Chi Yu had been thinking about how to resolve Kakashi's current problem: his rapid chakra depletion. He identified three potential solutions.
The third and most ambitious method Chi Yu considered was Sage Mode.
Now that Kakashi had signed a summoning contract with Ryūchi Cave, he had technically gained the qualification to attempt the cave's Sage Art training.
However, cultivating the Sage Mode of Ryūchi Cave was considered even more difficult and dangerous than enduring the Cursed Seal transformation. Unlike Mount Myōboku's relatively passive toads, the snakes of Ryūchi Cave were far less forgiving. Failure to properly balance natural energy could result in permanent transformation into stone—or worse, being devoured by the White Snake Sage's underlings.
Still, the benefits of succeeding were immense: Sage Mode would enhance Kakashi's physical abilities, sensory perception, and ninjutsu prowess far beyond his current limits.
Chi Yu ultimately discarded the Cursed Seal as an option—it was unstable and had a corrupting influence. Instead, he chose two steps for Kakashi's improvement: first, to master the Yin Seal, and second, to attempt cultivation of Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode.
But there was an order to things.
Kakashi would first need to learn the Yin Seal, a technique that stored chakra over time in a seal on the body—typically on the forehead, as seen with Tsunade and Sakura. This would allow Kakashi to amass reserves of chakra during downtime, giving him the stamina to last in extended combat and overcome the "five-minute collapse" syndrome that plagued him during high-level battles.
Only after establishing that foundation would he be eligible to risk the Ryūchi Cave's Sage Mode training. Without sufficient chakra reserves, he'd be courting death—or worse.
Chi Yu explained his plan to Kakashi plainly:
> "Kakashi, I've come up with two solutions to your chakra problem. First, you'll learn the Yin Seal technique. It involves storing chakra continuously over time into a specialized seal. When needed, you'll be able to release it all at once.
Kushina knows this fuinjutsu—she learned it from Uzumaki clan scrolls, so she'll guide you through the process.
The second solution… I'll tell you only after you master the Yin Seal. Otherwise, you're not ready to hear it."
Kakashi nodded solemnly. "Understood, Teacher Chi Yu."
Chi Yu stood up and dusted off his robes. "Good. Now let's go. Kushina's been complaining that you haven't shown up for dinner lately."
Kakashi's expression flattened, his trademark dead-fish eyes returning.
Why had he been avoiding dinners?
Simple—he was tired of watching this couple's disgustingly sweet interactions. Too much secondhand affection was worse than training with Gai.
As they walked home, Chi Yu silently made plans for what would come next: once his wedding with Kushina concluded, he would call Yahiko to check in on the Akatsuki's progress. Then, he would personally journey to Ryūchi Cave and attempt to master its Sage Art.
If he failed? He would simply redeem the technique with his Witness Points—his mysterious power that allowed him to exchange insight for abilities.
Chi Yu had no shame in using those points for Sage Mode. Power was power, and Sage Art was among the highest.
If he succeeded, he'd provide Kakashi with firsthand guidance when the time came.
---
Time passed steadily.
Chi Yu and Uzumaki Kushina had decided on a Shinto-style wedding, to be held at the Inari Shrine in the Land of Fire.
In preparation, Chi Yu made repeated visits to the shrine, personally speaking with the priest to understand the traditional rites and gather the ceremonial items required.
Everything was arranged in meticulous order.
Seven days later, the big day arrived.
Guests began arriving early, each bearing congratulatory gifts. Standing at the shrine's entrance, Orochimaru—as Chi Yu's mentor—and Kakashi, his student, greeted each one.
Inside the shrine's changing room, Chi Yu and Kushina were already dressed.
Chi Yu wore a black uchikake over his formal kimono, an outer ceremonial robe traditionally worn in formal Shinto weddings.
Kushina, by contrast, was radiant in a pure white shiromuku kimono, topped with a watabōshi—a white cotton hood meant to shield the bride from evil spirits and misfortune.
Kushina fidgeted nervously, her fingers twisting together in her lap.
Chi Yu gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Relax," he said, smiling. "You've practiced the ceremony with me at home. Just follow the steps."
Kushina took several deep breaths—but her expression remained tense. "I can't help it, Chi Yu. I'm still nervous!"
Chi Yu took her hand in his. "No need to be. I'll be right here with you. Always."
Her face softened into a smile, and she nodded.
Just then, the door opened. Kakashi stood at the threshold.
"Teacher. Kushina. It's time."
The two stood up and adjusted their attire one final time. Hand in hand, they exited the room.
Outside the shrine's main hall, guests fell silent in anticipation. Kakashi stepped into the center aisle and announced in a clear voice:
> "Now presenting… the bride and groom!"
Chi Yu gave Kushina's hand a gentle squeeze. "Ready?"
She nodded.
Together, they walked down the shrine's aisle. Applause erupted.
Before the altar, they waited as Orochimaru stepped forward.
> "Proceed with the Purification Rite," he announced.
The shrine priest stepped forward, sprinkling ritual water droplets over the couple while reciting norito—Shinto purification prayers meant to cleanse body and spirit before divine witness.
When the rite ended, Orochimaru continued:
> "Offer the congratulatory prayers!"
The priest held up a prayer scroll and read it aloud, reporting the union of Chi Yu and Kushina to the kami, and seeking divine blessings for their future.
Then came the san-san-kudō—the ritual sharing of sake.
A shrine maiden brought forth a tray bearing three sake cups of increasing size. The couple alternated sipping from each cup, three sips apiece—three cups, three sips each, totaling nine sips—a symbolic expression of eternity and harmony.
Though the cups were small, the repeated drinking left Kushina a little flushed.
"You alright?" Chi Yu whispered.
"Of course!" she whispered back, returning the empty cup with a proud smile.
Among the crowd, Minato Namikaze—Kushina's old friend—watched from the front row. He held the hand of Uzumaki Miyuki, whose face was pink with emotion. Minato smiled at her gently.
Further back, Hiruzen Sarutobi and Biwako looked on with nostalgic warmth, quietly reminiscing about their own wedding as they applauded.
> "The couple will now recite their vows," Orochimaru declared.
The priest handed them both their ceremonial scrolls.
Chi Yu and Kushina bowed deeply toward the altar. Together, they began reading their vows aloud. As their voices grew stronger, their eyes met.
> "I, Chi Yu (I, Uzumaki Kushina), vow from this day forth to support and love one another, and to build a beautiful life together."
Then came the Tamagushi Hōten—the sacred offering.
The priest presented them each with a tamagushi—a branch of sacred sakaki adorned with paper streamers. They rotated the branches clockwise, presented them to the altar, bowed twice, clapped twice, then bowed again.
The priest accepted the offerings.
> "Now, the family and friends' sake toast!" Orochimaru announced.
Chi Yu turned to face the guests.
> "Thank you all for coming. Kushina and I are honored to have you here today. Please raise your cups and join us in this sacred toast!"
Everyone in attendance lifted their sake cups high.
As the couple drank, a chorus of well-wishers echoed through the hall:
> "Chi Yu! Kushina! Happy wedding!"
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