122. The Shadow Substitute

In the shinobi world, even in an era bursting with forbidden jutsu and divine arts, the Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique) still held a sacred place among high-tier techniques.

Its core concept was relatively simple: a variation of space-time ninjutsu. After establishing a contract between the summoner and a target, the caster could summon that entity to their side from anywhere—usually for aid in battle.

There were two main forms: blood contracts (used for summoning living beings), and non-blood contracts (for summoning objects).

Thanks to its convenience—being able to call pre-stored tools or powerful beasts instantly—this jutsu was favored by many elite shinobi.

Interestingly, the contract worked both ways: summoning creatures could, in theory, summon their contractor in return.

---

"Well then, with this summoning contract completed, things will be much more convenient."

Hinata looked with satisfaction at the scroll in her hand. It was a simple dual contract. She sliced her finger with a kunai and pressed her bloody handprint to the page. Then, she did the same with Suigin Tou's finger, stamping her other handprint.

With this, their two bodies were now linked by summoning contract—allowing them to summon each other at will.

But this wasn't just any summoning.

Its real name: Kagemusha no Jutsu (Shadow Warrior Technique). Unlike a standard summoning, this variant used a modified contract to forcibly suppress the summoned being's consciousness, turning it into a puppet-like servant.

Most summoned creatures still retained their own will. They could assist, yes—but full, thoughtless obedience was rare.

The Shadow Warrior Technique circumvented that by sealing the summoned target's mind temporarily, turning them into a living puppet.

And its origins? None other than the infamous Forbidden Scroll of Seals, packed with dubious jutsu from the Second Hokage himself.

---

Storing the scroll away, Hinata looked over at Suigin Tou's body resting about three meters away. She dipped her finger in blood and began forming hand signs. With a puff of smoke, the body disappeared—reappearing beside her.

Now standing at her side, Suigin Tou's eyes were blank and lifeless—but Hinata could feel the link. This puppet-body was now hers to control.

"Perfect~ Secret Technique: Makyou Hyoushou (Demonic Ice Crystal Mirrors)!"

Just by imagining Suigin Tou activating the technique, Hinata felt her chakra respond. The puppet lifted its hand, and the surrounding air began to freeze. Smooth, solid mirrors of ice formed instantly.

"Convenient. As expected of the Second Hokage. It's such a shame no one else ever used this."

Hinata laughed darkly and ended the summoning. Suigin Tou's body vanished and returned to its resting place, the link broken.

Of course no one used it—there was a reason.

The Shadow Warrior Technique only worked on biological summons. And the whole point of summoning was mutual aid. Intelligent summon creatures could and would reverse-summon their masters if abused.

Which made this technique… problematic.

The Second Hokage had essentially written a black-market contract designed to enslave his summons. A clever trick, yes—but utterly unethical. It's no wonder the jutsu was buried in obscurity.

---

Could it be used on humans? Technically, yes.

But loyal followers didn't need it.

And disloyal ones? You could bind them temporarily, but once released, they'd come for revenge. Unless you planned to summon and kill them immediately, it was more hassle than it was worth.

And the worst part?

The contract was still mutual.

Even with all its modifications, the summoned could still reverse-summon the master and get their revenge. Think of it like being forced to do a dance routine, only to later be summoned back by your victim and made to do embarrassing yoga stretches in public.

Unless the caster had no future plans for their own reputation, this technique was more curse than blessing.

The Second Hokage likely shelved it for good reason. It was only recently rediscovered by Hinata.

---

But there was one thing the Second Hokage never considered—because medical science in his time lacked a certain definition:

What if the target was brain-dead?

If the summoned was alive but lacked any awareness or will, then there'd be no revenge. Their brain could still receive and obey commands, but when the summoning ended, they'd simply return to their vegetative state.

A perfect puppet.

And now… Hinata had one.

---

So, after carefully studying this new ninjutsu scroll, Hinata was pretty pleased. She figured the Second Hokage really nailed it with this legacy move — it perfectly connected her to her backup body.

"This is fantastic," she thought. "Even if the Hyuga clan body isn't as tough in direct combat, it doesn't matter. As long as I can summon Suigin Tou's mystical body anytime, my early survival issues are sorted."

Stepping out from the basement with satisfaction, Hinata stretched lazily toward the sunlight pouring through the window. She casually tossed the summoning scroll behind her into a drawer. Only she and Suigin Tou were bound by that contract, so even if someone else got the scroll, it would mean nothing more than the contract breaking.

Hinata spent around twelve hours setting up the initial affairs in the Land of Waves. From now on, she only needed to show up occasionally, or have Konan use her transformation jutsu to fool the craftsmen. After all, they still had to respect Pain's position. When someone yields to you, it's not just about respect — it's a subtle balance of power.

The best strategy was to return the favor at the right moment. Cooperation works when both sides give and take. If only one side advances while the other always yields, that's not cooperation — it's invasion.

Especially when your partner is Pain, a nuclear-level shinobi who can just use Shinra Tensei at a whim, you better tread carefully.

After arranging the factory, Hinata returned to Konoha, leaving the rest to Konan. Her job now was simply to monitor the Land of Waves from afar.

Even if the factory didn't share profits, she'd already gained plenty — at least stable production of Fox Tale merch. It was like building a foundational structure in a management game.

This time, she'd been smart — she installed a camera in her body's room, planning to see if her physical form moved on its own while her soul was away.

The footage gave her relief. Over twelve hours without her spirit, her body was completely still — like a true unconscious patient.

Maybe the strange happenings before were just coincidences?

After some thought, Hinata decided not to dwell on it. There were already enough weird things in this world to waste brainpower on.

As long as this body was hers, Hyuga Hinata would continue in the form she desired.

(PS1: Yeah, Hinata's no fool. Last time Black Hinata caught on. If I wander recklessly again, suspicion will ruin the surprise later.)