Both Bunpuku and Shukaku looked pleased with the outcome.
Hiruzen turned to Bunpuku and reassured him, "I'll help you get used to Shukaku's chakra first."
Bunpuku nodded, focusing on adjusting to the new power flowing through him. After a while, the pain on his face eased.
"Hokage-sama, I think I'm getting used to it," Bunpuku said.
Hiruzen then turned to Shukaku, "Alright, Shukaku, it's your turn now."
Forming his right hand into a claw, Hiruzen activated the sealing process. A chakra channel appeared on Bunpuku's abdomen. With a light tap on Shukaku, the tailed beast transformed into a fluid-like energy and slowly flowed into Bunpuku's body. As the last traces of chakra settled, an intricate sealing pattern formed on Bunpuku's stomach.
Hiruzen let out a deep breath. Wiping away imaginary sweat, he turned to the gathered shinobi of Sunagakure.
"It's done," he announced.
However, as he looked back at Bunpuku, his eyes widened in surprise.
Shukaku was already leaking out of the seal, his chakra flowing back into the open air.
Caught in the act, Shukaku chuckled sheepishly. "Ehehe… Sarutobi, let me try again, okay? You're a good guy, you kept your promise. I'm tired now, so I'll go back to sleep. You all can take your time."
With that, Shukaku's chakra flowed back into Bunpuku's body, sealing itself properly this time.
Seeing that everything was finally stable, Hiruzen gathered the Sand shinobi to discuss the situation.
Takumi couldn't contain his curiosity, "Hokage, how is Shukaku able to enter and exit the seal freely?"
Hiruzen explained, "We made an agreement—Bunpuku will take Shukaku around the world. So, of course, Shukaku has the freedom to come out whenever it wants. Every tailed beast has its own will and personality, and Shukaku is no exception. The key to a perfect Jinchūriki isn't treating the beast as a mere weapon, but rather as a companion and friend."
Takumi still had some concerns, "But what if Shukaku comes out and runs wild again?"
Hiruzen took out a scroll, "My sealing method is called Five Elements Mutual Generation—it benefits both Bunpuku and Shukaku. However, this scroll contains a secondary function: it can switch to Five Elements Mutual Restraint mode, which acts as a fail-safe.
If activated, all of Shukaku's chakra will be forcibly sealed, causing both the Jinchūriki and the beast discomfort. It will suppress their chakra entirely."
He handed the scroll to Bunpuku, "You should be the one to hold onto this. Right now, I'm the only one who can manually release the restraint once it's activated. But be warned—using this seal too easily could ruin the trust you've built with Shukaku. Once that trust is gone, it'll be hard to regain."
Hiruzen didn't elaborate further—this was Sunagakure's business, and it wasn't his place to interfere too much.
The Sand shinobi collectively sighed in relief. With this control mechanism, they had a safeguard in place. Who would ultimately hold the key was a matter for the village to decide later.
Shamon stepped forward and bowed slightly. "Hokage-sama, we are grateful for your help. Sunagakure will remember this. May the friendship between our villages last forever."
Hiruzen nodded, "May the bond between Konoha and Sunagakure remain strong."
Returning to Konoha —
The next day, Sunagakure held a ceremonial banquet to display the alliance between the two villages. Photographs were taken, formalities were observed—it was all for public show. The real negotiations had already taken place behind closed doors, away from the eyes of ordinary villagers.
With their mission complete, Hiruzen and his group departed for Konoha.
A Discussion in the Kazekage's Office —
Back in the Kazekage's office, Shamon, Takumi, and Chiyo sat together, reflecting on recent events.
Shamon spoke first, "What are your thoughts on all this?"
Chiyo sighed, "It's good that we've strengthened ties with Konoha, but I still don't fully trust Hiruzen. I feel like there are things he hasn't told us. Some of his methods are beyond my understanding."
Takumi shook his head, "Hokage hasn't done anything to harm us. If anything, he seems focused on something much bigger than just Konoha. His actions aren't those of a village leader seeking power—he's working at the level of the entire shinobi world."
Shamon nodded thoughtfully, "From the Warring States Period to the Hidden Village era, every major shift has been led by a figure of great influence. They don't just lead their own people—they guide the entire ninja world forward."
"Twenty years ago, Senju Hashirama emerged, bringing an end to the Warring States era and creating the Hidden Village system. Now, Sarutobi Hiruzen is taking the next step—establishing the Five Kage Summit as a permanent council, strengthening international cooperation, and reducing the risk of war."
"You've seen his strength—he's practically a force of nature. He's not just powerful; he's a brilliant strategist. If Sunagakure wants to grow stronger, we should align ourselves with him. This could be our chance to rise from being the weakest of the Five Great Nations."
Hearing his mentor's high praise, Chiyo couldn't help but scoff. "I don't think Hiruzen is anything special. Sure, he helped form the Five Kage Summit and prevented war, but doesn't that just prove that Konoha can't afford to fight anymore? Even their willingness to compromise with Kumogakure suggests weakness."
