Chapter 175: Division of the Tailed Beasts!

Konoha, December of the 45th Year.

Inside the Fire Daimyo's mansion, within a secret experimental facility.

As Shūichi packed up his equipment, he looked over at Pakura, who had taken off her mask, her smooth, bare back exposed. He asked, "Are you really not coming back to Konoha to celebrate the New Year with me?"

Pakura shook her head. "Someone has to stay here to keep things secure. Besides, the daimyo already selected the necessary personnel."

As a former Suna ninja, going to Konoha would be awkward—especially now that Konoha and Sunagakure had formed an alliance.

Seeing her reluctance, Shūichi didn't push further, nodding, "You could also start scouting for some new talent to train."

Pakura nodded. "Yes, Lord Shūichi!"

After putting everything away, Shūichi stepped forward and embraced her, gently stroking her smooth back. He whispered softly in her ear, "Wait patiently until I grow up, alright?"

A jolt ran through Pakura's body, but she instinctively replied, "Yes, Lord Shūichi!"

In the next moment, her cheeks turned bright red, and she froze in place.

Shūichi chuckled and then disappeared.

As Pakura snapped out of it, she couldn't help but grit her teeth. "That shameless little brat…"

She cursed him under her breath, yet couldn't shake a strange, unsettling feeling rising within her, filling her with embarrassment.

---

Back in Konoha, Shūichi returned home with a serious air.

After admiring Asuka's busy figure in the kitchen, he made his way to the study, focusing his attention on his "Tag Tree."

The [Space-Time Envoy] tag was finally ready to be activated.

With a flash, the tag's effect was triggered:

Space-Time Talent increased by 100%, Physical Attributes increased by 100% (after all, one needs a robust physique to endure long-distance space-time travel).

A warm sensation spread through his body, and Shūichi felt his physical capabilities surge once again.

But his gaze lingered on the Tag Tree.

A new grayish-white tag leaf had appeared.

Tag: Lord of Space-Time 

Condition to Obtain: Develop at least one S-rank space-time ninjutsu.

Tag Effect: Space-Time Talent +100%, Mental Strength +100%, Nerve Reaction Speed +100%, Physical Attributes +100%; as the Lord of Space-Time, traversing space and time is second nature to you.

Another space-time tag, and it looked incredibly powerful!

But an S-rank space-time jutsu...

Shūichi scratched his head.

Forget it. For now, he'd check out the other long-awaited tag: [Prodigy]!

Since he had just activated [Envoy of Space-Time], he could finally light up this heavyweight tag too.

With eager anticipation, Shūichi chose to activate it.

Tag Effect: Thought Processing Speed x10, Comprehension +100%, Physical Attributes +100%; in the realm of knowledge, you are a god. And as a god, there is nothing you can't master! Whatever appears before you, you will understand!

A wave of warmth flowed through him, and Shūichi had become accustomed to the tingling sensation that came with physical enhancement. He opened his eyes and retrieved the Edo Tensei scroll.

"Hm?"

"Seems pretty simple!"

"And I could even incorporate my Fire Nether Chains to enhance the binding power, which would eliminate the need for Hashirama cells."

Shūichi felt his mental clarity soar, not only with Edo Tensei but across all areas.

The Prodigy tag may have focused on mastery, but the comprehension boost was tangible and undeniable.

Comprehension wasn't limited to knowledge alone.

Studying was also a foundation for innovation. With a solid foundation, it was possible to build a skyscraper.

This was why Shūichi always prepared thoroughly before using his "Flash of Insight" ability.

Innovation couldn't be built on thin air!

"Magnet Release from the One-Tail isn't too difficult either."

"Hmm, manipulating electric currents to create an electric field and then resonating with a magnetic field... It seems electromagnetic power isn't that hard to understand."

Thoughts whirred through Shūichi's mind at lightning speed. Without the Hundred Healings Jutsu's chakra protection, his brain might've started to smoke from the strain.

A moment later, he reined in his thoughts and slowed his processing speed. "My foundation still isn't deep enough, nor is my knowledge broad enough."

"The Scroll of Seals..."

Shūichi looked toward the Hokage's building.

Once his teacher, Minato, became Hokage, he planned to go through the Scroll of Seals.

