Poof!
After a puff of white smoke, Aozora appeared completely intact inside his home.
Looking down at his feet, he indeed saw the sealing formula slowly vanishing away.
"It seems this space-time ninjutsu is truly related to the sealing formulas," Aozora analyzed while rubbing his chin. "Now that I think about it, the sealing techniques in the ninja world are somewhat insane!"
Previously not paying much attention, now upon deeper consideration, Aozora realized the sealing arts were just as bizarre as dojutsu.
The all-consuming Amaterasu was neutralized by the Fire Sealing Method [Fire Sealing Method]. The Nine-Tailed Beasts with infinite chakra were creatively manipulated by humans using sealing techniques. The Uzumaki Clan even used sealing arts to conjure up the Shinigami itself...
Most incredible of all? Even Kaguya otsutsuki—known by titles such as Alien, Goddess of the U Clan, Chakra Matriarch, and Creator Deity of the Ninja World—could be subdued by sealing techniques.
"Kaguya otsutsuki herself didn't master sealing arts. Even if she did, why would she pass along such self-defeating abilities to Indra and Asura? Then perhaps these sealing techniques were self-developed by Indra, or perhaps taught by someone else like Sage Art?
If they were taught by another, then was that person human or beast?
There are still many unsolved mysteries hidden within those ancient myths!"
Aozora had a few theories forming in his mind, though even more questions remained.
Fortunately, he wasn't someone who'd obsess over every mystery—he simply filed those thoughts away and made his way straight to the clan vault.
Seeing Aozora again, the guard this time showed unusual reverence.
At just thirteen, he already possessed jonin-level strength and had managed to escape from Orochimaru's grasp—such impressive power ensured others respected him deeply within the Uchiha Clan, where strength reigns supreme, even though they stripped him of his ninja status.
Aozora held no grudge. Smiling, he nodded toward the guard and asked, "How's the layout of the clan vault right now? Are things still placed randomly? I want to find some scrolls on sealing techniques, medical ninjutsu, Earth Release, Wind Release, and Lightning Release."
Sealing techniques served dual purposes—further developing Space–Time Ninjutsu, and understanding these mysterious methods.
Medical Ninjutsu would lay a foundation for the Reanimation Healing Technique [Reanimation Healing Technique]. Having lost sight in his right eye for so long, even purely for aesthetics, restoring vision made sense.
As for seeking Earth, Wind, and Lightning natured techniques, it aimed at enriching his skillset.
Though the Homura-granted power elevated him to Kage-level strength, his current arsenal lacked diversity, potentially limiting effectiveness in special environments or circumstances.
For example, against Kisame who resides deep within rivers, Aozora currently could do nothing but retreat.
While learning Lightning Release wouldn't let him defeat someone like Kisame right away, it would give him a significant edge against ordinary Water-natured ninja.
With his chakra nature advancement slowing down, Aozora decided not only to develop S-ranked ninjutsu for higher potential, but also study other elemental releases to compensate for his weaknesses and strengthen his baseline combat ability.
The guard respectfully answered, "Due to Police Force Reform, many commoner shinobi visit our clan vault regularly, so we've thoroughly reorganized all scrolls here. Most techniques on the first floor are ranked B or lower.
Lord Aozora, you have full authority to access the second floor."
Aozora nodded. "I'll have a look on the lower level first. Where are the Sealing Techniques and Medical Ninjutsu located?"
"I'll show you the way!" With that, he eagerly walked ahead.
Aozora gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head and said, "Alright then, thank you for your trouble!"
Several months ago, because this guy had looked down on him, Aozora had even considered how to deal with him. Now seeing how cooperative he was being, those thoughts vanished immediately.
Thanks to the help of the clan member, Aozora quickly found the Scrolls he needed in the Clan Vault.
He didn't even need to copy them himself—the man willingly offered extra Scrolls to Aozora.
At the entrance, he bowed deeply—twice, until his back was nearly parallel with the ground—and said, "Lord Aozora, please forgive my previous inappropriate behavior."
