Chapter 57: The Uchiha's Proposal & The Path of the Sage
"You are too polite, Elder," Akatsurugi replied, maintaining his composure within the genjutsu. "I am actually preparing to leave the village for a period of training. However, since you've sought me out, you must have a purpose. Let's speak plainly."
Uchiha Tai nodded, his expression grave. "For over a decade, since the time of the Second Hokage, our Uchiha clan has not had an easy standing in Konoha. While Lord Tobirama held... reservations about our clan, he did not go to extremes and still utilized Uchiha talents. But since the Third Hokage assumed power, the exclusion and suppression have become systematic. We are shinobi of the same village, yet we are treated as outsiders. Many within the clan are filled with resentment. If that were all, we could endure it."
He continued, his voice low and steady. "But in the last two wars, Uchiha shinobi have fought and bled on the front lines. We have earned glory for Konoha. Yet, the Third Hokage systematically overlooks our contributions for promotion and recognition. He singles out the Uchiha for this unfair treatment. I fear that if this continues, the Uchiha will inevitably become diametrically opposed to the village itself."
Akatsurugi's eyebrow twitched slightly. This Uchiha Tai is perceptive. He could see the writing on the wall. After a few more wars whittled down their numbers, the Uchiha would be marginalized with no recourse. The Third Hokage's bias was indeed palpable; the Uchiha had shed blood, yet received no accolades. It was a recipe for the deep-seated resentment that would eventually boil over.
However, Akatsurugi was in no position to champion the Uchiha cause now. Nor would he. His primary concern was ensuring the Uchiha clan's survival. He would, however, keep a watchful eye on the descendants of his teacher, Uchiha Kagami, to honor that debt.
"So, Elder, you have come to ask me to speak on the Uchiha's behalf?" Akatsurugi queried.
Uchiha Tai shook his head. "That will not be necessary. For now, the Uchiha still possess significant strength. The Hokage will not risk an open confrontation. But this 'death by a thousand cuts' is insidious. Therefore..." He paused, his Mangekyō Sharingan seeming to gleam with intensity even in the illusory space. "...we have come to offer you our support to become the next Hokage. The Fourth. If you are willing, the Uchiha clan will pledge its allegiance to you."
Akatsurugi was genuinely taken aback. They wanted to back him for Hokage?
"That is... premature. The Third Hokage is still in his prime," Akatsurugi deflected, shaking his head. Hiruzen's popularity was currently unshakable. Any such discussion was futile.
"No man is infallible. No regime is permanent," Uchiha Tai stated calmly, his voice carrying the weight of long experience. "As long as you desire it, I do not believe they will always hold the right to rule."
He pressed further, his words sharp and insightful. "Moreover, you are too powerful. They need you now, while Konoha is recovering. But once the village regains its strength and stability, your power will become a threat. Whether the Hokage wishes to retain his seat, or his... associate... wishes to climb higher, you will be an obstacle they cannot ignore."
Akatsurugi fell silent. He had to acknowledge Uchiha Tai's shrewdness. This was precisely the path Danzō would take, and the subtle shift in Hiruzen's own character over time. It was also the very reason Akatsurugi sought absolute power—to be capable of facing any such scheming.
"Very well. My earlier promise stands. If you have further thoughts, you know where to find me." With that, Uchiha Tai's form slowly faded, and the genjutsu dissolved.
To any outside observer, Akatsurugi had merely paused for a second before continuing out of the village gates.
Once beyond Konoha's borders, he took to the sky, flames jetting from his feet, and flew towards the Shikkotsu Forest.
Upon his arrival, the Great Slug Sage, Katsuyu, assigned a smaller clone to guide his training.
The slug rested on his shoulder, its voice a soft whisper in his mind. "Ordinary chakra is a fusion of physical and spiritual energy. Balancing the two is not simple; only shinobi with long training can master it. Once achieved, they can perform ninjutsu, taijutsu, or genjutsu by expending this chakra."
It continued, "However, for the truly gifted, a more potent force awaits: Sage Chakra, the power of the Sennin."
"To obtain this power, one must draw the natural energy from the environment and blend it with one's own physical and spiritual energies. This process is perilous. Natural energy is wild and volatile. Poor control leads to severe side effects. Thus, only those with special constitutions or who undergo arduous training can hope to master it."
"When these three energies are perfectly balanced, Sage Chakra is born. Ninjutsu, taijutsu, or genjutsu fueled by this power are known collectively as Sage Arts. They possess might far beyond ordinary techniques and grant the user enhanced perception and combat prowess. However, Sage Chakra places immense strain on the body and mind. Its duration is short, and overuse can cause great harm, even death."
"In essence, Sage Chakra is a power of immense risk and immense reward."
Akatsurugi listened intently, though he was familiar with the theory from his past-life knowledge. His experience in balancing the alien power of the Flame-Flame Fruit with his chakra had given him a foundational understanding of energy fusion, though the nature of natural energy was a different challenge altogether.
"Akatsurugi," the main body of the Slug Sage addressed him, "this mucus will heighten your sensitivity to natural energy. Try to absorb it. I will intervene if anything goes awry."
Akatsurugi nodded. A glob of the sage's mucus was applied to him. He suppressed a flicker of distaste—this was simply the way of the Naruto world.
He sat in a meditative posture and began to focus. Soon, he could sense the vibrant, swirling currents of natural energy surrounding him. After a moment of mental preparation, he carefully guided a trickle of this energy into his body, allowing it to mingle with his chakra.
The moment it entered, he felt its wild, untamed nature. No wonder so few succeed, he thought. But his unique constitution, tempered by the Flame-Flame Fruit and his journey through the Vault of Worlds, proved equal to the task. The violent energy was quickly subdued and seamlessly integrated into his chakra system.
"What remarkable affinity!" the Slug Sage observed, genuinely surprised. Akatsurugi had completed the most dangerous first step with an ease and perfection she had seldom witnessed.