"And as for the clans… I wonder if there's a way to negotiate for access to their secret techniques. Though, it might be challenging since they're fundamental to each clan's survival."

Shūichi's ambitions were growing.

He wasn't interested in the clans that used insects or dogs, but the Yamanaka's Mind Transfer, the Nara's Shadow Techniques, and the Akimichi's Yang Release were of high research value, promising potential in Yin and Yang Release.

"Of course, it's not like I need to trade. As long as I understand the basic principles, learning them wouldn't be hard… especially since I already have a Shadow Technique."

Shūichi pondered.

Meanwhile, inside their seals, Shukaku lifted his head, "Hey, monkey! Did you feel that?"

Son Goku raised his head with a grim look. "This guy... His seal's power just increased!"

Shukaku replied, "His strength suddenly surged. He might be close to matching me now."

"Is this guy even human?"

"He's a complete freak—an absolute monster!"

Due to the double-sealing, they couldn't sense everything outside clearly, but they could still feel some of Shūichi's presence.

This recent spike in power and the enhanced seal were impossible to ignore.

---

As the New Year approached, even the war had slowed down.

But Shūichi was busier than ever, only attending one gathering with Kakashi and Guy.

Thanks to the Prodigy tag, his research on White Zetsu and Hashirama's cells was progressing rapidly. Apart from his regular physical training, he spent most of his time in the lab.

---

In the Land of Rain.

Danzo stared in shock at the massive figure that appeared before him. "That's..."

As the colossal figure vanished, he instantly used the Body Flicker Technique to approach, only to see a red-haired youth with peculiar ripple-patterned eyes.

"Those eyes… could they be..."

Danzo's pupils shrank. "The legendary Rinnegan?"

At that moment, Nagato, tasked with holding the rear, fended off the Root ninja disguised as Iwa shinobi, then retreated swiftly.

Danzo raised his hand, signaling his team to halt.

The towering statue had given him an overwhelming sense of dread.

"This Akatsuki organization..."

Danzo narrowed his eyes. "Is that why Jiraiya took them as his disciples? Because of the Rinnegan?"

He couldn't deny that the Rinnegan felt far more powerful than the Three Tomoe Sharingan.

"This matter requires careful planning!"

Thoughts raced through Danzo's mind, and then he commanded, "Return to Konoha!"

...

On a bare, desolate mountain peak, Black Zetsu and White Zetsu watched the clash between the Akatsuki and Konoha shinobis.

"Just as expected from a descendant of the Uzumaki and Senju clans. He even managed to summon the Gedo Statue!"

White Zetsu chuckled, "With this, I'm feeling much more confident about collecting the Tailed Beasts."

"But, it seems like Nagato doesn't completely trust us," he continued, "And, for this Akatsuki group, that Yahiko guy is actually the central figure."

With a dark expression, Black Zetsu said, "Then we'll just have to make him the next Rin Nohara."

"This Danzo is ambitious; he's even gone as far as to transplant Hashirama's cells and a Sharingan. Now that he's seen the Rinnegan, he might be useful to us."

Nearby, White Zetsu, now calling himself "Tobi" and possessing Uchiha Obito's left eye, added, "Then we'll need to pick the perfect timing. This time, we can't let Shūichi interfere."

White Zetsu grinned, "Shūichi probably isn't focusing on us right now, right?"

Black Zetsu replied, "Not necessarily."

"According to the information you gathered, Shūichi and Danzo have their own conflict."

"He'd probably love to take him down, wouldn't he?"

"And don't forget, Shūichi has looked into Akatsuki before. The Rinnegan might not be completely hidden from him."

Tobi laughed, "Then I'll just have to keep him occupied when the time comes!"

"He does have quite a few people he cares about!"

"But I can't be careless. That guy's reactions are incredibly fast; a single eye alone is too slow."

Black Zetsu thought for a moment and, erring on the side of caution, said, "When the time comes, the two of you should combine forces."

"In this case, it's not like we'll need to fight."

In his mind, a plan was already forming.

---

Meanwhile, in Konoha's experimental lab.

Shūichi sneezed unexpectedly. "Could it be that Pakura's thinking of me?"

