Chapter 51: The Scroll of Seals
After their strategy session, Uchiha Tajima assigned Uchiha Raizen a tent. Inside, Uchiha Raizen reviewed the first large-scale S-Rank ninjutsu Uchiha Tajima had entrusted to him: Fire Release: Susanoo's Wrath.
It wasn't the actual Susanoo, but it was a devastating technique that bordered on the SS-Rank. Uchiha Tajima's plan was simple: in ten days, during the final assault, Uchiha Raizen would unleash ten of these cataclysmic techniques in succession. The ensuing chaos would allow the main Uchiha force to swarm and crush the Hyūga.
Despite the strategic advantage, a knot of unease tightened in Uchiha Raizen's stomach. He thought of Hinata, a character he'd admired. He hoped his actions in this war wouldn't somehow prevent her from ever being born.
The ten days passed swiftly. On the eve of the battle, Uchiha Raizen lay in his tent, sleep eluding him. The weight of the impending conflict was heavy.
"System," he thought, seeking a distraction, "open the Level 4 Gift Pack." He had planned to open it after returning home, but with Level 5 just on the horizon, he decided to see what boost he could get now.
[Congratulations, Host. You have acquired: The Scroll of Seals.]
For a fraction of a second, Uchiha Raizen's mind went blank. Then, he shot upright in his cot, his heart hammering against his ribs.
"The Scroll of Seals?! The actual Scroll of Seals?!" he whispered, disbelief washing over him. The Second Hokage hadn't even begun developing most of these jutsu yet. Hashirama hadn't fully mastered his Wood Release. How could the ultimate repository of forbidden techniques just fall into his hands?
He knew its contents—aside from the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique Naruto learned, the rest were truly forbidden arts. Even the Reanimation Jutsu was in there. Mastering these would make him nearly invincible in this era. Even a hidden boss like Black Zetsu wouldn't stand a chance.
His hands trembling with excitement, he willed the scroll to appear. He unsealed the first section. There it was: the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique. He had only just mastered the standard Shadow Clone, but with his vast chakra reserves, learning this was now a tangible goal. He could become an army unto himself. He was already a walking anomaly in this world; this would cement his status.
Eagerly, he tried to open the second section. A system notification flashed before him.
[Access Denied. Requires Pickup Level 8.]
His excitement evaporated, replaced by a wave of crushing disappointment. Level 8? He was barely about to hit Level 5! The system had dangled the ultimate prize before him only to snatch it away, a classic tease to keep him grinding.
With a sigh, he stored the Scroll of Seals back in his system inventory and lay back down, forcing himself to sleep. He needed to be sharp for the battle tomorrow.
Unbeknownst to him, a pair of black, soulless eyes observed him from the shadows between the fabric of his tent.
"This is the one who discovered me before," Black Zetsu mused, its formless body shifting. "Why does he now carry a presence... a scent that doesn't belong to this world?" Uchiha Raizen's earlier excitement had masked Black Zetsu's subtle chakra, allowing it to observe undetected.
After a long moment, Black Zetsu retreated. "Hmph. It matters not. You are neither Asura nor Indra. Time will eventually deal with you. For now... you are helping to advance Mother's plan. Continue your little war."
The night passed. Uchiha Raizen awoke at dawn and stepped out of his tent. The sky was painted with the brilliant colors of sunrise.
He took a deep breath, the lingering frustration from the scroll replaced by a grim resolve. He looked toward the Hyūga positions.
"It seems even the heavens won't help you today, Hyūga."