Chapter 124 – Of Seals and Shadows

Within the luminous halls of the Grand Library of Yumegakure no Kai, beneath vaulted arches of living crystal and ancient roots, the air shimmered softly with quiet energy.

In a side chamber reserved for more intricate work—its walls inscribed with flowing seal patterns—Hinata sat across from Kenshiro Uzumaki and Reika Uzumaki. A large scroll was unfurled between them upon a polished table of pale stone.

Outside the tall arched window, the great silver-leafed tree shimmered gently against the eternal twilight of the realm.

Hinata's gaze was calm, but intent. "I asked you here because I wanted to move forward with the Seal of Life project. You know why it matters."

Kenshiro nodded gravely. "To protect the jinchūriki. To give them a chance to live… even if the worst occurs."

Reika's expression softened. "A noble goal, Lady Hinata. But a complex one."

Hinata leaned forward slightly. "Tell me what you've discovered."

Kenshiro exchanged a glance with Reika, then began. "After much study, we see two viable paths."

He unrolled part of the scroll, revealing intricate diagrams glowing faintly with chakra script.

"The first method: the seal is placed directly on the person, with full consent. The bond between seal and life force is absolute. If separation occurs, the seal activates immediately, restoring vitality." He looked at Hinata. "If performed properly and willingly, the success rate is… essentially one hundred percent."

Hinata's eyes glimmered. "But I sense there is a 'but'."

Reika gave a small smile. "Of course. Such a seal requires full trust. Full consent. Not all jinchūriki may accept it… especially from a foreign land."

Kenshiro nodded. "Which brings us to the second method."

He gestured to a second section of the scroll. "An amulet, bound to the person's blood. Carried on their person, it acts as a protective reservoir. If separation happens and the person is in contact with the amulet, the seal will trigger a surge of vital energy—essentially pulling them back from the brink."

Reika added softly, "However… the success rate here is more uncertain. Our calculations suggest about fifty percent… though that number could improve based on the willpower of the person to survive."

Hinata folded her hands beneath her chin, thoughtful. "And… the risks? The cost?"

Both Uzumakis grew more serious.

Kenshiro's voice lowered. "That is where the unknown lies. Manipulating life force on this scale… it will not go unnoticed by the world. Or by this realm."

Reika continued, "Yumegakure no Kai is alive. Thus far, it has given and taken in balance—what is offered is returned in kind. But this would be the first time it gives first—before anything is offered in return."

Hinata's breath caught slightly. "And you believe… there may be a cost."

Kenshiro nodded. "I do. But we also have an idea."

Reika smiled gently. "A way to mitigate it. Using your unique connection to this realm, Lady Hinata, and our sealing arts, we can create a kind of vitality reserve—a sealed space within Yumegakure itself. It would slowly draw in small amounts of energy over time, in harmony with the realm, storing it."

Kenshiro added, "Then, when the seal or amulet is used… it draws from this reserve, not from the world directly."

Reika's eyes gleamed. "This would also stabilize the realm's growth… giving opportunities for guiding it, strengthening it."

Hinata closed her eyes for a long moment, considering. The possibilities, the risks… and the hope.

Finally, she looked up, gaze steady. "I agree. Let us do this."

A soft breath of relief escaped both Uzumakis.

Hinata continued, voice clear: "Prepare nine talismans—linked to this future reserve. Begin their creation as soon as possible. When the reserve is ready, the talismans will already be attuned."

She rose, the silver light of the realm playing across her hair. "And I will continue to strengthen my bond with this realm… so that when the time comes, it will be ready."

Kenshiro and Reika both rose and bowed deeply.

"We will begin at once, Lady Hinata," Kenshiro said.

Reika smiled softly. "You are giving this world… and its people… a gift beyond measure."

Hinata returned the smile, though a faint shadow of worry remained in her heart.

A gift... but one whose price is yet unknown.

<<<< o >>>>

The afternoon sun filtered softly through the shoji screens of Takama Gin's office. The room, lined with dark wood and scrolls of past daimyō, exuded an air of calm authority. On a low table sat a tray of steaming tea, untouched.

