Chapter 94: Chapter 94: The Cost of Power
Mizuki was quite displeased to have his most advanced ninjutsu questioned. Yet considering it was the perpetually arrogant and conceited Sasuke speaking, he could hardly be surprised. As a ninja from a common background with little renown, being overlooked by someone like Sasuke was only natural.
"Sasuke-kun, the cursed seal on your neck and sealing techniques aren't unique things. There are matters beyond my authority to handle. If you don't understand, you can ask your teacher, Kakashi Hatake…"
Cursed seals were simply too troublesome—too many complications involved. He already had his hands full handling current tasks. Now wasn't the time to get involved in affairs concerning the Uchiha family.
Seeing that Mizuki wouldn't elaborate further, Sasuke felt disappointed but held his tongue. After all, they'd never been particularly close.
"I didn't expect Gaara to lose so badly. Was it because Teacher Mizuki helped Naruto win?"
"No," Mizuki denied, "I couldn't interfere in a battle at that level. Naruto defeated Gaara on his own, though he ended up seriously injured afterward."
Though such a statement might intensify Sasuke's jealousy, Mizuki saw no reason to lie about something this simple. These were Kakashi's responsibilities anyway.
"I see…" Hearing Mizuki's words, Sasuke found himself staring blankly at the unconscious Naruto.
"Teacher Mizuki, do you know what kind of technique they used to summon those giant monsters?" After a while, Sasuke finally couldn't help asking.
"While it might be a bit premature to tell you this, there are some things I can share."
Mizuki's words immediately captured Sasuke's attention.
"Gaara's version is extremely special. In the entire ninja world, only a handful possess similar abilities. However, Naruto's is relatively common—it's a standard form of *Kuchiyose no Jutsu*. Effectiveness varies from person to person. You've seen Kakashi's ninken summoning technique before, right? It's essentially the same thing."
"If they're the same, then can I learn it too?" Gaara's looked monstrous and clearly came with serious side effects. If achieving something like that required great effort, then hearing Mizuki explain that *Kuchiyose no Jutsu* wasn't rare made it impossible for power-hungry Sasuke not to feel tempted.
Mizuki sighed. "Of course you can learn it, Sasuke-kun. *Kuchiyose no Jutsu* isn't mysterious per se, but it may not be exactly as you imagine…"
"What do you mean?"
"There are many types of summoned beasts, but the really powerful ones are closely guarded secrets held by powerful clans. Even if you obtain a contract with a mighty summoned beast, you won't reach Naruto's level overnight. Summoning follows the Principle of Equivalent Exchange to some extent. Without substantial chakra reserves, you cannot summon such formidable beasts."
Perhaps three years later, under Orochimaru's guidance, Sasuke would finally gain this ability, but currently, at just twelve years old, he still fell far short. Naruto had a natural edge when it came to chakra reserves—one that hardly anyone else could match. According to the original storyline, even Sakura Haruno's frail body and meager chakra reserves allowed her to perform Katsuyu summoning only because she had the Yin Seal and Strength of a Hundred Technique backing her up.
The Uchiha clan only inherited the physical aspect of the Sage's Eyes; perhaps they could achieve it when matured, but that was a concern for the future.
Upon hearing Teacher Mizuki's words, Sasuke Uchiha couldn't help but feel disappointed.
"Isn't there any other way to solve this?"
"Hmm?" Hearing Sasuke's reluctant question, Teacher Mizuki replied, "Of course there is a way, though…"
Teacher Mizuki said playfully toward Sasuke, "You're thinking about the Cursed Seal, aren't you?"
Caught off guard by Teacher Mizuki's words, Sasuke nodded slightly and awkwardly.
Hearing Sasuke's response, Teacher Mizuki cast a glance toward Sakura Haruno, who was facing away as she treated Gaara's injuries.
*[It seems Sakura is paying attention to us as well.]*
"Every bit of power comes with its own price. If you're ready, nobody will stop you. All I want to tell you is, if you abuse the Cursed Seal, you'll die…"
"Die…?" Sasuke whispered softly, then he stopped bothering Mizuki further. The atmosphere momentarily became tense. After a short pause, Mizuki suddenly stopped his movements and stood up abruptly.
*[The reconnaissance trap has been triggered. Whoever it is moves fast. This isn't a coincidence—someone is leaving Konoha quickly.]*
"What's going on, Teacher Mizuki?" The sudden action made both Sakura and Sasuke nervous.
"If something happens, the two of you take these three and return to the village immediately—remember to hand them over to Teacher Kakashi," Mizuki instructed, frowning heavily. Although the direction wasn't toward them, the distance wasn't far either.
...
Back in the village, Kimimaro was exerting himself to the fullest, but as more and more Konoha ninjas showed up, he gradually began feeling overwhelmed. Having experienced multiple ninja wars, Konoha had encountered all sorts of ninja styles before. Although the Kaguya Clan's Kekkei Genkai and their fighting style were rarely seen, countermeasures did exist, especially among the elite Anbu forces. While they initially suffered heavy losses against Shikotsumyaku techniques, they quickly adapted their tactics.
Faced with this situation, Kimimaro no longer focused on causing damage; instead, he emphasized his own strengths in both close and long-range combat, striving to block Konoha's pursuers as effectively as possible.
Just as Konoha's ninja found themselves at a loss, the Blue Beast of Konoha arrived.
"It's rare to encounter a Taijutsu expert of this level. Leave him to me and go chase the enemy."
In truth, Might Guy would have been ideal for pursuit with his speed, but it seemed the enemy was no pushover either. Though breaking through was within Guy's capabilities, tracking and investigating weren't his strong suits—it would be better to stay for now and let those more suited for chasing proceed.
"Another big talker?" Kimimaro wasn't impressed by Might Guy's ridiculous outfit.
Ignoring Kimimaro's disdain, Might Guy spoke earnestly, "Although I'd love to fight someone strong like you, unfortunately, I don't have much time to waste right now. Opening Gate… Open!" Without hesitation, Guy activated the Eight Gates.
"Healing Gate, open…"
After opening the second gate, Primary Lotus started to take effect, and instantly, Might Guy rushed toward Kimimaro.
[Leaf Whirlwind] sent Kimimaro spinning into the sky, instantly placing him at a disadvantage for underestimating his opponent.
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