"Lord Danzō, the Dust Release: Multi-Layered Infinite Explosive Annihilation Arrow - Zero-Type has been thoroughly examined. It is indeed an S-rank forbidden jutsu. However, it requires a relatively confined space and a large amount of dust to be effective."
Aburame Ryūma submitted the jutsu analysis report to Shimura Danzō.
Danzō took the report, flipping through it with a satisfied nod. "No wonder it wiped out three hundred Sand puppeteers in one strike. The destructive power of this forbidden jutsu truly reaches S-rank, and its duration is remarkably long. The only drawback is the strict conditions for activation."
"Umino Yoru is a genius to have developed an S-rank forbidden jutsu."
"Indeed," Danzō mused. "Umino Yoru's combat skills are average, but he has a knack for unconventional ideas. Though this forbidden jutsu isn't an elemental technique—rather, it falls under mechanical manipulation—it still has its merits."
Setting the report aside, Danzō once again acknowledged Umino Yoru's ingenuity. Developing such a powerful forbidden jutsu must have consumed vast amounts of resources—especially flour and metal powder.
A jutsu of this magnitude couldn't have been perfected in a single attempt. Countless experiments would have been necessary, each one costly.
The Root division alone spent over a million ryō just to verify this technique. The actual development cost must have been in the tens of millions.
Even with the financial backing of the Tezuka clan, sustaining such expenses would have been nearly impossible for Umino Yoru.
Mechanical manipulation jutsu were notoriously expensive—both in development and practical use—making them unsustainable in the long run.
"As you say, Lord Danzō. Umino Yoru's talent in mechanical manipulation is unparalleled in the entire shinobi world."
Even Aburame Ryūma was surprised by the sheer destructive potential of mechanical techniques.
This Dust Release: Multi-Layered Infinite Explosive Annihilation Arrow - Zero-Type was likely the first S-rank mechanical forbidden jutsu in history. Umino Yoru, as its creator, would undoubtedly be remembered for generations.
An S-rank forbidden jutsu like this would be recorded in the Scroll of Seals, ensuring that any future shinobi specializing in mechanical manipulation would look up to Umino Yoru as a pioneer.
"Lord Danzō, Umino Yoru has contributed an S-rank forbidden jutsu and single-handedly annihilated three hundred Sand puppeteers. His merits are extraordinary. If converted into mission rewards, the logistics division wouldn't have the funds to compensate him."
"We absolutely cannot grant him mission points."
Danzō could already foresee the consequences—if Umino Yoru received such a massive reward, he'd immediately exchange it for supplies: explosive tags, flour, sealing scrolls, multiple Iron Prison Gates, and more. The logistics division was already strained. If Yoru drained their resources, how could they counterattack the Sand?
The thought of Umino Yoru squandering their supplies almost made Danzō consider sending him on a suicide mission to avoid paying the debt. But reason prevailed—Yoru was his own subordinate, a useful blade. It would be wasteful to discard him so easily.
"Then grant him all of Lord Tobirama's Water Release techniques."
Danzō acknowledged Umino Yoru as his nominal junior—a man of strong Will of Fire and humble origins.
The Second Hokage's Water Release legacy included several S-rank forbidden jutsu and numerous high-level techniques—priceless knowledge that no amount of money could buy.
Particularly Water Severing Wave and Whirling Water Blade, two S-rank forbidden jutsu of immense value, along with Great Water Collision Wave and Water Dragon Bullet, both devastating in power.
Had Umino Yoru not already inherited part of Tobirama's teachings—and had he not been a loyal, low-born shinobi—Danzō would never have granted him this legacy, no matter his achievements.
"Lord Danzō, Umino Yoru distributed much of the mission credit for destroying the Sand puppeteers among his subordinates. His personal reward isn't as substantial as expected. Should we still grant him the full Water Release legacy, or just a portion?"
Aburame Ryūma was surprised Danzō would offer the entire inheritance just to avoid paying mission points. He suggested a compromise to reduce expenses.
"No. Give him everything."
Danzō waved his hand dismissively.
It wasn't that he didn't want to save resources—he simply knew that even if he withheld part of the legacy, Sarutobi Hiruzen would eventually complete it for Yoru.
Danzō understood Hiruzen's methods all too well. Rather than letting the Third Hokage play the generous benefactor, he might as well take the credit himself.
"Lord Danzō, Umino Yoru has proposed adopting a system similar to Iwagakure's—providing free combination jutsu to frontline shinobi."
Seeing how highly Danzō regarded Yoru, Ryūma submitted his proposal for standardized group techniques.
"Preposterous!"
Danzō slammed the report onto the table. "Mission points in exchange for jutsu was Lord Tobirama's foundational policy. If we start giving techniques away for free, who will bother completing missions?"
"You're absolutely right, Lord Danzō," Ryūma agreed. "Konoha's selective training system is far superior to Iwagakure's handout approach. Our elite shinobi produce far more effective combination jutsu than theirs."
(Conveniently ignoring the sheer numerical difference between Konoha and Iwa's forces.)
Then, Ryūma presented an alternative plan. "It seems Umino Yoru also recognizes the superiority of our system. He has prepared a backup proposal."
Danzō skimmed the document.
"Half-price combination jutsu." "Interest-free loans for jutsu acquisition." "Debt clearance upon death in battle."
After a quick review, Danzō made his decision.
"We won't allow half-price jutsu—that's a slippery slope. But the rest of his proposal is acceptable."
With that, the meeting concluded.
As Aburame Ryūma exited the command tent, he overheard shinobi buzzing about the "Iron Wall of Konoha." A quick inquiry revealed they were referring to none other than Umino Yoru.
With Nara Shikazo's return alongside five hundred Konoha reinforcements, news of Yoru's solo annihilation of three hundred Sand puppeteers had spread like wildfire across the frontline.
Praises piled upon him—
"The Strongest Will of Fire!" "The Most Generous Commander!" "A One-Man Army!" "The Second Hokage's Water Release Successor!"
Clearly, the five hundred returning shinobi—having enjoyed Yoru's hospitality and taken home spoils of war—had turned into his most vocal propagandists.
And as the logistics teams returned to Konoha, tales of Umino Yoru's exploits would soon reach the village itself.
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