Chapter 47: A Perfect Fit
Uchiha Akira continued reading until he reached the very end of the Scroll of Seals. The truly restricted, unspeakable forbidden arts—such as the Impure World Reincarnation—were not recorded within this copy. Techniques like the Multiple Shadow Clone, while classified as a "forbidden technique," were included, indicating that in the Second Hokage's assessment, it wasn't a taboo of the highest order.
The sheer breadth and depth of ninjutsu contained in the scroll were exhilarating. Even the fuinjutsu he had long desired was documented within. His own skill in sealing techniques was currently only average, limited to mastering the basic Uchiha Flame Formation passed down through his clan. However, he believed he possessed a latent talent for the art; his progress had been smooth, encountering no real obstacles.
Despite the temptation, he did not prioritize fuinjutsu for this selection. He was confident he could acquire sealing knowledge through other means. His plan was to travel to Kusagakure soon and retrieve Karin's mother. As a surviving Uzumaki, she might possess clan sealing techniques. Even if she didn't, bringing two of her scattered clanspeople back to Konoha could very well prompt Uzumaki Kushina to share some of her own formidable sealing knowledge. Therefore, he set fuinjutsu aside as an option for now.
What, then, should I choose? Akira stared at the open scroll, a moment of genuine indecision gripping him.
His original plan had been clear: the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Spiritual Transformation Technique were the two non-negotiable choices.
But after seeing the detailed principles of the "Mystical Palm" strength technique, he was forced to re-evaluate.
Across the room, Namikaze Minato, busy with his own work, glanced over and saw Akira deep in thought. A small, understanding smile touched his lips. He remembered his own first time viewing the Scroll, brought by Jiraiya, feeling exactly the same overwhelming uncertainty. He had made the right choice then, a choice that ultimately paved his path to the Hokage's seat.
For now, Kamui is sufficient. The Flying Thunder God can be deferred, Akira concluded after careful deliberation. He decided on the "Mystical Palm" secret technique and the Spiritual Transformation Technique.
Choosing was one thing; mastering them was another. This held true for all S-rank ninjutsu. The majority of shinobi lacked the inherent capability to learn such arts. His selection of the Spiritual Transformation Technique was not impulsive. According to its description, it was a ninjutsu deeply intertwined with Yin Release, and the Uchiha clan's Sharingan was a prime manifestation of Yin-based power. Furthermore, as a time-traveler, his mental fortitude and spiritual strength far exceeded that of an average Uchiha. He chose it as a calculated experiment.
The number of individuals capable of learning such a technique was vanishingly small. He held no absolute certainty of success, only the confidence that his chances were significantly higher than most.
The ninjutsu inscribed in the Scroll were not meant for everyone. They were tools for the exceptionally gifted.
Still, Akira had faith in his own aptitude, particularly his exceptional chakra control.
The old adage rang true: a bird in the hand was worth two in the bush. Mastering the Mystical Palm technique would provide an immediate and substantial boost to his combat prowess.
"Hokage-sama, I have made my selections." Akira rerolled the scroll and approached the desk. "I choose the Mystical Palm secret technique and the Spiritual Transformation Technique."
"The Spiritual Transformation Technique?" A flicker of surprise passed through Minato Namikaze's blue eyes. He hadn't anticipated that choice.
He offered a word of solemn caution. "Are you certain about the Spiritual Transformation Technique? No shinobi in Konoha currently holds mastery over it. If you select it, you will have only the historical training notes of your predecessors for guidance."
"I am certain, Lord Hokage," Akira affirmed with a nod.
"Very well. One moment." Minato spread the Scroll of Seals once more. A soft, blue chakra glow enveloped his hands as he performed a series of precise hand seals over the parchment. He pressed down at two specific points.
"The security seals for the Mystical Palm and Spiritual Transformation techniques have been lifted," he stated, handing the scroll back. "Please transcribe them personally. They are not to be taught to others."
For a wielder of the Sharingan, copying complex data was trivial. Akira accepted the scroll, his crimson eyes sweeping over the relevant sections. In an instant, the complete formulae for both techniques were perfectly imprinted in his memory.
After returning the scroll, Akira said, "If there is nothing further, Hokage-sama, I will return to begin my training."
"Wait," Minato said, retrieving another, smaller scroll from a drawer. "Jonin Akira, this is the personal research notebook left by Jonin Kato Dan, the only Konoha shinobi to ever learn the Spiritual Transformation Technique. Take it. It may prove useful."
Akira accepted the scroll respectfully. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"It is my duty as Hokage. Your successful mastery of the technique would be gratitude enough," Minato replied with an encouraging smile.
Upon returning home, Akira prepared two blank scrolls. He meticulously transcribed the Mystical Palm secret technique and the Spiritual Transformation Technique from memory onto parchment, then settled down to study them in depth. While the information was already stored flawlessly in his mind, he preferred the tangible, ritualistic act of reviewing a physical text.
The Mystical Palm technique presented little difficulty. After a thorough reading, he grasped its core principles. The more precise a shinobi's chakra control, the easier it was to learn. Those lacking such finesse would not only progress slowly but risk severe physical injury—crippling backlash, or worse, complete bodily disintegration from a poorly controlled chakra detonation.
Following the instructions, Akira gathered chakra at his fingertips and applied a gentle press to the stone floor of his courtyard.
Click-CRACK!
A crisp sound echoed. The solid ground fractured instantly into a web of hairline cracks.
Examining the result, Akira nodded, satisfied. Not particularly challenging.
All that remained was to increase his proficiency, training until he could execute the explosive chakra release from any point on his body at will.
After this initial test, he turned his full attention to the Spiritual Transformation Technique scroll. While transcribing it earlier, he had merely copied without analysis. Now, he read with deep focus.
The deeper he delved, a smile began to curl at the corners of his mouth.
"No wonder others couldn't learn it," he murmured to himself. "The fundamental barrier is insufficient spiritual strength!"
That was it. To practice the Spiritual Transformation Technique, one's spirit—their mental and soul energy—had to be inherently and significantly stronger than an ordinary person's. Only a spirit of sufficient potency could undergo the transformation into a pure spiritual entity. This was the first, and most insurmountable, step.
It explained why Kato Dan, born with a naturally powerful spirit, was the sole recorded master.
"It just so happens," Akira's smile widened, a spark of excitement in his eyes, "that my spirit is naturally formidable, far beyond that of a standard shinobi."
After a brief preliminary attempt at the foundational exercises, he had an even stronger conviction.
This ninjutsu felt as if it had been tailor-made for him.
(End of Chapter)
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