After some time spent reading, Akira finally reached the end of the Fūinjutsu section.
Truly forbidden techniques, like the Reanimation Jutsu, weren't documented in this particular scroll. Techniques like the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu, despite being labeled "forbidden," were actually recorded here. This indicated that in the Second Hokage's view, the Multi-Shadow Clone Jutsu didn't qualify as a true forbidden technique.
The scroll was packed with jutsu, igniting a fire of excitement within Akira. Among them, the sealing techniques he had long dreamed of were indeed listed. Though his current skill in sealing was basic, limited to the Uchiha clan's traditional Uchiha Flame Formation, he believed he had a knack for it. Learning the technique had come smoothly, without major obstacles.
Despite his interest, Akira decided against making sealing jutsu his top priority. He had confidence that he could acquire sealing techniques without using up his limited choices here. After all, he was planning to bring Karin's mother from Kusagakure soon, and she might have Fūinjutsu techniques from the Uzumaki clan. And if not, there was always the chance Kushina Uzumaki might teach him a few techniques as a gesture of gratitude for reuniting her with two clan members.
"What should I choose?" Akira pondered, eyeing the spread-out scroll, caught in a moment of indecision. Originally, he had intended to select the Flying Thunder God and Spirit Transformation Jutsu as his primary choices. But after spotting the Strength of a Hundred Technique, a secret skill for enhancing physical power, he began rethinking his options.
Nearby, Minato noticed Akira's contemplative look and refrained from interrupting, a small smile forming. He remembered his own awe when Jiraiya had first brought him to choose techniques from the scroll—a moment that had, thankfully, led to the right choice and paved the way to becoming the Fourth Hokage.
"With Kamui already in hand, Flying Thunder God can wait for now," Akira decided after some thought. He ultimately chose to pursue the Strength of a Hundred Technique and Spirit Transformation Jutsu.
Of course, choosing was one thing, mastering them was another entirely. With all S-rank jutsu, most ninja lacked the capability to learn them.
Opting for the Spirit Transformation Jutsu wasn't a hasty decision but a carefully considered one. From the description, the jutsu seemed closely related to Yin Release, an area where the Uchiha's Sharingan excelled. Plus, being a transmigrator, Akira's spiritual strength was naturally higher than the average Uchiha's.
However, he knew that only a rare few could master such high-level jutsu, so he didn't expect guaranteed success. He merely saw his chances as slightly better than most.
The scroll's recorded jutsu weren't meant for everyone, they were crafted for the gifted few. But Akira felt confident in mastering the Strength of a Hundred Technique. His chakra control was excellent, and the technique promised a notable power boost.
"Hokage-sama, I've made my choices." Akira carefully rolled the scroll back up and approached the Hokage's office. "I'll go with the Strength of a Hundred Technique and Spirit Transformation Jutsu."
"Spirit Transformation?" A glimmer of surprise flickered in Minato's blue eyes. He hadn't expected Akira to choose that particular jutsu. Cautioning him, he said, "Are you sure? There's no one in Konoha currently who knows that technique. All you'd have are the notes left by previous users."
"I'm certain, Hokage-sama," Akira confirmed with a nod.
"Very well, give me a moment." Minato laid the scroll out, his hands glowing with a faint blue light. Pressing down on the scroll, he unsealed the techniques Akira had chosen and handed the scroll back to him. "The seals for the Strength of a Hundred Technique and Spirit Transformation Jutsu are now open. You may copy them, but don't pass them on to others."
(T/N: This highly versatile technique allows the user's spirit to leave their body. By taking possession of a target, the spirit can suppress and collapse the victim's spirit, killing them, or freely manipulate their actions. This technique can also be used to communicate information or transfer chakra.)
For someone with the Sharingan, recording jutsu was child's play. With a quick scan, Akira's crimson Sharingan memorized both techniques, imprinting them into his mind. When he'd finished, he returned the scroll to Minato and said,
"If there's nothing else, Hokage-sama, I'll return to start training."
"Wait a moment." Minato called out. "Akira, here's a scroll with the notes left by Katō Dan, the only shinobi in the village who mastered Spirit Transformation. Take it with you, it might help."
Akira accepted the scroll solemnly. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"As Hokage, this is the least I can do. Mastering the Spirit Transformation Jutsu will be thanks enough." Minato replied with a smile.
Back at home, Akira pulled out two blank scrolls and copied down the Strength of a Hundred Technique and Spirit Transformation Jutsu, studying them in detail. Although he had memorized both techniques perfectly, he preferred the feeling of reading from a physical scroll—a sense of ritual he found essential.
The Strength of a Hundred Technique wasn't particularly difficult for Akira. His high level of chakra control made it straightforward to learn. For those with poor chakra control, however, the technique could lead to injury or worse. Uncontrolled chakra bursts could easily leave one crippled—or worse, completely obliterated.
Following the instructions, Akira gathered chakra in his fingertips and pressed them lightly to the ground.
Crack!
With a sharp sound, the ground around him split into a web of cracks. Satisfied, Akira smiled.
"Not too hard!"
His next step was to raise his mastery of the technique until he could release chakra from any part of his body at will.
Having tested it, Akira turned his attention to the Spirit Transformation Jutsu. While copying it down earlier, he'd only glanced at it, now he could focus. As he read further, a slight smile crept onto his lips. He murmured,
"No wonder others couldn't master this technique—it's all about mental strength."
Indeed, to learn the Spirit Transformation Jutsu, one's spirit had to be unusually strong. Only with sufficient spiritual strength could one begin to form a spirit body—a feat that required a power few could attain.
Katō Dan had succeeded because his natural spiritual strength far exceeded that of most shinobi.
"Well, I have a naturally strong spirit myself—far stronger than most ninja!"
After a brief attempt, Akira already felt as though the jutsu was tailor-made for him.
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