Chapter 36: The Fūma's Compromise
In an instant, Uchiha Ryoken and Uchiha Natsume's eyes bled into the crimson of the Sharingan, three tomoe spinning menacingly within each. In the Warring States Period, where hatred and loss were commonplace, achieving the three-tomoe was a grim testament to their experiences.
"Brother, Uchiha Natsume, stand down," Uchiha Raizen commanded, raising a hand calmly. "If they wish for us to stay, then we shall stay. It's no trouble."
"But—"
"Enough. Have I ever led you astray?" Uchiha Raizen's smile was unwavering, radiating a confidence that brooked no argument. Having witnessed his miracles before, the two reluctantly lowered their stances, their Sharingan receding.
"Stay? Hah! You misunderstand," one of the Fūma clansmen snarled. "This isn't an invitation. If you don't divulge the cure, we have a hundred ways to make you beg for death!"
"We aren't resisting," Uchiha Raizen replied, his tone still infuriatingly placid. "The three of us dying would be a loss for the Uchiha—two Chunin and an Elder. But our deaths would also mean you would face not only the Uchiha's wrath but also the certainty of your incurable disease. Forever."
His words hung in the air, a cold, logical threat. From the doorway of the council chamber, Fūma Rivei emerged, his expression stormy.
"Enough!" he barked. "We will... deliberate. I will give you our answer shortly." He overruled his clansmen's protests.
"But, Brother—!"
"Silence! I am the leader here! Fūma Rier, summon all elders to the council chamber immediately. Escort our... guests... to a lounge to wait." With that, Fūma Rivei turned and strode back into the meeting room, leaving his fuming brother to follow.
The remaining Fūma clansmen dispersed, leaving one young man to attend to the Uchiha.
"Elder Raizen, please, follow me," the young man said stiffly.
"No need," Uchiha Raizen declined. "We would prefer to walk. Inform us when a decision is reached." He wasn't here for idle hospitality; he wanted to investigate the source of the potent natural energy he could sense. His goal was Sage Mode, not just an alliance.
"Then... perhaps I could show you some of our more scenic areas?" the clansman, eager to keep them occupied, offered.
"Since you insist, that would be acceptable. I didn't catch your name," Uchiha Raizen said.
"Fūma Seigetsu."
"Lead the way, Fūma Seigetsu."
The group of four set out. The first place Fūma Seigetsu brought them to was a vibrant, multi-colored pond.
"This is the Rainbow Pond, the landmark of our clan," Fūma Seigetsu explained. "No matter where we migrate, a pond like this always appears near our new settlement soon after."
"How fascinating," Uchiha Raizen mused. "Is the water—"
"Elder Raizen!" Fūma Rivei's voice interrupted as he hurried to catch up with them. "We have reached a decision. If you can cure our affliction, the Fūma clan will pledge itself to the Uchiha."
"Excellent," Uchiha Raizen said, a triumphant glint in his eye. "And I believe I have already found the source of your illness." He raised a hand and pointed directly at the Rainbow Pond.
"Elder Raizen, what are you—?" Fūma Rivei began, confused.
"It's simple. Your curse originates from here. Tell me, are the clansmen who have entered this pond the ones with the most powerful transformations? And are they also the ones with the shortest lifespans?"
A stunned silence was his answer. Fūma Rivei could only nod, his face pale.
"Yes... that is correct. But how...?"
"Since the cause is identified, the first step is for your clan to relocate near the Uchiha compound. I have other matters to attend to. When I return, I will begin your treatment." Uchiha Raizen's tone was final. Now was not the time to hunt for the Sage responsible; he had other missions.
Fūma Rivei's brow furrowed in frustration, but he ultimately bowed his head in acquiescence. As Uchiha Raizen had said, he was their only hope. He had identified the root cause in moments, something their own research had failed to do for generations.
"Very well. We will prepare for the move," Fūma Rivei conceded.
As they spoke, Uchiha Raizen mentally commanded his system to harvest all the [Primary Sage Chakra Fragment] orbs floating around the pond. They were low-level, but they were a start. The path to Sage Mode had just begun.