Uchiha Sogetsu leaned against the windowsill, the soft moonlight cascading through the window and bathing his form. He wore loose-fitting clothing, his demeanor serene yet reserved.
He glanced down at the girl beside him, curled up like a kitten, her breathing calm and her face at peace. He sighed quietly, pinching the bridge of his nose as he considered, "Researching the cells of the First Hokage should be prioritized."
After his intense discussion with Hikari, he had gained a clearer understanding of the Mangekyō Sharingan technique known as "Shin'en no Shoumei."
Of all the Mangekyō Sharingan abilities currently known, Shin'en no Shoumei was possibly the most formidable. Unlike Amaterasu or Tsukuyomi, it did not cause direct harm to its target.
Instead, it functioned like a greatly enhanced version of the "Kotoamatsukami," with the ability to completely control the target's spirit and chakra through contact with the user's chakra.
It could erase memories, implant false ones, and essentially brainwash and control anyone subjected to its power.
But the Shin'en no Shoumei technique wasn't without its risks and flaws—like all ninjutsu, save for the exceptional power of the First Hokage. The most glaring risk was its high consumption of ocular power.
While it wasn't as extreme as the "Izanagi," which could take years to recover, during the control period, the constant drain on ocular power was significant.
If the technique was used on too many people at once, it was like a high-power water pump, quickly leading to blindness.
The flaws, however, had been addressed by the Uchiha clan's ancestors. Hikari's Mangekyō Sharingan had been specifically engraved with two other techniques: Tsukuyomi and Amaterasu.
Tsukuyomi compensated for the vulnerability of the Shin'en no Shoumei by ensuring that any person under Tsukuyomi was instantly imprinted with the seal. This eliminated the need for physical contact with chakra, broadening the scope of the Shin'en no Shoumei' effectiveness.
However, using both Tsukuyomi and Shin'en no Shoumei at the same time amplified the strain on the user's Mangekyō Sharingan, leading to rapid depletion of ocular power—a massive energy drain, akin to feeding an insatiable beast.
Even with the cells of the First Hokage implanted, one had to exercise caution, treating the ability as a trump card unless one considered her as a disposable resource.
As Uchiha Sogetsu sat in quiet contemplation, dawn began to break, the night passing in contemplative silence.
Early the next morning, Hanzo, who had spent the entire night in contemplation, finally made up his mind to officially receive his guests.
Uchiha Sogetsu donned his ANBU mask once again, assuming his role with the typical discretion and reserve of an ANBU operative, following Tsunade and Hikari in their audience with Hanzo.
The architecture in the Village Hidden in the Rain (Amegakure) is distinctive, with steel pipes running throughout the village in a complex network, creating a unique visual backdrop.
The tall towers that dominate the skyline are entwined with dense pipelines, making them unattractive for residential purposes. Most people in Amegakure reside in the lower levels.
The Rain ninja escorting them led the group deep into a dark, damp pipe system with an intricate internal structure. The countless intersecting pipes, combined with the dim lighting, made it nearly impossible to navigate without guidance—it was like a massive underground maze.
This elaborate underground network was a clear indication of Hanzo's fear of assassination. Constructing such a labyrinthine setup helped reduce the risk of attacks and invasions from other ninja nations.
Soon, they reached their destination, a simple sliding Japanese-style door. The Rain ninja opened the door and stepped aside, gesturing for them to enter. "Please come in. Lord Hanzo is waiting for you in the inner room."
Passing through the corridor, Tsunade opened the innermost door.
"Long time no see, Tsunade-hime," greeted an elderly man dressed in a kimono, sitting cross-legged on the tatami. A small table with two cups of steaming tea sat before him.
He wore an iron respirator on his face, his hair cascading down casually. Although he was no longer the formidable ninja of his youth, his body worn from years of conflict, he still exuded an air of intimidation.
If anything, the passing years and accumulated wisdom made him more cunning and composed.
"You're getting old, Hanzo," Tsunade remarked, showing no fear as she took a seat across from him, her eyes scanning the man who had once defeated them.
"It's better to skip the small talk," Hanzo replied without even raising an eyebrow, taking a slow sip of his tea with a neutral expression. "What brings you here?"
"Tsk. Still as insufferable as ever," Tsunade grumbled, crossing her arms in frustration at his lack of reaction. "You've heard of the Warring States Period, right?"
"Of course." Hanzo frowned. He finally looked at them and spoke slowly, "So, you're here for those dangerous individuals sealed during the Warring States Period?"
"Just investigating," Tsunade replied, her tone slightly provocative. "I'm curious to see how much power the legendary demigod has left."
"Is that Konoha's stance or just yours?" Hanzo's question shifted the atmosphere in the room. The once informal setting grew tense, a heavy pressure filling the space. Hanzo might've looked like an aging man, but now he resembled a tiger baring its fangs.
His mere presence felt threatening. Though he made no sudden moves, the intensity in his eyes seemed like it could devour the three ninjas before him. The aging warrior still held immense power within his frail body.
"Don't be so intimidating, Hanzo." Tsunade appeared unfazed. She picked up the cup of tea on the table and took a sip. "Does hiding in a place like this really make you feel secure?"
"Shut up." Hanzo's brow twitched, his voice laced with anger.
"Can the old demigod still control those who plot in the shadows?" Tsunade played with the tea cup, a slight smirk on her lips. "Hanzo, you're not the same man you used to be. You've grown weak with age, lost the vigor of your youth. Now you just pursue power and are driven by a lust for control."
"I told you to shut up, Tsunade-hime!" Hanzo's anger flared, his eyes bloodshot. He seemed to be close to losing his composure.
"I feel nauseous just looking at you." Tsunade put down the tea cup, her smile cold. "Do you smell that, Hanzo? That rotten, dirty, foul odor coming from you?"
Boom!
Suddenly, the entire room shook.
A torrent of chakra erupted like a flood, carrying a chilling murderous intent. It tore through the nearby tatami mats, sending them flying.
In an instant, the sound of metal clashing rang out.
The shockwave was visible to the naked eye. Uchiha Sogetsu reacted swiftly, grabbing Hikari and pulling her into his arms before leaping back more than ten meters.
Swish, swish, swish!
A large number of Rain Village ninja quickly surrounded them, their expressions tense and filled with hostility.
In the center of the smoke-filled battlefield, Hanzo and Tsunade were exchanging powerful blows, each one causing shockwaves that shattered the ground around them.
Cracks spread like spider webs with every strike, illustrating the intensity of their confrontation.
Uchiha Sogetsu, who had been observing from a distance, now understood why the Third Hokage had sent Tsunade to accompany him. This wasn't just a simple reconnaissance mission—it was a test.
The ninja world was in chaos, and at this critical juncture, the strategically placed Hidden Rain Village was becoming a key focus for Konoha. Understanding Hanzo's intentions and gauging his strength had become paramount to Konoha's security.
The Third Hokage's stated reason for this mission—investigating the seal history from the Warring States Period—was merely a cover.
The real aim was to determine Hanzo's position and strength, ensuring that Konoha could navigate the complex political landscape in this turbulent time.
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