Konoha Village. In the Uchiha clan compound.
"Clan Head, we have successfully trained four barrier teams. They can provide round-the-clock coverage for the entire compound."
Akira was reporting to Fugaku.
Fugaku listened to Akira's report and gave a slight nod. In the past few years, their masterful application of barrier jutsu had allowed him, Iori, and Daichi to steadily increase their strength. This was especially true for Akira, whose power had soared after his Sharingan evolved to three tomoe. Critically, Akira possessed a deep loyalty to the clan and poured his all into every task. Fugaku now relied on him more than ever.
"What is the status of the contingency plans for our hypothetical enemies?"
"Sir, preparations for scenarios one and two are complete. As for the third scenario, we have deployed ninja cats and crows throughout the surrounding forests for surveillance. Although it requires an additional daily expense for their upkeep, we have secured a cross-referenced reconnaissance network for our territory."
Fugaku waved a hand dismissively. "Don't worry about the upkeep costs. The Uchiha are not short on funds."
"Iori, your duty is just as important. In addition to yourself, you must select a successor."
"Yes, sir. I will see to it at once," Iori replied.
"Daichi, you are in charge of personnel mobilization. You must also have a contingency plan for your absence."
Daichi gave a steady nod of agreement.
"The moment the signal is given, all personnel must return to their designated positions," Fugaku stated, his tone grave. "The U-chiha's current stability was not easily won. I expect you all to give nothing less than your absolute best."
Akira nodded emphatically. "You have my word, Clan Head. If anyone dares to threaten the peace of the Uchiha, they'll have to step over my dead body to do it!"
"As will we!" Iori and Daichi echoed in unison.
After dismissing the three of them, the Fourth Elder, Yohei, rushed over.
"How did it go?" Fugaku asked anxiously. For Elder Yohei, the security of the compound was his highest priority.
"The esteemed lady has agreed," Yohei reported. "However, the journey is long, so it is inconvenient for her to come in person. She will seal the formation into a ritual instrument, which we can then activate. We are currently gathering the necessary materials. Yoki, Oura, and Rikuto are all assisting over there. It is expected to arrive within a few days."
Fugaku breathed a sigh of relief. A sealed formation would suffice. "That's good to hear. I will handle the remaining matters. You've worked hard, Elder Yohei. We will still need your support for the subsequent evacuation plan, so please get some rest."
Elder Yohei, clearly weary from his travels, exchanged a few more words with Fugaku before taking his leave.
Fugaku stood alone in the compound's open square, lost in thought. Kawasaki, you may have made arrangements, but we cannot rely on you for everything.
His gaze drifted toward a large platform recently constructed outside. It was a wide stage, its surface inscribed with a massive formation. A few crows pecked at the ground nearby, searching for food.
Eight days later.
Several elite Uchiha shinobi escorted a mysterious box into the compound. Among them was a man wearing a tall, black hat. Uchiha Fugaku met with him immediately.
"Lord Fugaku, it is an honor. My name is Ashiho." The man bowed. "I must apologize. The Priestess is unable to leave her temple, so I have come in her stead to deliver the artifact."
Ashiho was well-built and handsome, with a pair of black-framed glasses perched on his nose. He exuded an air of scholarly refinement that immediately left a good impression.
Fugaku nodded gently. "It is no trouble. The oversight was mine. The journey is indeed far, and my sudden request was presumptuous."
"Then, Mr. Ashiho, please explain this artifact to me in detail."
Ashiho opened the box. Resting on a purple cushion was a Kagura bell. When he picked it up, it remained strangely silent. Using his Sharingan, Fugaku could perceive a powerful energy sealed within it. The sealing formula, however, was vastly different from those commonly used in the Land of Fire; it was something he had never seen before.
Ashiho held up the bell. "This instrument is inscribed with a Temporal Sealing Formation, infused with Lady Miroku's own spiritual power. By injecting chakra, you can activate that power and manifest the formation."
As he spoke, he channeled a minuscule amount of chakra into the bell. It immediately began to glow, floating lightly in the air. With a soft chime, a brilliant white light enveloped both Ashiho and Fugaku. When the light faded, a series of intricate fuinjutsu patterns remained on the ground. Fugaku looked around curiously. He sensed that something had been added to the space, though he couldn't quite describe it.
"The Temporal Sealing Formation locks down all spatial-temporal fluctuations within its range, preventing any form of spatial transfer jutsu," Ashiho explained.
Fugaku tried forming hand seals. Summoning Jutsu! He slammed his palm onto the ground, but there was no response.
"Furthermore, once the formation is active, it allows entry but prevents exit. No one inside can leave," Ashiho added.
Fugaku reached out and felt an invisible barrier blocking his path. He nodded, satisfied.
At Fugaku's approval, Ashiho gently pressed down on the artifact. The light receded, and the bell fell back into the box. The surrounding fuinjutsu patterns vanished one by one.
"What is the maximum area this formation can cover, how long does it last, and can it be moved once activated?" Fugaku asked.
