The World of Naruto in the Eyes of Reincarnation

When it comes to contracts, it inevitably involves intangible and indescribable elements like the soul and bloodline. Because of that, learning the Contract Seal is no easier than learning the Four Symbols Seal.

However, Hyuga Kagami was no longer a novice blindly groping in the dark when it came to sealing techniques.

Thanks to the guidance of the Shrine Maiden from the Land of Demons and his deep study of the Four Symbols Seal, his mastery of sealing techniques had become quite respectable.

Especially with the Uzumaki Clan's sealing arts, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to call him a semi-expert.

After half a day of focused study, Hyuga Kagami estimated that it would take at least seven more days to fully master the Contract Seal.

Fortunately, the village was in the midst of peace talks with the Hidden Cloud, and Team 11 had no missions during this time. So, seven days was just the right amount of time for him.

Four days later, the entire Team 11 showed up at Hyuga Kagami's house.

Glancing at Kakashi, Shisui, and Guy, Hyuga Kagami smiled, "What brings all of you here?"

Guy, ever the impulsive one, spoke up first, "Kagami, have you heard?"

Hyuga Kagami replied casually, "Heard what?"

He had been holed up at home, entirely focused on studying the Contract Seal, to the point he hadn't paid any attention to the outside world.

Guy quickly explained, "The peace talks with the Hidden Cloud!"

Shisui added, "Senpai, the talks have broken down!"

Hyuga Kagami was surprised. "What?"

In his past life memory, there had been an incident involving a kidnapping attempt of the Hyuga clan heiress during the signing of the peace treaty with the Hidden Cloud. But by then, the peace agreement was nearly finalized.

This time, however, the talks had broken down before they were even concluded. It didn't make sense.

Kakashi, as Team 11's captain, explained everything in detail.

It turned out dissatisfaction with the negotiations existed not only in Konoha but also within the Hidden Cloud. Many believed that pushing just a bit more could knock Konoha off its top position among the hidden villages.

With frustration on both sides, the talks naturally broke down.

After pondering the situation, Hyuga Kagami smiled and said, "You don't have to worry. Both sides are exhausted. The Third Hokage and the Raikage know this. The talks will resume."

Guy asked curiously, "Why are you so sure?"

"Because we and the Hidden Cloud aren't the only ninja villages. If we fight to the point of mutual destruction, other villages will only benefit," Hyuga Kagami explained.

Whether from vague memories of his past life or through the intelligence he had gathered in this life, he could be certain that the Hidden Cloud's surprise attack on Konoha was merely a probe. If Konoha had shown signs of weakness, the Cloud would have attacked in full force.

But once Konoha proved it wasn't an easy target, the Hidden Cloud would back down, having gotten the information they wanted.

After seeing Team 11 off, Hyuga Kagami sighed, "Looks like these peace talks are going to drag on for a long time."

Although he knew the treaty would eventually be signed, peace wouldn't come until the anger on both sides had cooled, likely leading to a long stalemate.

That wasn't necessarily a bad thing for Hyuga Kagami.

As long as negotiations continued, the village wouldn't dare stir internal unrest by targeting the Uchiha. So, the Uchiha remained a temporary shield.

Hyuga Kagami ended up taking five more days than he initially expected to master the Contract Seal.

The delay was mostly due to his lack of practice opportunities. When studying the Four Symbols Seal, he could practice on objects at home. But the Contract Seal required a genuine contracted relationship to be properly tested, and he didn't have a suitable practice target.

Fortunately, the scroll the Third Hokage had given him described the core concepts very clearly. Even without hands-on practice, Hyuga Kagami could grasp the essentials.

When he returned the scroll, the Third Hokage was visibly surprised.

He had assumed Hyuga Kagami would take at least a month to master the Contract Seal. Yet here he was, returning it after just thirteen days. Even the Fourth Hokage had taken nearly fifteen days to learn it.

This raised Hyuga Kagami's standing in the Third Hokage's mind. He now regarded him as a rare genius in sealing arts.

After returning the scroll, Hyuga Kagami made another request: permission to travel outside the village.

The Third Hokage narrowed his eyes and asked, "Why do you want to leave the village?"

Hyuga Kagami had already prepared his excuse. "I want to search for a suitable summoning beast."

In Konoha, ninja traveling to find a summoning beast wasn't unusual. Jiraiya, one of the Legendary Sannin, was a prime example as he spent most of his time outside the village.

Still, permission was required. Even Jiraiya needed official approval. Otherwise, it would be considered desertion.

Of course, if one had strong enough backing—like Tsunade—then it wasn't called desertion, but rather "departure."

As an Anbu directly under the Hokage, Hyuga Kagami technically didn't have the right to apply for leave, especially with peace talks ongoing.

Thus, he used a reason the Third Hokage couldn't easily refuse. Summoning beasts directly impacted a ninja's combat power, so seeking one out was a valid justification.

After some deliberation, the Third Hokage finally agreed. "I'll grant you two months of leave."

Hyuga Kagami thanked him, rushed home, packed his things, and headed straight for the village gates.

His true purpose was to examine the seal the Fourth Hokage had placed on the Dragon Vein and attempt to decipher it.

If he could confirm it could be broken, his artificial Tailed Beast project could finally begin.

After registering his departure at the village gate, Hyuga Kagami left without looking back. The Root ninja assigned to tail him had no choice but to follow.

"I need to figure out a way to shake him off."

Noticing the tail, Hyuga Kagami began planning.

Suddenly, a chain shot out from the ground and wrapped tightly around him.

At the same moment, two figures leapt from the bushes on either side, each stabbing a sword into his ribs!

One of the attackers sneered, "25 million ryo—we'll be taking that!"