started memorizing the scroll with Kokoro no kyōka.

"Kushina I'm ready to go."

She stepped forward allowing me to drop the scroll on the Hokage's desk.

The second the scroll left my hand Kushina started speed-walking towards the door.

"Kushina can you let me go?"

I was ignored, she instead Shunshined directly to the Ichiraku ramen stand.

It seems we might be having a celebratory meal.