Hiden

It was late morning in the Hidden Leaf Village. The people went about their own buisness. The market was clamoring with shouts of people and merchants. Shinobis of the leaf could be seen running along the rooftops.

Takeru woke up to the sounds of birds chirping. He opened his eyes and saw sunlight coming through the open window beside his bed. Takeru was feeling refreshed. All of the tiredness from yesterday was gone. He got up and freshened up a bit. It was 10 in the morning.

Takeru came downstairs to see that his parents had gone off to work. He came to the dining room and saw the breakfast on the table along with a note written by his mother. Akane would be coming late today as the she would be busy in the hospital.

The breakfast had gotten cold. Takeru heated it up with a simple use of fire release. After finishing the late breakfast, he cleaned up the kitchen and pretty much all the house. After cleaning, Takeru changed into his training gi and packed his small backpack with some food and refreshments. He then went out of the house, locked it, and started going towards the training ground.

Takeru ran to the training ground and began his training. He could now move effortlessly in level 5 training mode but he wanted to test his limits. So, started a nearly 4 hour long training session.

Takeru found that he could successfully complete the OPM regimen five times now. His physical condition was nothing but extreme. Takeru knew all of it had to do with the ability of his sword. But he was afraid of using the absorption ability inside the village as it would be plain stupid. He needed to be far away from the village to use the ability again. Takeru thought to himself that hopefully with training, he would be able to manage and control the absorption ability of his sword.

Nonetheless, Takeru already did another thing he had long thought of. He made medical chakra within his body and started storing it inside one of the three compartments of his yin seal.

Now, Takeru remembered how the yin seal worked from his memories. The yin seal was nothing but a imaginary space inside a human's body made entirely of spiritual energy with fuinjutsu. The spiritual energy was used to create the spiritual construct. It was sort of like an entirely seperate space. Fuinjutsu was used to make the user control the required spiritual energy with far more finesse for the intended purpose of creating the space and to keep it permanent.

Takeru did not have the necessary control of his spiritual energy but he had fuinjutsu knowledge and expertise at his disposal. So, by using the alter-limit seal he altered the seal matrix of the yin seal and made 3 compartments in it. Although it made the size of each compartment far lesser and shaved off some capacity altogether. It was worth the effort as he did not want to involuntarily mix up normal chakra, medical chakra and nature chakra by mistake. And he could change the seal structure easily if he wanted to in the future.

Takeru while constructing the seal noticed something. The total amount of chakra the yin seal could store was exactly 100 times the chakra capacity of the user. Thus, the larger the chakra capacity the user had, the larger the amount of chakra he could store in the yin seal. The Strength of a Hundred Seal was truly an appropriate alternative name for this seal.

Takeru had also noticed a flaw in the original yin seal that whenever the user would want to use the stored chakra, every bit of stored chakra would enter his system all at once. There was no mechanism for using limited amounts of chakra sparingly. Takeru had to correct that flaw too. As he would not want all of his stored chakra used up all at once in an unnecessary situation.

So, Takeru changed the core of the seal. He made it so that chakra stored in the seal could be brought back into his body as much and as little he wanted. This completely negated the danger of sudden chakra loss.

So, in total after being fully formed the yin seal would store every bit of chakra Takeru would have involuntarily emitted or involuntarily used constantly. He would be able to channel stored chakra back to his body in case his reserves got low. This two way path connected the yin seal and his chakra system of his body completely. This had made the yin seal an integral part of his chakra circulation system.

Takeru stored as much normal chakra and medical chakra he could during his training session. He was nearly drained at the end of it. Takeru laughed in self-deprecation as only 5% of both the compartments combined was filled. Takeru channelled the stored medical chakra back into his body and found himself gaining energy back much, much faster.

'Now, this is a good training method', thought Takeru as he slowly got up after a bit of rest. It was almost the end of noon and Takeru remembered Hiruzen's invitation. He hurriedly packed up and rushed towards his home.

Takeru returned to his home and took a long shower. He washed off all the accumulated stress and tension in his body. He had a light meal and got dressed up. Takeru wore a deep blue kimono with a white juban and a black sash. He wore plain wooden sandals on his foot.

It was about 4 in the evening. Takeru asked some pedestrians for directions and reached the Sarutobi clan residence. The Sarutobi clan residence was a huge area in the central area of the village. It contained multiple houses and villas that were inhabited by the Sarutobi clan members and their families.

Takeru approached the main gate of the compound amd saw a gatekeeper standing there. He told the gatekeeper about his cause of visit and the gatekeeper let him in. The gatekeeper also gave him directions of Hiruzen's house. Takeru following the directions came in front of a large villa situated at the center of the compound.

Takeru knocked on the front door of the villa and waited. A few seconds later footsteps sound out and the door was opened. It was Hiruzen who opened the door.

"Ah, you came right on time, Takeru. Come, come in, uh, yeah, this way".

Takeru followed Hiruzen as they walked on an outdoor path made of small stones through an artificial garden.

"You have a nice house, I must say, Hiruzen." - Takeru said as he looked around.

