The results of the research were handed over to Shimura Danzō, and there was nothing left to do.
Shimura Danzō obviously couldn't trust the imperial court, and it was impossible to entrust the important matter of transplanting the First Hokage's cells to them. Even the research materials given to him by the imperial court would be thoroughly analyzed by professionals.
Although nothing was gained from this meeting with Danzō, at least he was placated for the time being, preventing him from acting rashly in the short term.
Otherwise, given Danzō's personality, he would certainly seize the opportunity to expand his influence when the Hokage faction was weakened, taking advantage of any decline in the Third Hokage's power to assert his own authority.
Although Danzō claims to love Konoha, his devotion is not enough to offset the mistakes he has committed.
This time, the Nine-Tails was released using the mask and Obito's Kamui. It's hard to believe that the incident wasn't anticipated. After all, it took Chao Yanqian a considerable amount of time to locate the hidden barrier where Uzumaki Kushina was giving birth. If all of this can be blamed on White Zetsu, then it's clear someone leaked the timing of Kushina's delivery.
Yet the Third Hokage still trusts Shimura Danzō. If any action were taken against him now, Hiruzen Sarutobi would never tolerate it.
Therefore, while cooperating with Danzō, Chao Yanqian has been secretly gathering evidence of his crimes. Once the opportunity arises, he will ensure Danzō is executed.
In the following days, apart from attending Be Feng Shuimen's funeral, Chao Yanqian had been studying the Uzumaki Clan's sealing techniques.
According to the historical records of the ninja world, in the past, major villages frequently suffered from Tailed Beast rampages. But since the destruction of the Uzumaki Clan, such incidents have become rare. Though people are unclear about the cause, one thing is certain: the Uzumaki Clan had sealed many of the Tailed Beasts. If Chao Yanqian can master their techniques, he may be able to extract a Tailed Beast's chakra without harming its Jinchūriki.
In the world of Naruto, sealing techniques hold an extremely high status. The very existence of Jinchūriki is thanks to sealing jutsu. Not only were the nine Tailed Beasts sealed using these techniques, even the progenitor of chakra, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, was sealed away for millennia.
Uchiha Itachi's Amaterasu is incredibly powerful the black flames continue to burn until the target is completely incinerated. Kazekage once called it the strongest physical ninjutsu. However, Jiraiya managed to seal the flames with a single Fire Sealing Method.
Therefore, Chao Yanqian is deeply interested in sealing arts not only to control Tailed Beast chakra, but also to enhance his own power.
Learning sealing techniques doesn't happen overnight. Their theoretical foundations are extremely profound. Many shinobi can use them, but few understand their core principles. The Uzumaki Clan's scrolls, however, contain extensive theoretical knowledge and detailed analyses, which are of immense value to Chao Yanqian.
Konoha Hospital.
Knock! Knock! Knock!
Hearing the knock, Chao Yanqian put away the scroll containing sealing technique notes, then looked up and said, "Come in!"
"Lord Chao Yanqian, Lord Hiashi is here," said a medical ninja respectfully.
"Hyūga Hiashi?" Chao Yanqian asked with a frown. "What brings him here?"
"I heard that Lady Hiashi is about to give birth, so he brought her for a check-up," the medical ninja replied.
"Well, then check her. What do you need me for?" Chao Yanqian asked.
"Lord Hiashi hopes you can personally oversee it," the ninja responded.
"All right," Chao Yanqian nodded and followed the ninja to the obstetrics ward.
"Greetings, Senior Hiashi," Chao Yanqian said as he approached.
Although Hiashi was the head of the Hyūga Clan, their statuses were effectively equal. But due to the age difference, addressing each other formally as "lord" would be awkward, so Chao Yanqian addressed him as "senior."
"Chao Yanqian, you're here. My wife was a bit startled today. I'm worried it might affect the baby," Hiashi said anxiously, gripping Chao Yanqian's hand.
Upon hearing this, Chao Yanqian glanced at Huashi and nodded in understanding. It was clear Hiashi's visit under the pretext of a medical check-up was a move to get closer to him.
In Chao Yanqian's impression, Hiashi was typically calm and composed. His feigned panic today was clearly unnatural.
It's not surprising. After all, among Konoha's younger generation, most had fallen during the Nine-Tails' attack. Among Chao Yanqian's peers, he alone had risen to prominence. Even Kakashi still needed more experience.
Compared to others in his generation, Chao Yanqian clearly fell into the category of a prodigy. His performance during the Nine-Tails incident was undeniable. With his fame in Konoha, his status as Tsunade's student, and being part of the Hokage's circle, it was highly likely he'd become the Fifth Hokage.
Given that, the Hyūga Clan seeking to win his favor made sense especially with the Uchiha Clan, another dōjutsu-wielding clan, often compared against them.
Moreover, Hiashi, once a teammate of Chao Yanqian, had died protecting him. This made it all the more likely for Chao Yanqian to sympathize with the Hyūga Clan.
"Never thought I'd become a political target," Chao Yanqian thought bitterly. These powerful clans once looked down on him, but now they sought his favor even using a pretense like "fetal distress" to approach him.
Understanding Hiashi's true intention, Chao Yanqian completed a brief check-up and said, "Senior Hiashi, your wife is in excellent condition. The fetus is healthy and developing well. The child should be born safely within the next few days."
"That's wonderful! Thank you so much, Chao Yanqian. I'm holding a banquet tonight I hope you'll join us," Hiashi said. Despite the words, his expression remained neutral. He clearly already knew his wife's condition was fine. And with the Hyūga Clan's abilities, the idea of their matriarch being "frightened" was laughable.
Chao Yanqian thought for a moment, then nodded. "Thank you, Senior Hiashi. I'll be there on time."
"Good. Then I won't trouble you further. Farewell," Hiashi said, returning to his usual composed demeanor. If Chao Yanqian hadn't already seen through him, he might have believed Hiashi truly came out of concern for his wife and child.
"Take care, Senior Hiashi," Chao Yanqian said.
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