Fujin answered, "I won't lie to you. It is very difficult. Most Grandmasters will be stumped on how to handle the seal. And that's just the first problem. See this…"
Fujin grabbed a scroll and a pen and placed it on the table. He began drawing the Caged Bird Seal. Hoka was surprised when Fujin began drawing how the seal connected to the nerves in his head.
Fujin said, "It is just a rough drawing. I'm not that good at biology yet, but you should get the basic idea. In order to remove the seal, the person attempting it should be both a Grandmaster in Fuinjutsu and a top-tier Medical Ninja to ensure that there isn't a single mess up. I suppose that should give you an idea."
Hoka replied dejectedly, "That's almost impossible. Does that mean only someone like Lady Tsunade can have a chance?"
Fujin nodded while thinking, 'And Orochimaru, though he isn't an option either.'
Hoka continued, "But she hasn't been in the village for over a decade. Not to mention, she might report me to Hiashi-sama instead of helping me. I can't risk asking her."
Fujin chuckled and said, "Pretty much. Fortunately, you are in luck."
Hoka asked in confusion, "What do you mean?"
Fujin replied, "I was planning to pursue medical ninjutsu more seriously. If you had arrived a couple of days later, you might not have been able to find me here at this time of the day."
Hoka was surprised. This time, it was a pleasant surprise. He was about to express his joy when he suddenly stopped and became serious once again. He said, "Fujin, are you telling the truth or are you planning to pursue it just to help me?
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64ce79d606107d003c23ea27", id: "pf-5140-1"})If it's the latter, then you don't need to do it. You are already busy with the council duties along with missions. And your skills are already too varied with you focusing on Ninjutsu, Taijutsu and Fuinjutsu. Focusing on something as complicated as Medical Ninjutsu while trying to work on my seal will eat into too much of your time. It'll burden you too much."
Fujin raised his eyebrow and asked, "Since when did you become so thoughtful? That said, you don't need to worry. I won't exactly be wasting time while working on your seal. In Fuinjutsu, becoming a Grandmaster is the highest you can achieve.
However, no Grandmaster is satisfied by it. We want to reach the level beyond irrespective of whether it exists or not. Researching that seal might help me take a few steps forward.
As for medical Ninjutsu, as I said, I intended to learn it either way. It is related to one of the jutsus I learnt recently. It was actually my first thought when you asked for my help. However, seeing how complex the seal is, it wouldn't work."
Hoka became curious. He asked, "Which jutsu could have been helpful?"
Fujin replied, "Spirit Transformation jutsu."
Unlike the Flying Thunder God, Fujin didn't intend to keep this technique a secret. In fact, he had already used it in the T&I department and front of Takeshi. So, it was only a matter of time before others knew of it as well.
Hoka asked, "What jutsu is that?"
With a deadpan expression, Fujin asked, "Seriously? Even my 9-year-old student knew about it!"
Hoka blushed in embarrassment and asked, "Well, what does it do?"
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "64cc9e79c7059f003e4ad4b0", id: "pf-5109-1"})Fujin sighed and answered, "It allows you to control your soul and fly around as a spirit. I can use it to remove your soul from your body, which would keep your soul safe even if the seal is activated.
Unfortunately, the seal is very thorough. If your soul leaves your body, the seal will trigger and destroy your eyes and your brain. So even though your soul will be safe, your body will be dead. Without a body, you'll die pretty soon as well."
Hoka was surprised to hear that such a magical Ninjutsu existed and that Fujin knew it. However, understanding that it won't be of much use to him decreased his interest in it.
He said, "That sounds like a great jutsu. A shame that it won't help me."
He sighed before a determined expression appeared on his face. He said, "Thank you, Fujin. I'm not sure what I would have done without your help."
Fujin waved his hand dismissively and said, "It's fine. Don't worry about it. Just don't do anything stupid until I am able to remove the seal. Umm, on second thought, don't do anything stupid even if I succeed in removing the seal."
A smile appeared on Hoka's face. He asked, "Is there anything I can do to help?"
