The war between Kirigakure and Sunagakure had begun.
The balance maintained in the Ninja World had been broken.
However, it would still take some time for it to affect the entire Ninja World and cause the Great Ninja War to erupt completely.
Because of the changes in the Ninja World situation and the sense that war was coming, the atmosphere in Konoha had also changed somewhat.
Under the arrangements of Hiruzen, Konoha had made preparations to deal with the war, ready at all times for the arrival of the Third Shinobi World War.
At this time, the sky over Konoha seemed to be covered by an invisible cloud.
Although panic had not yet appeared, the once lively Konoha had become oppressive.
Whether civilians or ninja, everyone's expressions had become very serious and solemn.
The word "war" was always synonymous with heaviness.
And the fact that war was coming did not make Seiryū feel more nervous or flustered. He was still carrying out his own research.
At home.
"Yin Release is related to the spirit, but it is somewhat different from spiritual energy. Spiritual energy is one of the factors that make up chakra, while Yin Release is a type of chakra nature transformation..."
Looking at Konoha's description of Yin Release chakra nature, Seiryū muttered to himself, "To extract Yin Release chakra nature, corresponding training is required..."
Yin Release was indeed a special nature transformation.
It was related to the spirit, but it was not spiritual energy.
To successfully extract Yin Release chakra nature, unless it was a Kekkei Genkai like the Uchiha Clan's Mangekyō Sharingan, a power hidden within the eyes that could be drawn out with a single thought, specific training was required.
Currently, in all of Konoha, only the Nara Clan knew how to successfully extract Yin Release chakra.
Seiryū flipped through the records again. Seeing more information recorded there, he could not help but marvel, "As expected of the Second Hokage. He actually had relevant research on the Nara Clan's secret techniques, and even developed the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique based on that to counter the Sharingan..."
The Bringer-of-Darkness Technique only appeared once in the original work.
It was an A-rank forbidden jutsu developed by the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, specifically to counter the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan.
He had not expected it to actually have some connection to the Nara Clan's Shadow secret techniques.
It was a special genjutsu developed based on research into the Nara Clan's Shadow secret techniques.
Indeed, looking at its performance in the original work, the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique did have some similarities to the Nara Clan's Shadow secret techniques.
Seiryū pondered. "In other words, as long as I train in the genjutsu Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, I should be able to learn the method for extracting Yin Release chakra nature, right?"
The Second Hokage could have the Nara Clan hand over secret techniques for him to study, but Seiryū definitely could not.
His identity and status were not enough.
Besides, secret techniques were a clan's most confidential matter and would not be easily shown to outsiders.
Fortunately, the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique was a genjutsu developed based on the Nara Clan's Shadow secret techniques, and it also involved the application of Yin Release chakra nature transformation.
As long as Seiryū mastered the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, he should be able to learn the method for extracting Yin Release chakra nature.
Thinking of this, Seiryū did not delay. He used the Flying Thunder God Technique to find Tsunade and brought up the matter of the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.
"Bringer-of-Darkness Technique?"
After hearing Seiryū's words, Tsunade looked at him suspiciously, then said, "You want to learn this genjutsu? Is it to deal with that Madara who might appear?"
Tsunade naturally knew about the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique.
It was a genjutsu developed by her grand-uncle specifically to restrain the Uchiha Clan.
Seiryū explained, "That is part of it, but it is mainly to develop a new jutsu. The Ninja World War will come sooner or later, and the stronger I am, and the more methods I have, the better."
If used well, the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique could indeed restrain the Uchiha Clan's Sharingan, and there was no harm in learning it.
However, Seiryū was more concerned about condensing and shaping chakra.
"Oh."
Tsunade was already used to Seiryū coming up with ideas for developing new jutsu from time to time.
This brat had already developed who knew how many new jutsu.
And aside from Seiryū himself, no one else could use them.
"This jutsu is a forbidden jutsu and has been sealed away. The Scroll of Seals should have a record of it. Wait a moment. I will have the Anbu send the Scroll of Seals to you from the Forbidden Room."
After thinking about it, Tsunade did not refuse.
Although this was a forbidden jutsu, it was not that taboo.
It was fine to let Seiryū learn it.
As long as Seiryū did not learn forbidden jutsu like the Reaper Death Seal or Edo Tensei, which required paying with one's life or violated ethics, it would be fine.
Tsunade had even emphasized more than once that it was fine for Seiryū to train in the Eight Gates, but he absolutely must not open the Eighth Gate, the Gate of Death.
Because Seiryū's personality was too worrying.
"That's too slow. I'll take you there."
As he said this, Seiryū did not wait for Tsunade's agreement. He grabbed her slender, fair right hand.
With a thought, he arrived outside the Hokage Building.
