Akashi Uzumaki Residence - Main Courtyard -
Unbeknownst to Akashi, deep within the serene confines of his mindscape as he forged an unlikely bond with Chomei, the physical world outside was descending into a state of near pandemonium. The instant Akashi had inadvertently weakened a portion of the Eight Trigrams Seal, a raw, untamed surge of the Seven-Tails' chakra had bled into the surrounding environment. This potent, alien energy was immediately sensed by the sensitive chakra networks of the Uzumaki villagers, triggering widespread alarm and conjuring their deepest fears. The sudden, overwhelming presence of a Tailed Beast's power within their village sent a chilling wave of panic through the community.
Uzukage Ashina, his senses honed by decades of experience, reacted instantly. Recognizing the unmistakable signature of a Tailed Beast, he swiftly assembled a formidable detail of elite Seal Masters and seasoned elders. Their faces grim, a mixture of apprehension and grim determination etched upon them, they moved with urgent haste towards the Akashi residence, prepared for any eventuality, their minds bracing for the worst-case scenario – a Tailed Beast attempting to break free.
Meanwhile, within his tranquil mindscape,
Akashi finally broke free from his conversation with Chomei, a genuine smile of accomplishment gracing his lips. "Looks like that's one significant hurdle overcome," he murmured to himself, stretching his limbs. "But the work has only just begun. I still need to master the intricacies of these Teiōgan, learn to harness the raw power of the Seven-Tails, and explore the synergistic potential of both. And then there's my Fuinjutsu training. I still have a couple more months before I can truly call myself a Seal Master." A wry chuckle escaped him at the sheer volume of responsibilities and training that lay ahead.
It was a peculiar irony. When he had first arrived in this perilous world, his sole focus had been survival. The past few years had been a relentless cycle of training and preparation. Now, armed with burgeoning power and a unique Dojutsu, he found himself almost overwhelmed by the sheer amount of work required to truly master his newfound abilities.
Well, Akashi mused, a flicker of amusement in his eyes, it's certainly a good problem to have. Just then, a sudden influx of multiple powerful chakra signatures heading directly towards his location jolted him back to the present.
What the… that's at least six distinct teams, all converging here. Did something happen while I was… indisposed?
Emerging from his meditative trance, Akashi blinked, his Teiōgan instinctively analyzing the rapidly approaching figures. At the forefront, his imposing grandfather moved with an uncharacteristic urgency, his face etched with concern. Flanking him were several stern-faced elders and a contingent of highly skilled Seal Masters, their hands hovering over their sealing scrolls, their expressions a mixture of apprehension and readiness. Akashi could even sense faint undercurrents of fear emanating from some of the approaching shinobi.
"Akashi, are you alright? We sensed a massive surge of the Seven-Tails' chakra!" Ashina exclaimed, his voice tight with worry as he and the others swiftly formed a defensive perimeter around the courtyard, their eyes scanning for any sign of a rampaging Tailed Beast.
Akashi could only groan inwardly, slapping a hand to his forehead in belated realization. How could I have been so oblivious? Of course, any significant fluctuation in a Tailed Beast's chakra within the village would be immediately detected, especially with his own heightened sensory perception courtesy of the Eye of Kagura. He must have inadvertently broadcasted his mental foray like a beacon. Looks like I'm in for some serious trouble this time.
Looking up at his grandfather, Akashi met his worried gaze with a sheepish expression. "This is… actually my fault, Gramps. I opened the seal just a fraction so I could send my consciousness into my mindscape to talk to the Seven-Tails." A wave of incredulous silence washed over the assembled shinobi, their initial fear morphing into utter bewilderment. They exchanged bewildered glances, silently questioning whether their young prodigy had suddenly developed a death wish or an alarming penchant for reckless behavior. Who in their right mind would willingly attempt a conversation with a Tailed Beast?
"YOU DID WHAT?!"
The piercing shriek of Mina echoed across the courtyard, carrying the full force of a mother's outrage. Thanks to her own Uzumaki sensory abilities, amplified by her protective instincts, she had clearly heard Akashi's unbelievable confession.
I am so incredibly dead this time.