"And now, he's trying to win over Sunagakure? It's obvious—he just wants us on his side at the next summit."
Shamon's face darkened with irritation.
"You fool! Is that all you see? Do you truly believe Konoha is weak? Did you not witness Hiruzen's power firsthand? Do you think you could have survived even one of his techniques?"
Chiyo fell silent.
Shamon continued, his voice sharp, "Tailed Beasts are nothing to him. Do you even realize how effortlessly he subdued the Eight-Tails during the early Five Kage Summit negotiations?"
"And now you talk about Konoha's 'weakness'? Have you forgotten the clan heads of Konoha's elite families? They've been on the battlefield countless times. They may not flaunt their power, but that doesn't mean it's not there."
"You refuse to acknowledge the strengths of others, so all you see is deception. That kind of thinking is what makes you so short-sighted."
Shamon's patience snapped, "Leave. Go to the Land of Iron as an ambassador. I'll make sure someone takes good care of your son."
Chiyo clenched her fists but didn't argue. She knew her mentor had made his decision.
A bitter smile crossed her face, "I suppose I've disappointed you, sensei. I'll make my preparations and depart soon."
As Chiyo staggered out of the Kazekage's office, Shamon watched her go, hesitating as if he wanted to say something. In the end, he remained silent.
After a long pause, he turned to Takumi, exhaustion evident in his voice.
"Take care of your senior sister," he said. "And go make preparations for the Kazekage succession ceremony."
Takumi didn't leave right away. He seemed deep in thought.
Shamon studied him for a moment before Takumi finally spoke.
"I will take care of her," Takumi said. "After all, aside from you, sensei, she's the one closest to me. I never hated her for competing with me—we both had our ambitions and now, I've won. As long as she and her faction don't stand in my way, I won't move against them. But if they do… I won't have a choice either."
"Still, I would never harm her life."
With that, Takumi turned and left.
Shamon remained seated, a complex expression on his face. The children had grown up. They had their own thoughts, their own paths.
The Konoha Delegation's Journey Home —
As the Konoha delegation traveled back, Hiruzen pressed forward while experimenting with his newly developed electromagnetic abilities.
Over the past few days, he had refined several applications:
1. Electromagnetic Sensory – He could now detect energy fluctuations within a 20-kilometer radius using electromagnetic induction, a massive advantage for reconnaissance.
2. Magnetism Manipulation – Similar to Magnet from his past life, he could control metal objects with ease. He had yet to test the full extent of this power, but at the very least, he could replicate Magneto's conventional attacks.
3. Gravity and Repulsion Control – By manipulating electromagnetic forces, he could alter gravity, develop new techniques, and even create a powerful force field shield. This also granted him the ability to fly.
4. Electromagnetic Railgun – He could accelerate metal objects at extreme speeds, turning a simple kunai into a devastating projectile capable of piercing multiple trees.
5. Optical Camouflage – Using electromagnetic refraction, he had achieved a form of invisibility.
Electromagnetism had vast potential, but unfortunately, most of the knowledge from his past life had long faded. He would have to rely on his own experimentation and memory to develop new techniques.
As night fell, the group found a cave to rest in.
After a simple meal, Hiruzen called for Shinku, Sakumo, and Naoto, leading them outside for a private discussion.
Inside the cave, Shikatsu observed this quietly. He had sharp instincts—this was a talk between the Hokage and his apprentices, not something for others to interfere with.
As the cave grew silent, he turned to Torifu and asked, "What do you think about our clans sending one of our own to be the Hokage's disciple? I noticed that Hokage-sama has taken in three more students without making much noise about it."
Torifu looked a little uncomfortable. On one side was his clan's interests, on the other was his close teammate. He hesitated before speaking carefully.
"Uncle Shikatsu, I think you're overthinking this. Look at me—I'm already the Hokage's assistant. Even if I don't actually manage anything, I still have the title."
"And what about Shikaru? He's serving as the Hokage's secretary. And you? You've been appointed as the Hokage's advisor."
"Do you really think we should push for one of our own to become a personal disciple, too? Isn't that a bit greedy? Honestly, I think Hiruzen has already been more than generous to us."
Shikatsu was taken aback. He hadn't realized just how much influence their three clans had accumulated. If this continued, they'd become a major target for criticism.
"You're right," Shikatsu admitted. "We shouldn't get any closer to the Hokage. The balance is already delicate."
Torifu shook his head, "There's no need to deliberately distance ourselves either. That wouldn't be good for us in the long run. The best approach is to maintain a natural relationship with Hiruzen.
"Besides, our next generation will grow up soon enough. For now, we don't need to push for more influence."
"But regardless, our clans are already a part of the Hokage's faction. That much is inevitable."
Shikatsu let out a deep sigh.
"People always say the Nara Clan is the smartest… but I think you're the real genius here, Torifu."
Torifu grinned. "Hehe… hehe…"