"You brat, you're quite impatient..."
Looking at her hand, which was being held by Seiryū, Tsunade only smiled.
She did not let go either. Instead, she pulled Seiryū by the hand and walked toward the Forbidden Room of the Hokage Building.
Even without mentioning that Tsunade was the designated Fourth Hokage, even if she were not, with her identity and status in Konoha, entering the Forbidden Room where the Scroll of Seals was kept would not be a problem.
So the journey was smooth.
Amid the respectful voices of "Tsunade-sama," the two had already arrived in front of the Forbidden Room.
After having the guard ninja stationed at the Forbidden Room open the door, Tsunade pulled Seiryū inside.
'With security this strict, if the Third Hokage hadn't allowed it in the original work, how could Naruto have secretly taken the Scroll of Seals?'
Looking at the guards along the way, Seiryū could not help complaining inwardly.
With such strict guards, if the Third Hokage had not allowed it, how could Naruto have successfully stolen the Scroll of Seals?
Even if the location of the scrolls was different in the original work, it still could not have been stolen by a dead-last student.
The Third Hokage could not have been unaware. That meant it was intentional.
Sigh, there were schemes everywhere.
Tsunade looked at Seiryū and warned him, "Let's agree on this first. You can only learn the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique. If you dare to train in any other forbidden jutsu, I will break your head!"
Seiryū: "..."
He felt a little helpless.
He was very interested in other forbidden jutsu.
Especially the Reaper Death Seal, a forbidden jutsu that could trade one life for another. Seiryū was extremely curious about it.
After all, this was also a type of "Shinigami."
"I knew you were interested in those forbidden jutsu."
Looking at Seiryū's silent expression, Tsunade ruffled his red hair, revealing a sneer. "But no. Edo Tensei and the Reaper Death Seal, you are not allowed to train in them in this lifetime. You are not even allowed to touch them!"
Slapping away Tsunade's meddling hand, Seiryū curled his lips and said, "I know. I won't learn them if you say so. Don't mess up my hair!"
Although the Reaper Death Seal was a forbidden jutsu of the Uzumaki Clan, it should be recorded in the Scroll of Seals.
Damn Tsunade.
He could not learn it, but he could at least take a look and study it, right?
But she would not let him have his way.
He would not do that kind of one-for-one thing anyway.
He still had great goals that had not yet been achieved.
He did not know what Tsunade was so worried about. He would not get hot-headed and die together with someone else.
"I will watch you. If you dare to mess around, I will break your head."
"Don't always treat me like an elder lecturing a kid. I'm not a child anymore. In a while, you won't even be as tall as me."
Looking at Seiryū, who was only half a head shorter than her, Tsunade raised her eyebrows. "So what if you're taller than me? You're not even twelve years old yet. What are you if not a little brat?"
"If you put it that way, then I have no choice!"
Seiryū spread his hands.
It was not his fault he was young.
Otherwise, why would people say she was a perverted shotacon?
"I always feel like you're thinking of something rude..."
Glaring at Seiryū, Tsunade walked to a wall by herself.
She took down a huge scroll hanging on the wall.
She walked back to Seiryū and handed it over, saying, "Remember, you can only look at the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique. If you dare to flip through other jutsu, hmph!"
"Don't always threaten me. You might not necessarily be able to beat me now. The reason I haven't caused you trouble is because I like you and can't bear to crush you!"
Seiryū took the Scroll of Seals and could not help huffing.
Tsunade: "..."
Why did he suddenly throw such a straight pitch?
She was still a bit unaccustomed to it.
'Heh, you say don't look, so I won't look? Do you know what photographic memory is?'
Seiryū ignored Tsunade.
He had already spread out the Scroll of Seals and started reading it on his own, humming inwardly.
His memory was very powerful, and he could remember things at a glance.
He glanced at it, and the first jutsu recorded was the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
Skip.
He had already mastered this forbidden jutsu by reverse-engineering the Second Hokage's research on the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu.
He continued reading.
There were some forbidden jutsu that did not appear in the original work, and the reasons they were listed as forbidden jutsu were also very strange.
Fire Release that burned the user, taijutsu that affected physical development, Water Release that caused hair follicles to fall out.
"?"
Seiryū had question marks all over his face.
These jutsu were simply too strange, making him unable to bear looking at them.
He continued spreading out the Scroll of Seals.
Seiryū also saw a forbidden jutsu that had appeared in the original work, the Spirit Transformation Technique.
Seiryū had no intention of learning or training in the other strange forbidden jutsu.
However, he was a bit interested in the Spirit Transformation Technique. He was very curious about any forbidden jutsu related to the soul.
Shinigami were also a type of spiritual body.
Let's see if it is useful after training, and whether any unexpected effects appear.
