NARUTO: Ninja World Scientific Revolution

The cursed seal used by Hyuga Mirai was unlike Orochimaru's version. His seal contained his own blood and Yin Release chakra, making it highly adaptable to natural energy. Furthermore, Mirai's Yin chakra was notoriously difficult to remove. Having mastered the Spirit Transformation Technique, his control over Yin chakra far surpassed that of the Yamanaka Clan. 

As soon as the seal activated, fiery cloud-like markings spread across Tsunade's body, gradually consuming half of her form. With continued absorption of natural energy, the curse mark would evolve further, unlocking another state. 

Seeing Tsunade writhing in pain, Jiraiya immediately rushed to her side. 

"Tsunade! Are you okay? How do you feel? Let me take you back to Konoha—" 

"Shut up, Jiraiya." 

The invasion of natural energy sent waves of fury coursing through her, making her temper even shorter than usual. But she was no stranger to sealing techniques. Gritting her teeth through the discomfort, she quickly formed a series of hand signs. 

"Evil Sealing Method!"

As the jutsu took effect, intricate sealing patterns appeared across her skin, forcing the flaming cloud-like markings to recede and eventually trapping them within layers of seals. 

Once the process was complete, Tsunade let out a slow exhale, her body drenched in sweat and smeared with traces of blood. 

Relieved that she had stabilized, Jiraiya wasted no time in questioning her. 

"Tsunade, how did you end up fighting Hyuga Mirai?" 

"I ran into him. Had no choice but to fight." 

She didn't want to admit that she had acted on impulse. Under normal circumstances, with her level of concealment skills, she could have avoided detection entirely if she hadn't deliberately revealed herself. 

She was fortunate that Mirai had sent that Uzumaki woman away beforehand. Even more fortunate that Jiraiya had arrived when he did. Otherwise, today's battle would have ended very differently for her. 

"Forget about me—what are you doing here?" 

Tsunade had initially wanted to ask about Konoha's intelligence-gathering, but given that she had been the reckless one, she had no right to blame Jiraiya for any gaps in information. Tracking rogue ninja of Mirai's caliber was no easy feat. Inaccurate intel was to be expected. 

"Konoha is in trouble. I was on my way back when I sensed a battle happening here, so I used the Toad Stealth Technique to get closer." 

Jiraiya had always been in contact with Konoha, even if he rarely responded. But this time, the situation was too severe. He had abandoned his surveillance of the Uzumaki Trade Association in the Land of Fire's capital and immediately set out for the village. 

He then told Tsunade about the Nine-Tails' rampage and Namikaze Minato's death. However, he only had the information from Hiruzen Sarutobi's message. The finer details were still unknown to him. 

"A crisis this massive…" 

Tsunade frowned. She hadn't interacted much with Minato, but she knew he was an exceptionally powerful and dependable shinobi. She was far more familiar with Kushina, having lived with her for a few years during childhood. Even after Tsunade had left on missions, whenever they met, Kushina would still call her "Big Sister Tsunade." 

"...I'll go back with you. I have some business with Kushina anyway." 

She flexed her stiff limbs and immediately noticed something troubling. Despite her use of the Evil Sealing Method, the natural energy was slowly corroding the seal. 

That White-Eyed brat's curse mark was stronger than she had anticipated. Even her advanced sealing techniques couldn't completely suppress it. 

Then again, his proficiency in sealing jutsu likely surpassed her own. If her method had worked that easily, it would have meant underestimating him. 

She didn't yet know the full effects of this curse mark, but she did understand natural energy. Too much exposure could outright kill a shinobi. 

"I'll have to consult Katsuyu about this…" 

With that thought in mind, Tsunade followed Jiraiya to find Shizune before making their way back to Konoha. 

At the coastal border between the Land of Fire and the Land of Tea, Hyuga Mirai regrouped with Ayaka Uzumaki. 

Nohara Rin was also present, though she remained silent. She knew she had angered Mirai and wisely chose to stand quietly at the side. 

"Mirai-sama, are you alright?" 

Ayaka rushed to his side, eyes filled with concern. Seeing Mirai shake his head, indicating he was unharmed, she finally relaxed and obediently took her place beside him. 

"I've already informed Unit 18. A ship will be here in twenty minutes to take us to Roran." 

With that, Mirai sat down and calmly began absorbing natural energy. 

He considered Rin for a moment before making his decision—she would get one more chance. However, once they returned, she would be fitted with a forced combat suit. 

The only reason he had rescued her in the first place was seventy percent because of Obito, and thirty percent because he needed a temporary host for the Three-Tails. Her medical skills were indeed valuable, but she was mistaking his trust for a license to act recklessly. 

If this behavior wasn't corrected now, it would become a ticking time bomb. 

Once they returned, he would place her in confinement and observe her actions. If she disobeyed him again—prioritizing her misplaced kindness over his direct orders—then her usefulness would come to an end. 

Had it not been for Obito and the Three-Tails, Mirai wouldn't have tolerated Rin this long. 

Ayaka sensed his displeasure but said nothing in Rin's defense. 

Having spent enough time by Mirai's side, she knew that while he was lenient with his own people, Rin's actions had crossed a line. Even Ayaka found them difficult to forgive. 

Although she respected Rin's medical abilities, her behavior made it impossible to defend her. 

Soon, their ship arrived, and they set sail for Roran. 

--- 

Roran had developed significantly under Hyuga Mirai's influence. The environment had improved, the oasis had expanded, and the city itself had grown. Many citizens voluntarily moved into newly built homes outside the main city, freeing up space around the Dragon Vein Tower. 

The Uzumaki Trade Association had played a major role in this progress. In fact, its reputation now rivaled that of Queen Sara herself. 

The people of Roran still loved their queen, but it was the Trade Association that provided their food, wages, and all their goods from the outside world. 

Once, Queen Sara could rally her people to take up arms if needed. 

Now, if she gave such an order, nearly half of Roran's population would side with the Trade Association instead. 

And as time passed, that number would only grow. 

Upon arrival, Mirai immediately ordered Unit 18 to place Rin under house arrest. Then he turned his attention to another matter. 

"How is Haku?" he inquired. 

"The same as ever," came the report. "His personality hasn't changed, and he hasn't slacked on training even once. He understands that his bloodline and abilities are what Mirai-sama values, so he refuses to become complacent." 

'Haku's current physique still isn't strong enough to handle a tailed beast. He needs to adapt to Sage Mode first before attempting a transfer.' 

With that decision made, Mirai turned to Ayaka. 

"Ayaka, before you go train with the Dragon Vein, leave some of the Nine-Tails' chakra for me to study." 

"I understand, Mirai-sama." 

She hesitated for a moment, then added, "I will do my best to master the Nine-Tails' power." 

"As long as you adapt to its chakra, that's enough. If it refuses to cooperate, I may have to erase its consciousness entirely." 

Mirai spoke calmly, but his words carried an undeniable weight. Through his Byakugan, he could see the sealed space within Ayaka—where the Nine-Tails stirred restlessly. 

His remark wasn't just for Ayaka. 

It was a warning. 

"Damn humans!!" 

Within the sealed space, Kurama bared its fangs in rage. 

To think this man dared to speak of erasing its very mind… 

If it ever escaped, it would rip this wretched human apart!

(End of Chapter)