Sarutobi Ryo's high praise for Itachi, and the respect he showed, really surprised Mikoto.
After all, in her eyes... Sarutobi Ryo was so different from the Uchiha clan.
Why would he act this way?
"What is the true Will of Fire?"
Sarutobi Ryo brought up the same question from their very first meeting, like a thread connecting them.
"The Will of Fire is about protecting what's important. The Uchiha clan is part of the Village, so caring for them is the right thing to do. Don't you agree, Madam Mikoto?"
Sarutobi Ryo wanted the Uchiha clan to be seen as a vital part of the Village, nothing less.
They were a ninja clan that helped create Konoha, so this should be obvious.
But this "obvious" thing began to change after the Village was founded, twisting and turning into something ugly...
The Uchiha clan was shut out, pushed down...
"Itachi is a rare talent."
Sarutobi Ryo looked at Itachi, who was standing beside him.
Itachi straightened up, sensing a hidden expectation.
"Such a promising talent can change the Uchiha clan's future, but also contribute greatly to the Village itself..."
Sarutobi Ryo had high hopes for what Itachi could become.
If guided well, he could become a powerful ninja, just like Hatake Sakumo.
Like Ringo Ameyuri, Yakushi Nonou, Hatake Sakumo, Pakura… and others who had risen to greatness.
In the original story, Itachi was forced into a terrible decision by those in power.
Even though the leaders of Konoha wanted the Uchiha clan gone, they put the burden on Itachi's shoulders.
This tragedy could have been avoided.
If the Konoha leaders had been truly good and given the Uchiha clan real responsibilities, Konoha wouldn't have declined.
In the original story, if Naruto hadn't been special, a reincarnation of Asura, Pain could have destroyed Konoha completely.
But Sarutobi Ryo didn't want to rely on fate or gods.
He believed that people should control their own destiny.
Sarutobi Ryo showed his good intentions, waiting for Mikoto to respond.
Mikoto was clearly stunned by his kindness.
She couldn't answer right away.
The Uchiha clan had suffered for so long, and now, faced with kindness, she didn't know how to react.
"It seems Madam Mikoto needs time to think..."
Sarutobi Ryo nodded, realizing he wouldn't get an answer immediately, and started to leave.
"I hope Madam Mikoto will make the right choice. Not just for Itachi and the Uchiha clan, but for the future of Konoha itself..."
After the Great War, Konoha's population had shrunk, and its fighting strength was weakened.
Finding and training new ninja, and helping the next generation grow, were the most important things now.
The survival of Konoha was tied to everyone. Living in this Village meant having both responsibilities and rights.
When Hatake Sakumo became the Fourth Hokage, he would bring big changes, changing the Uchiha, changing Konoha for the better.
"Itachi, if you have time, come visit me. I have many scrolls... and if I'm home, I can help you with your training..."
With those words for Itachi, Sarutobi Ryo left.
Mikoto stood up to see him off. Watching the young man walk away, she felt more confused than ever.
Her biggest worry right now was... was Young Master Ryo's kindness real, or just a trap...?
----
Sarutobi Ryo left the Uchiha Compound and headed straight to the Hokage Building.
The sky grew dark, and lights flickered on across the Village.
In the quiet Hokage Office, Sarutobi Ryo met his father.
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded to his eldest son, a small smile on his face.
His son was perfect in every way, and whether he looked at him as a father or as the Hokage, he couldn't find any fault.
He had called his son here today to keep a promise he had made.
He unrolled a scroll, revealing a list of ninjutsu.
From A-rank to S-rank, these Forbidden Techniques were incredible and dangerous.
Each one could shake the entire Ninja World to its core.
There was the Eighth Gate Release Formation, and the S-Rank Spiritual Transformation Technique... plus the A-rank Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, the S-rank Flying Thunder God Technique... and many more.
Sarutobi Ryo already knew what he wanted: "Father, I choose this..."
Sarutobi Ryo pointed to the "S-Rank" "Strength of a Hundred Seal."
Strength of a Hundred Seal.
This was the name for the Yin Seal and Creation Rebirth, two S-rank Forbidden Techniques that worked together.
In the original Naruto story, Tsunade invented this technique.
Later, when Tsunade's importance faded, the story changed, saying... the Strength of a Hundred Seal had existed since the time of the Sage of Six Paths.
Changes like this were common and understandable.
Seeing the Strength of a Hundred Seal, Sarutobi Ryo thought of Uzumaki Mito.
He had suggested to Senju Nawaki that he pass it on to Uzumaki Mito, which ultimately helped her survive after the Tailed Beast was taken from her.
The Strength of a Hundred Seal was a technique that could save lives.
Even if someone's organs were destroyed, they could be regenerated as long as they didn't die too quickly.
It could be said that Tsunade learned this technique to make up for Kato Dan's death, which was caused by organ damage.
With this technique, even if his heart was pierced, he could regenerate it instantly as long as he had stored enough Chakra beforehand.
It was a very powerful and almost unfair ninjutsu.
But learning it required certain things: great Yang Release talent, a mind for medical ninjutsu, and medical knowledge. All of these were essential.
Luckily, Sarutobi Ryo was skilled in Yang Release and possessed both intelligence and vast knowledge.
Although he wasn't interested in medical ninjutsu, he knew he could succeed if he put his mind to it.
He chose this technique because he had already learned the Eight Gates Formation.
The Flying Thunder God Technique might seem useful for getting around, but it had its drawbacks.
It would eventually wear a person down.
Sarutobi Ryo had other ways to move quickly.
Whether it was the No Sign Body Flicker Technique, Swift Release, the Eight Gates Formation, or Lightning Release Chakra Mode... he could move quickly.
For attack power, he had the Eight Gates Formation, Lightning Release Chakra Mode, Magnet Release, Storm Release... and more.
What he lacked was a way to heal himself.
So, the Strength of a Hundred Seal was the best choice right now.
"Strength of a Hundred Seal, huh..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at the words on the scroll and nodded.
He had guessed that his son would choose this.
"It just so happens that Tsunade is back in the Village. Ask her for guidance when you have time..."
"Of course."
Sarutobi Ryo nodded.
He pictured the busty Tsunade in his mind.
He hadn't seen her since Kato Dan's death.
It was time for a meeting.
*
**
***
[T/N:
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 200 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
➡️ patreon.com/Boundless_Beacon
]