Chapter 67: Confrontation
Chapter 67: Confrontation
True powerhouses rarely worry about their chakra reserves. Even those not born with vast amounts of chakra find ways to compensate.
Tsunade's Byakugō Seal and Yin Seal are two prime examples. While the Byakugō Seal is not inherently a chakra storage technique, it regulates chakra consumption—allowing her to conserve energy significantly in battle while unleashing immense power when paired with the chakra-storing Yin Seal.
Unfortunately, Mizuki knew neither. He lacked both the Byakugō Seal's chakra-saving properties and the Yin Seal's powerful release mechanism. Forget about Creation Rebirth or Tsunade's monstrous strength—he hadn't even mastered the basics of medical ninjutsu integration like she had.
This wasn't because his chakra control or sealing techniques were inferior. On the contrary, Mizuki firmly believed that few could match his cellular-level chakra manipulation. However, he lacked Tsunade's mastery of medical ninjutsu, preventing him from integrating it seamlessly into his body like she did.
"Is this something that can be achieved through sealing techniques?" Sakura inquired.
She was acutely aware of her natural shortcomings. As a female ninja, her physical endurance was lower than that of her male counterparts of the same age—a biological limitation that couldn't be ignored.
At just twelve years old, Sakura was still growing. Her incomplete physical development meant that her chakra reserves were inherently low.
This was why Genin battles often seemed dull—limited by chakra and stamina, most fights ended after one or two jutsu, leaving the remainder of the battle to be decided by taijutsu and kunai exchanges.
This was also why ninjas like Dosu, Zaku, and Kin from the Sound Village seemed like downright monsters to other Genin. Their special abilities gave them overwhelming advantages. If not for the exceptional Genin present in this year's Chūnin Exams, they would have dominated the competition.
Mizuki chuckled at Sakura's question.
"You should have more confidence in what you're learning. There are very few things that sealing techniques can't accomplish. If something seems impossible, it's only because your power isn't sufficient yet, not because sealing techniques are ineffective."
Even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, an immortal being, had been sealed away—proof of just how terrifyingly powerful sealing techniques could be.
"But how do I use it?"
"There are ten days left before the Chūnin Exams," Mizuki said. "I'll teach you during that time."
"If I had to name this sealing technique, I'd call it the Silent Breath Technique."
Unlike the fictional martial arts and cultivation techniques from another world, this was a purely sealing-based technique designed to regulate one's chakra and conceal their presence. Mizuki originally developed it for his own training in Sage Mode, unlike the Soul Gathering Formation, which was hastily created for medical purposes.
Lack of chakra wasn't just Sakura's problem—Mizuki faced the same issue.
If he only aimed to become a Jōnin someday, his current chakra reserves were barely passable. But if he aspired to something greater, he would need Sage Mode—the ultimate ability available to anyone willing to endure its grueling training.
For Mizuki, who had no special bloodline abilities, Sage Mode was the only viable path.
Thus, while Tsunade's Byakugō Seal was multifunctional—offering chakra control, enhanced regeneration, and power bursts—Mizuki's Silent Breath Technique was purely about chakra storage and regulation.
A giant chakra battery, nothing more, nothing less.
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Ino's Dilemma
After arranging Sakura's training, Mizuki turned to Yamanaka Ino.
"Sensei… can I also learn the Silent Breath Technique?" Ino asked expectantly.
Mizuki shook his head.
"It's not that I don't want to teach you, but rather that it doesn't suit your fighting style. If you really want to learn it, ask Sakura—if you can master it, then that's fine."
Hearing this, Ino lowered her head in disappointment.
"You've already learned Mystical Palm, even if only barely. Just keep practicing, and you'll improve," Mizuki reassured her.
"For most ninjutsu, learning more isn't necessarily better. As a member of the Yamanaka Clan, your fighting style is already predetermined—your clan's secret techniques will always be your core strength, while other abilities serve as support."
Ino sighed but nodded.
"But that doesn't mean there's nothing suitable for you," Mizuki continued.
He took out a scroll and handed it to her.
"This is a sealing technique—not particularly advanced, but incredibly useful. Interested?"
What he offered Ino was a modified version of the Binding Seal Formation, the first sealing technique he had mastered.
Since Ino wasn't a front-line fighter, her best option was control-based techniques. Instead of raw power, she needed to maximize her ability to restrain and manipulate enemies.
Mizuki's enhanced version of the Binding Seal Formation had been greatly improved—
Lower chakra cost, making it easier to use.
Stronger control, ensuring enemies stayed restrained.
More flexibility, allowing it to be applied on objects, living beings, and even summon creatures—no longer restricted to traps.
This version was tailor-made for someone like Ino, who specialized in mind-control techniques.
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The Sound Village's Schemes
Land of Fields – Sound Village
Orochimaru sat in his chamber, listening as Kabuto Yakushi reported the latest intelligence.
"Konoha's security has tightened?" Orochimaru asked.
"Yes. It seems they've caught wind of something," Kabuto replied.
"…Or is it because you failed to eliminate your tail, leading to a leak?"
"…I cannot deny that possibility, Lord Orochimaru," Kabuto admitted with a bow. "I sincerely apologize."
He and Baki had underestimated Moonlight Hayate, assuming him to be weak and dying.
However, when cornered, Hayate had unexpectedly fought back ferociously, even managing to injure Kabuto before alerting Konoha's ANBU.
Though they had escaped, they hadn't confirmed whether or not Hayate had successfully relayed intelligence before succumbing to his wounds.
Initially, nothing seemed amiss in Konoha, leading Kabuto to assume that Hayate had failed to report the information.
But now, with increased security, it was clear that some intelligence had been leaked—though how much was uncertain.
Despite this, Orochimaru merely smirked.
"It's just as well. It means the Third Hokage has decided to fight to the bitter end."
His golden serpentine eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Let's see, old man… how much strength and willpower you still have left."
Orochimaru licked his lips.
"The original plan remains unchanged. Proceed with Kimimaro's deployment—I want him ready for the assassination of the Kazekage…"
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