Aozora didn't say whether he forgave him or not. Instead, he asked, "What about your attitude toward others, especially non-Uchiha ninja?"
After a pause, the man replied, "Not very good..."
Shaking his head solemnly, Aozora said, "Let bygones be bygones. From now on, you can be strict and cold toward others, including non-Uchiha members, but never arrogant or condescending!
If you've wronged anyone in the past, I want you to apologize to them. Only after they've all forgiven you will I consider forgiving you too."
Hearing this, the man's face turned alternately pale and red. After a moment, he finally said, "I understand!"
"The pride of the Uchiha runs in our blood, not in appearances; it lives in our hearts, not in words."
With that, Aozora walked forward, waving his hand dismissively without turning back, adding his final words: "Do well for yourself!"
Looking at the retreating figure of the young man, the proud Uchiha had a complicated look on his face.
This is what makes Lord Aozora so great?
In the following period, as per Aozora's instructions, this Uchiha went around apologizing to those he'd treated rudely, earning a wave of goodwill toward the Uchiha clan.
And as more people began greeting him with smiles, he suddenly found guarding the Clan Vault wasn't so boring anymore, gradually developing affection for this job.
Back home, Aozora immediately summoned a Ninja Raven, entrusting it to deliver the Scrolls to Taiyi.
Why not summon Taiyi directly? That would've been way too much of a drain on his chakra.
After the Ninja Raven vanished, Aozora instantly sent an Interdimensional Message to alert Taiyi to receive a package.
Then, Aozora sat cross-legged on his bed, spreading out before him the Scrolls he planned to study, soon forming a dense array of Scrolls before his knees.
After deep contemplation, Aozora decided he would practice [Nine Breaths of Breath Control] for just half a day each day, using Shadow Clone Jutsu to train in ninjutsu during the remaining time.
Needless to say, [Nine Breaths of Breath Control] and the Shadow Clone Jutsu were incompatible.
Firstly, Aozora couldn't use Shadow Clones to practice [Nine Breaths of Breath Control].
Because Shadow Clones lacked meridians and were extremely fragile, absorbing excessive natural energy would cause them to petrify and collapse like failed sage art cultivation. Furthermore, this chakra would return to the original body, causing chakra imbalance in the main body and disturbing its cultivation.
Secondly, using Shadow Clones while practicing [Nine Breaths of Breath Control] would be counterproductive.
After all, a large amount of chakra had already been distributed to the Shadow Clones. Even using "Nine Breaths of Breath Control" to enhance a small portion of chakra didn't make much difference. Moreover, the returning clones' chakra would dilute the nature of the original body's chakra.
Because of these reasons, Aozora hadn't cultivated any other ninjutsu lately.
Once he had his plan sorted out, Aozora immediately created six Shadow Clones.
"Unit One, you will cultivate [Projection Technique] and [Phantom Nine Dragon Sealing Method]."
"Unit Two, you will cultivate [Mystical Palm Technique]."
"Unit Three, you will cultivate these Earth Release techniques."
"Unit Four, you will cultivate these Wind Release techniques."
"Unit Five, you will cultivate these Lightning Release techniques."
"Unit Six, you will research Kujaku's methods."
After assigning the tasks, Aozora dismissed them with a sweeping gesture and lay down in the courtyard, waiting for results from his clones.
Of course, he wasn't just lying there—he was using the advanced form of Dao Yin Lian Qi to refine and accumulate chakra while also getting some much-needed rest.
Although Aozora hadn't suffered injuries this time, participating in Akatsuki's gathering had consumed a tremendous amount of mental energy.
Not to mention having fought Kisame and Gamabunta back-to-back—just convincing eight Kage-level experts during his explanation alone had already drained him emotionally.
If he hadn't skillfully handled Orochimaru's infamous provocation, he wouldn't have become Suzaku of Akatsuki, but rather the Dead Bird of Akatsuki instead.
Certainly, that was just the worst-case scenario.
After all, since Aozora had been recruited by Obito, he wouldn't be killed over minor suspicion, though it made becoming a core member of Akatsuki quite difficult.
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