The room went quiet when the First Hokage's healing abilities were mentioned.
"I thought those were rumours," Mabui finally said, breaking the quiet.
Onnen shook his head. "No, it was all real. I heard tales from my father. I even looked into that healing factor myself, hoping to advance the medical ninjutsu of our village."
Mabui listened carefully; it is not every day someone like Onnen shares information.
Onnen then continued, "At first, I thought it was solely an effect of the First Hokage's special first-generation bloodline, the legendary [Wood Release], but I was wrong. Terribly wrong. That powerful bloodline, as you know, failed to pass on to the next generation, a true anomaly for such a potent gift."
Mabui pondered this. "Then it must be a jutsu."
Onnen replied, a hint of past frustration in his tone. "I delved deeper, seeking more on the First Hokage's regeneration from my father's records and all the information we had on the Leaf Village. And I found something baffling: more Uzumaki displayed similar abilities, but from the Senju clan… none. Not even the First Hokage's own brother. It made no sense."
Onnen paused, drawing out the mystery. "I thought it was an Uzumaki secret jutsu that the First Hokage came into possession of, but then again, I found that not every Uzumaki can heal like that. I searched more ancient texts and found old rumours surrounding that clan."
Others were intrigued, leaning forward with a desire to hear more.
Onnen continued, his voice now a mesmerising drone of ancient knowledge. "It was mentioned in some obscure scrolls that every Uzumaki possessed different kinds of unique abilities. Some had the inherent talent to manipulate chakra in ways that defied logic, capable of creating [Chakra Chains] from their very bodies, while others boasted incredible physical strength or even the power to absorb chakra directly from their foes. Some had chakras more powerful than even tailed beasts. Some were even thought to possess the ability to glimpse into the future, some could even control minds with powerful genjutsu, and some could talk to the dead. There were rumours that they worshipped death and could bring someone back to life. Many of them are also known to possess more than one ability. Truly a very strange bloodline if it is a bloodline."
Onnen paused and then continued, "But one thing was certain: if these old rumours were to be believed, then every single Uzumaki was special in their own right."
"So this was the reason for his fixation with the Uzumaki clan," Raikage thought, a new piece of the puzzle clicking into place.
Onnen continued, a hint of past frustration in his tone, "I tried to kidnap one Uzumaki from the Leaf to confirm my theories, but it failed. That was the last Uzumaki alive. Now that the Uzumaki clan is history, there is no way to confirm how their unique abilities work. If it was a simple bloodline, it should have been uniform. It was a very complex bloodline that awakened uniquely for some of their members."
Mabui then said, "So you mean to say the healing ability of that Uzumaki clan must be some kind of fuinjutsu that the Uzumaki have developed and Mito Uzumaki shared only with Hashirama Senju. And now it's in possession of the Hamura Clan."
Onnen replied, "Yes, Dan Hamura is a student of Mito Uzumaki after all."
Mabui addressed the Raikage directly. "Proficiency in Fuinjutsu, Kenjutsu, Ninjutsu, and now this unprecedented level of medical Ninjutsu without any hand seal and in that condition on top of it… as Kaminari suggested, a substantial bounty should indeed be placed upon this kid."
The Raikage sighed, his will conflicted. He had personally opposed a bounty on a mere academy student, but Kaminari's report now demanded re-evaluation.
"This kind of talent cannot be left alone," the Raikage decided internally."The Leaf suspects us despite the lack of evidence. While the source of the bounty will be kept secret to avoid direct diplomatic repercussions, this is still an unpleasant necessity."
The Raikage then addressed Mabui, his voice resonating with finality. "Very well. Issue a bounty for Ryu Hamura. A sum of 30 million Ryo should suffice as an initial valuation."
Onnen's lips curved into a subtle smile. The task would now be handled through official channels, sparing him direct involvement. He mused internally, a subtle regret stirring within him for his habitual predilection for such acquisition methods.
"A shame," Onnen thought. "I had intended to personally abduct him." His past failed attempts to abduct individuals of strategic value, such as Kushina, Hinata, and now Ryu, had left him feeling unsatisfied.
"Raikage-sama," Mabui stated, ever practical, "regarding the information we possess about Ryu Hamura, his unique talents and the specific nature of his abilities, should these details be included on his bounty poster?"
The Raikage considered this, his gaze distant, weighing the pros and cons of the situation.
"No," Raikage finally declared, his voice firm. "This information is too valuable to disclose. An entire squad died to get their hands on this information. If other villages were to learn the full extent of his capabilities, they would seek to capture and interrogate him, not eliminate him."
