Chapter 16: The Forbidden Plan
The promise of the Shadow Clone Jutsu and the threat of expulsion lit a fire under Class A. Everyone threw themselves into mastering the Three Body Techniques, desperation and ambition driving their every move. Arata, though, hit a wall with the Clone Technique. Its 22 release points, scattered across different meridians, were a nightmare. His Byakugan's inner vision let him grasp the technique's flow, but his blocked meridians—stifled by the caged bird curse—refused to cooperate.
"Damn it," Arata muttered, clenching his fists. "I'm so close, but these meridians…" Using chakra and blood to open them was too slow; he'd never make it in a month. Without the Clone Technique, he'd miss the Shadow Clone reward—and risk getting kicked out.
He watched his classmates with his Byakugan. Most were progressing, some faster than others. Minato was a standout, his chakra control nearly perfect, already close to nailing the Clone Technique. Fourth Hokage material, no doubt, Arata thought. Kushina, though, was struggling, her massive chakra reserves too wild to tame.
The Shadow Clone Jutsu was a prize worth fighting for. It'd let Arata dodge Mori's harassment, giving him breathing room to train. Speaking of Mori, his goons had been relentless, tailing Arata daily. Thanks to his Transformation Technique, honed under their "pressure," he'd slip past them, turning into a rock or a tree to evade their traps. This morning, he'd used a Substitution Jutsu to duck them, emerging from behind a boulder as they stormed off in frustration.
"Do these guys have nothing better to do?" Arata grumbled, heading toward the academy.
A figure blocked his path—Hyuga Mori. "Going somewhere, Arata?" the fake Mori sneered.
Arata sighed, rolling his eyes. "Nice try, Kushina. Your black eyes gave you away."
With a poof, Kushina dropped the Transformation, pouting. "Ugh, your Byakugan's such a cheat! How am I supposed to prank you?"
Arata smirked. "Maybe pick someone without x-ray vision next time."
Kushina groaned, kicking a pebble. "This Clone Technique's killing me. My chakra's too much, too messy. If it was as easy as Transformation, I'd have it by now."
Arata nodded, his own frustration mirroring hers. "Same. I've got the technique down, but my meridians are blocked. We need a shortcut."
Their eyes met, both muttering, "If only there was a way to learn it fast…"
Arata froze, a spark igniting in his mind. He remembered Naruto, Kushina's future son, facing the same problem. Mizuki had tricked him into stealing the Scroll of Sealing, which held the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu. That technique was perfect for Kushina—her chakra reserves could handle its demands. But for Arata, another forbidden technique came to mind: the Eight Gates.
The Eight Gates, as used by Might Guy and Lee, forced open the body's chakra points, bypassing normal limits. If Arata could learn its method, he could unblock his meridians, mastering the Clone Technique in time. The Scroll of Sealing, locked in the Third Hokage's office, likely held the key.
He glanced at Kushina, a sly grin forming. "Kushina, I need a favor. You up for it?"
Her eyes narrowed at his smirk. "That look's trouble. No way."
"Hear me out," Arata said, leaning in. "I know how you can master the Clone Technique. There's a scroll in the Hokage's office—the Scroll of Sealing. It's got the Multiple Shadow Clone Jutsu, perfect for your chakra. If you get it, you'll ace the test."
Kushina scoffed. "Steal from the Third? Are you nuts? That's impossible."
Arata's grin widened. "Not for you. I've got a plan. There's a jutsu that'll make the Third let his guard down. You just need to… lean into your charm a bit."
Kushina's face flushed, her fists rising. "Charm? You want me to—what? Seduce him? I'll kill you, Arata!"
"No, no!" Arata backpedaled, hands up. "Not like that! It's a jutsu—makes people feel warm, trusting. You're a Nine-Tails vessel; the Third's got a soft spot for you. It'll work!"
Kushina's glare didn't waver, but she lowered her fists, curious. "What jutsu?"
Arata hesitated, realizing his mistake. The Seduction Technique worked for Naruto because, well, he wasn't a girl. Kushina's temper and gender made this a harder sell. "Uh, just… a technique to make him relax. Trust me, it's foolproof."
She crossed her arms, unconvinced. "Spill it, Hyuga, or I'm out."
Arata sighed, knowing he'd miscalculated. "Fine. It's called the Seduction Technique. You transform into someone… appealing, and it lowers their guard. With your chakra, you could pull it off perfectly."
Kushina's face went beet red again. "You're dead, Arata!" she roared, lunging at him.
(End of Chapter)
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