"Chiba's learning ability is exceptional," Kakashi said mildly. "He does know a thing or two about sealing techniques."
He didn't elaborate on how much of a genius Chiba actually was. Trying to explain it would take too long, and even then, few would believe him. Better to let people see it for themselves.
"In that case…" Chiriku said, folding his hands. "In your opinion, young man, how should we improve our barrier array?"
Chiba thought for a moment.
"I'm not too familiar with your particular barrier system, so I can't give detailed advice. But if you ask me, you could nest a smaller barrier layer around the statues—preferably with the core seals buried underground, out of sight."
"Nesting… another layer?"
Chiriku, being somewhat versed in the Iron Wall Seal Formation Formation, pondered the feasibility of this suggestion.
The more he thought about it, the more it made sense.
It would require digging around the statues, yes—but compared to leaving them exposed, embedding a secondary layer would be a simple task.
Chiba didn't press further and added lightly, "Still, there's no real need to change it. The Fire Temple's monk-nin are powerful, and there aren't many shinobi in the world who could threaten this place."
"Perhaps," Chiriku nodded, "but an extra layer of defense would always help. The Iron Wall Seal Formation isn't an easy formation, though—embedding a smaller barrier within it might be difficult."
"That's simple," Chiba replied, smiling faintly. "You just add a few auxiliary formulas that let the small barrier draw power from the large one. That way, both layers are linked, and the inner one won't collapse from a single strike."
Kakashi, Tenten, and Kasha stood silently at the side.
Even for most jōnin, this level of discussion was out of reach—and Chiriku, though skilled, was already looking dazed.
Add a few formulas?
How could something so complex sound so effortless coming from this boy's mouth?
He couldn't understand.
"Is that really simple?" he asked skeptically.
"Not really," Chiba said casually. "But sealing and barrier arrays may look chaotic—yet the patterns between the runes always follow certain principles. Once you grasp the internal logic, adjusting or adding a few formulas is quite easy."
Chiriku's expression twisted into something between disbelief and awe.
It sounded simple, sure—but even learning to read sealing formulas was rare enough. Understanding their underlying structure? That was another matter entirely.
Half a month of study, and he was talking about modifying barrier arrays like it was nothing?
That was absurd!
Still… curiosity outweighed pride.
"Would you mind demonstrating your sealing technique, young man?" Chiriku finally asked. "If your skill is as deep as I think, I'd like to commission your help improving our barrier. Payment will not be an issue."
"I've mainly studied theory lately—I haven't created an original seal yet. Hmm… tell you what, I'll modify one right now."
As Chiba spoke, he took out four pre-made sealing tags.
They were standard Binding Seal Formation tags—placed at four corners to immobilize enemies caught in the center. Commonly used by chūnin.
"The Binding Formation?"
Chiriku recognized it immediately, even if he couldn't read the runes in detail.
Chiba nodded.
"Chiba-kun, wait—you're going to change that?"
Tenten's eyes widened, worry flickering in them.
Modifying a jutsu wasn't simple; if he failed, the result could easily backfire.
"Mm. I have an idea."
He took out two blank sealing papers and began to draw.
Rune creation was meticulous work—especially on tags like these.
The more complex the jutsu, the more intricate the runes—and the higher the risk of failure. It was precisely this complexity that made explosive tags so costly.
Chiriku leaned in slightly to observe.
From the first stroke, he could tell: this boy wasn't exaggerating. His brush hand didn't tremble in the slightest, his lines were thinner than silk—delicate yet precise.
Half a month, my foot, Chiriku thought, inwardly stunned. Most people couldn't reach this level after several years of practice.
Then Chiba's brush began to move faster.
The formula took shape, spreading elegantly across the lower corner of the tag. From its structure, it looked like a type of barrier rune.
But Chiriku couldn't identify it. His own understanding of barrier arts barely extended beyond the Iron Wall Seal Formation—anything beyond that was like an ancient language to him.
Quietly, he watched.
Before long, the first tag was done.
"What's this one for?" he asked.
"Not done yet."
Chiba pulled out another blank tag and continued. A few moments later, a second tag joined the first.
He rose, circling the table, studying the placement. Kakashi and Chiriku, along with the others, came closer—but not too close, wary of disturbing him.
Then Chiba produced four more tags.
In short order, eight completed seals were laid out neatly on the table.
"Let's test it," he said calmly, glancing at Chiriku.
"All right."
Chiriku nodded, curiosity piqued. He watched as Chiba began placing the seals.
Eight directions. Eight tags.
The moment the final tag was set, Chiba formed a single hand seal—
and the formation activated.
A flicker of light rippled through the air.
"The Binding Formation?" Chiriku muttered. "No—wait, there's also a chakra absorption field… don't tell me—"
His eyes widened in shock.
He could feel it—his chakra being drained even as his body was immobilized. His peripheral vision caught sight of Chiba—
who wasn't even maintaining the hand seal!
That shouldn't have been possible.
The Binding Formation required the caster to sustain the seal. Once released, the technique collapsed. It was meant for team use—one to maintain, the others to attack.
But here, Chiba stood calmly, hands at his side.
Kakashi inhaled sharply.
Incredible.
Chiba had combined the Binding Formation with a Chakra Absorption Barrier—and converted the whole thing into a seal-based deployment. Once activated, the two techniques supported each other, allowing the user to freely move without constant maintenance.
The barrier absorbed chakra for a brief period, tightening the binding and amplifying its strength—just enough to immobilize an opponent for a deadly instant.
In battle, a second or two could decide life and death.
At that moment, Chiriku struggled to break the seal's hold—
but before he could finish dispelling it—
Shing!
A blade's edge gleamed coldly at his neck.
No matter how strong one's ninjutsu, no jutsu was faster than a well-timed strike. Without defensive techniques or special protection, a clean hit to the neck would end anyone—even an elite monk-nin like Chiriku.
Half a second later, the chakra-absorption effect faded.
A heartbeat after that, the binding formation collapsed.
"…That was… incredible," Chiriku said, still wide-eyed. "You're telling me you just thought of that on the spot?"
"Of course not," Chiba said lightly. "I only managed to complete the formula because I've studied sealing theory for half a month—and barrier theory for about two months."
He calmly gathered the eight tags from the ground.
"Any act of creation is the result of long accumulation. Nothing truly happens overnight."
Chiriku exhaled deeply—then processed what he'd just heard.
Two months of barrier study.
Half a month of sealing study.
He suddenly felt… very complicated inside.
Two months?
It had taken him years to master the Iron Wall Seal Formation—two or three, at least. And that was with his natural talent and "Sage Chakra" chakra enhancing his learning speed. Even dedicating himself fully, he'd still have needed a year.
And this boy…
Two months of study, and he was inventing hybrid formations on the fly.
What the hell am I even doing with my life?
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