Hearing this, Natsuhiko seemed thoughtful.
Although the teacher didn't specify what help she needed, Natsuhiko could roughly guess that she was referring to certain members of the Uzumaki clan, who were also considered unique among their people.
These individuals could transfer their chakra to others by being bitten and could heal wounds in the process.
In the original work, Karin used this ability multiple times to save Sasuke from near death after his impulsive brawls.
—Perhaps it was also because of her ability that Sasuke kept becoming more reckless, and each beating grew worse than the last.
From this perspective, the two of them were actually quite compatible.
At this point, the only person clearly known to possess this ability was Karin's mother.
The efficiency and quality of this ability, whether for chakra transfer or healing, were excellent. Even if Natsuhiko didn't intend to acquire chakra through this method, studying the ability could yield valuable insights.
However, this method was unlikely to work for the time being.
Given that Natsuhiko had long been troubled by his limited chakra, how could he not have thought of borrowing such power?
While working for the sealing squad and travelling around the Land of Fire, every time he neared the Land of Grass, he would visit Kusagakure under the guise of buying paper charms, hoping to find Karin's mother.
Naturally, he came up empty-handed.
He didn't know whether the Kusagakure ninja was hiding her too well, or if she hadn't yet fallen into their hands, or if his actions had caused a butterfly effect that led to her absence.
It had been nearly a year since his last visit to Kusagakure. Perhaps it was time to find out if there was any progress.
Natsuhiko made a mental note of this and then began discussing the experience of constructing the Yin Seal with Mito-sensei to see if there were any areas for improvement.
...
A long while later.
Kushina, overhearing Natsuhiko and Granny Mito discussing various details of the Yin Seal, felt like they were showing off in front of her. Annoyed, she huffed and went off to train by herself.
Several mini Kushinas, seeing that there was no more excitement to watch, also returned to the study to resume their tasks.
After Natsuhiko and Mito finished discussing the Yin Seal training, they moved on to the next important topic.
"Mito-sensei, do you have any knowledge regarding curse seals?"
Yes, the first person Natsuhiko had thought of for learning more about curse seals was his teacher.
Though Orochimaru likely had plenty of knowledge in this area as well, considering that he and Orochimaru were not close and that the Snake Sannin seemed to have some shady dealings with Danzo…
Unless necessary, Natsuhiko wasn't about to reveal his secret weapon against Danzo to Orochimaru.
Left with no other choice, Natsuhiko turned to his teacher for help.
As for why he hadn't asked her from the beginning, it was simply because curse seals had a terrible reputation in the field of sealing techniques.
These sinister techniques, capable of silently turning others into slaves without resistance, had always been feared.
As expected, the moment Mito heard Natsuhiko's question, her eyebrows furrowed deeply.
"Natsuhiko, what's there to learn about such things?"
Her tone clearly conveyed her disdain for curse seals.
Natsuhiko could imagine that if he didn't answer correctly, his teacher's opinion of him would drop significantly.
So instead of spouting nonsense like "there's no good or bad technique," he got straight to the point:
"Sensei, have you heard of the 'Wandering Priestess'?"
Natsuhiko then gave his teacher a brief account of Nono's situation, emphasising the fact that she bore a curse seal.
"I didn't expect the famous Wandering Priestess of the past few years to now be working in your tavern, Natsuhiko."
Mito wasn't surprised that Danzo was using curse seals to control his subordinates, only showing a hint of helplessness.
"It seems that Danzo has already figured out my situation…"
She smiled wryly. "So he plans to have that Wandering Priestess infiltrate your side, Natsuhiko, and when I'm gone, he'll make his move on you."
She had just been silently mocking Hashirama for being invincible in life but powerless in death, and now she realised she was no different.
She wasn't even dead yet, and someone was already sharpening their blades, targeting her disciple…
Natsuhiko, sharing Mito's thoughts, didn't want to dwell on such a heavy topic, so he continued:
"That's why I've been using the arcade machine to collect Nono's chakra, studying the curse seal embedded within her to find a way to break it."
Learning that Natsuhiko's interest in curse seals was purely for self-defence, Mito finally relaxed.
Her biggest concern had been that prodigies like Natsuhiko, Tobirama, and Orochimaru tended to explore forbidden techniques.
Luckily, Natsuhiko hadn't gone that far yet...
But Mito suddenly thought of something, and her expression turned peculiar.
"So... Natsuhiko, you've been treating that Wandering Priestess so well just to collect her chakra, not because you're attracted to her... assets?"
