Chapter 18: A Web of Bloodlines
A translucent panel materialized in Takumi's vision, a silent testament to his progress. He had acquired the framework for this entry shortly after beginning his water-walking practice. The progress bar now read 25%. At this rate, he estimated he could fully acquire [Water Strider] within four days.
"It can be even faster," he murmured to himself, dismissing the panel and refocusing on drawing forth every drop of chakra from his cells.
His mixed Yotsuki and Uchiha heritage granted him a distinct advantage: a deeper chakra reserve than most. The Uchiha were already known for their potent chakra, a trait only surpassed by legendary clans like the Senju and Uzumaki, who were described in the archives as possessing "immense" reserves. But Takumi had an extra layer. The Yotsuki clan, famed for their resilience and affinity for Lightning Release, naturally possessed robust physical energy, the very foundation of chakra. This allowed him to train for extended periods where others would have long since exhausted themselves.
Chakra was the alchemy of spiritual and physical energy. Through relentless physical and mental conditioning, one could increase their total capacity. But for many, there was a hard ceiling—an "upper limit" dictated by their birth. For shinobi from civilian families, no matter how hard they strived, their potential achievements were often capped. The pinnacle of such effort was Might Guy, who could burn his very life force to momentarily stand among those born with the power of the Otsutsuki lineage flowing in their veins. Takumi was fortunate to be one of the latter, a distant descendant of the progenitor, Kaguya Otsutsuki himself.
The night wind whispered around him, carrying away his sweat as he remained the lone figure practicing upon the water's surface, a testament to his relentless drive.
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure
In a deep canyon where a thunderous waterfall crashed into a pool below, a powerfully built man emerged from the churning water. His skin was dark, his upper body bare, revealing a tattoo of the character for "Lightning" on his right shoulder.
"Any news, Dodai?" the Third Raikage's voice boomed, addressing the man approaching him—a shinobi in a black hat with an eye-patch covering his right eye. Dodai was his most trusted confidant.
"Yes, Lord Raikage. Several days ago, Yotsuki Takumi made contact with our operatives in Konoha. Samui and D's report is quite detailed."
"Excellent. This matter cannot be allowed to fail," the Third Raikage stated, his large hand coming down in a firm, but not unkind, pat on Dodai's shoulder.
"Understood," Dodai replied with a respectful bow to the man whose physique resembled forged steel.
"Has his lineage been fully verified?" the Raikage asked, his voice a low rumble.
"It has, my Lord." Dodai presented a sealed scroll.
The Third Raikage unsealed it, his dark eyes scanning the contents. A slight frown creased his brow. "He is connected to the Second?"
According to the report, Yotsuki Takumi was born in a remote town called Mizuumi Valley, inheriting the distinct traits of the Yotsuki clan. His particular branch had produced weaker shinobi in recent generations, leading his father to manage external Yotsuki business interests. Delving deeper into the genealogy, it appeared that Yotsuki Takumi was a distant nephew of the Second Raikage himself. The Second Raikage had been the only Yotsuki to hold the title in their village's history. While the First and Third Raikages shared similar dark, imposing features, the Second had not, though his dark skin and powerful build had led many to assume a closer resemblance.
"He is an Uchiha now. His existence will not impact the succession for the next Raikage," Dodai assured him. The Third Raikage had a son, a capable shinobi who had already earned the right to bear the title "A," positioning him as the clear successor.
The waterfall roared beside them, its mist obscuring the Raikage's expression from Dodai's view.
"His Kekkei Genkai is vital to the village's future. Secure his return. Swiftly."
"Yes, Lord Third Raikage."
Konoha, Uchiha Compound
Several days later, a persistent autumn drizzle fell, casting a gloomy, cool pall over the village.
A knock sounded at Takumi's door. "Takumi-kun? It's Mikoto."
He opened the door, holding an umbrella against the gentle rain. This was Mikoto's third visit since she had first brought Yakushi Nono.
"Hello, Mikoto-san. What brings you here?" he asked. He remembered the first time she had escorted him home; the sky had been similarly overcast.
"Since there's no school today, Fugaku asked me to invite you to gather with us. We're all clan members; we should spend more time together," she said, her gentle features appearing under the shelter of her umbrella. Today, she wasn't wearing her standard ninja attire but casual clothing—a reminder that being a shinobi was a profession with its own days of rest. Her black hair contrasted sharply with her white top, and even in the dim light, her fair skin seemed to glow.
Takumi feigned a touched expression and agreed to accompany her. The two of them walked side-by-side under their separate umbrellas through the streets of the Uchiha district, the iconic Uchiha fan symbol visible on many buildings.
The door to Fugaku's residence was slightly ajar. Mikoto led Takumi to the backyard, a spacious, open area.
Whoosh!
Fugaku exhaled, and a blazing fireball nearly three meters in diameter materialized in the air, hanging ominously. The raindrops sizzled into steam upon contact with the intense heat.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique.
Takumi's eyes narrowed. This was the signature jutsu of the Uchiha, a rite of passage for nearly every clansman.
"You're here," Fugaku said, his gaze shifting from the fireball to the two figures approaching.
"Why are you training outside in the rain? Aren't you worried about catching a cold?" Mikoto chided, a note of concern in her voice.
Fugaku chuckled, a warm feeling spreading in his chest at her words. "Hah! I am 'Fugaku of the Fierce Eye.' A little rain is nothing." The fireball above them dissipated, leaving behind a wave of residual warmth in the damp air. "Come inside," he said, turning. His hands were barely wet; he had only been practicing for a short while.
Once inside the genkan, Fugaku gestured. "Leave your shoes there, Takumi."
"Of course," Takumi replied, placing his wet umbrella aside and changing into the offered indoor slippers. Mikoto had already changed hers. The three of them then proceeded into the main house.
"I had Mikoto prepare these. Takumi, please, help yourself," Fugaku said, gesturing to a low table laden with an impressive spread of home-cooked dishes. The air was rich with the inviting aroma of food.
"Miss Mikoto's cooking looks wonderful," Takumi said, sounding genuinely impressed. Internally, he was calculating. Has their relationship progressed this far? They seem more than acquaintances but not quite a confirmed couple yet.
"Yes, well, Fugaku kept insisting, so I agreed to help," Mikoto said with a light laugh, a faint blush on her cheeks.
This was, in fact, her first time visiting the Fugaku household. The Uchiha clan, while not as rigid as the Hyuga, still observed many formalities and traditions. As their relationship was not yet officially recognized, such visits were uncommon. Had it not been for the specific purpose of integrating Takumi, Mikoto would not have been here today.
(End of Chapter)