Chapter 58: The Yin Seal and the Unspoken Truth
"Lord Akatsurugi, the second step is to adapt your entire body to the Sage Chakra, reaching a state where you can convert your chakra seamlessly," the small slug on his shoulder instructed.
Akatsurugi nodded silently, already focusing inward. He began the arduous second step.
This process, however, proved far more challenging than the first. Unlike the relatively stable fusion with his Flame-Flame Fruit abilities, natural energy possessed a wild, assimilative quality that resisted control. His initial attempts to convert his chakra on a large scale were quickly disrupted, forcing the Slug Sage to intervene and dissipate the unstable energy.
Akatsurugi frowned. It was clear this would not be a quick or easy path.
Two years passed within the tranquil, humid confines of the Shikkotsu Forest. Now, Akatsurugi could skillfully integrate and maintain Sage Chakra.
"Sage Art: Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!"
He took a deep breath and exhaled a torrent of flame. This fire was different from his previous black-red infernos. It was a brilliant, searing light blue, its heat and density far surpassing anything he had produced before. As the technique activated, dark, natural markings—similar to toad-like eye shadow—appeared around his eyes, and a single, concentric circle formed on his forehead, reminiscent of the Sage Mode he'd seen depicted of the First Hokage.
"Lord Akatsurugi, you have mastered Sage Transformation," the Slug Sage observed. "However, your chakra reserves are still significantly lower than Hashirama Senju's were."
Akatsurugi dispersed the technique, the markings fading. He nodded in agreement. His chakra was a limiting factor. One path to increasing it was achieving Bankai with his zanpakutō, which could multiply his power several times over. Another was sealing a Tailed Beast within himself. But each beast had an owner, and capturing one single-handedly would undoubtedly bring catastrophic repercussions upon Konoha.
He sighed, then his eyes lit up with realization. How could I have forgotten? Tsunade's Yin Seal! Or more accurately, the technique created by Hashirama's wife, Uzumaki Mito. And Mito was still alive. With his goal clear, Akatsurugi decided it was time to return to Konoha.
He had learned what he needed here. With the boost from Sage Art, his ninjutsu now possessed power that could likely breach even the Third Raikage's legendary "strongest shield."
"Great Slug Sage, I must take my leave now."
The sage nodded her immense head. Akatsurugi took to the sky, flames propelling him toward Konoha.
Two years had brought significant change to Konoha. The enduring peace had allowed the village to flourish. While minor border skirmishes persisted, they were mere background noise.
A new star had risen in Konoha's firmament: Hatake Sakumo of the Hatake clan. At just seventeen, he was already an elite Jonin, renowned for his incredible mission completion rate, earning him the nickname "Konoha's White Fang."
The three Sannin-in-training, now thirteen, had been promoted to Chunin. Jiraiya had departed for Mount Myōboku to train in his own Sage Art, Tsunade was delving deep into her clan's secret techniques, and Sarutobi Hiruzen was personally instructing Orochimaru in a wide array of ninja arts.
Konoha was thriving.
Upon his return, Akatsurugi went straight to the Hokage's office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked up from his desk, a satisfied smile gracing his features. "Akatsurugi! You've finally returned. Tell me, were you successful in your training at the Shikkotsu Forest?"
Akatsurugi nodded. The Hokage knew his destination; it was easy to deduce his goal. The primary allure of the three sage regions was always their unique Sage Arts.
"Excellent! This means Konoha possesses another stabilizing force of the highest order!" Hiruzen laughed, genuinely pleased.
"Lord Hokage," Akatsurugi began, "I have a request. I wish to pay my respects to Lady Mito. Would that be possible?"
Hiruzen was momentarily taken aback. "You wish to see Lady Mito? May I ask for what purpose?"
Akatsurugi saw no reason for secrecy. "It is like this, Lord Hokage. I am acutely aware that my chakra reserves are my greatest limitation. I wish to learn the Yin Seal from Lady Mito to resolve this issue."
Understanding dawned on Hiruzen's face. "Ah, I see. Very well. I will take you there myself. Lady Mito has long withdrawn from worldly affairs, so an introduction would be best."
Akatsurugi was grateful. Having the Hokage himself make the request was far more effective than him going alone, a virtual stranger.
Soon, they left the Hokage Tower and made their way to the Senju compound. The area was largely empty now, most of the clan having integrated into Konoha's general populace. The grounds felt spacious, almost desolate.
"Little monkey, it has been too long since your last visit," a gentle, feminine voice greeted them as they entered a particular courtyard.
Akatsurugi looked over to see a woman with vibrant red hair basking in the sun. She appeared young, but her eyes held an ancient, profound wisdom.
"Lady Mito," Sarutobi Hiruzen bowed respectfully. This was the wife of the First Hokage, the Jinchūriki who housed the Nine-Tails, a living deterrent whose very existence had safeguarded Konoha during its most vulnerable years. As long as Uzumaki Mito drew breath, Konoha would never fall.
"Oh? And the young man behind you must be Akatsurugi. Not bad, not bad at all," Uzumaki Mito said with a warm smile. "I can see you've mastered Sage Art. Quite impressive."
Akatsurugi was stunned. She had perceived his hard-won achievement with a mere glance.
In truth, Uzumaki Mito was a sensor-nin of unparalleled skill. If she wished, she could sense the chakra of every individual within Konoha. Coupled with her unique ability to sense intent—a power likely refined through her long tenure as the Nine-Tails' container—little escaped her notice.
"Your praise honors me, Lady Mito," Akatsurugi replied quickly.
Uzumaki Mito's smile remained as she turned her gaze to both of them. "To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit? The Hokage is a very busy man. You must have a reason for coming together."
"Lady Mito," Hiruzen began, taking the lead, "Akatsurugi wishes to learn the Yin Seal. I have brought him to you personally to ask if you would be willing to teach him. He is one of Konoha's most vital combat assets, and this would significantly enhance his capabilities."
Akatsurugi felt a wave of relief. Hiruzen had framed the request perfectly, presenting it as being for Konoha's benefit, which made it much harder to refuse.
Uzumaki Mito looked at Akatsurugi, her perceptive eyes seeming to weigh his very soul. After a moment, she smiled again. "There is no problem. I understand the struggle of limited chakra all too well. The Yin Seal can indeed provide the solution you seek."