"The maximum range is a five-kilometer radius, but it can only be sustained for five minutes before Lady Miroku's spiritual power is depleted," Ashiho answered. "Once deployed, the barrier is fixed in place."
"So it's useless without that spiritual power?" Fugaku got straight to the point.
Ashiho nodded affirmatively.
"Fifty million for five minutes..." Fugaku murmured, stroking his chin.
Ashiho quickly began his sales pitch. "The Temporal Sealing Formation is an exceptionally rare seal. Currently, only Lady Miroku of the Land of Demons can create one. After the seal is deployed, it creates an incredibly stable space that interferes with the use of all space-time abilities. Fifty million is an absolute bargain."
Fugaku smiled but said nothing. He recalled the contingency plan Kawasaki had left behind: if Tobi attacked, use the Reverse Summoning Jutsu to bring back Itachi and Shisui. If that failed, summon Kawasaki himself. However, upon learning that Tobi's Mangekyo ability was a form of spatial displacement, a new plan had formed in Fugaku's mind. It was one thing to guard against a thief, but another to live in constant fear. He was going to trap Tobi.
"I am quite satisfied with the artifact's capabilities," Fugaku said slowly. "But for only five minutes of use, fifty million..."
Ashiho had already discussed this possibility with the Priestess. The Uchiha clan was a rising power and not to be offended. If they were displeased with the artifact, the price was negotiable.
"My apologies, Lord Fugaku," Ashiho said quickly. "The amount of spiritual power stored in the artifact is limited, hence the short duration. If you feel the price is too high..."
Fugaku held up a hand, cutting him off. "I will give you one hundred million. I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you to make another trip. Bring me a second one."
Ashiho was stunned into silence.
Deep within Konoha, in the Root headquarters.
Hyuga Kaito lay on a bed, his limbs securely restrained.
"Lord Kaito, we are about to administer the anesthetic. You will fall unconscious, and then we will proceed with the treatment of your left leg," a Root researcher stated, following protocol.
Kaito took a deep breath. He had mentally prepared himself for this the moment he decided to come here.
"Begin."
A cold liquid flowed into his veins, and his eyelids grew heavy. Within moments, he was in a deep sleep.
Inside the wall, Zetsu's form slowly emerged. The researcher immediately bowed his head. "Sir, Hyuga Kaito has been sedated."
"You may leave," Zetsu gestured.
"Yes, sir." The two researchers exchanged a glance and departed.
Zetsu circled the bed, his gaze finally settling on Kaito's left leg. A white, humanoid shape bulged from Zetsu's body before shrinking down into a single point of light. With a swipe of his finger, a bloody line appeared on Kaito's leg, and the point of light slipped inside.
Due to years of disuse, the muscles in Kaito's left leg had atrophied, leaving it pale and thin. After Zetsu implanted the spore, it began to rapidly multiply and grow. It looked as if countless insects were squirming beneath Kaito's skin, causing it to bulge and then collapse. His entire body started to convulse, and unconscious groans escaped his lips.
Before long, the swelling in his leg subsided, and it visibly returned to a near-normal size. Zetsu nodded slightly. That should be enough. He placed a hand on Kaito's leg. "Not so fast. Too quick a recovery would draw suspicion."
The leg slowly reverted to its previous atrophied state. Seeing this, Zetsu pressed a nearby button. Two researchers entered immediately.
"It will take approximately four hours for him to regain sensation in his leg. When he awakens, he must consume a large amount of food to replenish his nutrients."
"Yes, sir," the researchers replied without question.
After giving his instructions, Zetsu's body slowly sank into the floor and disappeared. The two researchers looked at each other. One of them closed his eyes and quietly formed a hand seal. An invisible ripple spread through the room. He nodded.
Together, they carefully examined Kaito's body but found no signs of any cuts or punctures. Yet, there was a clear change in his legs. Baffled, they began attaching various monitoring devices to his body. They also drew a vial of his blood for analysis. As for the cut on his leg, any trace Zetsu had left was gone. They carefully made a small incision and extracted a tissue sample.
Unconscious, Kaito was oblivious to it all. They quickly sutured the wound and wrapped it in a bandage. They were unaware that beneath the dressing, the wound was already healing at a rapid pace. All the samples were rushed to the lab for testing.
About an hour later, Hyuga Kaito slowly awoke. He found himself back in his room, attended by two Hyuga branch family bodyguards.
"Sir, you're awake!" one of them exclaimed.
"What time is it?" Kaito's sense of time was hazy.
"It has only been an hour and a half, sir," the guard replied.
Kaito frowned slightly and looked down at his left leg. The skin was a little pale, but that wasn't what concerned him. His leg had been severely injured in the past, leaving long scars on both sides. Now, those scars were completely gone. Furthermore, the leg was no longer as atrophied as it had been.
"What kind of treatment did they use on me?"
"Their methods are secretive, sir. The area is protected by a barrier that even the Byakugan cannot penetrate. We were only allowed to see you after your treatment was complete."
