Chapter 98: Anko's Cursed Seal Training
Following Borigin's guidance, Haruko and Anko found the hidden underground shop.
The shop was called "Mercurius," and the seller called himself "Zhang Wick," a middle-aged man with a full beard.
"You wouldn't happen to keep a dog, would you?"
"???"
Haruko's very first sentence confused the other party.
"Ahem, let's try again." Haruko handed over the list. "Boss, check the goods."
The middle-aged boss glanced warily at the two, then brought out several sealed black boxes from under the counter.
"Good stuff," Haruko checked briefly.
Not only was it good stuff, but... it was also very familiar.
Although there were no markings, Haruko had seen this packaging style before—in the Root base.
'Right, it's so close to Konoha, and Root was disbanded not long ago... It seems someone in Konoha wants to make some extra cash."
Haruko wasn't surprised at all. He knew exactly what the Konoha high-level officials were like and didn't care.
"Boss, name a price."
After some bargaining, Haruko cleared out the stock at a relatively low price.
"The basic materials are all here, but the core component is still missing—chakra metal."
To set up the kind of barrier in the Ramen Shop that could withstand Kage-level experts or even a Tailed Beast Ball, ordinary mediums weren't enough; chakra metal must be used.
The problem was that the other party only had a very small amount, and the price was ridiculously high.
"This stuff goes for this price on the black market, and even then, it's hard to find," Anko shook her head. "The chakra metal on the market is monopolized by the great nations. Very little leaks out, so the price has naturally skyrocketed."
"What kind of Ninja World Vibranium is this..." Haruko frowned.
The strength of the barrier was incomparable with or without chakra metal. Haruko didn't want to make do.
Seeing Haruko's troubled look, Anko suddenly lowered her voice: "If we really can't buy it... why not go directly to the source to 'restock'? Both Iwagakure and Kumogakure have mineral veins, as long as we move fast..."
Haruko looked at Anko's expression, which suggested she just wanted to cause trouble, and sighed helplessly: "Anko-sensei, we are proper Ninjas, not bandits."
He looked up into the distance, in the direction of the Land of Lightning.
"This isn't something that can be settled in a day or two. If anything, today's haul has far exceeded expectations. Let's head back to Konoha first."
"Hey, Haruko..."
On the way back, as soon as Anko spoke, Haruko already knew what she wanted to say.
"Tomorrow, let's find a training ground. For safety, let's pick one close to the hospital."
"Then it's a deal."
...
Back home, Haruko began to rummage through the spoils he had swiped from Root, especially the Ninjutsu scrolls and research materials on Sealing Jutsu and Cursed Seal Jutsu.
"Although I don't plan to solve it tomorrow, but... it's better to be prepared. After all, there's a soul fragment of Orochimaru inside."
Orochimaru was one of the people Haruko feared and least wanted to face in this Ninja World.
Don't look at how that guy seemed underwhelming in fights in the original work—unable to even handle Four-Tails Naruto—but that was because his hands were sealed by the Third.
A full-health Orochimaru who spent his whole life researching Forbidden Jutsu—who knows what he'd pull out? One might get ambushed if they're not careful. That's how those two Kage died.
"Evil Sealing Method... I don't have it. There's the Four Symbols Seal and the 'Daqiao' Seal, but those aren't things that can be learned in a day or two."
As for the research materials on the Cursed Seal? After opening the scroll and taking a look, Haruko gave up:
"Wow, it's a mess. This isn't learning; it's 'deciphering'... Never mind, I'll just focus on the development and application of the Cursed Seal tomorrow. I'll leave the modification and analysis for when I'm ready."
So, the next morning, at the training ground.
"So, how are we training today?"
Haruko thought for a moment and decided to find a helper first: "Summoning Technique."
Poof!
A person-sized Slug appeared before them—considering that he might need the Slug's direct help, he summoned it a bit larger.
"Eh?! This is Lady Tsunade's... Haruko, when did you become able to summon Slugs?" Anko's eyes nearly popped out.
"Ah, I forgot to tell you." Haruko scratched his head. "I became Lady Tsunade's apprentice some time ago."
"Some time ago? Could it be..."
"It was during those few days we stayed in Tanzaku Town together, I met her at a casino. Didn't I mention it?"
"You guy..." Anko's expression was complex.
"Lord Haruko," the Slug spoke gently, "is there something you need my help with?"
"Yeah, I have a small favor to ask." Haruko pointed at Anko. "Anko-sensei has the Cursed Seal of Heaven left by Orochimaru. I've taught her some methods to control Natural Energy before, but after all, I'm just an amateur, and there are many things I can't explain clearly. You're a professional; could you help guide her?"
The Slug's antennae twitched slightly: "I understand. Please let me check first."
Anko walked in front of the Slug and turned around to reveal the Three-Tomoe mark on the back of her neck.
"This is... Sage Art in the style of Ryūchi Cave. The structure of this Cursed Seal is very crude, like forcibly gouging a hole in the body and then pouring Natural Energy inside. Most people would undergo mutation or even die because they can't handle it."
The Slug's voice remained gentle, but its evaluation was blunt. "The designer has a deep understanding of Natural Energy, but their respect for the human body... is almost zero."
"Of course, after all, that snake did it." Anko curled her lip.
"Then, let me first explain the basics of Natural Energy and Sage Art to you..."
Haruko also listened to the Slug's explanation from the side, but his mind was on something else.
'Speaking of which, Tayuya has an adaptability to the Cursed Seal. After I finish reverse-analyzing Orochimaru's Cursed Seal, could I give her one? But the risk is high; I'd need to experiment first. But where would I find so many guinea pigs?"
On the other side, the Slug's explanation was nearing its end.
"...Those are roughly the principles of Sage Art. Originally, the most difficult part of learning Sage Art is sensing and drawing in Natural Energy, but with this Cursed Seal, that step can be skipped. Once activated, it continuously draws Natural Energy into the body; you just need to synthesize Sage Mode Chakra."
"So, I just need to merge my own Chakra with the Natural Energy drawn in by the Cursed Seal?" Anko confirmed.
"You could say that, but... if it's not processed in time, the Natural Energy will backfire and damage your body, eventually leading to mutation or even death..."
"Oh, that's fine," Anko looked at Haruko. "I have insurance."
"If it's Lord Haruko... then there is indeed no problem." The Slug gave its affirmation.
"In that case, Lord Haruko, please embrace Miss Anko from behind and try to maximize the physical contact area."
"Eh?" Haruko was a bit dumbfounded. "Are you serious?"
"Yes, this way Lord Haruko can help share the pressure to the greatest extent."
"Then I'll leave it to you~ Little Brother Haruko." Anko leaned against Haruko, acting as if she didn't care at all—if one ignored her face, which was red all the way to her ears.
Resigned to his fate, Haruko gently embraced Anko from behind.
A warm and soft body entered his arms; a heavy weight was felt on his arms, and a sweet scent, different from Kaede's, wafted into his nose.
Haruko steadied himself and cleared the messy thoughts from his head.
"I'm ready, let's begin."
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