Chapter 18: CHAPTER 18
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After an hour of focused temperature control training, Hiruzen felt an exhilarating thrill wash over him.
He had successfully familiarized himself with the extreme heat of the blue-white flames, a power so intense that it could melt his body without direct contact, were it not for the protective chakra enveloping him.
"This level of nature transformation is extraordinary," he said, excitement bubbling within him.
"If I create any jutsu with these flames, it will be nothing short of a massacre. The Sarutobi clan will soon become the strongest fire jutsu clan in the world!"
With a resolute nod, he began the painstaking process of integrating the blue flames—ranging from 3000 to 5000 degrees—into his bloodline's nature transformation seal and chakra affinity with it.
He knew this integration would redefine their capabilities.
The integration took an hour, but when it was complete, Hiruzen felt a profound change ripple through him.
He could now control the blue flames effortlessly, simply by channeling his fire chakra, with enhance control over chakra. A satisfied smile crept across his face.
"Now, it's time to create new secret techniques exclusive to our clan," he murmured, reflecting on the jōnin meeting he had attended.
His mind raced with thoughts of power. "I need a fire chakra mode. Since reaching peak shadow level, my strength hasn't increased significantly.
The Third Raikage, with his lightning chakra mode, is said to be the strongest Raikage. His power even surpassed the Two-Tails in terms of chakra quantity!"
With renewed determination, an idea sparked within him. "The flame breathing technique would be the perfect foundation for my chakra mode.
Combining it with the breath of fire chakra will activate my cells, molding a fire body unique to this mode."
He activated his comprehension skill, diving deep into the details of the technique.
As the concepts began to coalesce in his mind, he utilized his creation skill to bring it into reality.
Hiruzen established a rhythm for the fire breathing technique, then focused on molding chakra from his tenketsu points.
Gradually, a fire chakra cloak began to take shape around his body, reminiscent of Naruto's Nine-Tails chakra mode.
The armor sported simple white lines that flowed from his legs to his neck, with similar designs accentuating his arms.
The blue and white cloak enveloped him, flowing gracefully over a blue jumpsuit.
The chakra was controlled with extreme precision, maintaining a width of about ten centimeters around him—unlike the Raikage's overflow. This was a testament to Hiruzen's mastery of chakra control.
Once satisfied with the initial design, he summoned a clone for a sparring session.
As the clone charged and their fists collided, it immediately dispersed in a puff of smoke.
"The temperature is overwhelming," Hiruzen observed, noting how even his clones struggled against the sheer heat.
Undeterred, he continued sparring with another clone. Both of them donned the fire chakra cloak, and the intensity of their battle distorted the air around them.
A kunai that grazed Hiruzen's cloak melted instantly, sending droplets of molten metal splattering to the ground.
After five hours of rigorous testing, Hiruzen perfected the fire chakra mode, making it compatible with other fire ninjutsu.
"I can use this with minimal chakra," he thought, exhilarated. "As long as the user has high chakra control, they can unleash its full potential."
This technique was classified as an S-rank jutsu due to its high nature transformation and shape transformation demands.
It would remain exclusive to the Sarutobi clan, requiring a very powerful degree of fire nature change.
"The fire chakra mode enhances everything," he noted, contemplating its advantages. "Senses, speed, explosive strength, and chakra enhancement—it's a powerhouse!"
However, mastery would take time. A minimum of one to three years for the naturally talented, and perhaps seven to ten years for those without such gifts.
But for the Sarutobi clan, who were now powerful in fire nature change, this technique might become second nature with enough training.
Excited about his progress, Hiruzen decided to develop several S-rank fire ninjutsu exclusive to his clan.
He drafted the following techniques:
- **S-rank:** *Great Flame Incinerating Stream*
- **S-rank:** *Great Flame Exploding Flower Jutsu* (akin to Meteor Rain)
- **S-rank:** *Nine Pillar Prison Sealing Jutsu*
- **S-rank:** *Fire God Descent Technique* (similar to Wood Golem Jutsu)
With the techniques honed and ready for demonstration, Hiruzen made his way to the Sarutobi clan compound, his heart racing with anticipation.
Upon arrival, he summoned a guard and instructed, "Call every member of the clan to the meeting hall."
Seated as the clan leader, Hiruzen waited for his fellow clan members to gather.
When everyone was seated, he stood, the weight of leadership settling upon his shoulders.
"Today, after a month of intense training on our clan's secret techniques, I have developed several exclusive S-rank techniques," Hiruzen announced, his voice steady.
Gasps of awe rippled through the crowd. The high-ranking ninja leaned in closer, eager to hear more.
"I have also achieved mastery of fire nature transformation," Hiruzen continued, the excitement in his voice growing.
"This mastery allows us to access a different, more powerful form of fire, which I believe all of you will be able to harness. Use your fire chakra now!"
At his command, the air thickened as everyone began accessing their fire chakra. The temperature in the hall surged as blue flames ignited in their hands.
Members of the clan exchanged astonished glances, realization dawning upon them. "I can automatically control fire chakra!" one exclaimed, shock evident in their voice. "And my chakra manipulation has improved drastically!"
"Me too!" another member chimed in, the joy palpable.
Elder Murasaki turned to Hiruzen, his brow furrowed in disbelief. "Are these changes your doing? How can we all use this so easily?"
All eyes turned to Hiruzen as he explained, "You are right, Elder Murasaki. In my quest for greater strength, I've been working on seals to enhance our abilities."
He paused, gauging their reactions.
"I created a seal called the bloodline seal. This seal enhances, integrates, and purifies our bloodline. Once I achieved mastery of blue fire nature change, I integrated it into our clan's bloodline, granting us the ability to naturally master fire nature change and increasing our chakra affinity."
"Those who previously couldn't become ninja now they too can become one."
A stunned silence followed, the weight of his revelation settling over the room.
Many thought such manipulation of a bloodline impossible.
But as they felt the power coursing through them, shock transformed into joy, followed by proud laughter and celebration.
Elder Murasaki broke the silence, his voice rich with emotion.
"Hiruzen, I've been in this clan since your father's time. Watching you accomplish feats I once thought unimaginable makes me believe you truly are the greatest genius in our clan's history."
A murmur of agreement rippled through the hall.
"Even your father, Sasuke Sarutobi, who was once hailed as the mightiest ninja of the Sarutobi clan during the Warring States period, would be dwarfed by your exceptional abilities," Murasaki continued, his eyes shining with admiration.
Kizaru Sarutobi, another elder, nodded vigorously. "Under your leadership, we may one day surpass every other clan in the village. With these new techniques and bloodline enhancements, we might even rival the Uchiha, Senju, and Hyuga clans."
"Just think," Murasaki added, his voice rising with excitement. "We might even surpass the Uchiha in fire affinity abilities and jutsu—now! Right under our noses!"
Hiruzen felt a swell of pride at the hope igniting in their eyes.
"It's not just about strength," he said, raising his voice to rally them. "It's about what we can achieve together. This is just the beginning."
As cheers erupted from the clan members, Hiruzen smiled, feeling the weight of his clan's hopes resting on his shoulders.
In this moment, he knew they were not just a clan—they were a family bound by their shared dreams and aspirations.
With determination burning in their hearts, Hiruzen felt more confident than ever.
The Sarutobi clan was ready to rise, destined to leave an indelible mark on the world of ninjutsu.
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