Having a Kekkei Genkai doesn't necessarily make one powerful. The ninja world is full of individuals who inherit bloodline limits but fail to truly utilize them. Even Pakura, for all her potential, was no exception.
Her Scorch Release, while deadly, lacked versatility. Beyond forming orbs to attack her enemies, she hadn't developed any creative applications for it. To Shinki, this was a waste—an untapped goldmine of potential.
"It's like the Mist Village's Ice Release," Shinki muttered to himself. "Instead of developing continuous freezing techniques, they focus on mirrors and defense. Ice Release should be a large-scale, continuous offensive ability, but look what they've done with it."
The problem wasn't limited to Pakura or the Mist Village. Many bloodline limits were underdeveloped. Even something as renowned as the Byakugan had its shortcomings. The Sharingan stood out as one of the few Kekkei Genkai that had been fully exploited to its potential, albeit with the risk of mental instability and blindness.
Shinki's musings were interrupted by Nara Shikashin, who suddenly leaned forward with a mischievous grin. "Scorch Release is strong, but do you think it's hereditary? If it is, then it could be even more valuable."
Shinki gave him a deadpan stare. "Not all Kekkei Genkai are hereditary, you know. Plenty of ninja can't pass their bloodline limits to their children."
Shikashin nodded in agreement. "True, but just imagine if something like Wood Release could be inherited. That would change everything."
The thought was both tantalizing and terrifying. If Wood Release had been hereditary, Konoha would've dominated the ninja world even more thoroughly.
Tsunade rolled her eyes at Shikashin's frivolity. "We're talking about serious matters, and you bring up that nonsense. Besides, who knows if Scorch Release can be passed down? You'd need Pakura to have a child to find out."
Shinki smirked. "What an idea. Should we suggest it to her?"
"Don't even joke about that," Tsunade shot back, shaking her head.
Shikashin chuckled nervously but quickly grew serious when Shinki raised an eyebrow. "Careful, Shikashin-sensei. If your wife hears about this, she might make you regret it."
Shikashin's face turned pale. "Come on, Shinki, we're just joking around. Don't go spreading rumors."
Shinki leaned back with a sly grin. "Who knows? The Nara men do have a reputation for being henpecked."
Even Tsunade couldn't suppress her laughter. The men of the Nara clan were notorious for their domineering wives. It wasn't just Shikashin—his son Shikashin, and even his future grandson Shikamaru, all shared the same fate.
Meanwhile, news of Shinki's return reached the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Shinki's back? Good," the Hokage said calmly. Although relations between the Kage factions were improving, he was well aware of Shinki's disdain for him. Still, as long as Shinki fulfilled his duties, Hiruzen wasn't concerned about personal grievances.
However, the real problem wasn't Shinki—it was Shimura Danzo.
Looking out toward Konoha's prison, Hiruzen sighed. This could have been a good opportunity to release Danzo, but Shinki and Tsunade had made it clear they wouldn't tolerate such a decision. They had allowed the Kage Summit to proceed and were cooperating with the village, but freeing Danzo was a hard no.
Adding to Hiruzen's headaches was Mitokadu Hamura's abrupt change in attitude. After years of scheming with Danzo and Koharu, Mitokadu Hamura had finally decided he'd had enough.
"Why bother anymore?" Mitokadu Hamura had confided to Koharu. "I'm staying neutral from now on. No more plots, no more risks. I've done my part for the village."
Koharu was stunned by his decision. "Neutral? After everything we've done together?"
"Yes," Mitokadu Hamura said firmly. "I've realized that as long as I don't make any major mistakes, my position as an elder is secure. Whether Hiruzen remains Hokage or someone else takes over, it doesn't matter. I'll still be here."
The stress of constant scheming and the repercussions of their actions had finally worn him down. Danzo, on the other hand, continued to clamor for release, oblivious to how much damage he had caused.
For the Third Hokage, the timing couldn't have been worse. Dissatisfaction with the prolonged war was growing louder by the day. The villagers had initially rallied behind Konoha, but as the conflict dragged on and disrupted their lives, their patience began to wane.
Civilians across the Land of Fire were suffering, and the pressure was mounting. Hiruzen had yet to address these issues, and now the Sand Village had called for a Kage Summit. The strain was enough to make even the resilient Hokage feel overwhelmed.
As Hiruzen massaged his temples, Shinki, Tsunade, and Shikashin continued their discussion over barbecue.
"Do you think the Sand Village has a hidden agenda?" Tsunade asked.
"Probably," Shinki replied with a shrug. "But whatever it is, it'll be revealed at the summit. I'm more interested in seeing their reaction to Pakura."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "You're really taking her with you?"
"Of course. Why not? Let the Sand Village stew over it. This confrontation was inevitable, so why delay it?"
Shikashin shook his head, half-amused and half-appalled. "You're ruthless, Shinki. I almost feel bad for the Kazekage."
"Almost?" Shinki said with a grin. "Come on, Shikashin-sensei. If you can disgust others, why hold back?"
>>>>>
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