Hinata entered quietly, her pale kimono brushing the polished floor. The guards closed the door behind her with a soft click.

Takama looked up from a stack of reports, offering his daughter a knowing smile.

"Hinata," he greeted, setting his brush aside. "Come. I understand you wished to speak of your future plans."

Hinata bowed gracefully and took the seat before him. Her voice was soft but steady.

"Yes, Father." She folded her hands lightly. "I have been thinking… it is time for me to travel — to visit the villages."

Takama's gaze sharpened, though he gave no comment yet.

"My goals are twofold," Hinata continued. "First… to quietly expand Yumegakure no Kai — to make contacts in each nation, and perhaps bring new people into the fold. I was considering having one of the priestesses accompany me as part of my escort… to present the right image."

Takama nodded slowly. "And the second goal?"

Hinata hesitated for a breath. "To help the jinchūriki. After speaking with Reika and Kenshiro… it seems the Seal of Life may indeed be possible. I would like to offer them — as I plan to for Fū — a chance to survive if the beasts are ever extracted from them."

Takama leaned back slightly, considering. "Hmm… an opportunity, perhaps."

Encouraged, Hinata added, "I see two ways to offer it. One — a direct seal upon the person, which would require their cooperation and the help of one of the Uzumaki sealmasters. The other… an amulet — which offers a lesser effect, but grants us more flexibility. It would also help maintain the appearance that we do not fully understand how the seals are made."

Takama's expression tightened subtly. "I do not like this path," he admitted. "But… I will not forbid it. I will choose how you travel to ensure your security."

He steepled his fingers. "You will go openly — as my daughter, the Iron Princess — it will be an official visit. You will need to call upon the daimyō and the village leaders, and present yourself with formality. That will grant you a measure of protection."

He continued, "You would travel with four samurai of my choice if you want any extra samurai, they will be added in addition to those four, in addition a diplomatic advisor to assist you with these tasks."

Hinata nodded solemnly. "I understand."

"As for the amulets…" Takama's gaze grew thoughtful. "If asked, the official story is this: they are the legacy of an ancient Iron Daimyō — crafted by the Uzumaki before their extermination in the Second War. Only a few exist, each designed for a specific beast — said to have been commissioned by Hashirama Senju himself."

Hinata's eyes widened slightly.

"But you must realize," Takama warned, "this seal carries greater consequences than you may think. If the villages discover it… they may see it as a chance to move the beasts from older vessels to younger ones — while preserving the experienced host. Even if the resource is finite… such an advantage is highly valuable."

He gave her a long look. "It could allow them to retain veteran shinobi — and train new jinchūriki at the same time."

"I see…" Hinata whispered.

Takama's tone grew sharper. "Thus, I advise you — offer it in secret, to the jinchūriki themselves. Let them test it through their own means — through sealmaster or otherwise. But if they reveal it to their village… the word may spread. And if that happens — there may be efforts to attack you, or me, to seize the remaining talismans — or to destroy them before they reach rival villages."

Hinata's gaze grew thoughtful. "In Iwa… I could offer one of the two to a jinchūriki. The other… to be offered only if their leaders approach you formally."

Takama nodded approvingly. "Exactly."

"And in Kumo… if they do not ask about the seals… I could do the same."

"Yes," Takama said. "But be prepared. There will likely be attempts — to assassinate, or capture you during your travels."

Hinata met his gaze calmly. "Then… I will need a secret escort."

A rare, mischievous smile tugged at Takama's lips. "I already have an idea," he said softly. "Though…" His eyes softened. "I will miss you, Hinata."

For a moment, warmth bloomed between them.

Then Takama's tone grew grave again. "Now… Sunagakure. And Kirigakure."

Hinata hesitated. "In Suna… my true goal is Gaara. In Kiri… there is someone — supposedly a fugitive, or so I believe." Her brows knit slightly. "There… this seal would be dangerous if it fell into their hands."

Takama gave a slight nod. "Yes. Caution is paramount."