"Ahaha, this is our clan grounds, that is why it is so lavish. All of this ultimately belongs to the clan. But someday I will have my own house, and it would be more beautiful than this." - Hiruzen replied with firm expression.

"I wish you good luck then, Sarutobi-sama." - Takeru smirked.

"Shut up, little Lord Yamamoto." - Hiruzen joked along as they both came inside a room to see Kagami and Danzo chatting among themselves.

Kagami saw Takeru and hollered, - "Yo, man, you came. I thought we would have to issue a search mission just to get you". Hiruzen and Takeru sat on the tatami mats.

"Yeah, like they will accept a mission from a punk like you", - Takeru replied.

"Punk? Me? I am the mighty Kagami, I am no punk, I am a super-punk" - Kagami said making a dramatic pose.

"Stop bickering like children, you two. This is Hiruzen's house. Behave yourselves", - Danzo berated the two with a frown on his face.

"It is nothing like that, Danzo. They are just joking", - Hiruzen placated.

"Do not be such a killjoy Danzo. Stop being so serious all the time", - Kagami whined.

"Hey, I think someone is coming", - Takeru quickly said as footsteps rang out and a deep male voice came from inside the house.

"Hiruzen, are you and your friends inside?"

"Yes, father. We are here", - Hiruzen answered as a man came inside the room. Takeru recognised the man. He was the same man who, he and his father saw during their first visit to Lord Hokage.

"It is an honor to meet you, Lord Sarutobi." - Takeru, Kagami and Danzo said in unison and bowed.

"Ah, you do not have to be so formal. Just call me uncle Sasuke from now on." - Hiruzen's father, Sasuke Sarutobi said with a smile.

"Okay, uncle Sasuke." - Takeru, Kagami and Danzo replied.

"Haha, I have heard a lot about you from my son" - said Sasuke.

"Ah, father let me introduce, these are my friends. This is Danzo Shimura, this is Takeru Yamamoto and this is Kagami Uchiha. We all studied together at the institution" - Hiruzen introduced each of his friends.

"Ah, you must be Hoshi's son, right?" - Sasuke asked Danzo.

"Yes, uncle. My father is Hoshi Shimura." - Danzo replied.

"I remember him, we fought together in the battlefield against the Kaguya clan. And speaking of fighting, I think I have fought against your father Kagami. Your father's name is Renji, right?" - Sasuke asked.

"Yes, he has told me about the fight between you and him" - Kagami replied.

"I hope he is in good health. Although there is no enmity between us anymore. I would love to spar with him someday. He is a worthy opponent." - Sasuke reminisced.

"My father is in good health, uncle. And he too wanted to speak with you"

"Then, I will visit him someday later. And you, Takeru, I think I have seen you somewhere before." - Sasuke spoke.

"Me and my father went to visit Lord Hokage a year ago. And I think you had just finished meeting with him and were leaving, when we met".

"Ah, yes, I remember now. Your father teaches kenjutsu at the institution, Toru, yes, Toru Yamamoto is his name as I recall".

"Yes, uncle. You are correct".

"Ah, see, Hiruzen. I told you. Everyone in this village is somehow connected to each other. There are no outsiders among ourselves. You should all remember this too. Although you three are from different teams, always remember that you are first and foremost a shinobi of the Hidden Leaf. That is your main identity aside from your personal one. I hope you will become excellent shinobis of this village. And by the way, take care of my son. He is a bit too energetic and emotional sometimes. He makes a lot of mistakes. Do you know he wetted his b...".

Sasuke was starting to drain Hiruzen's image down the drain when Hiruzen interrupted, - "Father, stop saying those things to my friends! Please go, or I will tell mom about what you did to her favourite plants in the garden".

"Okay, okay, I am going. Sheesh, do not tell your mother about that. Huff, children these days." - Sasuke was shoved out of the room by Hiruzen.

Hiruzen shut the door tightly and turned his back to see all three of his friends quivering in laughter.

"So, Hiruzen, you did not tell us that you invented a new water release jutsu." - Takeru just somehow managed to say that when all of them burst out in laughter.

"Bwahahaha, water release: wet my bed jutsu. hahaha, Hiruzen you are so freaking talented, man" - Kagami was rolling in laughter.

"To master 3 nature transformations and even inventing such a remarkable jutsu. Hiruzen, you are truly the talent of our generation." - even the ever serious Danzo was unable to hold back his laughter.

"Alright, that is enough. Stop laughing you guys. Hey, I am telling you, stop laughing." - Hiruzen was trying to stop the laughter of his friends in vain.

"Alright, alright, oh man, I will not laugh anymore." - Kagami managed to sit back up.

"But, seriously, how did that happen?" - Takeru asked.

"Look, I was trying to mould the water into a shape and it bursted out in my room. I know it was a dumb move to practice ninjutsu inside my room. But what can I do now? Mother and Father are already thinking ridiculous things like that." - Hiruzen huffed as he sat down.

"What was that jutsu you were practicing?" - Danzo asked curiously.

"Oh, Tobirama-sensei invented this water release technique where he spits a stream of water thin and strong enough to cut down even iron. He taught me that jutsu a couple of days ago. It sounds easy but it is really hard to actually do it." - Hiruzen explained.

