In the southeast corner of the Hidden Cloud Village, the construction of the new Uchiha Clan Compound is proceeding in an orderly manner.
With the strong support of the Hidden Cloud Village and the efforts of the Uchiha Clan members themselves, the once somewhat empty area has begun to take shape.
Sturdy stone houses are well-arranged, the training ground is flat and open, and simple defensive works and early-warning Barriers have also been properly set up.
In the center of the clan compound, some cold-resistant pines and cypresses have even begun to be transplanted, adding a touch of life.
Once construction is complete, they will need to find some servants; otherwise, with only a dozen people in such a large place, it would be far too lonely.
As the clan head and a Hidden Cloud Elder, Uchiha Shao Yu has devoted most of his energy to his own cultivation.
He knows clearly that for the Uchiha Clan to truly gain a foothold in the Hidden Cloud and obtain long-term respect and development space, the fundamental guarantee is his own strength.
Only if he is strong enough can he protect his clansmen, strive for resources, and have enough of a voice in the Hidden Cloud, a place that reveres power.
These days, besides daily Taijutsu, Chakra control, and further synchronization with the Ten Shadows Technique Shikigami, his main energy has been on deeply researching the Six Eyes.
As his understanding of the Six Eyes' characteristics deepens, the profound knowledge regarding spatial manipulation derived from its essence has revealed more details in his mind, like a gradually unfolding ancient scroll.
One ability that particularly catches his attention is the Limitless Jutsu.
An absolute defense technique based on the Six Eyes' principle of infinite spatial division and manipulation, which theoretically can reach an "untouchable" state.
Although with his current mastery of the Six Eyes and understanding of spatial rules, he cannot yet truly perform the Limitless Jutsu, its core mechanism has greatly expanded his thinking.
"This mechanism... in front of the current mainstream attack methods in the Ninja World, can almost be called a dimensional reduction strike."
Sho U sat in meditation under the waterfall, lost in thought.
"Unless the opponent is also proficient in advanced Space-Time Ninjutsu, or... possesses specific abilities that can ignore or interfere with spatial rules."
He naturally thought of another possibility: "Sealing Technique."
In the Ninja World, many powerful Sealing Technique operate on principles involving the binding and isolation of Chakra, energy, and even concepts. Some top-tier Sealing Technique can even touch upon the levels of space and time.
If he really encounters a troublesome ability that can break the Limitless Jutsu in the future, his knowledge of Sealing Technique would undoubtedly be an extremely valuable supplement and a way to counter it.
No sooner said than done. Uchiha Shao Yu was not a hesitant person.
He went directly to the Raikage Building to request an audience with Third Hokage, Ay.
"Oh? Sho U, a rare visitor. Is the clan compound construction going smoothly? Anything you need help with?"
The Third Raikage was handling official business. Seeing Sho U's visit, he appeared very pleased.
"Everything is going smoothly, thank you for your concern, Raikage-sama."
Sho U got straight to the point.
"I have come this time to apply to the Village to borrow some classics and scrolls regarding Sealing Technique for research and study."
"Sealing Technique?"
Raikage Ai raised a thick eyebrow, somewhat surprised, but then showed a look of interest.
"You're interested in this? True, you Uchiha are skilled in Genjutsu and Fire Release, but you might not have dabbled much in Sealing Technique. What kind do you want to study? Basic sealing formulas? Or advanced applications?"
"The more comprehensive the better. I want to understand everything from basic principles to advanced applications."
Sho U said, "My Dojutsu and certain abilities might be combined with Sealing Technique to develop new applications and enhance tactical means."
This reason was perfectly reasonable.
"Haha! Good! You have ideas!"
Raikage Ai laughed and stood up, walking to a heavy metal cabinet behind the office, entering a complex Chakra password to open the door.
Inside were not gold and silver treasures, but a large number of ancient or brand-new scrolls piled up.
With a wave of his hand, he pulled out a thick stack of scrolls—at least twenty or thirty of them at a glance—and slammed them onto the table in front of Sho U, sending dust flying.
"Here! These are all about Sealing Technique! From the most basic Fire Sealing Method and Evil Sealing Method to complex Barrier arrangements, Chakra sealing, and even some profound theories involving the soul and space—it's all recorded in there."
Raikage Ai said quite grandly.
Uchiha Shao Yu looked at the stack of scrolls, which were clearly heavy and rich in content, and a hint of surprise flashed in his eyes.
