Chapter 262: The Conditions for Baryon Mode
The Limited Tsukuyomi world completely dissolved, and everyone returned to their original position outside Amegakure.
Elsewhere, the two from Kumogakure also reappeared where they had initially stood.
The pair exchanged silent glances for a moment before Yugito was the first to speak.
"Let's keep moving. At the very least, we've confirmed that they're genuinely friendly."
Naturally, they had witnessed the final scene of the Limited Tsukuyomi— Shiromo's candid explanation to [Terumi Mei] and [Konan], revealing that their purpose in entering the illusionary world was to transfer tailed beasts into reality.
Akatsuki had gone to extraordinary lengths, making a massive detour simply to avoid harming real-world jinchūriki and tailed beasts.
If that didn't demonstrate sincerity, what would?
Even if the Raikage were to issue orders to sever ties or maintain distance, Yugito would not obey. And in truth, the Raikage's directive had always been one of alliance.
"Should we report this to Raikage-sama?"
Samui nodded in agreement with Yugito's assessment before asking.
"…Let's proceed with the alliance first. We'll decide afterward."
Yugito hesitated slightly.
"Since they didn't hide anything from us, they most likely expect us to relay the information."
"It's just…"
She frowned.
"The events inside that Limited Tsukuyomi were far too bizarre. If we tell Raikage-sama directly, he'll probably think we've lost our minds reading forbidden texts."
"..."
That was undeniably true.
Samui briefly imagined herself attempting to explain what they had seen.
Forget telling the Raikage.
Even if she told Karui or her brother Atsui, the most likely outcome would be suspicion.
Suspicion of what hardly needed stating.
"Oh? You're telling us that you and Yugito were together in some alternate-world fantasy dimension?"
"So you're testing our reaction, aren't you?"
"You're trying to see if we'd accept the two of you being together, right?"
Samui shuddered.
That scenario was far too horrifying to contemplate.
Better to follow Yugito's approach.
They resumed their journey toward Amegakure.
Hopefully, once the alliance was formalized, their counterparts might offer some guidance.
---
Outside Amegakure.
Tsunade was happily organizing her notes.
This trip had yielded substantial gains.
Meanwhile, Nohara Rin was attempting to process the knowledge transmitted from her Limited Tsukuyomi counterpart.
Unfortunately, this world's Rin had only studied basic medical ninjutsu. The advanced material was utterly beyond her comprehension.
She recognized every word.
Yet understood none of it.
The only option was to explain everything aloud and rely on Orochimaru and Tobirama for interpretation.
"I see now."
Orochimaru grasped the concept almost instantly.
Shiromo had once explained Baryon Mode to him. But research could not be rushed; it required careful prioritization.
Thus, Orochimaru had only examined the theory briefly before setting it aside.
"So? Can it be used?"
After storing her notes, Tsunade looked up.
Upon returning, Shiromo had once again explained Baryon Mode to everyone present.
Most of them had never heard of it before.
Their only intuitive impression came from Shiromo's final actions.
He had struck with shocking brutality.
That was the sole thing they clearly understood.
Previously, when confronting Minato, Shiromo had merely landed a surprise punch through the heart and sent him flying—a tactical move to prevent Flying Thunder God escape.
This time…
He had beaten [Nohara Rin] into something resembling minced meat.
Yet after hearing Shiromo's explanation, no one questioned the necessity.
Against such an opponent, even the slightest carelessness could have been catastrophic.
And when they learned that Rin had transmitted knowledge from the illusionary world…
Excitement surged through the group.
That knowledge alone represented the equivalent of nine additional combatants capable of opposing the Ōtsutsuki.
"It can be used."
Orochimaru gave his conclusion.
"But there are prerequisites."
"What prerequisites? If Rin from that world could master it, surely we can as well?"
Kushina asked eagerly.
Her thoughts were already racing.
If possible, she would learn Baryon Mode first—then teach Naruto.
"Reconciliation with the tailed beast. Becoming a perfect jinchūriki. That is the first step."
Orochimaru glanced at Kushina.
As a former contender for Fourth Hokage, he was well aware that Kushina's relationship with Kurama had been… strained.
Sure enough, Kushina's expression immediately darkened.
"There's no alternative?"
"In that world, Rin clearly forced it."
"It was not forced."
Orochimaru shook his head.
"The tailed beasts of the Limited Tsukuyomi world were the complete opposite of their real-world counterparts."
"They were… indiscriminately receptive enthusiasts."
"Thus, reconciliation was unnecessary."
"…Ah?"
Kushina blinked.
"Wait… so when Menma said 'you are no longer a promiscuous demon fox' he was being literal?"
Realization dawned.
"I understand now…"
"And the second step?"
Tsunade asked.
The first requirement was difficult, but not impossible.
After all, the Ōtsutsuki would inevitably seek tailed beasts.
Under sufficient persuasion, jinchūriki and tailed beasts could potentially reach understanding.
"The second step…"
Orochimaru paused.
"…is education for the tailed beast."
"…What?"
"…Education?"
How did those words even belong in the same sentence?
"Yes."
"Because Baryon Mode's true core lies not with the jinchūriki, but with the tailed beast itself—which serves as the fuel."
Orochimaru turned toward Shiromo.
"When Shiromo first described Baryon Mode, he mentioned that future Naruto, even after decades, had developed no new techniques."
"Meanwhile, Kurama secretly studied."
"It was Kurama who mastered Baryon Mode."
"And yet, they could activate it instantly when needed."
"The essential factor is the tailed beast's mastery."
"Even if a jinchūriki learned the theory, their chakra reserves would be insufficient."
"A human's chakra, even that of the Uzumaki, could not sustain fusion for more than seconds."
"They would die immediately."
"And unlike tailed beasts, humans lack automatic recovery."
Orochimaru suddenly frowned.
"…Hm."
Tobirama's eyes narrowed.
"…Interesting."
Slowly…
Everyone turned to look at Hashirama.
After all…
There was someone whose chakra rivaled that of a tailed beast.
And as an Impure World Reincarnation body, his chakra—like a tailed beast's—would regenerate even if consumed.
"…Why are you all staring at me?"
Hashirama blinked.
"…Wait."
"You're not seriously considering sealing me into someone like a tailed beast, are you?!"
He took a step back in alarm.
Tobirama waved dismissively.
"Forget it."
"With his intelligence, he'd never learn it anyway."
(End of this chapter)