Upon receiving Aburame Shigeo's command, the prepared Spider Squad swiftly moved into action, coordinating to set up a sealing array. Their movements were precise and efficient, and by the time Hashirama Senju and Tobirama Senju's Edo Tensei bodies regenerated, the sealing formation was already complete.
"Seal!"
With a synchronized shout, the sealing formation on the ground seemed to come alive. Intricate characters surged toward Hashirama and Tobirama, finally forming a **封** symbol encircled by runes on their chests.
As the seal took effect, their skin lost its human hue, reverting to the color of clay. Because it was a seal and not destruction, their Edo Tensei forms did not crumble but stood motionless, resembling clay statues.
The Spider Squad members understood that unsealing them would reawaken these powerful figures, turning them back into emotionless killing machines. However, none of them showed fear; their faith in Aburame Shigeo was absolute.
With him leading, even facing the legendary First and Second Hokage wasn't intimidating.
"Sir, the sealing is complete!"
The squad leader knelt on one knee, reporting to Shigeo with reverence.
"The seal is stable. Unless it's completely destroyed, the First and Second Hokage won't revive. What are your orders for them next?"
"Secretly transfer them to the Security Division," Shigeo said, pushing up his sunglasses with a smirk.
"Heh. If any other village steps out of line, we'll just unseal these two and toss them into their village to let them feel the true power of the former Hokage!"
"Uh…"
The squad members looked stunned at the suggestion. Seeing their reactions, Shigeo burst into laughter.
"Ha ha, just kidding! The First and Second are our Konoha's legacy; we can't just throw them around. Secure them in the treasury at the Security Division."
Hearing this, one squad member couldn't help but ask, "Sir, why the treasury?"
"Because it's the safest place!" Shigeo chuckled. "No one would think we'd hide them there."
"Oh!"
The group nodded, their faces lighting up with realization.
"Brilliant, sir!"
"This way, the First and Second Hokage will never resurface!"
"Exactly, let them rest in peace there!"
Satisfied with their responses, Shigeo nodded and waved them off.
"Alright, we'll discuss the details later. You all handle the cleanup. Check the base for any other exits!"
"Yes, sir!"
The squad dispersed, leaving Shigeo alone with the sealed Senju brothers.
Once it was quiet, the red markings on Shigeo's face gradually faded, revealing his usual appearance.
At that moment, Sasuke's voice came from behind him:
"What were those markings on your face earlier?"
Shigeo turned, raising an eyebrow at Sasuke.
"Didn't I tell you to head back? Your mission's done—leave already."
"Answer my question first," Sasuke insisted, his face determined.
"That mark that made you stronger—what is it?"
"It's called Sage Mode," Shigeo explained reluctantly, seeing Sasuke's persistence.
"It's an advanced chakra technique that greatly enhances one's power. But it's not suitable for you right now."
"Why not?" Sasuke frowned.
Shigeo spread his hands.
"For one, it's incredibly difficult—you can't learn it. Even if you did, it wouldn't help much. A cup of water, no matter how many times you multiply it, will never be a barrel."
"..."
Sasuke remained silent, but he understood Shigeo's point. Sage Mode amplifies existing strength, and his current base strength wasn't enough to make it worthwhile. It was better to focus on improving his foundation first.
After processing this, Sasuke asked again.
"By our earlier agreement, I'm now a member of the Special Police Force. Can you share your power with me as promised?"
"Well, well!" Shigeo couldn't help but laugh.
"You really do know your stuff. Fine, I'll give you some power. Close your eyes and hold out your hand!"
"..."
Though suspicious, Sasuke complied, extending his arm but keeping his eyes open.
Unbothered, Shigeo waved his sleeve, releasing a blood insect that flew toward Sasuke.
Watching the insect land on his arm, Sasuke asked, "Is this your 'power'?"
"That's right," Shigeo confirmed. "This is power—you'll see soon enough. Brace yourself."
As he finished speaking, the insect sank its fangs into Sasuke's skin.
"Hiss…"
Sasuke winced, instinctively wanting to swat it away, but stopped when he noticed Shigeo's amused expression.
"It's just a bug. Compared to revenge, this is nothing!"
Steeling himself, Sasuke calmed down, even as the insect burrowed into his arm. His face remained impassive.
Seeing this, Shigeo narrowed his eyes.
"The Uchiha clan's obsession runs deep. For now, I can't let him learn the truth about the past. One step at a time…"
Shigeo felt no malice toward Sasuke. The boy was pitiable, after all. Moreover, Shigeo had promised Itachi to look out for Sasuke and was merely fulfilling that promise. Strengthening Sasuke also served another purpose: to push Naruto into healthy competition, accelerating their growth.
When the time came to face Kaguya Otsutsuki, they'd need all the power they could muster.
Unaware of Shigeo's thoughts, Sasuke was thrilled as he felt a surge of chakra coursing through him from the blood insect.
"This chakra is incredible—equal to years of training. So this is the Special Police Force's secret. Amazing, but I need more!"
Turning to Shigeo, he demanded,
"Give me more of these insects! I'll pay any price!"
"No need," Shigeo replied, shaking his head.
"I don't need your 'price.' Letting you into the Special Police Force was already an exception. From now on, no special treatment.
Want more insects? Complete missions to earn money and merit points. Use those points to trade for insects—follow the rules like everyone else!"
"Missions?"
Sasuke frowned but eventually nodded.
"Fine. Give me more missions. I'll finish them all. Forget the money—just give me merit points!"
"Oh?" Shigeo's eyes gleamed with amusement.
"Looks like you're not short on cash. Alright, here's a special offer for you: exchange your money for merit points. Ten thousand ryō per point, and one hundred points gets you a blood insect. How much do you want to 'spend'?"
"..."
*(End of Chapter)*