Chapter 34: “Back in my day…”

Karen's body and mind were exhausted as she approached Byakuya after casting the Adamantine Sealing Technique again. Disappointment etched itself onto her face as she spoke, her voice heavy with fatigue.

"Lord Byakuya, I've poured so much time into this, yet I still haven't mastered the Diamond Lock. Are you displeased with my aptitude?"

Byakuya offered a silent smile, his gaze lingering on Karen.

Before commencing their training, he had made it explicitly clear that the Adamantine Sealing Technique was an A-rank jutsu, a level of difficulty reserved for exceptional techniques.

Even Jonin from the prestigious ninja villages considered mastering one or two A-rank jutsu a significant achievement.

Karen, however, had managed to manifest a single chain in a mere morning, a feat that undeniably showcased her talent.

Byakuya's astute estimation placed her mastery of this A-rank jutsu at most half a month away. 

Her current claims of lacking talent seemed more like an attempt to shirk the demanding training. After all, her potential mirrored her daughter's, much like in the anime.

Discerning Karen's ploy with his characteristic stoicism, Byakuya spoke calmly.

"The capacity to learn jutsu varies greatly among individuals, Karen. Sealing techniques might not be your forte. Perhaps I have been overly rigorous in my approach. However, your lack of proficiency in sealing techniques necessitates alternative methods for your protection.

Therefore, we shall shift our focus to physical training. I will have a thirty-kilogram weight prepared for you. Today's warm-up will consist of a twenty-kilometer run. Tomorrow, we will commence your specialized physical training regimen."

Byakuya's words struck a chord of discord within Karen. After a moment of internal deliberation, she met his gaze with newfound resolve.

"Lord Byakuya, as bearers of the Uzumaki bloodline, I believe we must uphold the traditions of our clan. Mastering Uzumaki sealing techniques are not an option; it's a responsibility I must embrace and carry forward."

"Is that so…"

Byakuya raised an eyebrow with a smile to which Karen offered a determined nod.

Though sealing techniques paled compared to the exhilaration of physical training, she recognized the advantage of practicing them at home.

This would allow her to circumvent the grueling training regimen Nagato endured daily. 

Her rudimentary knowledge of medical ninjutsu instilled a sense of confidence; she could manipulate her training to avoid the development of bulky muscles, a transformation she found utterly unappealing.

Compared to the harsh realities of the outside world, Karen harbored a deep yearning for the solace of her room. In this haven, she could indulge in her passions: devouring books, delving into the intricacies of medical ninjutsu, and persisting with the sealing techniques that, while tedious, were ultimately bearable.

In short, practicing sealing techniques would guarantee her ideal life of a shut-in.

Having dismissed Karen to continue honing the Adamantine Sealing Technique, Byakuya embarked on his warm-up routine. 

His mind, however, remained preoccupied with the burgeoning Akatsuki organization.

The current climate seemed ripe for Akatsuki's growth.

Externally, Konohagakure and Iwagakure were embroiled in a full-blown ninja war, their attention diverted from any potential infiltration of Amegakure. Internally, Hanzo of the Salamander displayed a blatant disregard for anything beyond the borders of Amegakure, effectively turning a blind eye to Akatsuki's unfettered recruitment efforts.

Should this favorable situation persist, Byakuya envisioned Akatsuki amassing enough power to challenge Amegakure's leadership and overthrow Hanzo within a timeframe of three to five years. Such a success would undeniably bolster Byakuya's reputation, potentially propelling him to the esteemed ranks of a Kage of the new Amegakure.

However, this optimistic scenario hinged on a crucial factor: time.

He was still uncertain of many things.

Would Hanzo awaken to the burgeoning threat posed by Akatsuki and move to eradicate them before they could fully mature, potentially leading to a devastating clash with mutual destruction on both sides?

The possibility of the Five Great Nations launching an impromptu attack on Amegakure, transforming it back into a war-torn battlefield, was also a concern.

These were unsettling unknowns.

Just as these anxieties swirled in his mind, an Akatsuki member entered the training ground. The figure bowed respectfully upon seeing Byakuya.

"Lord Byakuya, I have brought intelligence from beyond the Land of Rain for your perusal."

