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Senju Hashirama's Sage Art was born from his innate Asura constitution.
In other words—
Under Asura Sage Mode, the immortal body refines sage chakra perfectly suited to itself, granting overwhelming Yang Release power and explosive vitality.
When paired with Wood Release—rooted in Yang energy and life force—the might of this sage art reaches its peak.
However, in terms of enhancing Yin Release and ocular power linked to spiritual energy, Asura Sage Mode was inferior to the Sage Mode of Shikkotsu Forest.
Akira -possessed both.
For now, he could not merge the two simultaneously—but with Toyomikezuchi, he could "shift gears" seamlessly between them.
In its own way, that counted as compatibility.
With a soft whoosh, Akira -stored Asura Sage Mode within Toyomikezuchi's reserves and rose from his seated posture.
He smiled at the two figures before him.
"Uncle Madara, Obito. Enjoying yourselves these past few days?"
Madara crossed his arms, a satisfied grin tugging at his lips.
"Guiding Yuki's training and watching her improve step by step… very enjoyable."
Akira -chuckled. "Then I'm glad. Thank you for your hard work."
"Hmph."
Akira -turned to Obito.
"And you?"
Obito paused thoughtfully.
"Other than playing with Afei… I've been observing Sasuke's daughter."
"Sarada?" Akira -asked lightly. "You're interested in her?"
"Not exactly interested."
Obito lowered his gaze.
I was one of those responsible for the Uchiha massacre.
That sin never leaves me.
Beyond the harm I caused Minato and Kushina… that's my other wound.
I've accepted Akira's ideals. I've chosen not to involve myself in Naruto and Sasuke's path.
But the grudges of our generation shouldn't bind the next.
Akira… perhaps that's why you accepted Boruto as a disciple.
Sarada Uchiha.
A girl far from home, lost and guarded.
I feel like I should do something.
But she's wary of everything here. I haven't found the right moment to approach her.
Akira -sensed the unspoken weight and chose not to press further.
"It's time to move our plan to the next phase."
Madara and Obito's eyes sharpened.
"Hunting the Tailed Beasts?" Madara asked.
"With that?" He tilted his chin toward the Demonic Statue's chest.
Akira -nodded.
"I've received confirmation from an authority."
"Kaguya's artificial body will not interfere with sealing the Tailed Beasts."
"As long as it's properly handled before sealing the Nine-Tails, the Ten-Tails will revive normally."
"Authority, huh…" Madara thought knowingly. So he's met those two again.
Akira -continued,
"Besides gathering the Tailed Beasts, we have another matter."
"Ōtsutsuki Urashiki is still alive."
"He's using Kāma to possess a Hyūga branch family boy named Taro."
Madara snorted.
"Persistent little pest."
Obito added, "Reminds me of Orochimaru."
Akira's tone cooled.
"I've decided to keep Urashiki's Kāma."
"I've already chosen the vessel."
"But first… I need the boy's consent."
"Wait for me at the Peach Haven gate. I'll join you shortly."
Ten minutes later.
An-Yin, Foxfire Hall.
"Uncle!" kaze bowed respectfully.
"Good boy. No need for formality."
Akira -regarded him warmly.
"I heard you sparred with Mitsuki last night."
"And defeated his Sage Mode?"
kaze blinked, surprised.
"You knew?"
"Of course."
"Even if I haven't been here often, I've never stopped watching your growth."
Akira -descended the steps slowly.
"You didn't settle things properly at the Chūnin Exams. It must've lingered in your mind."
"You're more stubborn than you appear."
"That part… you take after me."
He stopped before kaze.
"You didn't use your hidden power against Mitsuki, did you?"
"No."
kaze lifted his gaze.
Three tomoe spun—
Then bloomed into a distinct Mangekyō pattern.
"I wouldn't use these eyes in a simple exchange."
Yes.
kaze had awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan at eleven.
On the stormy anniversary of his father Jin's death.
The trauma carved the pattern into his soul.
He had reported it to Akira -immediately.
Akira -had praised his honesty—and told him to keep it secret.
"Left eye—Aye Kashi."
"A rare soul-striking technique. If timed with physical injury, it inflicts equivalent damage upon the target's soul."
"Injury means permanent soul loss. Death means total annihilation."
"No Edo Tensei. No Rinne Rebirth."
"Right eye—Ama Tsukishi."
"A defensive ocular ability."
"For half a second, it grants absolute invincibility—immune even to grasping effects."
"One-second cooldown."
Akira -looked at him steadily.
"You never speak of revenge."
"But your Mangekyō speaks for you."
"As someone who's walked this road… and as your elder…"
"My selfish wish is that you avoid revenge's spiral."
"But I know how cruel it is to demand forgiveness from a child who lost his father."
"If revenge is your path… let me walk it beside you."
"Will you—"
"Become Urashiki's vessel?"
"Like Boruto and Momoshiki."
"You're analytical. Precise."
"No one is better suited to wield Urashiki's power."
"Of course… the choice is yours."
"If you refuse, I'll find another way to make you stronger."
kaze's throat tightened.
"Uncle… do you… expect something of me?"
Akira -placed a hand gently on his head.
"Of course."
"What father wouldn't?"
Tears welled in kaze's eyes.
Since Father died…
You've never let us feel alone.
You were there for every milestone.
You carried me home when I sprained my ankle training.
You listened to my worries.
You came to every birthday.
You taught me how to stand tall.
I lost my father.
But I never lost fatherly love.
I was broken.
Yet I stood again.
Uncle… in my heart, you're already my father.
I trained relentlessly—
Not only for revenge.
But to help shoulder your burden.
kaze wiped his tears.
"Uncle."
"I accept."
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