"Life-Sacrificing Gu."
Aburame Shiko examined the contents before him. The ninjutsu described was exceedingly complex, with a learning difficulty rated at A-rank. However, for someone as deeply versed in insects as Aburame Shiko, comprehension came quickly.
The technique aligned perfectly with the Aburame clan's methods of insect cultivation. In essence, it involved placing a certain number of insects inside the body and using chakra to slice tiny portions of flesh from the internal organs—just enough to feed one insect. The last surviving insect would no longer be called an insect but a "Gu."
From there, the Gu would be continuously nourished with organ flesh and blood, while the user strengthened their connection to it through chakra. It was an extremely dangerous technique; the slightest misstep could result in death. Yet, the abilities granted upon success left even Aburame Shiko awestruck.
As long as the Gu remained alive, the ninja would not die, no matter the injuries sustained. The Gu itself was small and could not leave the body for long, as it would perish quickly outside. However, it could survive for up to a day outside the body—plenty of time to evade danger. In the event of critical injuries, the user could even feign death, provided the Gu remained unharmed.
That said, the death of the Gu would inflict corresponding damage on the user. In many ways, the Gu became akin to an internal organ, and losing it would naturally affect the body.
"This technique might as well have been tailor-made for the Aburame clan," Aburame Shiko marveled.
For others, mastering this secret technique would carry a high mortality rate, but the Aburame were different. Their bodies were already living insect nests. Aside from the risk of fatal organ damage, the other challenges were negligible. Once mastered, an "immortal" Aburame clan could unleash unimaginable power.
Shiko's exclamation piqued the interest of his clansmen.
"What's all the yelling about?!" An elderly clansman nearby couldn't stand the noise and smacked Shiko on the back of the head. "Let us see it too!"
Reluctantly, Shiko handed over the technique scroll. Most of those present were his elders, and he dared not assert his authority as clan head. Watching as the old man snatched the scroll from his hands, Shiko sighed inwardly.
Being the Aburame clan head was a joke—the elders were untouchable, and the younger generation refused to listen. Reforming the clan to match the strict discipline of the Uchiha or Hyuga seemed like a distant dream.
His gaze drifted to Aburame Shibi, who sat quietly beside Kin.
I should just pass the clan head position to him already.
Being the Aburame leader was no easy task.
Shibi, meanwhile, stole glances at the scroll, burning with curiosity. But with so many elders present, he didn't dare ask for it. Suddenly, he noticed his father's piercing stare and shuddered.
The last time he'd felt that look, he'd been shipped off to the Cloud Shinobi frontlines. What was the old man plotting now?
Kin sipped his tea calmly as exclamations erupted around him.
"It can do that?!"
"Incredible!"
"All the techniques our clan developed before are garbage! Why did no one think of this? Oh wait, I created some of them. Never mind."
The Life-Sacrificing Gu had been inspired by an anime Kin had seen in his previous life, The Bad Guys. However, most of the underlying techniques were native to the Aburame clan—they'd simply never explored this particular direction.
That was why they were so frustrated. Had someone proposed the idea earlier, they could have developed it themselves and saved 250 million ryo.
But alas.
No one had.
Kin picked up the money and flicked it with his finger. The crisp sound was music to his ears.
Now, whether for research equipment or other ventures, funds were no longer an issue.
"So, are you satisfied with my technique?" Kin suddenly asked.
"Extremely satisfied!" one of the Aburame elders replied, his face flushed with excitement.
"Then I won't overstay my welcome."
With money in hand, it was time to begin his preparations.
"I'll see you out, Kin-sama," Aburame Shiko said, rising to escort him.
Once Kin was gone, the elders descended into chaos, scrambling for the scroll.
"Bastard! Let me see it first!"
"You're stepping on my hand!"
"Let go of my belt! Fine, I won't fight you for it!"
Aburame Mushihi couldn't bear to watch. These old men were incorrigible.
"Thank you sincerely, Kin-sama," Shiko said as they reached the clan's entrance.
"This was a transaction," Kin replied, waving the stack of bills. "It's best when both parties are satisfied."
Though it was a shame Mushihi hadn't come to see him off.
"Even so, the technique you developed will be a tremendous boon to our clan," Shiko said.
With this jutsu, the Aburame would no longer fear death. If outmatched, they could simply play dead—no one would be the wiser.
Unless, of course, they faced a Hyuga's Byakugan or an Uchiha's Sharingan. Those bloodline limits, capable of seeing chakra, would expose the ruse. But such abilities were rare, and with both clans residing in Konoha, the risk was minimal.
"In that case, how about a little extra?" Kin suggested.
Shiko's smile turned strained. "We've truly given all we can. But if you ever need the Aburame clan's assistance, we'll do our utmost to help."
"Much appreciated."
Kin clasped his hands in gratitude and tucked the money into his sleeve. Shiko escorted him to the clan's main gate.
"I'll take my leave here."
Once Kin was out of sight, Shibi couldn't hold back his question.
"Father, you seem unusually fond of Kin."
Shiko had called it a transaction, yet his enthusiasm seemed excessive. He'd never been this warm toward anyone else.
Shiko clasped his hands behind his back, gazing in the direction Kin had left.
"The Uchiha have long desired to produce a Hokage. But they're either too extreme or too weak-willed—none have the ability to compete for the position. Kin, however, is different. His talent for ninjutsu development overshadows all his flaws. If the Uchiha are to claim the Hokage's seat, Kin is their best candidate."
"Moreover, many Konoha shinobi owe their lives to his techniques. He has innate support from the lower ranks. Given time to mature, he'll have the qualifications and capability to contend for the title. When you spot potential, you place your bets early."
"That's one of the essential skills of an Aburame clan head. Understand, Shibi?"
Shibi fell into thoughtful silence.
...
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(End of Chapter)