CHAPTER 137 - Edo Tensei

"It seems your foundation in medical ninjutsu is quite solid. You've learned the delicate extraction technique and chakra scalpel in such a short time. No wonder Lord Mirai has shown interest in recruiting you," Ayaka Uzumaki said, slightly surprised. "This must be what Lord Mirai meant when he spoke of someone born to be a medical ninja."

While Nohara Rin's skills in medical ninjutsu were still a little behind Ayaka's, her dedication when treating patients was something Ayaka lacked. When it came to healing, Ayaka treated it like just another task assigned by Lord Mirai, doing it with seriousness. But Rin, on the other hand, immersed herself fully in her work, thinking only of curing the pain of her patients.

"Lord Mirai was right," Ayaka continued. "You are indeed suited for the role of a medical ninja. With your current skills, there's almost no illness you can't handle. If you ever encounter any doubts, you can contact me through your wristwatch."

"Aside from some necessary treatments for maintaining relationships, the rest of your time can be managed as you like—treating injured civilians or homeless orphans. The Uzumaki Trade Association isn't lacking in money; it's entirely up to you," Ayaka added.

After hearing Ayaka's advice, Nohara Rin calmly asked, "What do you think of Hyuga Mirai as a person?"

When Ayaka heard this, she suddenly felt embarrassed. Her cheeks flushed red, and she clasped her hands, looking like a lovesick fan. "Lord Mirai, of course, is the greatest and most handsome person in the ninja world!"

"He saved me when I was at my lowest point. Though he tried to act cold to hide his true feelings, it made him even more charming. And he's kind-hearted—truly a once-in-a-lifetime person in the ninja world!" Ayaka went on, her enthusiasm growing as she spoke. 

As Ayaka continued her passionate speech about Lord Mirai's virtues, Nohara Rin began to regret asking the question. While she had been curious about the information, she hadn't expected Ayaka to go on for so long. Moreover, much of what Ayaka said was clearly filled with personal admiration, and after listening for so long, Rin herself began to feel some fondness for Hyuga Mirai.

Thinking back to her time in Konoha, even though Hyuga Mirai was her peer, he had been incredibly reliable. In terms of medical ninjutsu, he was undoubtedly her senior. 

No, no, I was asking for information, not empathizing! Rin quickly shook her head, trying to push the thoughts from her mind.

However, Ayaka noticed Rin's actions and mistook them for disagreement. Her expression darkened, and her tone became more forceful. "What? Are you shaking your head because you disagree with what I said? Or is it that you don't agree with Lord Mirai?"

"No, I just... had other thoughts," Rin quickly denied, but Ayaka was someone who could easily overpower her, even if the tailed beast inside Rin were to rampage. Ayaka could easily suppress it.

"Forget it. Let's move on. From now on, when you go outside, you must wear this mask." Ayaka handed Rin a hairpin and personally placed it in her hair. "This was given to me by 18. After you leave the base, it will turn into an unremovable mask, just like this."

With a quick flick, Ayaka activated the mechanism, and instantly, the hairpin transformed into a half-circle white mask that covered Rin's face, with cherry blossom patterns on it. The mask opened to allow drinking and eating, with ventilation to ensure comfort. It even had an adjustable feature to modify her voice, ensuring that even someone who was familiar with Rin wouldn't recognize her.

Since Hyuga Mirai had allowed Rin to go outside, he had naturally prepared everything for her.

The medicines from the Hyakusa Trade Association only had auxiliary functions; for complete healing, medical ninjas like Rin were still necessary. Hyuga Mirai had already laid out a clear plan for the establishment of a medical system. Ayaka and Rin's constant healing of the injured was part of filling up 18's medical database. Once the database was complete, 18 would develop nano-medical robots capable of fully healing physical wounds. For mental wounds, a few highly skilled medical ninjas would be sufficient. Besides, few people in the ninja world could inflict serious mental trauma.

Tea Country Research Base

After changing his body's organs, Hyuga Mirai had turned his focus to other tasks. Several factions were advancing, and he had to contribute as well. Some things only he could handle—like the Edo Tensei.

Unable to capture a White Zetsu clone, he settled for using a person with transplanted Hashirama cells as a sacrificial vessel. While it was a bit more troublesome, the summoned warrior would not have the peak power of their former life. However, using chakra and ninjutsu for excavation was more than enough.

Hyuga Mirai sealed his Sage Chakra into the sacrifice's body, adding an extra layer of control over the Edo Tensei. 

"With this, it should be enough," he muttered. Once everything was set, he placed the two sacrifices in the center of the summoning circle and took out the flesh of Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama.

