The effects of Sage Mode on a ninja are remarkable. The infusion of natural energy into Sage Chakra acts like the ultimate stimulant for a ninja.
Hyuga Mirai's next focus was clear: analyzing the potential harm Sage Chakra inflicts on the body, exploring methods to store it, and developing advanced Sage techniques. Compared to these tasks, other matters could be left to shadow clones or Unit 18.
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Kushina Uzumaki early in the morning.
Ten years had passed since Kushina arrived in Konoha. Although she hadn't yet achieved the status of a perfect jinchūriki, she could wield a portion of the Nine-Tails' power. Even when four tails of the beast's cloak manifested, she could maintain her composure.
The power of the Nine-Tails was undoubtedly the strongest among the tailed beasts. Given Kushina's young age and ability to control part of its strength, Hiruzen believed that within another decade, she could harness the majority of its power—or even become a perfect jinchūriki.
By then, with Namikaze Minato as the Fourth Hokage and the Nine-Tails jinchūriki under his command, the Hokage's authority would have unparalleled strength.
Lost in thought, Hiruzen was abruptly brought back to reality by Kushina's loud voice calling his name twice.
"Apologies, Kushina. My mind wandered to other matters," Hiruzen said, tapping his pipe apologetically.
Kushina waved it off. "It's no big deal! But seriously, if being Hokage makes you so tired, you should just pass the title to me! I've got loads of experience running Konoha in... ahem, my own way!" she said with a proud pat on her chest.
Hiruzen almost choked on his unlit pipe, mentally cursing her playful jab. "This old man can still hold this post for another ten years!" he thought.
Out loud, however, he smoothly shifted the topic. "Speaking of which, Kushina, since you've played that ninja simulation game, do you know much about the association selling the computers and games?"
"Not a clue!"
Hiruzen froze for a moment, thankful he wasn't still puffing on his pipe.
"This game was developed and distributed by the Uzumaki Trade Association," he explained. "According to ANBU's investigation, the association's owner might be an Uzumaki clan member who escaped from Uzushio years ago. I called you here to see if you might know them."
Hiruzen handed Kushina a dossier filled with information and photographs of a woman named Ayaka Uzumaki.
"Ayaka... Could it be Uncle Lin's daughter? She was called Ayaka too... but I only met her a few times. She probably doesn't even remember me," Kushina said, her voice tinged with both nostalgia and excitement.
She had searched for other Uzumaki clan survivors in the past, but being too young and powerless then, she had no leads. Over time, her attention shifted to Konoha and those she cared about in the village.
Now, hearing about another living Uzumaki—possibly an old acquaintance—stirred a flood of emotions.
"Lord Hokage, where is Ayaka Uzumaki now?" Kushina asked eagerly.
"She's in the capital of the Land of Fire," Hiruzen replied, attempting to calm her. "However, the current situation is unstable. It's best if you stay in the village. Perhaps you could write her a letter? I can have ANBU deliver it, inviting her to Konoha. What do you think?"
"That's unlikely to work. I'm no longer the princess of Uzushio, and after ten years of silence, who would come to Konoha just because of a letter?"
Kushina shook her head firmly.
Hiruzen nodded reluctantly, conceding her point. Yet being schooled by Kushina left a sour taste in his mouth. "This girl might be a future Hokage, but did she have to prove it so soon?"
"Very well," he said at last. "I'll assign an ANBU escort for your journey. However, Kushina, you must strictly follow their guidance. Your status in Konoha is far too significant to take risks."
"Got it, got it," Kushina replied with a dismissive wave. "No need to repeat it to this future Hokage."
As Kushina left, still lost in the haze of her beloved game world, Hiruzen sighed and began selecting her escort. For a mission involving the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, he assembled a six-person team split into two groups, including two sealing experts. Such a formation should guarantee her safety.
---
The enhancements from Sage Chakra were temporary, as the infusion of natural energy diluted the user's individual "will" within their Chakra.
Hyuga Mirai had been working on addressing this by integrating Yang Release properties into Sage Chakra. After weeks of effort, he succeeded in imbuing certain Yang Release characteristics into it.
"Next, I'll work on channeling and storing Sage Chakra into a 'Yang Seal.' Activating the sealing technique may be slow, but it eliminates the need for constant focus while refining Sage Chakra."
In Sage Mode, Mirai could easily cleave through a tree over a meter thick with one hand. His Eight Trigrams Air Palm could extend its destructive reach to dozens of meters, carving deep craters into the earth even at such distances.
"Hmm? Why is Kiyo Hyuga looking for me at Konoha Hospital?"
A shadow clone stationed there dispelled itself, transferring its memories and Chakra back to Mirai.
"I'd better go check it out," he muttered, casually grabbing his pre-prepared fishing gear before leisurely heading into the village.
It didn't take long to reach Konoha Hospital. By the time he arrived, the clone had tidied up the laboratory, ensuring nothing suspicious could be discovered.
As Mirai approached the hospital entrance, Kiyo Hyuga jumped down from a nearby rooftop.
"You're late! And you've been fishing?"
Before Kiyo could continue her complaint, Mirai clamped a hand over her mouth.
"Keep it down, Kiyo. That's not exactly something to brag about."
His deliberately loud response ensured their conversation was overheard—just as Mirai intended.
"What's going on, Kiyo? Why did you come to the hospital to find me? Is something wrong?"
"You're too relaxed!" Kiyo scolded, though her frustration faded almost immediately. "Grandfather wants you to return home. Same as last time."
"Another mission, huh?" Mirai said knowingly, his tone calm. He gestured courteously. "Shall we go, then, Lady Kiyo?"
(End of Chapter)
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