Two years had passed since Raiden began his training under Elder Takeshi, and the progress he had made was undeniable. At only seven years old, Raiden had developed a deep understanding of the seal alphabet and was proficient in creating small containment and suppression seals. His relentless dedication impressed his teacher and earned him respect among the clan, but Raiden was never satisfied with just meeting expectations. He wanted to surpass them, to create something that would not only elevate him but also strengthen his entire clan.
Midway through the second year, Elder Takeshi gave Raiden an important assignment: to create a new seal. The task was to theorize a design and present how the seal would work, demonstrating Raiden's understanding of chakra manipulation and sealing techniques. For most students, this was a significant challenge. But Raiden, fueled by his ambition, decided to aim higher than anyone expected. Instead of creating a basic seal for containment or suppression, Raiden chose to recreate a legendary technique from the future—the Hundred Strength Seal, a technique said to have been perfected by Tsunade Senju, a member of the legendary Sannin.
This seal had the potential to store massive amounts of chakra over time, which could later be unleashed for enhanced strength and rapid healing. Raiden believed that such a seal could give the Uzumaki clan a massive advantage in battle. If all Uzumaki shinobi could use this technique, it would allow them to fight longer, harder, and heal from injuries that would otherwise take them out of battle. He envisioned his clan becoming nearly invincible with the power of the Hundred Strength Seal at their disposal.
Raiden spent weeks studying and refining his design. He theorized how to apply the seal to the forehead, allowing chakra to be stored gradually and then released when needed. He poured over scrolls, studied chakra storage methods, and even practiced on small objects, attempting to get the chakra flow just right. But when it came time to apply the seal to himself, the execution was far from perfect.
After days of preparation, Raiden inscribed the seal on his forehead. A red diamond-shaped mark appeared, faintly glowing as it began to store chakra. When Raiden tried to release the stored chakra, he managed to enhance his physical strength briefly. However, the healing aspect of the seal was incomplete—it wouldn't activate no matter how hard he tried.
Raiden's disappointment was palpable. Despite his best efforts, the Hundred Strength Seal wasn't functioning the way he envisioned. He had failed to fully unlock the healing abilities that made the seal so powerful in theory. Frustrated but determined, Raiden turned to the one person who could help him: Elder Takeshi.
Elder Takeshi listened carefully as Raiden explained his concept and demonstrated the seal's partial success. After inspecting the seal and watching Raiden's attempts, the elder gave him a small smile—one that indicated pride in Raiden's ambition but understanding of his limitations.
"You've done well, Raiden," Takeshi began, his tone calm and thoughtful. "But your mistake lies in how you're approaching the healing aspect. You're treating the entire seal as if it functions the same way as strength augmentation, but healing requires delicate chakra control. You must let the chakra flow naturally and gently, rather than trying to force it like you do for strength. Healing is about restoration, not raw power."
Raiden absorbed his teacher's words, realizing the flaw in his approach. He had been trying to manipulate healing chakra with the same intensity that he applied to strength enhancement. It was no wonder the healing wouldn't activate—he hadn't considered the subtlety of medical chakra.
With Elder Takeshi's help, Raiden refined the seal over the next several weeks. They worked together to adjust the chakra flow, making it gentler and more controlled when intended for healing. Elder Takeshi taught Raiden how to use focused, delicate chakra manipulation, similar to what medics use in their techniques. Though Raiden didn't yet have the experience of a true medical ninja, this adjustment allowed the seal to begin healing minor injuries, though it was far from the legendary level he sought.
In the end, the prototype seal worked. It could store chakra, enhance strength when needed, and even heal minor wounds, though the healing wasn't yet fully optimized. Despite these limitations, it was a significant accomplishment for someone of Raiden's age and experience.
The news of Raiden's success soon spread through the Uzumaki clan, reaching the ears of his father—the clan leader. His father was intrigued and impressed by the potential of the seal. Summoning Raiden to his office, the clan leader requested a demonstration.
Raiden entered his father's office, his heart pounding with both pride and nerves. His father, a tall and imposing figure, was seated at his desk, his expression serious as always.
"I've heard about your new seal," his father began, motioning for Raiden to approach. "Elder Takeshi tells me you've successfully created a technique that enhances strength and has some healing properties."
Raiden nodded, stepping forward. "It's not perfect yet, Father. The healing is still weak, but the strength augmentation works."
His father stood up, walking around his desk to inspect the red diamond-shaped seal on Raiden's forehead. "This could be revolutionary for our clan. If our shinobi could use this seal, even in its current state, it could change how we fight. Every Uzumaki is skilled in fūinjutsu. If we could train them to use this technique, it would give us a great advantage."
Raiden's chest swelled with pride. He hadn't fully realized the impact his work could have on the entire Uzumaki clan until now. His father's words made it clear—this wasn't just about him; it was about the future of the clan.
After a pause, Raiden's father continued, his tone shifting. "But that's not the only reason I called you here. We are preparing to send a second wave of reinforcements to assist the Senju clan in their battle against the Uchiha. You will be part of this group."
Raiden's eyes widened in surprise. He had trained hard, but he hadn't expected to be sent with the reinforcements so soon.
"However," his father said, raising a hand, "you will not be going to fight. That is not your priority. You will be sent to meet the heir of the Senju clan—Hashirama Senju. He is around your age, and it is important that you form a connection with him. In the future, our clan's strength will rely on these alliances. Bonds made in youth can shape the future of our world."
Raiden nodded, understanding the significance of the mission. His task wasn't just to show his skills in battle; it was to forge an alliance with one of the most powerful clans in the shinobi world. The responsibility felt heavy, but Raiden was ready to take it on.
"I will do my best, Father," Raiden said, bowing his head respectfully. "I won't let you down."