Just then, a hand pressed against his forehead. "Are you catching a cold, Shūichi?" Shizune asked with a look of concern.

Shūichi thought it over seriously. "Maybe it's because you were secretly thinking about me, Shizune?"

Shizune's cheeks flushed instantly.

Tsunade, watching this, was visibly annoyed.

These two brats, showing off their affection right in front of her—how irritating!

"Shizune, go fetch that culture solution!" Tsunade ordered, putting Shizune immediately to work.

Shūichi quickly created a shadow clone to help and smiled at Tsunade, "Lady Tsunade, are you…jealous?"

Tsunade scoffed, "Brat!"

"Stay away from that pervert Jiraiya. If I ever catch you peeping at the hot springs with him, I'll kill you!"

Recently, Jiraiya had returned to the village, and of course, he hadn't given up his old habits; just last time, she'd caught him peeping at the hot springs.

Shūichi replied earnestly, "You know me, Tsunade—I'm not that kind of guy."

"Besides, none of those girls out there can compare to you, Lady Tsunade. They're all plain and ordinary."

Tsunade, though secretly pleased, still kept a cold expression. She glanced at Shizune, busy in the lab, and snorted, "You little pervert, you're no better either!"

"Don't think I'm unaware of your twisted thoughts. If you dare mess with Shizune, hmph…"

Her threat lacked real conviction.

With a face of mock sadness, Shūichi said, "Tsunade, I just want to protect you all so we can always be together."

"Don't be so cheesy!" Tsunade replied, expressionless. "That won't work on me."

"And besides, you should call me Lady Tsunade!"

Shūichi protested confidently, "But I'm a jonin now, Tsunade!"

Without even looking at him, Tsunade retorted, "You're still just a brat!"

"But Tsunade, I'm taller than you!"

She shot him a side glance, "And you're still just a kid!"

Shūichi grinned, "But Tsunade, I'm going to grow up, you know!"

All just big talk! Hmph, she was only teasing him now because he was still young. But in the future... heh!

As they bantered and worked, life in the lab didn't feel so dull.

---

Before they knew it, it was already nearing New Year's—December 29th of Konoha Year 45.

In his study.

Shūichi began organizing the challenges he planned to tackle.

First, he had prepared extensively for his sealing jutsu studies.

Next was Yang Release, or more specifically, his research on Hashirama cells.

After that, there was Magnet Release. Shūichi figured he wouldn't need to waste any "Flash of Insight" time on it; he could learn it quickly from the One-Tail.

Then there was the Bijuu Sealing Mark—a project he'd been researching for some time.

Currently, the Bijuu Sealing Mark was limited to enhancing Fire Release only.

But what Shūichi aimed for was a comprehensive enhancement, even reaching a Tailed Beast-like state, where he could use natural energy to replenish his stamina, much like a Tailed Beast does.

However, he had no leads on that yet. He needed further research on Tailed Beast cells and would likely have to try transforming into a Tailed Beast to feel his way through that state and learn from it.

With the Prodigy tag active, there was nothing he couldn't learn, as long as he could uncover its secrets. The only challenge was the time needed to extract those secrets.

...

After carefully going over his plans, Shūichi activated his heightened mental processing and focus, then initiated his "Flash of Insight."

At that moment, he transcended.

All previous issues he'd encountered in advancing the Fire Nether Chains were now trivial. His knowledge of the Spiritualization Technique, Soul Binding, Edo Tensei, Reaper Death Seal, the curse mark on Shukaku, along with his insights into the nature of chakra, mental power, and spiritual will—everything now served as foundational resources, blending and evolving into something new.

Before he knew it, five minutes had passed.

With a swift motion, Shūichi clapped his hands together, and from his back erupted thick chains—distinct from his previous Fire Nether Chains.

Now, they glowed purple with blue flames spiraling around them.

After refining the Fire Nether Chains further, Shūichi didn't immediately test them on the Four-Tails or Shukaku sealed within him. Instead, he focused on his next objective.

With his heightened mental processing, ten minutes felt long.

But for Shūichi, it was never long enough—there were still too many problems left to solve.

When his "Flash of Insight" finally ended, Shūichi opened his eyes, exhaling deeply.