After enduring a scolding of epic proportions, a verbal lashing that left even the stoic elders wincing, Akashi was finally allowed to recount the events within his mindscape. He explained his intentions, his cautious approach, and the surprising revelation that Chomei was not the mindless monster they had all assumed. The elders remained largely skeptical. Their understanding of Tailed Beasts was rooted in tales of destruction and untamed fury.
While they had heard fragmented rumors of the Eight-Tails' unusual relationship with its Jinchuriki, Killer B, most dismissed it as an isolated anomaly. The notion of a peaceful Tailed Beast was a difficult concept to reconcile with their ingrained fears.
As the conversation continued, Akashi cautiously revealed his newfound alliance with Chomei, even subtly manifesting a small amount of the Seven-Tails' chakra as tangible proof of their burgeoning connection.
Ashina sighed, the sound heavy with a mixture of exasperation and a grudging hint of relief. "Boy," he murmured, shaking his head, "you are going to be the death of this old man." While he was undeniably displeased with Akashi's reckless actions, a flicker of hope ignited within him.
Currently, Ashina was the sole Kage-level shinobi within Uzushiogakure. While their ranks boasted many skilled Jonin, Akashi's sudden acquisition of a powerful Dojutsu and the potential alliance with the Seven-Tails significantly bolstered their village's overall strength. Though Akashi was still in the nascent stages of mastering his abilities, his potential was undeniable. This development was undoubtedly a boon for Uzushiogakure's future.
Silently, Ashina focused on his own chakra reserves, a familiar weariness settling over him. The vibrant energy that had once coursed through his veins had begun to wane, a stark reminder of his advancing years. He knew his time was drawing short, perhaps only a few more years remained.
Most would be gripped by fear at the prospect of their impending mortality, but Ashina felt a strange sense of peace. He had lived a long and fulfilling life, reaching the venerable age of one hundred and nineteen. He had witnessed the brutal chaos of the Sengoku era, survived two devastating Great Ninja Wars, outlived his own children and grandchildren, and it seemed he would likely witness the dawn of a third. No, not yet. I can't afford to fade now. Akashi still needs time to mature, to fully realize his potential and take my place. It seems this old man has a bit more work to do. His greatest worry was leaving the village before Akashi was truly ready to shoulder the mantle of Uzukage.
Looking at his great-grandson, a gentle smile touched Ashina's lips, a deep-seated confidence blooming within him. He knew, with a certainty that transcended mere hope, that the village would be safe in Akashi's hands in the future. While the boy possessed a certain reckless impulsiveness, his prodigious talent was undeniable, his potential limitless.
Yes, my great grandson, Ashina thought, his gaze softening with affection. You simply require a bit more guidance, a final polish, and then you will be ready. A resolute determination hardened his gaze. It seems I will have to take matters into my own hands.
"Akashi," Ashina said, his voice carrying a new weight of purpose, "I understand your Fuinjutsu training is nearing completion. From this day forward, I want you to come to my office every day. I will personally guide you through the final stages and even impart some advanced sealing techniques that are known to very few."
A wide, genuine smile spread across Akashi's face. When it came to the intricate and powerful art of Fuinjutsu, no one in the world surpassed Ashina Uzumaki. His sealing prowess was legendary, even allowing him to survive encounters against the formidable Madara Uchiha and Hashirama Senju.
Akashi wasn't entirely sure what had prompted this sudden, intensive tutelage, but he had no intention of refusing such an invaluable opportunity.
"Haha, it seems my training days are far from over," Akashi chuckled, a thrill of anticipation coursing through him. "Well, I can't wait, Gramps. I've heard whispers and rumours of just how extraordinary your seals truly are."
"Hmph, whispers!" Ashina retorted, a hint of a smile playing on his lips. "You will be surprised tomorrow."
With the immediate crisis averted and a fragile peace restored, the assembled shinobi began to disperse, returning to their duties and their homes. Akashi, however, knew his ordeal wasn't quite over. He still had to face the inevitable second wave of his mother's well-deserved scolding. One lecture, it seemed, was never quite enough.
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End of 33rd chapter