He memorized the Spirit Transformation Technique at a glance.
He continued reading and saw another interesting jutsu, the Soul Imprisonment Jutsu.
This jutsu had also been used by the Second Hokage in the original work.
It could imprison a soul for a period of time, thereby delaying a person's death.
At certain times, it could also have unexpected effects.
And it was also related to the soul.
Seiryū memorized it.
Further on.
Seiryū saw the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, which made him feel a little helpless. "..."
Why did it appear so soon?
How was he supposed to memorize other forbidden jutsu?
At least put it further back!
Well.
He would pretend not to see it.
He wanted to continue reading.
Then, his head was pressed down by Tsunade, and Seiryū's movements stiffened.
Tsunade stared at Seiryū with a fake smile and said, "Didn't you find it? Don't tell me you didn't see the big words 'Bringer-of-Darkness Technique'!"
Seiryū: "..."
Damn it!
Seiryū smiled awkwardly. "I just flipped it open to take a look. I wanted to know how many types of forbidden jutsu Konoha has. Aren't you curious too? I only took a look, that's all. It's impossible for me to memorize it!"
Knowing that this brat was definitely restless, Tsunade folded her arms and said slowly, "Others might not be able to memorize it after one look, but your talent is too good, and your brain is too sharp. You can remember things at a glance!"
Considering Seiryū's personality, she absolutely could not allow him to train in dangerous forbidden jutsu.
The Eighth Gate meant certain death. Kaidō might consume his own lifespan. He still could not fully control the Dragon Vein chakra.
These jutsu all carried risks and dangers.
On top of that, when pushed into extreme situations, Seiryū would not hesitate to cast a jutsu even if it caused him injury or required him to pay a price.
This had not happened just once or twice.
How could she dare let Seiryū train in other dangerous forbidden jutsu?
Seiryū: "..."
You really understand me too well!
However, since his petty trick had been discovered, Seiryū did not continue.
He would talk about it when there was an opportunity in the future.
Although he felt Tsunade was making a mountain out of a molehill, Tsunade was also genuinely worried about him.
He could not fail to see that.
The perception of Vollständig: Heavenly Eye was not just for show.
Compared to Tsunade's feelings, any forbidden jutsu was meaningless.
Having memorized the training method of the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique, Seiryū rolled up the Scroll of Seals.
He handed it to Tsunade and said, "I've memorized it. I want to try it out."
Tsunade put the Scroll of Seals back in its original place and said seriously to Seiryū, "Your strength is already very strong. You don't need to train in other dangerous forbidden jutsu. As long as you have enough time, you are the most likely person to grow to the level of my grandfather and Madara."
"..."
Seiryū looked at Tsunade. She was even explaining it to him. Was she afraid he would be unhappy?
She has me in her heart!
Seiryū raised his eyebrows. "Needless to say, if given enough time, I will become the ruler of the Three Realms, the Soul King, and become Sage Seiryū for you to see!"
Seeing this, Tsunade also smiled. "Let's go. I'll treat you to ramen. After eating ramen, we'll go train!"
"Just the two of us?"
"Hmm."
"What's wrong? You want to go on a date with me?"
"Consider it so."
Seiryū's expression changed, and he took a step back, guarding against her. "You're acting strange. Is it finally time for you to reach out your demonic claws toward me? Isn't it too early? I'm still just a child. This is a crime!"
Tsunade's face darkened. "What are you thinking!? It's just eating ramen. What kind of crime is that? I don't know what goes through your head all day!"
"Treating me to just ramen? Aren't you being too stingy? Not to mention a high-end restaurant, but at least treat me to something a little more luxurious, right?"
"Then how about going to an izakaya? I haven't had a drink in a long time. If war breaks out later, there will be even fewer chances... Hmm, let's go to the izakaya. That's happily decided!"
"I'm a minor. I can't drink!"
"I didn't ask you to drink."
Seiryū narrowed his eyes and said vigilantly, "Let me check whether you brought money first. Don't make me pay the bill when the time comes."
Tsunade felt a toothache coming on.
This time, she really had not intended to scam Seiryū out of money.
Who was he guarding against?
Tsunade huffed and said, "I brought money. I didn't intend to scam you this time. I can still afford this much!"
"Then let's go. Why are you dawdling? I still have to try training in the Bringer-of-Darkness Technique this afternoon after eating. I don't have time to waste with you!"
As he said this, Seiryū pulled Tsunade by the hand and walked out, leaving this place.
(To be continued.)
◇◇◇
◇ One bonus chapter will be released for every 200 Power Stones.
◇ You can read the ahead chapter on Pat if you're interested: p-atreon.c-om/Blownleaves (Just remove the hyphen to access normally.)