The Plan (17)

Kaito noticed Akio's confusion and decided to clarify his previous statement. As Akio listened to Kaito's explanation of the war between cities, he couldn't help but admire how fortunate their clan was to have gained such a rising reputation in the very first city they visited. "This should make it easier for us to meet the Daiymo," Akio thought to himself, "Yamamoto would definitely take advantage of this opportunity." Little did Akio know, the Yamamoto he was referring to had almost been killed due to his own rash actions.

"Well, that is a matter for another time. First, I think it would be appropriate for us to introduce ourselves," Akio says, motioning for the Him clan ninja to bring in a tray with three cups and a teapot. Once the tray is carefully placed on the stool between Akio and his two guests, the ninja politely bows then exits the tent.

"My name is Kaito and this is my daughter, Keiko. As you may already know, we are members of the Uzumaki clan," Kaito says, introducing himself and his daughter. Keiko still holds some disgust towards Akio for his previous perverted actions.

"It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance. My name is Akio Hima, the head of the Hima clan," Akio says, pouring the tea from the teapot into the three cups on the stool.

Akio took a sip of his tea, his expression turning serious as he asked, "Can you tell me what business Mr. Kaito and Miss Keiko have with my clan?" The atmosphere in the room shifted, with Akio's tone becoming more serious and focused.

Kaito couldn't help but notice the change in Akio's demeanor. His previous clumsy and curious nature seemed to have vanished, replaced by a more serious and calculating attitude. "We were just passing by and wanted to see how the clan is," Kaito replied with a smile, though he was hiding his true intentions.

Akio wasn't convinced. "I wasn't born yesterday," he stated, "and even if I was curious, I wouldn't step into unknown territory without a motive. So, what is your motive for being here?"

Feeling the heat in the room rising, Kaito decided to stop hiding the truth and be honest with Akio. "Well, on our way out of the forest, we came across a terrifying battle site. Tell me, Clan Leader, was it your doing?" Kaito held Akio's serious gaze, trying to gauge his reaction. The tension in the room was palpable as they waited for Akio's response.

"Let's put that aside for now. I'm glad you came because I've been wanting to meet the Uzumaki clan for a deal," Akio says, avoiding the previous question and explaining his reason for wanting to meet them.

"A deal?" Kaito notices the dodge but decides to let it go, as the mention of a deal catches his attention.

"Yes, a deal. I've been creating a lot of jutsu lately, but I don't have a way to seal their content. I was hoping the Uzumaki clan could assist me," Akio explains, presenting his proposal.

"I see. And what's in it for us?" Kaito asks, curious about what a small clan like the Hima could offer them.

"You would gain a strong ally, and as a bonus, I will help your clan create five S-class sealing jutsu," Akio states, earning an incredulous look from Kaito and Keiko. However, their expressions soon turn to amusement and a hint of disappointment. Akio notices their disappointed gazes but doesn't say anything. Instead, he reaches to his back and presents them with two scrolls, hoping they are the S-class jutsu he made.

After spotting the scroll on the stool, Kaito quickly realizes that they were the same scrolls that Akio had written the justu on. His curiosity piqued, he picks up one of the scrolls and reads its name. And the name of the Justu was:

"Ryōiki tenkai(領域 展開 , Domain expansion)"

"What is this Domain Expansion? I have never heard of a technique like this before," Kaito asked in amazement as he read through the details of the jutsu. His jaw dropped in surprise as he saw the various uses and effects that came with it.

"Actually, it's not a Ninjutsu but a Denjutsu," Akio corrected Kaito, feeling a sense of satisfaction as the scroll he had given was an S-class one.

"A Denjutsu? I'm sorry, I've never heard of that before," Kaito replied, clearly confused as he waited for Akio to explain.

"That's because it's a new ninja technique that I created," Akio revealed casually, causing both Kaito and Keiko to be shocked. This was something that had never been heard of before, yet Akio seemed to mention it as if it were no big deal.

"Let me explain," Akio began, snapping both Kaito and Keiko out of their shock as they listened intently to his words, eager to learn this new technique. "A Denjutsu is a type of technique that revolves around domains, similar to how Genjutsu involves illusions and Kenjutsu involves swords."

"The Denjutsu technique I created is a general one, but it's highly difficult to master, so not everyone can use it," Akio continued, his tone serious as he set down his tea cup and looked at the two of them. "Domain expansion is a technique in which the user becomes the source and midpoint, spreading their chakra to create a barrier around themselves. The user has complete control within this barrier, and the area inside changes according to their chakra imprint. Additionally, being inside the domain also grants a one-hit effect."

"Chakra imprint? What's that?" Kaito inquired, his former dignified appearance replaced with that of a curious student in a classroom.

"A chakra imprint is how your chakra is identified. You can obtain a chakra imprint by achieving a high level of affinity in a particular element or jutsu, or by possessing a Kekkei Genkai or Kekkei Mora," Akio explained, wondering how Kaito had suddenly transformed into a curious student.

"The only way to escape a domain is to disrupt the flow of chakra in the barrier or to defeat the user by killing them or knocking them unconscious," Akio finished, letting out a sigh of exhaustion after explaining every detail.

"This is revolutionary-" Kaito began to say before being interrupted by Keiko's exclamation of "Oh my god!" beside him.

Kaito turned to Keiko, concerned about her well-being. He noticed that she had moved five meters away from where she was standing before and her face was pale. She seemed visibly shaken as she stared at the scroll lying on the ground. This was the second scroll that Akio had brought out for them, and its contents were causing her distress. The words on the scroll read:

"Kinjutsu: Subete no honō( 禁術 :すべての炎, Forbidden technique: The All Flame)"

"Oh crap," Akio mutters, his heart sinking as he reads the title of the scroll. It suddenly dawns on him that he has made a terrible error. Keito's jaw drops in shock as she stares at Akio.

"You mean...you created a Justu that can BURN TIME?" she stammers, visibly trembling with fear. Her voice betrays her dread at the thought.