An energy reservoir that required recharging after every single use was utterly unacceptable.
At the very least, it should be able to last for hundreds of uses on a single charge... While mentally complaining like this, Seiki continued his train of thought. "Besides that, I need to improve the unsealing process of the Yin Seal."
When the Yin Seal was unsealed, black markings spread from the diamond-shaped mark on the forehead throughout the body.
If he used it a few times, wouldn't everyone discover the Sage Chakra he had stored away?
Initially, he could have explained it as taking some extra power from the Dragon Veins while sealing them. But people weren't stupid—if they noticed that the chakra in his Yin Seal never ran out, they'd realize he had left himself a backdoor.
Therefore, he might as well mask the Yin Seal's unsealing as an immediate transformation into Sage Mode.
If Hashirama Senju could do it, why couldn't Seiki Shimaseki?
"The good thing is that Sage Mode also comes with facial markings—I should either shape the Yin Seal's markings to match those or simply let Sage Mode's face paint fully override them."
Thinking to himself, Seiki shook his head slightly. "Putting the Yin Seal matter aside for now, it's time to handle Satori."
The reason he sent Asuma and the others away wasn't just to guide Naruto, but also to obtain Satori's ability.
Mind Reading—a skill that's incredibly useful.
Not only was it helpful in battle, but also extremely valuable when planning strategies.
However, there was an issue now regarding what to do after sealing such an ancient monstrous being.
This was different from sealing tailed beast chakra—it had been lifeless before, but this time it was a highly dangerous living entity.
According to standard protocol, upon returning, he should hand over the scroll containing Satori's seal to be stored within the village archives.
But in such a short amount of time, there was absolutely no way he could master Mind Reading yet.
"Therefore, I need to find a way to extract Satori's ability first! Or alternatively, 'kill' him so their attention turns toward sealing the Wish-Granting Casket instead."
Seiki murmured thoughtfully as he leaped onto the surface, sealing the entire underground altar as well.
At that moment, Sāra approached gracefully.
"Are you leaving too?"
Seiki nodded slightly. "Our side is still in the middle of war—we cannot delay any further."
Sāra remained silent for a moment before smiling brightly. "You're the hero who saved Loulan—I believe you will certainly become a hero on your battlefield too!"
"Thank you." Seiki naturally accepted her blessing. "By the way, have you found that casket yet?"
Although Satori came alone, the Wish-Granting Casket usually wouldn't be far from him.
Now speaking of business, Saara also became serious. "We've already found it."
Seiki smiled. "That should be the final threat left—please trouble yourself to take me there for sealing it."
Without hesitation, Sāra led Seiki to a grand wooden palace.
Looking at the palace, Sāra couldn't help but sigh. "The craftsmanship of that Jōnin Yamato truly is exquisite. Without seeing it myself, I would never imagine this palace had been constructed entirely through ninjutsu."
Nodding in agreement, Seiki said, "Jōnin Yamato indeed has great talent in this area."
"It's easy enough to build a house with Wood Release, but getting it fully furnished? That's the real challenge."
The two walked into the backyard, where the [Wish-Granting Casket] sat quietly inside the garden.
"That's right, this is it." After confirming everything was correct, Seiki took out a scroll and sealed the [Wish-Granting Casket] inside.
"Mission complete," Seiki said. "It's time for me to leave."
"Sure! Come visit me when you have time!"
...
Meanwhile, in the upper-level meeting of Konoha.
"Hiruzen, what exactly are you thinking? You actually agreed to peace talks and gave up our right to demand compensation..." Danzo slammed the table angrily. "It looks like we lost the war!"
Homura Mitokado and another elder frowned slightly.
"This is to end the war as soon as possible," The Third took a puff from his pipe, his expression calm. "Don't forget, we have more than one battlefield."
Danzo's face turned cold. "So what? If we continue fighting, we will definitely win!"
The Third sighed. "You don't understand the impact the Western Front ceasefire has had on the village over this past year. Once people settle into comfort, it becomes nearly impossible to bring them back to high alert."
Homura Mitokado nodded. "There indeed is much anti-war sentiment within the village now."
"Then suppress it!" Danzo said coldly. "What do we have Anbu for? They should arrest those spreading negative emotions—who knows, maybe there are even Iwa spies among them!"
The Third gave him a cold stare. "Danzo, you've gone too far!"
"You're simply too soft, old friend!" Danzo shot back. "Didn't the first two wars teach you anything? Until we strike them hard enough, they will surely start another war sooner or later!"
"So then?" The Third sighed. "Do you really think wiping out Iwagakure is the solution? The Land of Earth isn't like the Sky Country. If we really go that far, not only Cloud and Mist, even our ally Suna will become wary and hostile toward us!"
Danzo snorted coldly. "Even if we don't destroy them completely, Iwa must still pay dearly!"
"This is what worries me most!" The Third pinched the bridge of his nose with a slight headache. "That old sly fox Onoki sensed our concerns and boldly threatened us, saying that if we refused peace talks, Iwa would fight to the last soldier rather than surrender."
Danzo scoffed contemptuously. "You're worried? That guy Onoki is even more worried. He revealed his entire hand too early—let's see how he handles things afterward."
The Third suddenly raised his head, eyeing Danzo suspiciously. "Wait a second... Are you also playing those little games created by Seiki?"
Danzo's face stiffened. He mumbled evasively, "What nonsense! Me? Waste my time playing such trivial games?"
The Third just smiled without exposing him directly. "Iwagakure values unity above all else. Once that disappears, the Iwa we once knew will cease to exist."
"So, although Iwa is willing to make some compromises domestically, diplomatically they absolutely cannot be seen as surrendering. This is Onoki's bottom line."
"Hmph, sounds just like Onoki's style."
Danzo leaned back, his fingers lightly tapping on the table. "What are their hidden conditions?"
The Third said with a smile, "As part of the peace agreement, Iwagakure will wage war against the Cloud Village next!"
"Wage war against the Cloud Village?" Danzo scoffed sarcastically. "They call it peace talks, but I think they're just looking to exploit the chaos and pillage, don't you?"
"Regardless, this war has already lasted long enough!" The Third said firmly. "Accept Iwagakure's offer for peace and end this nightmare as soon as possible!"
However, have you thought about how to take responsibility?" Danzo narrowed his eyes while looking over. "This covert arrangement must remain hidden. In other words, you must take full responsibility for this meaningless war!"
Homura Mitokado frowned. "Danzo, you—"
The Third raised his right hand, signaling Homura not to continue. "Once the war's over, I'll step down as Hokage!"
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