If that were the case, then why had Kushina been practising the Yin Seal so diligently and drinking two large bottles of milk every day?
Natsuhiko nearly choked on his spit upon hearing Mito-sensei's words.
"Who… Who's been slandering me in front of you, Sensei?"
For once, Natsuhiko lost his composure and shot a fierce glare at Kushina in the distance.
After all, the prime suspect was her.
Seeing Natsuhiko's exaggerated reaction, Mito couldn't help but laugh and feigned curiosity:
"So, Natsuhiko, you're not into… large chests?"
"I…"
Natsuhiko hesitated, then gave a wry smile.
"Sensei, can we not talk about this?"
Looks like Kushina's two-bottle-a-day milk regimen couldn't be stopped just yet…
Mito silently noted this to herself.
Considering how hard Kushina had been working on the Yin Seal lately, it was probably best not to tell her the truth for now.
After a moment of thought, she said:
"Natsuhiko, I understand your intentions…"
"From what you've said, that child Nono does seem worth helping."
"But Natsuhiko, you should also know what breaking Danzo's curse seal would mean…"
Mito gave Natsuhiko a deep look, then sighed:
"Just like light and shadow, maintaining a shinobi village requires not only modern ninjas like you who live in the light but also those who bear the village's darkness…"
"And that's why Sarutobi and I have tolerated Danzo for so long."
Seeing Natsuhiko's conflicted expression, Mito smiled and added:
"Don't worry, I'm not going to stop you."
"However, since Danzo has repeatedly used underhanded tactics against his village comrades, he is no longer suitable to bear the role of the village's darkness..."
"But, Natsuhiko, do you have the resolve to eliminate Danzo, even if it means taking on the village's darkness yourself?"
Natsuhiko was momentarily speechless.
He understood what the teacher meant.
Although she phrased it a bit mystically, it wasn't difficult to grasp.
Danzo's role was similar to that of ancient corrupt officials or treacherous ministers from his previous life: he was responsible for doing the emperor's dirty work to preserve the emperor's bright and righteous image.
This gave people the illusion that "the emperor is always good; it's the treacherous ministers who are to blame."
In fact, even by the time of the Boruto era, Naruto, who had become a saint, still had Sasuke outside the village and Sai within the town to handle the shady tasks for him.
Nothing had really changed.
Usually, after a new emperor ascends, they pull out these people to execute them, gaining a reputation boost—a win-win scenario.
Unfortunately, the teacher didn't know that the Fourth Hokage, whom she had placed her hopes on, sacrificed himself not long after taking office, never even reaching that stage.
Later, when the Third Hokage resumed his position, perhaps out of old sentiment or because he was used to it, he similarly didn't deal with Danzo. This ultimately led to Danzo growing too powerful, spreading his shadow over all of Konoha.
So, from what the teacher said, it seemed she was asking if Natsuhiko was willing to replace Danzo and carry the village's darkness.
An image subconsciously flashed in Natsuhiko's mind: In the Hokage's office, Minato angrily slammed the table and said:
"Remember, I am the Hokage!"
While Natsuhiko, with a gloomy expression, responded:
"Minato, you'll regret this..."
And then stormed out, slamming the door.
Or perhaps they would duel in the Valley of the End, wagering, "If I win, I become Hokage; if I lose, I marry Kushina," battling for three hundred rounds...
Thinking of these scenes, Natsuhiko couldn't help but shudder, feeling a chill down his spine.
Forget it; it's better not to take on this darkness; otherwise, it feels like stepping into a villain's script.
When the time comes, it's better to hand this burden over to Fugaku.
At this thought, Natsuhiko finally breathed a sigh of relief.
Indeed, it's better to continue with the promising work his teacher had given him.
Mito, who had been closely watching Natsuhiko's expression change, already knew his answer.
She then showed a slightly relieved smile.
Since Natsuhiko could resist the temptation of becoming Konoha's darkness, she no longer had to worry about him going astray.
With that, she finally felt at ease to let Natsuhiko continue his research on the cursed seal and said slowly:
"My research on the cursed seal isn't extensive, but there are indeed a few books that record relevant information. I can lend them to you for reference."
Natsuhiko was overjoyed at hearing this. He finally saw the dawn of cracking the cursed seal. But then, Mito suddenly changed the subject:
"However, before that, I have a favour to ask of you, Natsuhiko."
Natsuhiko was slightly startled, unable to think of what his teacher would need help with.
Then, he heard her sigh lightly and say:
"Natsuhiko, I hope you can use this break to help me bring Tsunade back."
(End of chapter)
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