Fujin shook his head and said, "It'd be helpful if you were a Grandmaster as well or an expert in Medical Ninjutsu. However, that will need years or even decades assuming you have some talent in it. Just keep doing what you are, keep your strength hidden and become stronger without letting anyone know about it.
If possible, show interest in the history of your clan but make it seem natural and don't attract any suspicion. If you can find out anything about how the seal was created, then it could be helpful for me.
However, ensure that you don't fall into any trap. Take several months to establish that you have a newfound interest in it and only then slowly approach any centuries-old records."
window.pubfuturetag = window.pubfuturetag || [];window.pubfuturetag.push({unit: "663633fa8ebf7442f0652b33", id: "pf-8817-1"})Hoka nodded and said, "Don't worry, I'll be careful."
The two chatted for some more time about lighter things before Hoka got up to leave. Fujin said, "If you are forced to reveal your strength and notice some strangeness in Hiashi's behavior, start hanging more around me.
Though my reputation is quite high, it isn't high enough to interfere in the Hyuga clan's internal matters yet. However, he'll have some reservations to act against you if he feels that I will investigate your death."
Hoka nodded and said, "I will. Good luck with Medical Ninjutsu."
He left. Fujin saw him leaving and thought, 'Well, if he does, I can dump the kids' Taijutsu training on him. Though they are weak right now, training Taijutsu with a clone will become difficult as their strength increases. It'll also teach them how to fight while hiding their Kekkei Genkai.'
Fujin stopped thinking about it and left his house as well. He flickered a few times and reached the Konoha hospital. Ameki, who was working at the reception desk as usual, was startled as Fujin suddenly appeared in front of her and asked, "Is Yamanaka Yoshi or Isamu in the hospital?"
She immediately recognized Fujin and replied, "Yes, they must be in their office. They don't have any serious cases assigned."
Fujin thanked her and disappeared once again. She sighed and muttered to herself, 'That's cool. I didn't think he'd become a Council Member when he came here to study Mystical Palm jutsu…'
Yoshi was enjoying his tea when he suddenly felt a presence behind him. He immediately became alert and turned around. His eyes immediately landed on Fujin. He complained, "Stop startling me every time you show up. I almost spilled my tea!"
Fujin asked in a deadpan tone, "I arrived as quietly as I could. Why are you getting startled?"
Yoshi said in annoyance, "That's what startles everyone. Stop flickering in the hospital. Anyway, why are you here?"
Fujin sighed and said, "I was here to accept your offer. I expected you to be a bit more excited. I guess I'll ask Lord Hokage to arrange for someone else to guide me."
Yoshi's eyes widened. He cursed, "You brat! After making me beg for years, you think I'll allow you to just run to someone else! Hmph, as if I'll let you!"
Fujin's left eyebrow twitched as he asked, "Are you angry or happy? Make up your mind?"
Even though it seemed like Yoshi was scolding Fujin, a smile could be seen on his face. He replied, "Who said humans can't feel both emotions at the same time?"
Ever since he had taught Mystical Palm jutsu to Fujin, Yoshi had always pestered him to pursue Medical Ninjutsu. Even though Hiruzen had said that Fujin wasn't as talented as he thought and explained that Fujin could master the Mystical Palm jutsu so quickly because he was good at Yin & Yang Release, it didn't change Yoshi's mind as that was equally good.
However, Fujin never agreed to his pestering as he had an extremely busy schedule and couldn't divide his time any further. As a result, all of Yoshi's attempts were futile.
He had almost given up when Fujin suddenly showed up today. He couldn't help but ask, "By the way, why did you suddenly change your mind?"
Fujin tilted his head and asked, "When did I change my mind? I told you that I was too busy with other stuff. My schedule opened up just a few days ago."
Yoshi looked at Fujin with an unconvinced expression and wondered, 'Was he really telling the truth? Oh well, it doesn't matter. He's still 16. That's not too old to start learning Medical Ninjutsu. I just hope that he doesn't get discouraged by the amount of books he'll have to memorize. Young ninjas don't like to do boring things like that.'