He touched his warm forehead, feeling the mental exhaustion setting in.

While high-speed thinking and intense focus increased the efficiency of "Flash of Insight," it also took a toll on his mind and body. Fortunately, with his physique nearly on par with the One-Tail, and his mental resilience bolstered by the Hundred Healings Technique, which circulated chakra through each brain cell, he only felt slightly overheated—nothing serious.

After splashing some water on his face, Shūichi returned to his study and pulled out a blank scroll.

First up was documenting the new, improved Fire Nether Chains.

However, before writing, he paused and smirked to himself, "Better test the results first—though I doubt there'll be any issues."

With that thought, he lowered his gaze.

Simultaneously, within the Eight Trigrams Seal, the Fire Nether Chains binding the Four-Tails and Shukaku vanished.

"What's going on?"

The two Tailed Beasts looked at each other, startled. But unlike before, they didn't seize the chance to unleash their power against the seal, as they'd come to respect Shūichi's strength.

"Could this mean something's wrong with him?"

The Four-Tails tried to gauge Shūichi's condition by sensing its power leaking outward.

Just then, chains shot up from the ground, binding them once more.

"Hm?"

"Something's different—the seal has strengthened again, and…"

The Four-Tails looked shocked. "My mental consciousness is fully restrained. This guy…"

With a clearer understanding of the seal, Shukaku muttered, "It's specifically targeting mental, or rather, spiritual energies."

"That brat's up to no good!"

As he finished, two chains pierced into Shukaku and the Four-Tails.

The next moment, the chains pulled tight. The Four-Tails roared, "Damn it, he's trying to separate us!"

Shukaku bellowed, "Kid, what exactly are you doing?"

Shūichi appeared outside the iron cages with a smile. "Obviously, I'm here to save you."

"If the nine Tailed Beasts combine, you'll form the Ten-Tails, right?"

What?!

Both Shukaku and the Four-Tails were stunned, momentarily forgetting to struggle.

"You...how do you know about the Ten-Tails?"

"Who...who are you really?"

Shukaku and the Four-Tails were clearly shaken.

And in the next moment, Shūichi used the Fire Nether Chains to draw their souls from their bodies.

Unlike humans, Tailed Beasts are pure chakra entities; their mental consciousness and chakra are inseparable. Extracting their souls was essentially splitting their power in half.

But for now, this was just a trial. Shūichi quickly released them, allowing them to fuse back together.

"Hey, how do you know about the Ten-Tails?" the Four-Tails demanded.

Dispersing the Fire Nether Chains from the Tailed Beasts, Shūichi replied calmly, "The Sage of Six Paths left quite a lot behind. It's not so hard to find out."

"And here's another bit of news—the legendary Rinnegan of the Sage has reappeared in the shinobi world."

"That's why I need to separate your powers. Otherwise, for me, it'd be completely pointless."

Shukaku and the Four-Tails fell silent, though Shūichi didn't expect a few words would make them willingly become his allies.

"I plan to return half of you to Iwagakure and Sunagakure. If you don't want to be captured by the Rinnegan's wielder, it'd be wise to get along with your new jinchuriki."

Shūichi added with a wry smile, "Though honestly, that probably won't stop you from eventually getting captured."

Hearing this, Shukaku snorted, "Hey, don't underestimate us!"

Shūichi shook his head, "Shukaku, don't bluff. Even at your full strength, you're no match for me, let alone the Rinnegan."

"Of course, you're free to ignore what I'm saying."

"But time will prove it."

With that, Shūichi's figure faded from sight.

After a moment's silence, the Four-Tails asked, "Shukaku, do you believe him?"

Shukaku slumped to the ground. "If he knows about the Ten-Tails and says the Rinnegan has reappeared, he's probably right."

"Hey, Monkey, you haven't forgotten what the old Sage told us, have you?"

The Four-Tails huffed, "Of course not. It seems that prophecy was about the Ten-Tails, wasn't it?"

"That could spell trouble…so, should we help him?"

After a thoughtful pause, Shukaku sighed, "This guy doesn't even need our consent to use our power. It makes no difference."

"We'll wait and see. We still have time."

(End of Chapter)

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