Sealing Technique

dong dong dong.

A rhythmic knock broke the silence inside.

"Come in."

Hiruzen Sarutobi put away the autopsy report about the Kusagakure ninja on the table.

I adjusted my posture to make myself look less serious.

The door was pushed open, and Naruto Uzumaki walked in.

He had his signature smile on his face.

"Grandpa Hokage, you wanted to see me?"

Naruto asked politely.

The Third Hokage looked at the child before him and felt a strong sense of unease.

It's so natural.

His facial expressions, tone of voice, and gestures were all flawless.

If not for a series of coincidences, he would even be willing to believe that the child really knew nothing.

"Ahem, Naruto."

The Third Hokage cleared his throat and slowly began to speak:

"Kakashi should have told you about what happened in Kusagakure last night, right?"

"Although the investigation results indicate that it has nothing to do with you and that Orochimaru was behind it,

But that man is still on the run, and you are his target…”

The third generation paused, his tone becoming earnest and full of concern:

"For your safety, and also to prevent the Nine-Tails from going out of control again due to the stimulation of the cursed seal."

"The village has decided that you will need to move to another place for a while."

"How about we go somewhere else?"

Naruto was slightly taken aback.

"That's right."

The third generation pointed to the map on the table.

The finger landed on a core area near the Ninja Academy, backed by the Hokage Rock.

"That used to be the shrine of the Uzumaki clan."

"This building is surrounded by a special protective barrier."

The secret service will be stationed there around the clock to ensure your safety to the greatest extent possible.

"You can rest and recuperate there until we find Orochimaru."

Naruto glanced at that spot.

Located in the very center of the village, backed by the Fire Shadow Rock, and surrounded by the Dark Guard's sentry posts.

It could be described as a perfect prison.

And... before Orochimaru was exposed?

If they can't find him, then I'll just stay inside forever?

Naruto sneered inwardly, but his face didn't show any resistance. Instead, he obediently nodded.

"I understand. Since it's your and the village's arrangement, I have no objections."

The Third Hokage breathed a sigh of relief.

If Naruto doesn't agree, for the sake of Kurama's stability, he'll have no choice but to use force...

Fortunately, this child is quite obedient.

"However, I have a request."

Naruto looked up, his eyes hidden behind his glasses.

"I hope you will grant me permission to access the Uzumaki clan's sealing technique scrolls."

"Sealing technique?"

The third generation paused for a moment, then frowned slightly.

"Yes."

Naruto touched the cursed seal on his neck, a look of pain on his face.

"This thing left behind by Orochimaru... although it has been temporarily suppressed, it still occasionally stirs up."

"And... the one inside me has been a bit restless lately due to the stimulation of the cursed seal."

"I don't want to lose control and hurt anyone, nor do I want to cause trouble for the village."

Therefore, I need to learn more powerful sealing techniques to strengthen the seal.

The Third Hokage looked at Naruto's "painful" expression and fell into deep thought.

reject?

No.

Naruto's reasoning was perfectly valid.

As a container, it actually asked to learn sealing techniques in order to maintain its own safety and stability.

Whatever he thought in his heart, his reasons on the surface were simply impeccable.

If he refuses, and Naruto loses control and causes damage, then it would be a dereliction of duty on his part as Hokage.

agree?

Sealing techniques are a secret tradition of the Uzumaki clan, and many of them are forbidden techniques.

but……

The Third Hokage's gaze lingered on Naruto for a moment, as he pondered inwardly:

"Sealing techniques are different from those ninjutsu that have direct lethality."

"It is obscure, dry, and extremely difficult to understand. It would take ordinary people several years of hard work to even grasp the basics."

"It would be good for him to learn sealing techniques."

The complex techniques and theories were enough to drain his energy, leaving him no time to think about dangerous things.

"Moreover, the reason he can actually learn it is so that he can better become a vessel..."

Thinking of this, the Third Hokage nodded.

"Alright, Naruto."

He took out a receipt, signed his name, and stamped it:

"Since you are so willing to share the burdens of the village, what reason does Grandpa have to stop you?"

"This is permission to access the Sealed Class's database; you are free to come and go as you please."

"I will send someone to give you the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan."

"However, remember that sealing techniques still carry certain risks, so proceed with caution."

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"

Naruto took the approval slip, a slight smile playing on his lips.

This was the only good news he had heard recently.

……

Naruto left, and the office door was closed again.

The third generation looked at the door, and the kind expression on their face vanished instantly, replaced by deep weariness.

He sighed, then spoke to the empty room:

"Have you seen enough? Come out."

Squeak.

The side window was opened, and a tall figure climbed in through the window.

She had long, white hair that was casually draped over her shoulders, a headband with the character "油" (oil) on her forehead, and a red vest.

It was Jiraiya, who had just returned to the village from his travels.

"Is that... Minato's son?"

Standing by the window, Jiraiya watched the receding figure outside.

There was no joy on his face at seeing the son of an old friend; instead, his expression was somewhat solemn.

"How are you feeling?"

The three generations walked to his side and together looked at the departing figure.

"Old man, tell the truth..."

Jiraiya crossed his arms, his brow furrowed.

"Although he had a smile on his face and spoke politely, he was too calm."

"So calm...it reminds me of someone."

Jiraiya paused, the image of another person appearing in his mind, and said in a deep voice:

"He's just like... Orochimaru in his younger days."

The Third Hokage's hand holding the pipe trembled slightly.

The comment he least wanted to hear still came from Jiraiya's mouth.

"Do you think so too?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed deeply:

"Yes... I had a vague feeling about it too."

He exhaled a smoke ring, his voice revealing exhaustion:

"Orochimaru has already set his sights on him and has even placed a cursed seal on him."

"If left unchecked, he could very well be lured by Orochimaru and fall into darkness."

The third generation turned around, looked at his most prized disciple, and said:

"That's why we need you, Jiraiya."

"Now that you've returned to the village, please keep an eye on him for me."

"Guide his thoughts and make him understand what the true Will of Fire is."

The third generation paused, a flicker of pain crossing his eyes:

"But if even you can't guide him, and he goes astray too..."

"Then let's prepare for the worst."

"It is better to destroy it and let Konoha lose the Nine-Tails than to let the village be destroyed."

The room fell silent.

Jiraiya gazed at the bustling Konoha outside the window.

He recalled Minato's hearty smile, and then compared it to Naruto's earlier demeanor...

long silence.

Finally, Jiraiya sighed helplessly:

"This is such a hassle. I was actually planning to go to the bathhouse to gather material."

He turned around, a cold glint in his eyes:

"Alright, old man, I'll go and deal with this brat."