Deals, Favors, and Akamichi Secrets

3 days ago

It was highly likely that Xu Ming had drawn inspiration from the Senju clan.

What a terrifying talent—something the Senju clan had spent thousands of years exploring had now been refined into a fully developed technique by this young man.

Is this what genius looks like?

Uzumaki Mito gazed at Xu Ming in amazement, as if she were witnessing the same brilliance that once radiated from her late husband, the greatest ninja of his time.

Though the field and approach were different, the ability to stand ahead of one's era remained the same.

"These three techniques, I would say, are invaluable to the Senju family," Uzumaki Mito admitted with a heavy sigh. "It truly evokes complicated emotions. The secret of Yang Release, passed down for generations within the Senju family, has now been perfected in the hands of an outsider."

"It was merely a coincidence for me," Xu Ming responded humbly.

"That doesn't matter. If you have this ability, you deserve the benefits. Either way, the Senju family won't suffer from this," Uzumaki Mito replied with a wave of her hand, adjusting her mood.

She poured herself another cup of tea and took a sip before continuing. "These three Forbidden Techniques are of great importance to the Senju clan. Even if they can't master all of them, learning just one will significantly enhance their strength."

She paused before adding, "I heard that last time, Kagami practically emptied his fortune to acquire Chidori from you. Now, I finally understand his feelings. It must be painful to part with something so valuable, yet necessary."

As she spoke, she cast a glance at Xu Ming, who remained silent, sipping his tea with his head lowered.

"I can't think of an appropriate exchange for you at the moment. So, how about this…" Uzumaki Mito pondered for a moment before presenting an alternative. "The Senju family will provide compensation of equal value in due time. Whether it's technology, manpower, industry, capital, Chakra metal, or any other resources, you may request whatever you need from the Senju family at any time. After all, for the Senju clan to part with three Forbidden Techniques at once is quite a burden."

"So, I propose a deferred payment."

Uzumaki Mito looked slightly embarrassed as she made the suggestion. It felt somewhat like reneging on a debt, especially since she, as an elder, was asking a junior for such a concession.

However, the proposal aligned perfectly with Xu Ming's thinking. He also believed it was a reasonable approach. With Uzumaki Mito, the Third Hokage, and his fellow student Tsunade involved, there was no risk of the Senju family defaulting on their promise.

"I think that's acceptable," Xu Ming finally nodded in agreement.

"That's a relief," Uzumaki Mito sighed. "Of course, this is not a typical transaction. As a token of gratitude for your concession, both I and the Senju clan owe you a favor."

She spoke with utmost seriousness, emphasizing the weight of this promise. For someone like her, who had survived the Warring States era, a favor was a significant commitment. It meant that as long as it was within her ability, she would fulfill it—even at the cost of her life.

"You're being too serious," Xu Ming hesitated, sensing the gravity of the favor.

"This is as it should be," Uzumaki Mito insisted firmly.

Xu Ming sighed internally. Seeing the determination in her eyes, he realized there was no room for negotiation. He had no choice but to accept.

"Speaking of favors, I actually have a request that I'd like to use yours for," Xu Ming said with a smile, recalling his second reason for coming.

"Oh? Let's hear it," Uzumaki Mito responded, intrigued.

"I hope to obtain the esoteric knowledge of the Akamichi clan's Yang Release for my and Orochimaru's personal research," Xu Ming stated carefully.

After making the request, he lowered his head, sipping his tea, not daring to meet Uzumaki Mito's gaze.

The Akamichi clan's Yang Release secrets were the foundation of their secret multiplication technique. It was their most closely guarded treasure, passed down strictly among blood relatives and chosen disciples. No outsider had ever been granted access to it.

Xu Ming's request was audacious—comparable to asking to enter someone's home and dismantle its load-bearing walls. If word spread, it could even lead to tensions between the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance and the Sarutobi clan, potentially straining their historic bond.

The tea room fell into an uneasy silence. Xu Ming continued to sip his tea, feeling increasingly anxious.

Even the Second Hokage had never made such a demand. While he had established the ninja academy and promoted the open exchange of ninjutsu, he had allowed each clan to retain its unique techniques. Only standard elemental jutsu had been shared.

"Heh, it's actually not difficult," Uzumaki Mito suddenly chuckled, breaking the silence.

Xu Ming looked up in surprise. "Not difficult?"

"Indeed. Looking at the current situation, it's quite manageable. In fact, I don't even need to use my favor for this," Uzumaki Mito said with a knowing smile. "Consider it a gift from me, an elder, to you. Go back and wait for my good news."

Xu Ming was taken aback but quickly expressed his gratitude. "Thank you very much."

Though he wasn't sure how she planned to accomplish it, he trusted her words. And if it meant he didn't have to use up a favor, all the better.

Relaxing completely, Xu Ming reflected on his goals for the day. He had come to the Senju clan for two main reasons: to trade future Tsunade's techniques for valuable resources and to leverage Uzumaki Mito's influence to obtain the Akamichi clan's secret Yang Release techniques.

Now that both objectives had been achieved, he decided to take things a step further—he would put some pressure on Orochimaru.