"This Puppet Curse Technique has serious potential."
Umino Yoru had gained more than just scientific ninjutsu knowledge from Orochimaru's rogue disciple, Hiruko. He'd also acquired two highly valuable jutsu.
While the Oni no Kokuin (Demon Spirit Possession Technique) was still incomplete—only partially deciphered from ancient tablets—the Puppet Curse was already practical.
However, the Puppet Curse had two major flaws:
The target must be incapacitated for the technique to work. The cursed host lacks independent thought, only following simple commands—making it even weaker than Suna's chakra threads in combat.
"For deep control techniques, my Spore Jutsu is still superior."
Right now, the Spore Technique was mainly used for stealth, but its evolutionary possibilities were limitless. The shinobi world had many fungi capable of controlling people—if he could develop "Mold Release," he might create an entirely new form of human puppetry.
Moreover, chakra's unique properties meant Mold-controlled shinobi might retain their vitality, unlike lifeless puppets.
"If I ever infiltrate Sunagakure, I should steal the 'Hidden Sand Manipulation Technique.'"
Sasori's "Underground Sand Plot" used fine needles to seal memories by piercing the brain's neural centers—a method that could greatly enhance fungal-based control.
But Mold Release could wait. What truly caught his attention was the summon fusion aspect of the Demon Spirit Possession Technique, which bore striking similarities to Samehada's fusion abilities.
"If the Mizuchi clones could merge with Umino clansmen like Samehada does… the Umino could rise as a major Konoha clan!"
The realization electrified him.
The Umino had numbers, but their shinobi potential was mediocre. Only a few children showed jonin-level talent; most would peak at chunin without excessive resources.
But if they could fuse with Mizuchi clones, their water-natured chakra would skyrocket, compensating for their natural deficiencies.
With enhanced chakra reserves and the unique properties of the Mizuame Secret Technique, their combat power would soar.
Not only that—fusion would boost all physical stats and accelerate water-style training. Over generations, the Mizuchi's influence might even allow them to develop the Hozuki Clan's Hydrification Technique, given that Mizuchi naturally possessed a similar ability.
Now that Mizuchi had absorbed Ibuse's vast chakra reserves, it had grown into a beast rivaling elite jonin—especially in aquatic environments, where its power surpassed even kage-level threats.
(Though its desert performance was lackluster, as a clan summon, few noble families could boast a stronger partner.)
The fusion research was progressing well—only chakra synchronization remained. Given chakra's adaptable nature, full integration was inevitable.
Clan Power-Ups
Umino Hari, after contracting Mizuchi, gained tremendous combat versatility, particularly against giant summons, thanks to her Mizuame Sealing Technique. Umino Ikkaku's growth was slower, but his fire-natured affinity (honed in the Sarutobi Fire Unit) now paired with Mizuchi's water release, opening paths to: Boil Release Kekkei Genkai (if perfected). Devastating combo jutsu (even without fusion).
The Calm Before the Storm
The months passed peacefully.
Using shadow clones and Flying Thunder God, Yoru shuttled between Rain and Wave Countries, enjoying a rare stretch of stability.
But when the Grass Country front grew desperate for reinforcements, the Umino Unit was redeployed—this time against Iwagakure.
"I'd rather not fight the Rock Village."
Iwa's sheer numbers, Earth Release specialists, and kekkei genkai users made them a nightmare matchup for Yoru's water- and wind-centric forces.
His only advantage? A single puppet armed with the Raijin Sword.
"I need more White Zetsu corpses to boost my earth affinity."
His experiments with White Zetsu assimilation had shown that absorbing their chakra permanently enhanced his earth and water natures—likely a side effect of his Spore Technique evolution.
But with Black Zetsu and Madara lurking, hunting more White Zetsu was far too risky.
The Trap Springs
Just as he resigned himself to stagnation, two White Zetsu appeared near the Grass frontline—stalking Tsunade.
After capturing them, disaster struck.
"Nawaki's been caught in an explosive trap! His condition is unknown!"
When Tsunade raced to the scene, Yoru intervened.
"Let me take you."
Six shadow clones activated Flying Thunder God—blinking her straight to the ambush site.
Is Nawaki already dead? Who set the trap—Iwa, or a third party? Will Tsunade's breakdown still happen?