"That sounds like a powerful jutsu." - Kagami said.

"Yup, he said it was an B-rank jutsu." - Hiruzen replied.

"That is powerful" - Takeru said.

The 4 of them started chatting among themselves and sometimes later Torifu, Shikatsu and Homura came to Hiruzen's home. Biwako and Koharu also came in a few moments later. All 9 of the genins were gathered together. They talked and chatted together, laughing, joking, enjoying the time together as they did before. Hiruzen's mother came in with bunch of food and drinks. All of them enjoyed the food very much.

It was past 8 at night when Takeru returned home from the Sarutobi residence. Takeru enjoyed the day very much. It was nice to take a day off to just enjoy the life. Takeru entered his home and saw his father drinking tea and reading some book in the drawing room. His mother was cooking dinner at the kitchen. Takeru greeted them and went to his room. Takeru changed into some casual clothes and came back down to the drawing room.

"What are you reading, dad?" - Takeru asked.

"Oh, this? This is a report for prospective students who are opting to join the kenjutsu class. I am just reviewing it" - Totu answered.

"Are there any good students?"

"All of them are. But three in particular show much promise, Reiko Hatake, Isshiki Uchiha and Soren Senju. These three are already well-versed in the basics of kenjutsu and they are adept in their respective clan's kenjutsu techniques." - Toru replied.

"Oh, that is good. You will have your hands full then".

"Forget about that. How was your day?" - Toru asked.

"It was nice. I met all my friends today after months. It was good. We had fun."

"That is good. Keep your friends close, Takeru. They will be companions in your future endeavours. They will support you."

"Yes. yes, I will."

Toru and Takeru were chatting about various things when Akane called them to have dinner.

The Yamamoto family had a simple dinner. After the dinner was completed, Akane was washing the dishes when Takeru asked her to teach him the Ito clan techniques. Akane told him to wait a few moments. So, Takeru waited.

After Akane was done she and Takeru went up to Takeru's room. Takeru took out the wooden box from his drawer and gave it to his mother. Akane stared at the box for a moment and then opened it. She took out the old scroll containing the technique and started teaching Takeru the technique carefully. Takeru listened attentively.

The Ito clan's Extreme Concealment Technique could be divided into three parts. The first part of the technique gave the user the ability to completely negate any and all chakra emissions form his body, to conceal any and all sounds, scents, and the light coming off the user. An individual who had mastered the first part of this technique could conceal his chakra signature, making him invisible to any and all chakra sensors. This also made the user invisible, soundless, scentless, and concealed the user's presence to a ridiculous degree. Though the technique was not infallible as if someone had ridiculous sensory capabilities or some kind of dojutsu, the person could detect the user.

Akane told Takeru that the first two parts of the technique were easy to be proficient in. But to truly master the technique fully one needed to complete the third and final part of the technique, but unfortunately it was tremendously hard to do so. Takeru understood it as throughout the Ito clan history only the founder was able to fully master this technique.

Takeru, following to Akane's directions sat in a meditative pose and started making particular hand-seals according to the instructions. Takeru could sense that he himself was slowly starting to vanish from his own chakra sense. After 5 minutes, all he could sense was a small flickering blue fire with his chakra sense. It was almost unnoticeable.

Takeru was amazed. This technique was incredible. He stopped using the technique and opened his eyes. He saw his mother Akane staring at him with her mouth wide open in pure astonishment.

"What happened?Did I do it incorrectly?" - Takeru asked confused.

"Yo..You managed to do it on your first try! This is incredible." - Akane was shocked.

"Wha..what? " - Takeru asked with confusion.

"Yes! Although the first two parts are easy, that is only relatively. Fewer people from our clan had have done it so easily. It takes months to actually perform the technique like you did on your first try! Come here my little genius" - Akane hugged Takeru as she was jubilant. She could see the legacy of her clan living through her son. She was sure that her boy, Takeru had the greatest chance to master the technique fully like the ancestor and founder of her clan.

Takeru hearing this news started practicing this technique rigorously a couple of times. When he had become somewhat familiar with it, he hurriedly went to the bathroom and tried the technique in front of the mirror again. Takeru saw himself going invisible. He with all his enhanced visual prowess could barely notice only a faint outline of his body. Takeru laughed out loud in amazement. This was truly the pinnacle of stealth techniques. With this he could move, traverse and escape from a dangerous situation stealthily without having the fear of detection. Only if an enemy had some monstrous sensory technique, dojutsu or unique power, could he be detected. This technique not only increased his survivability but also increased his capabilities and potential.

Takeru wanted to ask his mother to teach him the second part of the technique but stopped. Takeru thought that it would be better to increase his proficiency of the first part as much as he could first before diving onto the second part. Akane told him to practice the technique and left the room wishing him a good night.

Takeru practiced the technique for two to three hours and finally went to bed at midnight with a smile on his face.

The Hiden technique of his clan was nothing short of incredible. It would give him a noticeable edge on battles and missions. Takeru knew that he was still not strong enough. He needed to increase his training. 'Maybe I will visit the archives to see if I can find any useful jutsus there', thought Takeru as fell asleep.