With that, the member presented Byakuya with a scroll. Byakuya acknowledged him with a curt nod, signaling his dismissal.

He then carefully unfurled the scroll, his eyes intently scanning the intel about the Third Great Ninja War.

While the information was limited, its significance was undeniable. The scroll chronicled the pivotal role of Minato Namikaze, leading Konoha forces, in the destruction of Kannabi Bridge. This decisive victory effectively thwarted Iwagakure's ambitions for a large-scale invasion of Konohagakure.

Both Iwagakure and Konohagakure, reeling from significant losses, found themselves ill-equipped to sustain large-scale warfare.

The scroll included additional info: rumors of a potential intervention by Kirigakure across the sea and the brewing possibility of a major conflict erupting between Kumogakure and Konohagakure.

However, these peripheral matters held little bearing on the immediate concerns of Akatsuki.

However, the conclusion of the Battle of Kannabi Bridge served as a reminder to Byakuya. With the focal point of the great ninja village war shifting, the ambitions within the ninja world could very well turn towards the Land of Rain, potentially exposing Akatsuki's existence.

Furthermore, the possibility of Obito already having encountered Madara's manipulations loomed large. Byakuya couldn't shake the chilling thought of Obito potentially operating in the shadows at that very moment.

A sudden thought jolted Byakuya, prompting him to glance sharply into the distance.

The timeline aligned perfectly – White Zetsu's surveillance had intensified roughly half a month prior. Could this heightened scrutiny coincide with Obito's encounter with Madara?

But there were still some doubts.

Why would Madara target him and Nagato without any apparent motive? Byakuya possessed none of the alluring qualities of the Senju clan; he hadn't mastered Wood Release, nor did he bear any physical or personality resemblance to Izuna Uchiha. Logically speaking, he shouldn't be a target unless the old man has a thing for creeping on kids.

Brushing these unsettling thoughts aside for the moment, Byakuya summoned Karen and Nagato. He addressed them and relayed the news of the Battle of Kannabi Bridge.

This served a dual purpose: partly to motivate them to intensify their training and partly to send a subtle message to Madara and Obito, assuming they were indeed watching.

Since Madara's gaze seemed perpetually fixed upon him, Byakuya recognized the need to maintain a semblance of normalcy in his actions.

Madara, eavesdropping on Byakuya and the others, propped his chin on a hand. A hint of sentimentality tinged his voice as he remarked.

"The childish games of war finally draw to a close. Konohagakure truly has fallen from grace..."

As a ninja who, alongside Hashirama Senju, had ushered in an era of relative peace, Madara held the right to make such a statement.

Back in his prime, other ninja villages wouldn't dare provoke Konohagakure. The combined might of his Susanoo and Hashirama's Wood Release jutsu, the Great Buddha, left them with two choices: genuine submission or feigned obedience. Submission, of course, was inevitable.

However, a few decades had witnessed a staggering decline in Konohagakure's power. This was enough to draw Madara's chuckle, bordering on mockery.

Obito, engrossed in his ninjutsu training, caught a snippet of Madara's lament. He approached, curiosity etched on his face.

"What war is coming to an end? The battle over Kannabi Bridge? I had complete faith in Minato-sensei, Kakashi, and Rin. I knew that they will win!"

Madara cast a dismissive glance at Obito.

"Had I remained in Konohagakure, this entire war wouldn't have come to pass. Three minutes, that's all it would have taken to force that brat Onoki to his knees."

"Who's Onoki?"

Obito scratched his head in confusion. Madara looked at Obito with confusion. He was fighting a war and he didn't even know the enemy's Kage's name? Seriously, Konoha Academy, what the hell are you teaching in that hut?

"The Third Tsuchikage, a tenacious little boy. He lacks in true strength, of course. Back in my day, even he and his teacher together couldn't withstand a single exchange with me."

"Old man Madara, don't you get tired of bragging? Do you honestly believe you could overpower the Tsuchikage?" 

Obito scoffed, crossing his arms and skepticism laced his voice as he challenged Madara's boastful claims.

Madara gripped his fist tight. He was really considering paying Konoha a visit right now. All of his legacy, his prowess and his might, Konoha had rubbed everything from the history books, it seems.