"So there a reason to learn to write in such a way then ? "
Hiruzen nodded, appreciating Naruto's curiosity. "Yes, there is a reason to learn to write in such a way. Calligraphy serves as a medium for connecting with the essence of the words and characters you're using in fuuinjutsu. When you write with precision and focus, it's not just about the physical act of forming the characters; it's about immersing yourself in the meaning, emotions, and reasons behind those characters."
He continued, "In essence, calligraphy is a form of meditation. It allows you to understand and feel the power within the characters you write, and it helps you establish a deeper connection with the concepts you're working with. This connection, in turn, enhances your ability to create effective seals and jutsu."
Hiruzen emphasized, "So, while it may seem like a simple act of writing, calligraphy is a profound practice that enables shinobi to tap into the true potential of fuuinjutsu and understand the world of names and meanings on a deeper level."
Naruto,his face scrunched,asked another question "If sealing jutsu is related to names and concepts, whatever the hell is a concept,then,does it mean that we we can use seal for everything possible ? "
"Ohhh,great question. As expected of aneki ! "
"Haha,i tried to hide it but in fact im a hiding genius, waiting for the best moment to shine ! "
"...."
Hiruzen smiled at Naruto and Konohamaru's enthusiasm. "Well, theorical it should be. But in practice,not quite anything. What is sure is that seals do offer incredible versatility and potential. With the right knowledge and creativity, you can achieve a wide range of effects and abilities. Seals can be used for communication, containment, protection,healing, and even enhancing one's own physical or chakra-related capabilities."
He continued, "However, it's essential to understand that fuuinjutsu, like any other form of jutsu, has its limitations and rules. You must learn to find those limitation,work within those boundaries while pushing the limite of your understanding. Mastery of seals requires dedication, practice, and a deep understanding of chakra."
"It's also very chakra consuming,and require talent "
"See konohamaru,i told you i'm a hidden genius ! "
Hiruzen nodded, acknowledging Naruto's confidence in his abilities. "Indeed, Naruto, you have the potential for greatness. But it's important to remember that fuuinjutsu requires more than just talent. It demands a special mindset—a willingness to delve deep into the complexities of seals and their meanings."
As he spoke, the Hokage's thoughts wandered back to the Uzumaki clan, a clan like no other. "The Uzumaki clan," he continued, "was a truly exceptional clan. Their mastery of fuuinjutsu was unrivaled, and their intellectual prowess was matched only by their fiery tempers and unyielding determination. They were a passionate and spirited people."
Hiruzen's expression turned somber as he remembered their fate. "Unfortunately, the Uzumaki clan faced a tragic end during the second shinobi world war.But it wouldn't be far-fetched to imagine that if they had survived, many of their seal masters might have met their demise through their tireless pursuit of fuuinjutsu's secrets. They were a clan driven not by conquest but by the relentless quest for knowledge."
Konohamaru,getting the key part,commented "So you need to be a bit crazy ? "
"HEY,whose clan are you calling crazy ! "
Hiruzen chuckled softly, his eyes reflecting a mixture of nostalgia and fondness. "Yes, Naruto, they were also... a bit crazy. But it's often the brilliance that comes with a touch of madness that pushes the boundaries of what's possible. The Uzumaki clan's unconventional approach to fuuinjutsu is part of what made them so remarkable."
He paused for a moment, lost in thought, before continuing. "In the world of fuuinjutsu, sometimes it takes a little madness to unlock the most extraordinary and innovative techniques. It's a reminder that genius and eccentricity often go hand in hand."
"If they were so incredible,how did they fall ? "
Hiruzen's expression took on a somber tone as he delved into the history of the Uzumaki clan. "Naruto, the downfall of the Uzumaki clan remains one of the most perplexing mysteries in our history. They resided in a highly protected and isolated region, making it nearly impossible for outsiders to infiltrate their territory. Yet, despite all their defenses, their demise came as a shock to everyone."
Naruto leaned in with curiosity, his eyes focused on the Hokage. "Do we know who was responsible for their downfall, even if it's a mystery?"
Hiruzen sighed and shook his head. "Unfortunately, Naruto, we still don't have clear answers. It was a complex and enigmatic event, and the true culprits behind it have never been definitively identified. The entire situation surrounding the Uzumaki clan's fall is shrouded in secrecy, leaving us with more questions than answers."
"Even the rare survivors only described a mist of blood and feeling weak. Some thought it was a curse from the heaven, thinking the uzumaki paying for reaching out to things that they shouldn't. What is sure is that after this,the Uzumaki gone hunted to the last for their special abilities and knowledge,with your mother having been lucky enough to come to konoha before the doom of uzuchio "
Naruto's heart sank as he realized the depth of the mystery of his clan downfall. The Uzumaki clan, with all its fuuinjutsu knowledge and unique abilities, had met an inexplicable end. The desire to uncover the truth and potentially salvage their lost secrets burned within him.
"For a time I thought it was like all villages ganging up on them,guess i waa wrong "
Hiruzen nodded in agreement with Naruto's question. "No, Naruto, it wasn't the doing of a specific village. The Uzumaki clan was indeed a unique entity in the shinobi world. They were a noble clan, tracing their lineage very old time,more close to the samurai tradition than that of conventional shinobi. What set them apart was their exceptional sealing expertise. They maintained amicable relationships with various clans and villages, often being hired for their sealing knowledge."
He continued, "While the Uzumaki were allied with Konoha, it's important to understand that they had connections with all the major shinobi villages. They weren't exclusive to any one place, and their willingness to share their sealing techniques with others sometimes put them in a delicate position. Their interactions with different villages were more about their sealing artistry than typical shinobi allegiances."
