The properties of chakra were, in principle, easy to grasp.
Fire-natured chakra could ignite flames. Sand-natured chakra could stir and shape sand.
But why did some chakra develop such special attributes?
[Great Sage: The Tailed Beasts are not true living beings. Remaining in certain environments for prolonged periods can directly alter their chakra, creating unique attributes.]
So, because Shukaku had dwelled in the desert for centuries, his chakra likely developed a sand nature.
Gaara, in turn, inherited this sand-attribute chakra—allowing him to control sand freely and, with techniques like the Shield of Shukaku, command masses of it far beyond the skill of previous Kazekage.
[Great Sage: That should be the case.]
Shigure's eyes narrowed thoughtfully. But he wasn't too concerned with sand-natured chakra.
What truly intrigued him was the possibility of acquiring something like ice or cloud-attribute chakra.
The very thought made his eyes gleam.
[Great Sage: Beginning analysis…]
[Analysis complete.]
[Speculation: To obtain chakra with special properties, it is necessary to calculate the characteristics of all twelve chakra attributes.]
[However, calculation alone can only simulate 80% accuracy—resulting in pseudo-special attribute chakra.]
"…You mean there's something you can't do?"
That surprised Shigure. He had expected the analysis to take time, but not to be limited. Only 80%? That was unexpected.
[Great Sage: To fully recreate these special attributes, the cooperation of the Glutton is required. Its devouring ability can plunder the missing properties.]
"So I need to pair it with Glutton, huh? You could've said that earlier."
With that condition, everything made sense.
[Great Sage: However, Glutton's current abilities are insufficient to meet the requirements.]
Right. The Glutton had only recovered 10% of its full power so far—no wonder it wasn't enough.
"Fine, then just tell me—what recovery level does Glutton need?"
[Great Sage: At least 50%.]
"…Fifty percent?!"
That was a huge gap.
Shigure sighed in frustration. "Hurry up and recover already, Glutton…"
He glanced at the creature still gnawing away at Shukaku's chakra. The progress was so slow it was almost painful to watch.
[Great Sage: Recommendation. The host should only consume 5%. Given Glutton's current limitations, attempting more would be inefficient and a waste of time.]
"…Why does it sound like you're looking down on Glutton?"
Still, the advice made sense. Instead of spending days for a few more percent, it would be more efficient to seek out the Third Hokage and analyze the First Hokage's Wood Release directly.
With that in mind, Shigure let the Glutton continue just a little longer, siphoning off more chakra until his control over Shukaku's chakra rose by another margin.
[One-Tail Shukaku Chakra: 5%]
"Alright, stop!"
The mysterious black substance receded, and Shigure fixed his eyes on the massive Shukaku before him.
We need to restrain him now. If he goes berserk, the damage to Konoha will be catastrophic!
[Great Sage: Recommendation—use Magnetic Release chakra in conjunction with a sealing technique to restrain Shukaku.]
[Calculating…]
[Calculation complete. Congratulations to the host for acquiring a new technique: White Vine Seal.]
A new jutsu?
"Perfect."
Shigure waved his hand, dispersing the snow clouds.
The freezing effect faded, but Shukaku's body remained encased in thick ice. Even so, cracks began to spread almost immediately.
It was only natural—the One-Tail possessed an enormous chakra supply. Freezing such a being completely was never realistic.
Before the ice could fully shatter, Shigure quickly formed seals.
"White Vine Seal!"
At once, white smoke burst out around him. It coiled like living vines, wrapping itself around Shukaku and taking on the appearance of great chains. They weren't perfect chains, more like smoke woven into their likeness—but their weight and force were undeniable.
The vines snaked across Shukaku's body, binding his limbs, head, and especially his belly. Strange magnetic patterns spread across the bindings, glowing faintly as they etched themselves onto the chains.
Shigure's eyes widened slightly.
"Cloud Release and Magnetic Release… Did I just integrate them into a new sealing technique? A fusion of three Kekkei Genkai?"
[Great Sage: The host may understand this as a composite ninjutsu. It is not a true fusion of Kekkei Genkai, but a technique born from combining Cloud Release with Magnetic Release.]
"…Figures."
Creating an entirely new bloodline limit wouldn't be that simple.
Even so, this was an incredible achievement—another sealing method added to his arsenal.
With Shukaku bound, Shigure lifted the smoke barrier. The white mist dispersed into the air, revealing the One-Tail lying on the ground. Shukaku had been sealed and had already slipped into a deep slumber.
As the smoke cleared, the surrounding Konoha shinobi stared in disbelief at the sight—the great beast shackled in heavy white chains, chains that seemed to be woven from smoke itself, covered in eerie glowing lines.
"This is…!"
"I've trapped Shukaku temporarily with a seal," Shigure declared calmly. "Don't worry, he won't wake up—unless the seal is broken. Your job is to keep watch and make sure that doesn't happen."
His words were delivered lightly, but to the Konoha shinobi, they struck like thunder.
Shukaku… the One-Tailed Beast… sealed!
Even if only temporarily, it was still a sealed Tailed Beast! That wasn't something any ordinary shinobi could accomplish.
Isn't this kid supposed to be a Genin?
Since when did Genin learn sealing techniques like this?!
Chains formed from smoke, inscribed with strange markings—and they can suppress a Tailed Beast?
A familiar voice broke their astonishment.
"Well, well… I didn't expect a brat like you to actually wield sealing techniques."
Shigure turned, spotting Terumi Mei once again.
Her again. This woman really doesn't know when to give up.
"You followed me all this way. So you're set on dragging me back to Kirigakure?"
He shifted into a ready stance. If need be, he could try sealing Terumi Mei herself—or at the very least, ensnare her with Cloud Release and turn the fight to his advantage.
But instead, Mei waved her hand dismissively. "Forget it. Let's not fight this time. But remember—even if you don't come to the Hidden Mist now, you will… eventually."
With a casual smile, she turned and walked away, her departure as effortless as her arrival.
Shigure blinked, momentarily thrown off. Just like that? No fight?
Mei glanced back with a soft smile. "A sealing technique… and such a strange kekkei genkai. You're not just a genius—you're a monster capable of carrying an entire village."
Her eyes glimmered with quiet intent. "Kirigakure needs monsters like you. But Konoha… I'm not so sure."
...
TN:
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