The Temple of Fire and the Ancient Teaching

Chapter 35: The Temple of Fire and the Ancient Teaching

Thousands of years ago, after the Sage of Six Paths and his brother sealed Kaguya, the Sage traveled alone across the mainland. To explain his understanding of chakra, he founded the Ninshu, aiming to foster understanding, love, and maintain order and tranquility.

Before his death, the Sage of Six Paths appointed his second son, Asura, as the successor of Ninshu. This decision to favor the younger son over the elder, Indra, caused deep dissatisfaction. After the Sage's death, Indra and Asura's conflict over succession rights sparked a battle that continued even after their deaths.

It is said that the Ninshu fragmented hundreds of years ago due to war, leaving the world with little knowledge of its specific teachings. Only a few secret codes hint at ninjutsu's origins from Ninshu's teachings. Today's ninjas consider themselves inheritors of Ninshu based on these codes.

Fumori Masaki knows that combat ninjutsu was never part of Ninshu's teachings. The source of combat ninjutsu likely originated from Indra, who first created war applications of chakra techniques. The personal battle between Indra and Asura remains uncertain, but Indra's influence prevailed, obliterating Ninshu's original teachings. Ironically, everything created by Indra is now considered a continuation of Ninshu.

Not only Ninshu but also the descendants of Asura and Indra have been reduced to serving nobles. Their status once equated to divine children. Thousands of years ago, Ninshu was revered across the continent, even regarded as a state religion by country lords. However, after a millennium, Ninshu no longer exists, and the heirs of the divine sons have fallen to a lowly state, evoking a sense of tragedy.

From the Sage, Fumori Masaki learned that the Temple of Fire in the capital claims to continue Ninshu's philosophy. However, Fumori Masaki is skeptical, believing it to be a guise. They preach that the Sage of Six Paths was a monk, a claim Fumori Masaki, knowing the Sage's true history, finds laughable.

Nonetheless, they aren't entirely fraudulent. After Ninshu's destruction, some surviving classics were inherited by the Temple of Fire or other temples. Among them are genuine Ninshu secrets and unique ninjutsu, such as the secret technique "Gifts of the Ōtsutsuki clan."

"Part of my True Several Thousand Hands technique was inspired by this secret technique," said Hashirama with a smile. "When I first visited the capital, I exchanged ideas with the monks at the Temple of Fire and saw this secret technique in action. I only imitated its form."

Fumori Masaki knows that the Gifts of the Ōtsutsuki Clan technique is indeed similar to True Several Thousand Hands, but the power between them is vastly different. Hashirama's power far surpasses that of a monk from the Temple of Fire. However, what intrigues Fumori Masaki is the reference to "Ōtsutsuki" in the technique's name.

The term "Ōtsutsuki" isn't used lightly. Ninjas are particular about the names of their secret techniques, and Ninshu should be the same. Fumori Masaki suspects the Temple of Fire might hold clues to the Sage of Six Paths' teachings, but some problems remain unexplained.

If there is indeed a secret code of these teachings, why has no monk from the Temple of Fire ever learned it? There are three possibilities: the code doesn't exist, it's too difficult to learn, or it's so obscure that no one has noticed it.

Regardless, Fumori Masaki feels he should visit the Temple of Fire, but now is not the time. Leaving the village without a mission is generally forbidden, and after the Uchiha Madara incident, it's clearly ordered that leaving without permission will be treated as betrayal.

Fumori Masaki doesn't want to risk sneaking into the Temple of Fire. As a disciple of the Hokage, he will have opportunities to visit the capital in the future. There's no need to rush now, especially with other concerns at hand.

Fumori Masaki and Hashirama discussed various ways to use these teachings, though many were impractical or too slow. Some feasible methods were noted by Fumori Masaki for future testing.

Little Tsunade became annoyed when her grandfather stopped playing with her to talk with a stranger. Hashirama, no longer in good health, found it challenging to handle her.

"What a troublesome child," said Hashirama, comforting Tsunade with a helpless yet doting expression.

"I hope she won't be so noisy when she grows up," said Fumori Masaki.

"Of course, children mature as they grow," Hashirama laughed.

Hashirama wanted to continue discussing with Fumori Masaki, eager to impart his knowledge before his death, ensuring the village's protection by the next generation. However, Tsunade's restlessness interrupted him again, making Hashirama comfort her.

Just moments ago, he confidently predicted Tsunade's future calmness, but now he realized he underestimated her: "Really?"

Seeing this, Fumori Masaki said, " Hashirama-sama, it seems you are needed elsewhere. I'll head home; I have matters to attend to."

"Ah, it's about Rimi," Hashirama said. "Masaki, you need to apologize to her. Rimi isn't the type of girl who just listens without speaking up."

"I understand," Fumori Masaki said.

After bidding farewell to Hashirama, Fumori Masaki walked home, contemplating how to apologize to Rimi. He realized he had inadvertently dismissed her resolve. While he still didn't want Rimi on the battlefield, he decided not to oppose her role as a ninja.

As soon as he entered the house, Fumori Masaki sensed Rimi's presence. He approached and opened the door. Rimi turned and, seeing Fumori Masaki, coldly said, "You're back?"

Fumori Masaki nodded, closed the door gently, and sat beside Rimi. Seeing she didn't drive him away, he sighed slightly, relieved it was just a sulk.

"Sorry, I was wrong," he apologized sincerely before Rimi could speak. "I shouldn't have forgotten that you're also a ninja, willing to fight to protect Konoha. I shouldn't have insulted your resolve."

Rimi, ready to confront him, felt her anger dissipate at his direct apology. She replied, "It's good if you know..."

"Rimi, I understand your desire to fight for Konoha," Fumori Masaki said. "But I don't want you to be in danger. I'll request to Tobirama-sama that you join my team so we can fight together."

Initially, Fumori Masaki wanted Rimi in a logistics role, but that would waste her skills and likely anger her. He realized fighting alongside her was the best option, allowing him to protect her while utilizing her considerable talents. Their teamwork would enhance their effectiveness and survival.

If fate decreed one or both of them should die, Fumori Masaki preferred they face it together rather than be separated.

Understanding Fumori Masaki's reasoning, Rimi, not unreasonable, found her anger fading. However, she wanted him to remember this lesson, so she pretended to stay angry a bit longer.

Fumori Masaki, seeing through her act, was willing to play along. After coaxing her all evening, Rimi's anger finally disappeared.

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Sorry for the late update. I rarely online these week. I'm still have exam for today and tomorrow. Haven't read the comment from you guys. Btw thankyou for all support. I'll do better in the future.

Anyway I only online to timer the update schedule. Have a good day. Ciao