c36 - Leave The Blood Of Yuuji!!
In Shibi's house, the two of them sat across the table, silent for a long time.
"I will report what happened just now to Hokage-sama…" Shibi said, breaking the silence. His voice was calm but heavy with the weight of the situation.
"Don't worry too much, Shibi-sensei. This was originally an unexpected event. I just didn't expect that Torune would actually do this for the sake of Danzo. He didn't hesitate to attack his companions," Yuuji replied, a smile playing on his lips as though he really didn't take it to heart.
Shibi felt an awkward tension building inside him. Torune had once been someone with immense potential, a future pillar of the Aburame Clan. Now, after his catastrophic encounter with Yuuji, Torune was crippled, his once-promising future shattered. The transformation of his swollen body, riddled with infection and decay, had sealed his fate. Torune had been undone by his own reckless loyalty to Danzo.
Yuuji, however, remained calm, almost unnervingly so. Beneath his gentle demeanor, there was an underlying viciousness that Shibi couldn't ignore. It was clear that Yuuji didn't view this as a defeat but rather a calculated victory. For a moment, Shibi wasn't sure how to respond. His clan's member had brought ruin upon himself in service to a mission that had cost him everything. And now, he had to reconcile that with his own position as clan leader, trying to salvage some form of dignity for the Aburame name.
Shibi adjusted his sunglasses and finally spoke. "It's just that I did not expect you to grow to this extent. Even Torune is no match for you."
"Ah, Sensei, it's just a coincidence. Nano bugs are indeed powerful and can easily drill into every cell in the human body to destroy it, but their vitality is also weak to the extreme. Senior Torune's ability is precisely the type that I can restrain…" Yuuji explained, brushing off the idea that he had done something extraordinary.
He paused, a slight smirk crossing his face as he continued. "To be honest, even a parasite could resist nuclear radiation better than a nano bug. With the nano bugs' size, they would all die if they were exposed to radiation particles."
Shibi, impressed yet unsettled by Yuuji's insights, nodded slowly. "It's true. The control of such a destructive power, especially one capable of annihilating human cells, is dangerous."
Yuuji's eyes glinted as he shifted the conversation. "Come to think of it, I came to visit Shibi-sensei this time to see the cultivation results of the parasite. I believe that Shibi-sensei has already made some progress, right?"
Shibi's expression softened at the compliment. "That's right, the results are very gratifying. Come with me."
The two of them made their way to the backyard, where a myriad of bottles and jars were neatly arranged. Special insects crawled within them, each one carefully observed and cataloged. But what drew Yuuji's attention was the area where sealing techniques had been applied, containing the most peculiar of insects.
"The destructive power of the parasite is beyond imagination. Its pursuit of chakra is unparalleled," Shibi said, his voice tinged with a deep surprise that belied his normally composed nature. "Without using the right methods, it is very easy to lose control."
Shibi's pride in this new development was palpable. After his period of research, he had confirmed that the larger insects were surpassing others in every aspect, making them formidable tools. With proper control, these insects could even be used to fight tailed beasts, a huge leap for the Aburame Clan.
"In the past, when facing a large enemy, our only method was to rely on a short burst of insect reproduction, overwhelming the enemy with a swarm," Shibi explained. "Now, with these new creatures, we can resist even the power of tailed beasts."
Yuuji's analytical mind was already at work. "Insects need to be screened and refined over generations. Perhaps we can find one that is both powerful and controllable, something more gentle but still effective."
Shibi considered this suggestion with a thoughtful expression. "I will have to trouble you, Yuuji. I need your strength. In return, the Aburame Clan will offer you our friendship."
Yuuji's smile was sincere. "I'm more than happy to serve you, Shibi-sensei…"
...
Over the next few days, Yuuji remained in the Aburame Clan's territory, using his radiation powers to sweep through the various insects, searching for the ideal specimen. Each experiment brought incremental progress.
"No. 1 bug has high attack power, but it's extremely manic," Yuuji noted, moving to the next container. "No. 2 insect is relatively gentle, but its size is small and its bite force weak."
The experiments continued, and during this period, Yuuji had many discussions with the Aburame Clan's higher-ups. They were all eager to see the full potential of these new insects, as their abilities could transform the clan into a powerhouse capable of facing any threat.
...
Once Yuuji left the Aburame territory, a gathering of the clan's elders took place in Shibi's presence. They were all deeply impressed by the results of the recent experiments.
"Truly amazing. If this happens, our Aburame Clan will rise!" one middle-aged ninja exclaimed excitedly. "With just a few dozen of these insects, we could defeat giant psychic beasts. Even tailed beasts would be within our reach!"
"Our clan might become as wealthy and influential as the Uchiha or Hyuga clans…" another elder mused.
Shibi remained calm, though inwardly he shared their optimism. "I am pleased that we befriended a genius like Yuuji. His talent is already well-known throughout Konoha. Sooner or later, someone will claim him as a disciple. His future is bright—he could even reach the level of Namikaze Minato…"
Shibi's thoughts drifted for a moment. His trust in Yuuji's potential was unquestionable, but he couldn't help but think of Torune's unfortunate fate. It seemed that Yuuji's bloodline abilities were far more dangerous than he had initially realized. His gentleness masked a calculating ruthlessness that could be as destructive as it was powerful.
Despite his inner turmoil, Shibi suppressed his doubts. Yuuji had brought the clan an opportunity they couldn't ignore, and he would not allow his personal concerns to jeopardize their future.
One of the elders broke the silence with a cold expression. "I heard about Torune. His actions are becoming more outrageous. Since he joined Root, he's shown nothing but loyalty to Danzo, abandoning the Aburame Clan. He'll never admit that his nano bugs failed, and any physical problems will be handled by Danzo."
The elder's cold demeanor was unmistakable. It was clear that Torune had lost the clan's favor. They were prepared to move forward, abandoning him for the more promising prospect that Yuuji represented.
"The important thing now is whether Yuuji's bloodline can be stabilized. If he can, and if he leaves his blood with the Aburame Clan, it would be a blessing."
A sudden idea sparked in the elder's mind. "Shibi, do we have any suitable girls in the clan for Yuuji to cultivate a relationship with?"
The suggestion caused a stir among the surrounding elders, and Shibi could only look on with a bemused expression. It seemed that Yuuji's value was already becoming apparent to everyone in the clan, even if he wasn't aware of it.
'Yuuji-san, it seems you're really popular,' Shibi thought to himself with a wry smile. 'Even if you crippled Torune, you've already set in motion the Aburame Clan's future direction.'
...
Meanwhile, in the Hokage building, the third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had just received the report of the incident involving Torune and Yuuji. A flicker of anger passed across his face.
"Danzo... you don't have the right to let Root target my companions," Hiruzen said sternly, staring at his old friend.
Danzo responded calmly, "It was Torune who acted on his own. I intended to recruit Yuuji into Root, but I never ordered him to attack."
"Is that truly the case?" Hiruzen pressed.
Danzo hesitated but maintained his composure. "Yes, Hiruzen. You must believe me. Everything I did was for Konoha."
Hiruzen stared at Danzo, suspicion flickering in his eyes. "I don't want there to be a next time."
Danzo nodded silently. "Of course. Torune will receive the punishment he deserves."
"According to Shibi's report, Torune was seriously injured by Yuuji's bloodline ability. How is he now?"
Danzo paused before answering, "He's fine. He's recuperating."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, sensing something off. "Hmmm?"
Danzo's reaction was not typical of him. Normally, Danzo would seize the opportunity to condemn Yuuji and use the situation to further his own schemes. But now, he seemed almost… subdued.
What was Danzo really planning?
....
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