"Edo Tensei!"

"Aaahhh!" A flurry of paper shreds instantly enveloped the two screaming sacrifices, and slowly, another set of faces began to emerge.

Once the technique completed, the consciousness of both Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama returned. 

Senju Hashirama looked down at his cracked hands and sighed in complaint. "Edo Tensei, huh? Even though we're dead, we still get disturbed. Tobirama, your jutsu is quite troublesome!"

Tobirama quickly assessed the situation. "We should first understand where we are and the caster's intentions, big brother." He noticed Hyuga Mirai standing nearby, observing him with his Byakugan and a smooth, unmarked forehead. "A young member of the Hyuga clan, huh? Where are we, and was it you who used Edo Tensei? What's the situation with Konoha?"

"Quite the inquisitive one, aren't you? Second Hokage, immediately trying to break the jutsu upon arrival. Unlike the First Hokage, who doesn't even think of such things," Hyuga Mirai noted with a chuckle. He could feel Tobirama's resistance to the technique, but with his triple-layered control over the Edo Tensei, Tobirama was powerless to resist.

"Little brat," Tobirama coldly remarked, sensing no escape. "It seems you're the caster. What do you want from us?"

"Little brother, be kinder to the younger generation," Hashirama interjected with a smile. "You're too strict, and that's why the younger ninjas don't approach you."

Tobirama's lips curled in frustration. "Big brother, don't you think something's off? Edo Tensei isn't a technique the Hyuga clan should even have access to. Konoha must have changed."

Hyuga Mirai listened to their conversation, then responded, "As for the forbidden jutsu I'm researching, don't bother thinking about it. I won't hand over forbidden techniques to someone I don't trust."

Tobirama, having heard the words in his mind, immediately rejected the offer. 

"Konoha has indeed undergone significant changes," Hyuga Mirai continued, "You don't need to try breaking out. The sacrifices used for Edo Tensei have not only the First Hokage's cells but also my Sage Chakra. It's impossible for you to escape."

"I called you forth because of the unique properties of the Edo Tensei. You can be of great help to me," Hyuga Mirai explained, then added, "Before anything else, I'd like to make a deal. I'll exchange Konoha's intel for the techniques sealed inside you. Would you be interested?"

Earlier, Hyuga Mirai had attempted to command Tobirama to reveal all the techniques sealed within him. However, the attempt failed—his command had no effect.

For Edo Tensei, the caster generally has two control options: to erase the Edo Tensei body's consciousness, turning them into mere puppets, or to retain their will, which makes it impossible to make them fully obedient. After all, this jutsu manipulates the souls of the dead, far more potent than the Caged Bird Seal, capable of erasing their very will.

Tobirama raised an eyebrow, then sneered. "First, let's hear your background. How did you, a member of the Hyuga Main Branch, gain access to this jutsu?"

"Well, if you won't explain, I'll have to work a little harder and remember it all myself," Hyuga Mirai said, dismissing the question.

By erasing Tobirama's will, Hyuga Mirai would control him, forcing him to use his techniques. Essentially, he would be learning from Tobirama in the process—learning seals and chakra flow, though lacking the subtleties and insights that come with experience.

Without the caster's expertise, learning a technique would take a long time. Especially with ninjutsu that involves chakra nature transformation, knowing the hand seals and chakra flow doesn't guarantee one can use the technique.

However, Tobirama's keen senses immediately attempted to break the jutsu as soon as he was summoned. After failing, he developed animosity toward Hyuga Mirai.

"Boy..." Senju Hashirama started to speak, but Hyuga Mirai activated the seal, closing Hashirama's consciousness.

He had no need to speak with Hashirama; he had what he needed from the First Hokage which are his cells, and Orochimaru already had a copy of the Wood Release techniques. Hyuga Mirai only needed Hashirama's power.

"Let's transport them to the Land of the Whirlpool," Hyuga Mirai said, contemplating the materials needed for the Hyakusa Trade Association's expanding demand. "Without their own resource plantations, the Hyakusa Trade Association will lose a lot of profits."

"Next, the moon and the dragon veins. Although I haven't gathered information about the moon yet, I could visit Roran first." Hyuga Mirai continued his plans. The dragon veins held immense energy, ideal for his training. While the Land of Tea was suitable for cultivating Sage Mode, the concentration of natural energy was too low for him to train efficiently. If he fully opened his potential, his training speed would increase at least twofold.

He then instructed, "18, have the Uzumaki Trade Association and 19 focus on the Land of the Wind, and complete the infiltration within a year."

(End of Chapter)