Mabui nodded in understanding. "Understood."
"And what of Dan Hamura?" Mabui interjected, her gaze shifting to the implications of Ryu's lineage. "Given the boy's extraordinary abilities, his grandfather's influence cannot be understated. His current bounty stands at 40 million Ryo, but should we re-evaluate that figure, Raikage-sama?"
The Raikage considered this, his eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Dan Hamura is indeed a formidable figure, a shadow from a past generation. Out of nowhere, he rose to the status of grandmaster and keeps on making new troublesome seals, one after another. He presents a greater, more established threat. Increase his bounty to 80 million Ryo."
Mabui, ever the pragmatist, offered a further suggestion. "It would be prudent to assign both Ryu Hamura and his grandfather a fitting moniker."
Onnen crossed his arms, his expression thoughtful. "A moniker is indeed fitting. It would undoubtedly attract more bounty hunters, particularly those seeking trophy kills."
Monikers or nicknames are only given to exceptional ninjas. Giving monikers with bounties therefore costs extra. They often attract the attention of famous bounty hunters. A small bounty with a significant name often yields greater fame than a large one with a random target. Imagine the prestige of eliminating someone known as 'The Copy Ninja'—the bounty itself would be almost secondary.
"Right," the Raikage stated, his voice firm. "Let us propose some names. Mabui, what do you suggest?"
"Yes," Mabui agreed, contemplating. "Considering his long history and his mastery over the clan, perhaps 'The Elder Hamura' or 'The Clan Patriarch'?"
"Given his profound strategic and analytical capabilities, particularly in the realm of fuinjutsu, 'The Thinker' would be a concise and fitting designation for Dan Hamura," Onnen stated, his voice firm, subtly referencing his reputation for complex calculations and foresight. "He could think of so many seals in so little time."
"Yes, 'The Thinker' is appropriate," Mabui conceded, accepting the brevity and symbolic weight. "It speaks of his undeniable wisdom."
"Now, regarding the boy," the Raikage continued, turning the discussion back to Ryu. "He, too, requires a distinct moniker. Mabui, your suggestions?"
"Given his formidable medical ninjutsu," Mabui began, "how about we call him 'The Healer' or 'The Oracle'?"
Onnen scoffed softly, shaking his head. "Those are too bland, Mabui. We need something that strikes fear and challenges the famous bounty hunters to hunt him down. How about 'Predator'? Bounty hunters would love to chase him."
Mabui offered another thought. "How about 'The Undying Child'? I have been informed that he survived an incurable illness, or, given his rapid regeneration, 'The Phoenix', symbolising his rise from the ashes of defeat?"
After a moment of thought, the Raikage furrowed his brow and weighed his options before dismissing them with a solemn shake of his head. "They're too generic. He is a student of the legendary Sannin Tsunade Senju. I have an appropriate name... superior to any name previously suggested. This name will be an appropriate description for him..."
In the Land of Rivers, at a Hospital
Ryu's eyes fluttered open. First, he felt a gentle, cool, and damp pressure on his forehead, followed by the soft, muted light of a hospital room. The low, rhythmic hum of medical equipment provided a familiar background drone. He found himself in a hospital bed once more, reminiscent of the previous occasion when he had awakened after a near-death experience and a visit to the Celestial Void.
Ryu performed a quick diagnostic sweep of his body to ensure his well-being and health after the recent events, seeking reassurance.
-No physical damage detected
-CHAKRA RESERVES: 220/220
- Maximum Capacity Increased!
Ryu stretched languidly and felt his muscles. He felt his body — whole and surprisingly unburdened, not a single ache or persistent twinge. He felt stronger than before. His chakra capacity had risen.
"Maybe it was due to chakra overload due to the chakra recovery seal," Ryu thought. This outcome made him smile.
At that moment, the door to the room softly clicked open. Tsunade strode in, and the colour drained from Ryu's face.
"Oh, hell. She's here to scold me. She warned me about this," he thought with a gulp.
Tsunade's face, initially relieved to see him awake, quickly turned to annoyance. Her sharp golden eyes briefly showed concern before returning to their usual serious gaze. She was, in that moment, every inch the protective, slightly overbearing aunt she truly was.
"You idiot," Tsunade shouted, her voice echoing in the hospital room.
A/N: Liked the story?? please leave a review on Webnovel and Royalroad. It would help me a lot to reach a wider audience. Thanks.
I changed a few minor things about the Uzumaki clan. I hope you liked it. Tell me in the comment section what you think: is it a bloodlineor just a special chakra, or are both the same thing?