Kaito had expected as much, so he didn't press the matter. The door opened, and two researchers walked in, followed by Danzo.
"Danzo, when will I be able to stand on this leg again?"
Danzo smiled. "Patience. You'll regain feeling in about three hours. You should be able to stand within a month. For now, you need to eat a great deal. That will provide the energy your cells need to regenerate."
"Three hours?" A glint appeared in Kaito's eyes. "I am feeling rather hungry. I'll return home for now. As soon as I can stand, I will make the arrangements you requested."
As the anesthetic wore off, Kaito was hit by a tidal wave of hunger.
"Kaito," Danzo said, nodding. "Do not disappoint me."
Kaito gave Danzo a long, meaningful look before his two guards wheeled him out of the room.
"Did you find anything?" Danzo asked coolly.
"Sir, we took blood, muscle tissue, and skin samples from Hyuga Kaito for analysis," one of the researchers reported. "Aside from increased muscle activity, all other metrics match his previous physical examinations."
"Hmph. Useless!" Danzo snarled. The two researchers fell to their knees in terror.
"Please forgive us, Lord Danzo!"
Danzo shot them an irritated glare. "Fine. Get out."
The two men wiped the sweat from their brows and scrambled out of the room.
Clink, clink...
The sound of chopsticks hitting bowls echoed endlessly. On the table in front of Kaito were ten empty plates, and the stack of bowls beside him was growing taller by the minute. Hyuga Kaito, who had been raised with the strict etiquette of the main family, was now eating with a ravenous appetite, shoveling food into his mouth without pause. He devoured his food like a man possessed.
He was on his fourth pot of rice, and the dishes on the table had been replaced twice. Kaito had never imagined he could feel this hungry; eating only seemed to make him hungrier. He constantly demanded that the kitchen prepare more food.
By the time he finished the fourth pot of rice, he finally felt a sense of fullness. But that wasn't the most important thing. In the four hours he had spent eating, he had begun to regain feeling in his leg. It was a sensation he hadn't experienced in many years. Before, it had been a cold, numb limb that wouldn't have registered even a knife cut. Now, he could feel the flow of blood and chakra. While he was eating, his leg had felt strangely full, but now that he was sated, that discomfort had vanished.
Trembling, he gripped the edge of the table and slowly pushed himself to his feet. His left leg was weak, and he nearly stumbled, but the feeling was real. The sensation of his foot planted firmly on the ground had returned. A wave of excitement washed over him, but he quickly suppressed it. He activated his Byakugan and examined his left leg. The chakra flow was completely normal.
Kaito frowned. What kind of technique had Danzo used? He sat back down and clapped his hands. Two guards entered.
"Bring me Daisuke and Misaki."
"Yes, sir!"
Konoha's Eighth District.
A new day had begun. Since the Root members had been withdrawn from the Military Police Force, the Hyuga clan had recalled several chunin from active missions, and Hizashi had returned to the force. Now, aside from a few Uchiha, the Military Police was composed almost entirely of Hyuga members.
Today, at the request of the Fourth Elder, Hizashi was organizing mixed patrols of Hyuga and Uchiha members. The goal was to help the Hyuga learn better methods for maintaining public order. Hizashi had always felt the Hyuga were somewhat lacking in this area compared to the Uchiha-led force, so he readily agreed. The relationship between the Uchiha and Hyuga was currently stable, so the Uchiha had no objections.
Hyuga Daisuke and Hyuga Misaki were particularly enthusiastic and volunteered to participate. Hizashi assigned them to an Uchiha patrol squad. In addition, he assigned four other Hyuga members to learn from the Uchiha in the Eighth District, among them a man named Hyuga Hayato, who was acquainted with Kawasaki.
"Daisuke, Misaki, Hayato, you three will be a team. Patrol the Eighth District with your Uchiha colleagues."
The three Hyuga formed a squad and began their daily patrol alongside the Uchiha. The popularity of the Hua cuisine in Konoha's Eighth District had turned it into a major gathering spot for villagers. Many outsiders on missions in Konoha had also heard of its reputation and came to sample the unique food. As a result, the area was exceptionally prosperous and crowded.
The Hyuga team followed closely behind the Uchiha team, making their way down the street. In less than an hour, they had already dealt with three arguments caused by the crowding. Most involved visitors from other villages, as Konoha residents were used to the district's bustle.
Daisuke and Misaki periodically activated their Byakugan to scan their surroundings. At first, Hayato assumed they were just being diligent, paying attention to the environment. After all, using the Byakugan consumed chakra, and frequent use was draining. But he soon noticed that they repeatedly ignored disputes happening right in front of them. Instead, their gazes passed over the crowds, focusing directly on the Uchiha's shops.
Hayato frowned, confused by their actions. Suppressing his doubts, he continued with the patrol.
The next day, Daisuke and Misaki did not return to the Eighth District. They were patrolling elsewhere.