The Hidden Cloud Village... actually has such a rich collection of Sealing Technique?
Seemingly seeing Sho U's doubt, Third Hokage, Ay chuckled, gestured for Sho U to come closer, and then lowered his voice, speaking with a hint of pride and... some indescribable smile.
"Elder Sho U, you might find it strange how our Hidden Cloud has so many Sealing Technique. It's fine to tell you; after all, this isn't an absolute secret among the top levels of the Great Nations."
He pointed to the scrolls.
"Most of these things are spoils of war we seized from Uzushiogakure when we destroyed the Land of Whirlpools a few years ago."
"Land of Whirlpools?!"
Uchiha Shao Yu's pupils constricted slightly. The Land of Whirlpools and the Uzumaki Clan were famous in the Ninja World for their tenacious vitality and peak Sealing Technique. They were distant relatives of the Senju Clan and allies of Konoha.
These guys whose destruction was briefly mentioned in the original story...
Were actually destroyed by the Hidden Cloud? And from the look of it, Konoha seemingly didn't have the ability or will to seek revenge for them to the end?
"That's right."
Raikage Ai nodded, a sharp light flashing in his single eye.
"It wasn't just our Hidden Cloud Village; the Hidden Mist Village and Iwagakure also participated."
"The Sealing Technique of the Land of Whirlpools is indeed unparalleled in the Ninja World. Unfortunately, they chose the wrong side and were tied too tightly to Konoha."
"We in the Hidden Cloud took an interest in their techniques, especially... the Sealing Technique on how to safely and effectively control and utilize Tailed Beasts."
He picked up one of the scrolls that looked particularly ancient.
"It was by relying on these core Sealing Technique materials obtained from the Land of Whirlpools that our Hidden Cloud was able to conduct independent research and finally master the method of safely sealing Tailed Beasts."
The current Eight-Tails Jinchuriki Blue B, as well as the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, who are able to become relatively stable Jinchuriki—these legacies from the Land of Whirlpools deserve much of the credit."
Sho U realized. So that was it.
The Hidden Cloud's ability to have two powerful, controllable Jinchuriki was actually rooted in the destruction of the Land of Whirlpools, famous for Sealing Technique, and the plundering of their core inheritance. This method certainly fit the Hidden Cloud's tough and pragmatic style.
"However," Raikage Ai's tone shifted, carrying a hint of helplessness.
"The constitution and Chakra attributes of our Hidden Cloud Ninjas are, after all, different from the Uzumaki Clan's constitution, which is naturally suited for Sealing Technique."
"In the Village, people who can truly research these Sealing Technique thoroughly and apply them to a high level are as rare as phoenix feathers and unicorn horns. Most Ninjas still prefer straightforward Lightning Release and Taijutsu."
He patted Sho U's shoulder, his tone sincere.
"Elder Sho U, you are exceptionally talented, and the Sharingan possesses powerful insight and learning capabilities. If you can understand these Sealing Technique and even combine them with your Dojutsu to create something new, that would be a huge blessing for our Hidden Cloud."
"Feel free to take these scrolls and study them. If there's anything you don't understand, you can come ask me—I know a bit—or the few old Advisors in the Village; they know a thing or two."
Uchiha Shao Yu solemnly put away these heavy scrolls and thanked the Raikage.
Returning to the Uchiha Clan Compound with these Sealing Technique scrolls from the Land of Whirlpools' legacy, Sho U's heart was not calm.
The Hidden Cloud's path to rise was full of plunder and conquest, but as a member of the Hidden Cloud Village now, he only felt incredibly secure.
And Konoha Village watching its ally be destroyed by other Ninja Villages without doing anything made Sho U see Hiruzen Sarutobi's character clearly once again.
But... "Power... is the foundation."
Sho U touched the ancient patterns on the scrolls, his gaze becoming increasingly firm.
Whether for the future of the Uchiha or to have a place to stand in this cruel Ninja World, he must grow stronger faster and master more means.
Inside the Uchiha's new clan compound, lights were lit one after another. In the deepest part, in the meditation room specially opened for the clan head, Uchiha Shao Yu had already spread out the first scroll of basic Sealing Technique principles.
In his scarlet Sharingan, strange bands of light flowed slightly, beginning a new round of immersive learning and exploration.
Advance chapter available on pãtrêon Got1808