The Book of Seals, guarded by successive Hokage, was a repository of forbidden techniques, each sealed due to the extreme difficulty in mastering them or the severe side effects they carried. A single misstep in using these techniques could lead to catastrophic consequences.
Despite the challenges, those who could master these forbidden techniques would gain tremendous power. For instance, the Fourth Hokage's fame as the Yellow Flash was built upon his successful mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, a time-space ninjutsu found in the Book of Seals. Similarly, Orochimaru's ability to transfer his soul into new bodies and attain near immortality came from the technique of Reincarnation, also within the Book of Seals.
These techniques, while perilous, were highly coveted. Their immense power tempted many, despite the consequences of mastering them.
"Flying Thunder God and Eight Gates...," Uchiha Fugaku muttered to himself, reflecting on the forbidden techniques in the Book of Seals. He was particularly drawn to the Flying Thunder God Technique and Eight Gates Ninjutsu.
The Flying Thunder God was an extremely rare space-time ninjutsu that had earned the Fourth Hokage his legendary title of Yellow Flash. Its power was undeniable. On the other hand, Eight Gates Ninjutsu—a forbidden technique made famous by Might Guy, who had opened the eighth gate to injure even Six Paths Madara—was equally formidable.
"I wonder if I possess the talent for space ninjutsu," Fugaku thought.
Among the two, the Flying Thunder God was far more difficult to master. This technique demanded an extraordinary affinity for manipulating space. Without such talent, even a lifetime of practice would yield little progress. A prime example was the case of Genma Shiranui, Raido Namiashi, and Iwashi Tatami, the personal bodyguards of the Fourth Hokage. Though they had been taught the Flying Thunder God technique, their spatial talent was insufficient. As a result, they could only use the technique in unison, and even then, only for transportation purposes—far less flexible or powerful than the Fourth Hokage's use of it in combat.
Fugaku wasn't sure if he had the required spatial talent, but if he ever got his hands on the Book of Seals, he would certainly try to master it.
"In comparison, the Eight Gates Ninjutsu requires much less spatial talent," Fugaku mused.
Still, Eight Gates was no simple technique. Only two individuals in Konoha had ever pushed this forbidden art to its highest level: Might Dai and his son, Might Guy. Despite their lack of talent in ninjutsu, their skill in taijutsu was extraordinary, allowing them to reach the eighth gate—the Gate of Death.
Considering the number of individuals who had managed to master Eight Gates Ninjutsu, Fugaku concluded that while difficult, it was still far more achievable than the Flying Thunder God. In fact, Fugaku was confident in his own taijutsu talent. He believed that his physical prowess was at least on par with Might Dai and Might Guy. If they could reach the eighth gate, so could he.
"The real issue lies in the side effects of this forbidden technique," Fugaku thought to himself.
Though immensely powerful, the Eight Gates came at a heavy price. Opening the eighth gate granted strength far beyond that of a Kage, but at the cost of one's life. Might Guy had come perilously close to death after opening the final gate; if Naruto hadn't healed him with Six Paths powers, he wouldn't have survived.
"The side effects are dangerous, but I have a way to bypass them," Fugaku considered.
The reason for his keen interest in the Eight Gates was because he believed he could circumvent its lethal consequences. His secret? The use of Real Illusion.
In Real Illusion, any damage he inflicted on enemies would be transferred to their actual bodies, while any harm done to him would not affect his real body. Even if he opened the eighth gate and died within the illusion, his true body would remain unharmed.
This unique ability gave Fugaku a tremendous advantage. He could use the full power of the Eight Gates without any risk to his life, making him an even more dangerous opponent.
"Real Illusion combined with Eight Gates..." Fugaku's lips curled into a smile.
This combination of techniques would undoubtedly make him one of the most powerful shinobi alive, drastically enhancing his combat capabilities.
"This is my opportunity," he thought.
For a while, Fugaku had been looking for the right moment to get his hands on the forbidden Eight Gates technique. Now, with the recent theft of the Sharingan secret scroll, the timing was perfect. The disruption caused by the break-in was an ideal distraction for him to make his move on the Book of Seals.
Stepping out of the secret room, Fugaku called for his guards.
"Who was on duty today? Has anyone reported seeing anything suspicious?"
Soon, word of the break-in spread throughout the Uchiha clan. It wasn't long before the news reached the rest of Konoha.
The incident became a topic of ridicule for many who harbored hostility toward the Uchiha. They found it amusing that the mansion of the Uchiha clan head—a place so heavily guarded—had been infiltrated in broad daylight. It was a great embarrassment for the Uchiha clan.
Meanwhile, back at the Sarutobi residence, the Third Hokage had just returned from the Hokage Building. As he entered his quarters, a silver-haired figure wearing an Anbu mask appeared before him, kneeling respectfully.
"Hokage-sama, news just came in that someone broke into Uchiha Fugaku's secret room. The full extent of the losses is still unknown," the masked shinobi, Hatake Kakashi, reported.
"I see," the Third Hokage replied, his tone calm and unsurprised.
In truth, the Hokage had already been informed of the break-in hours earlier by Uchiha Shisui. Not only that, he had instructed Shisui to make a copy of the Sharingan secret techniques and deliver it to him for safekeeping. Although these techniques were useless to him personally, their value as a part of Konoha's archives was undeniable.
"Hokage-sama, I suspect an outsider may have infiltrated the village. Should we increase the guard at the scroll room?" Kakashi asked.
"There's no need," the Third Hokage answered with a shake of his head. "The security around the scroll room is sufficient. Besides, we cannot afford to divert more manpower at the moment."
Kakashi nodded in acknowledgment. Though he didn't know the full details, the Hokage was already aware that Uchiha Shisui was behind the break-in, and no outside force had breached the village. Hence, additional security was unnecessary.
(End of Chapter).
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