"At the end,they still got hunted "
Hiruzen's expression turned even more somber as he nodded in agreement with Naruto's observation.
"Yes, Naruto, despite their incredible skills and extensive connections, the Uzumaki clan still faced a tragic fate. They were hunted down and targeted, leading to their ultimate demise. The reasons behind this tragic event is due to human greed, and it's a painful chapter in our history,having failed them as their closest allies"
He paused for a moment, his gaze distant, as he contemplated the loss of a clan known for its extraordinary sealing abilities. "The world can be a complicated and unjust place, Naruto. The fate of the Uzumaki serves as a reminder that even the most skilled and well-connected can face challenges and hardships."
Hiruzen, now with a smile, decided it was time to shift their focus back to practical training. He introduced them to the "Seal of Confinement," a fundamental paralysis seal that served as the gateway to more advanced confinement techniques.
Hiruzen began the lesson by explaining that the Seal of Confinement relied on specific words or phrases to activate its paralyzing effect. He emphasized that the choice of words was crucial, as they carried the intent and power behind the seal. Words related to restriction, immobility, and stasis were commonly used in such seals. Hiruzen gave examples like "bind," "immobilize," "paralyze," "freeze," and "halt" as suitable words for a confinement seal.
As Hiruzen continued the lesson, encouraging Naruto and Konohamaru to brainstorm words that could be used in the Seal of Confinement. He asked them, "What words can you think of that represent the idea of stopping or immobilizing someone the best ?"
Naruto raised his hand enthusiastically, "How about 'lockdown'?"
Hiruzen nodded, "That's a good one, Naruto. 'Lockdown' implies complete restriction of movement. Konohamaru, do you have any suggestions?"
Konohamaru thought for a moment and then said, "What about 'freeze'?"
Hiruzen smiled, "Excellent choice, Konohamaru. 'Freeze' gives the sense of being unable to move, just like in ice.it can work among other words"
Naruto and Konohamaru nodded, eager to learn and practice a new jutsu.
Hiruzen was pleased with their enthusiasm. He demonstrated the hand seal for the Seal of Confinement on a clone he made for the demonstration
"To create this seal, you'll need to focus your chakra and inscribe specific characters onto a surface. These characters have a profound impact on the jutsu's effectiveness."He pointed to a scroll with the characters for the Seal of Containment drawn on it in his hand
"The key words for this seal are 'paralysis' and 'immobilization.' You'll want to channel your chakra with the intent of temporarily immobilizing your target."Hiruzen demonstrated the hand seals: ram, Monkey, Dragon, Snake, Horse.
Hiruzen continued his explanation, "Now, you might be wondering why I used those specific hand seals for the Seal of Containment. Each hand seal corresponds to a specific aspect of the jutsu, and their combination is crucial for its success."
"The choice of these seals is deliberate. Let me break it down for you."
Hiruzen began with the first hand seal, the Ram seal. "The Ram seal represents the shape and form of the jutsu. It is the foundational seal, defining the structure of the containment. Without this seal, the jutsu would lack shape and coherence."
Next, he moved to the Monkey seal. "The Monkey seal represents the transition of chakra from within your body to outside of it. It plays a crucial role in facilitating the flow of chakra, creating the connection between you and the target."
Hiruzen then pointed to the Dragon seal. "The Dragon seal signifies power and density. It amplifies the strength of the seal, making it more effective at immobilizing the target."
He continued, "The Snake seal is all about control. It helps you maintain authority over the chakra and intent you're channeling into the seal. Without control, the jutsu could go awry or weaken prematurely."
Lastly, he referred to the Horse seal. "The Horse seal represents continuity. It signifies the uninterrupted flow of chakra required to maintain the jutsu. Without it, the seal's effect would be temporary and weak."
"Try them "
Naruto and Konohamaru began practicing the hand seals under Hiruzen's guidance until they could perform them smoothly.
"The key to success with this seal," Hiruzen continued, "is the focus of your intent. You must visualize the target being immobilized, their movements slowed to a crawl. The seal serves as a conduit for your chakra and intent, directing them toward the target."
Hiruzen demonstrated the Seal of Containment by throwing the scroll with the character and executing the hand seals with his fingers. A small, faint barrier-like shimmer appeared around a clone he had created for this purpose. Naruto and Konohamaru watched with fascination as the clone seemed to unable to move.
"The seal creates a temporary field of influence," Hiruzen explained. "It requires a bit more chakra than your target, and the larger the target, the more chakra you'll need."
Naruto raised his hand. "Hokage-Ji, what if the target has a strong will or chakra control? Can they break free?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Great question, Naruto. Yes, a strong-willed or chakra-sensitive individual may resist or break free from this basic seal with enough power. That's why we have more advanced confinement techniques for such cases. However, mastering this seal is essential as it forms the basis for those advanced techniques."
Konohamaru added, "So, we use this seal to practice and understand the basics of confining seals, right?"
Hiruzen smiled, pleased with their understanding. "Exactly, Konohamaru. With this foundation, you can begin to explore more complex sealing techniques in the future."
Naruto and Konohamaru continued to nod in agreement and practice diligently under Hiruzen's guidance. Their determination to learn the art of sealing was evident as they repeated the hand seals, focusing on the word 'freeze' and infusing chakra into the process.
Tazuna approached the gates of Konoha, his clothes worn and dusty from the long journey. His determination burned bright as he clutched a scroll tightly in his hand. He had come to Konoha seeking help to save his country from the threat that loomed over it.
Meanwhile, in another part of the land, Haku remained concealed and observed Zabuza's meeting with a hooded woman. His thoughts were shrouded in mystery as he whispered to himself, wondering about the nature of their dealings and the implications it might have for their future.
End of the arc
Next arc : wave arc