Chapter 12: The Will of Fire's Price
The explosion of the detonating tag tore the fireball apart in a burst of flame and concussive force. In that instant, Akatsurugi's gaze locked onto the large man, who felt his mind go blank. Akatsurugi had cast the Demonic Illusion: Hell Viewing Technique, a basic Uchiha genjutsu capable of briefly seizing control of an opponent's senses.
Of course, when combined with the Sharingan, its effects were devastating, enough to make even elite ninja wary. Lacking the dojutsu, Akatsurugi could only rely on his own potent spiritual energy to cast it.
While the large man was disoriented, Akatsurugi had already thrown three shuriken, aimed precisely at his face, heart, and throat.
At the critical moment, the large man broke free from the illusion. Seeing the projectiles, he could only raise his arms in a desperate block. As the three shuriken embedded themselves deep into his flesh, he let out a pained roar.
Akatsurugi was already in motion, leaping into the air. "Crescent Moon Dance!" he shouted.
His form split into three, attacking the large man from different angles. Unprepared for such a technique, the bandit could only flail with his kunai in a futile defense. He had chosen the wrong target. The edge of Akatsurugi's Ryūjin Jakka flashed, and a clean cut opened across the man's neck.
Clutching his throat, the large man tumbled from the roof.
This time, Akatsurugi saw a noticeably thicker, translucent wisp of energy being drawn into Ryūjin Jakka. He pondered this thoughtfully. It seemed awakening Ryūjin Jakka indeed required taking lives. It fed on souls.
The remaining bandits were mere ordinary people. Dispatching them was a simple task for Akatsurugi. Strangely, he had expected to feel some revulsion, but there was none. It was as if he was a natural executioner.
Uchiha Kagami materialized before him. He glanced at Akatsurugi and gave a curt nod. "Gather the spoils. We return to the village."
Akatsurugi was momentarily puzzled, but soon understood. He immediately began searching the stronghold, surprised to find a considerable amount of money and valuables. Meanwhile, Uchiha Kagami gathered all the corpses into a single pile.
Catching Akatsurugi's eye, he gestured. Akatsurugi formed the necessary hand seals. "Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!"
A roaring inferno erupted, consuming everything, reducing the evidence to ash.
Upon returning to Konoha, Uchiha Kagami stated, "A shinobi supports himself through missions. Sometimes, the Hokage will assign them directly. This time, I accompanied you. Next time, you will leave the village to execute missions alone."
Akatsurugi understood his situation was unique. As a late starter, having Uchiha Kagami as his personal instructor already placed him far ahead of many.
Typically, Ninja Academy graduates were assigned to three-man teams. But Akatsurugi had never attended the academy, so he had no such team.
"Also, the borders are unstable," Uchiha Kagami added after a moment, his voice low. "Focus on improving your strength."
Akatsurugi was taken aback. Why was he being told this? He quickly realized Uchiha Kagami's meaning: he should prioritize training over mission-grinding. Earn just enough for living expenses; strength was the primary goal. Because if war broke out, every shinobi could be sent to the frontlines. The stronger he was, the higher his chances of survival.
"Understood, Sensei," Akatsurugi replied promptly.
Uchiha Kagami gave a slight nod, patted Akatsurugi's shoulder, and departed.
Akatsurugi returned to Kosuke's home. He had no other choice; without the funds to buy a house, he could only continue relying on Kosuke's hospitality.
Seeing Akatsurugi return, Kosuke asked, "Did it go smoothly?"
After all, it was Akatsurugi's first mission outside the village. While he had returned alive, it was unclear if that was due to his elite Jōnin teacher's protection. Kosuke was genuinely concerned.
Akatsurugi nodded, briefly summarizing the mission. There was no need for secrecy regarding such a task.
Kosuke nodded slightly. As long as Akatsurugi could adapt to the necessary mindset, it was fine. The shinobi profession required a certain mental fortitude.
Following this, Akatsurugi threw himself back into training, relentlessly practicing his Rasengan. Finally, after a month of intense effort, he succeeded in stabilizing the chakra sphere. Looking at the swirling, pale blue orb of energy in his palm, Akatsurugi allowed himself a knowing smile. This was truly a personal trump card.
As for infusing it with chakra nature transformation... that was a distant dream. For now, the basic Rasengan was more than sufficient.
"Is this a ninjutsu you developed yourself?" Uchiha Kagami's voice sounded as he appeared before Akatsurugi.
Akatsurugi nodded. Over the past month, Uchiha Kagami had appeared several times, offering further instruction on Fire Style applications. Akatsurugi had never tried to hide his Rasengan training; part of him hoped this creation could be bartered for some tangible benefit.
"Manipulating chakra's form to this degree... I didn't expect you to have reached this level. Impressive." Uchiha Kagami immediately grasped the Rasengan's essence.
Akatsurugi acknowledged the praise with a sound. "Sensei," he said, "I wish to dedicate this technique to the village."
Uchiha Kagami was visibly surprised. He tilted his head, studying Akatsurugi. "This is a jutsu you developed yourself. The village will not force you to surrender it."
His meaning was clear: Akatsurugi could keep it as his own secret weapon.
Akatsurugi shook his head. He didn't need secret weapons right now. His real hidden cards were the Flame-Flame Fruit and Ryūjin Jakka, though their development was still lacking. If the Rasengan could be traded for concrete advantages, that was the optimal outcome. Even if the village offered no direct reward, it would create a favorable impression with the higher-ups, painting him as a natural inheritor of the Will of Fire. This might insulate him from future trouble orchestrated by the Third Hokage or the Village Elders. It could also, to the greatest extent, prevent him from being used as cannon fodder. They wouldn't send such a staunch believer in the Will of Fire to his death, would they?
Uchiha Kagami, unaware of Akatsurugi's calculations, felt a surge of approval. He himself was a true embodiment of the Will of Fire, which was why he was held in such high esteem by the Second and Third Hokage, recognized as one of the few free from the shackles of clan prejudice.
"In that case, follow me," Uchiha Kagami said, leading Akatsurugi towards the Hokage's office. Akatsurugi followed obediently. For someone of his status, gaining an audience with the Hokage was no simple matter.