"Raiden, sealing techniques are an alternative application of chakra. If ninjutsu releases chakra through hand seals, then sealing techniques release chakra through rituals," Uzumaki Mito explained.
"The foundation of the Uzumaki clan is this unique method of chakra manipulation, passed down through generations as a top-secret art," she continued.
In the dimly lit study's hidden compartment, Raiden sat cross-legged before a low desk, typical for Konoha residents accustomed to sitting on the floor. Despite its modest height, the desk seemed massive in front of Raiden's small frame.
Mito knelt beside him, pointing at an untitled scroll while elaborating on the intricacies of sealing techniques. "The sealing technique requires chakra to construct its framework. This demands exceptional chakra control. If you master sealing techniques, it will become much easier for you to control the chakra surging within you."
She rubbed Raiden's red hair affectionately as she spoke. At only four years old, Raiden bore a striking resemblance to Kushina, sharing the same baby-like features and delicate, jade-carved appearance. Mito adored him—after all, who could resist such an adorable child?
Raiden listened attentively, absorbing her words. His mind drifted momentarily to the original story, where notable Uzumaki clan members demonstrated exceptional chakra control. The Fourth Hokage, who developed the Rasengan, and Kushina, who mastered the Adamantine Sealing Chains, were prime examples. Their son, Uzumaki Naruto, inherited their talent. Though Naruto initially struggled with basic techniques due to the Nine-Tails' interference, his mastery of shadow clones and the Rasengan later revealed his formidable potential.
Raiden categorized ninja talent into four aspects:
Bloodline Limits: Those with bloodline abilities inherently start at a higher level. Chakra Reserves: The disparity between having more or less chakra could dramatically impact combat potential. For instance, if Kakashi hadn't been limited by low chakra reserves, he could've been nearly unstoppable. Chakra Control: Superior chakra control can elevate one's capabilities significantly, as evidenced by Haruno Sakura, who became a formidable kunoichi through hard work and exceptional chakra precision. Combat Intuition: The ability to adapt and thrive in battle separates the prodigies from the rest—Sasuke being a prime example.
"As Kushina's younger brother, my chakra control should be decent," Raiden mused. For years, he had tried to tap into the lightning energy embedded within his chakra. However, his first attempt at concentrating chakra, guided by Mito, resulted in an explosive outburst. Until today, Raiden hadn't undergone any formal ninja training.
Despite this, his sensory abilities had grown remarkably sharp. Even without chakra, he could detect subtle shifts in his surroundings, a skill that even impressed Mito.
"Let's start with the simplest training, Raiden," Mito said, activating a barrier around the scrolls to protect them. "First, try mobilizing your chakra."
"Understood, Grandma Mito."
A Year Later
Spring turned to autumn, flowers bloomed and withered, and another year passed. Today marked Uzumaki Kushina's 12th birthday, the same day as her ninja academy graduation exam.
"Raiden, I'll give you a piece of candy—eat it at home," a kind shopkeeper offered as Raiden walked down the street with a small gift box in hand. Behind him, Tsunade strolled casually, hands resting behind her head as she greeted passersby with a bored expression.
As the granddaughter of the First Hokage and a disciple of the Third Hokage, Tsunade was well-known and frequently greeted with respect. The shopkeeper, noticing Raiden walking with her, extended the candy with a warm smile.
"Sister Tsunade, I want that candy!" Raiden exclaimed with exaggerated excitement, pointing at the treat.
"Stop pretending, kid. You hate sweets," Tsunade said with a smirk. "Why even accept it?"
Despite her teasing, Tsunade took the candy, thanked the shopkeeper, and handed it to Raiden.
"It's rude to refuse someone's kindness," Raiden said, bowing politely to the shopkeeper. "Besides, if I don't eat it, I can always give it to my sister."
Tsunade observed him curiously. Though this was her first time taking Raiden out, she found his manners surprisingly refined for a five-year-old.
"This kid is oddly polite," she thought, noting how different he was from other children. Most kids his age ran around carelessly, but Raiden carried himself with a calm maturity, spending his time in Mito's study or dojo rather than playing outside.
Back at home, Raiden ran into the yard where Kushina was practicing kunai throws. He presented her with the small gift box, a proud smile on his face.
"Sister, I brought you a gift! Open it and see!" Raiden's eyes sparkled with anticipation.
Kushina happily opened the box, expecting a toy, only to find a unique kunai inside. The kunai was etched with intricate seals that blended seamlessly with its surface.
"What's this?" she asked, examining the unusual weapon.
"Exploding Kunai," Raiden replied. "I added a seal to it. Inject a little chakra, and when the tip hits something, it'll explode. It's pretty powerful, so use it carefully."
Kushina was stunned. She knew Raiden had been learning sealing techniques from Mito for a year, but she hadn't expected him to create something so advanced. Exploding kunai required intricate sealing knowledge, far beyond the basics.
"How powerful is it?" she asked, flipping the kunai in her hand.
"Enough to destroy a three-story building," Raiden said casually, pointing to a nearby structure. "Grandma Mito tested it for me."
Before Kushina could respond, Raiden added, "I'm heading to the study now. Use it wisely, sister."
In the study, Raiden sat cross-legged at the desk, poring over a scroll. A cup of tea and a small snack sat beside him. The secret room was brightly lit, casting shadows across the bookshelves.
"I've memorized the Four Symbols Seal, but there are still gaps in my understanding. I've hit a bottleneck," Raiden mused. "I need a teacher to guide me further."
Since gaining access to Mito's study, Raiden had spent most of his time there. Unlike other children, he didn't enjoy playing. Fully aware of the dangers of the ninja world, Raiden focused on building his strength, turning his seclusion into an advantage.
The sealing technique was one of his chosen paths to power. During his early days under Mito's guidance, he had memorized numerous ninjutsu from the Book of Seals. Among them, two stood out: the Flying Thunder God Technique and the Mutual Detonation Seals.
Both techniques relied heavily on sealing arts, making their mastery contingent on mastering the basics. For Raiden, the usefulness of sealing techniques made them worth the effort.
Under Mito's tutelage, Raiden also honed his physical skills, ensuring he developed both his body and his techniques. With a dual focus, Raiden was steadily growing into a formidable ninja.
(End of Chapter)
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