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nThe difficulty of learning Contract Seal is not any less than that of Four-Symbols Seal. This is because the contracts are of many types including weapons, Summons, Souls, Bloodlines, demons, even life & death, and other illusionary things that are difficult to explain and comprehend.

nHowever, Kuroto is also no longer the rookie he was until a few months ago.

nAfter the careful guidance of the Miko of the Land of Demons and his personal study and research of the Four-Symbols Seal, his current knowledge of Fuinjutsu is no longer that of a novice.

nThis is especially the case in regards to the Uzumaki Fuinjutsu, it wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that he has at least surpassed the beginner stage.

nAfter half a day of study and research, Kuroto estimated that it would take about a week for him to master the Contract Seal.

nFortunately for him, the Village is in the period of peace talks with the Cloud Village, and since Team-11 was given a vacation, so he had the time to master it.

nOn the fourth day, Kakashi, Guy, and Shisui suddenly came to Kuroto's house.

nGlancing at the three members of Team-11, Kuroto asked with a smile,

"So, what brings the three of you to my home, not to mention at the same time?

"

n

"Kuroto, didn't you hear about the rumor that's been going on for the past week?

" – Guy asked impatiently.

n

"What rumor?

" – Kuroto asked in confusion.

nOver the past few days, Kuroto stayed at home and only practiced the Contract Seal, his only source of information is Yue, and since she didn't mention any rumor so he has no idea what Guy was talking about.

nKakashi calmly said,

"About the ongoing peace negotiations with the Cloud Village.

"

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"What about it?

"

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"Kuroto-San, it's said that the peace talks with the Cloud Village broke down!

"- Shisui finally said.

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"What?

" – Kuroto exclaimed in surprise.

nIt shouldn't be the case, according to Kuroto's memory, the peace agreement was signed between Konoha and Cloud, otherwise how come the Cloud head ninja attempted to kidnap Hyuga Hinata?

nIf the talks were to break down midway then such a thing wouldn't have happened. So, it is unlikely for the peace agreement to break down.

nAs the Captain of Team-11, Kakashi obviously had more information, so he explained the ins and outs of the matter in detail.

n

"There have been rumors that the shinobis of Cloud Village are also dissatisfied with the peace talks, just like the case in Konoha, they believe that as long as they persist and apply enough pressure, it shouldn't be a too difficult task to win against Konoha.

" – Kakashi

n

"Is that the reason?

" – Kuroto muttered while thinking.

nSince both sides are unable to accept the conclusion, then it wouldn't be strange if the negotiations do fall apart.

nHowever, after thinking a little, Kuroto shook his head negatively,

"I don't think that's the case, the Village can't afford another war, Sandaime-Sama should be clear of this more than anyone. Even the Cloud Village wouldn't stupidly escalate this conflict any longer.

"

n

"How come you are so sure about this?

" – Guy asked curiously.

n

"Think about it a little, the raid not long ago should just be a temptation from the Cloud side to judge the strength of Konoha, now that Raikage-Sama had his answer, he wouldn't send his shinobi to die needlessly, even if he is hot-blooded and reckless, he is still the Kage of Cloud Village after all.

nMoreover, there aren't just two shinobi village, although the situations of Mist Village is a mystery the Rock Village is still there, and considering the enmity, Cloud Village has with Rock Village…

"

nWhether according to the original story or based on the information he has of the current status of the five great shinobi villages, Kuroto can be sure of his conclusion.

nIf Konoha really didn't have any strength to fight back, Raikage would have definitely pressured Konoha.

nBut since Konoha proved that although incredibly weak, it is still not weak enough to bow down to Cloud Village.

nSo, cloud village also wouldn't waste their ninjas needlessly.

nAfter, Kuroto's assurance and some more light discussion in regards to each other's progress in strength, Kakashi, Guy, and Shisui went back to their house.

nClosing the door of his house, Kuroto thought to himself,

"It seems that the peace talks between the village and Cloud will take a long period.

"

nAlthough it is known that the two sides will eventually sign a peace treaty, how long will it take is unknown.

nBut this also beneficial for him.

nAs long as the peace negotiations aren't successfully concluded, Council advisors wouldn't risk civilian unrest, so this period will also serve as a shield for the Uchiha Clan.

nWith this thought, Kuroto continued his practice.

nWith meticulous study and research, he successfully mastered the Contract Seal, although it took him five extra days than predicted but doesn't matter much.

nThe main reason for the delay was again the lack of opportunity to practice his hands on. While studying Four-Symbols Seal he could still practice it at home without much worry but that's not the case with Contract Seal, as you have to have individuals with Summons to sever the Contract and all.

nThankfully, there were some extremely detailed notes in the scroll handed to him by Sandaime-Sama, so somehow, he was able to theoretically understand them.

nAfter the complete mastery of the Contract Seal, when Kuroto returned the Scroll, Sandaime-Sama was extremely surprised.

nSarutobi Hiruzen initially thought that it would take at least one whole month for Hyuga Kuroto to master the Contract Seal, but unexpectedly the kid completed it in just 13 days. At this moment he was reminded of Namikaze Minato who took fifteen days to master this Fuinjutsu technique.

nAt this moment he couldn't help but look at Hyuga Kuroto with a different light, a thought that 'Hyuga Kuroto might just be a rare Fuinjutsu master!' took root in his mind.

nAfter returning the scroll back Kuroto also expressed his request for traveling outside of Konoha for a short period.

nSandaime-Sama narrowed his eyes at Kuroto's request and asked with slight confusion,

"Travel? Why such a request?

"

nKuroto has long thought of a suitable excuse for this question, so without any hesitation, he spoke politely,

"I want to find a suitable Psychic Beast.

"

nObviously, it is not uncommon for ninjas to travel, especially in Konoha, one of the three Sannin Jiraiya is a typical example because unless there is an emergency, he wouldn't be in Konoha.

nBut going out for travel requires approval from the village. Even Jiraiya isn't an exception to this rule, otherwise, the ninja will be listed as a missing-nin, and then an endless onslaught of hunter-nin will come after you!

nOf course, if the backing and strength are strong enough, like that of Tsunade Hime, then they wouldn't be treated as 'missing-nin' but 'run away'.

nBeing an Anbu Shinobi, it is reasonable to say that Kuroto isn't eligible to apply for this request, especially during the sensitive period of peace negotiations with the Cloud Village.

nTherefore, he had to come up with a suitable excuse, so that Sandaime-Sama wouldn't refuse.

nA 'Psychic Beast' is related to the combat power of a shinobi, so searching for a suitable 'Psychic Beast' is the most legitimate reason for Kuroto to travel.

nSandaime-Sama pondered over Kuroto's request and reason, and finally agreed,

"I can only give you two months.

"

nKuroto readily accepted this, and after expressing his gratefulness for the approval, he hurriedly returned home.

nCompleting all the preparation, he would need for his trip, he walked towards the main gate of the village.

nThe purpose of Kuroto's trip is obviously not to look for a 'Psychic Beast' but to check out the seal applied by Yondaime-Sama to seal the Dragon Vein, and see if he can break it with his current knowledge or does he need more study.

nAs long as Kuroto can break through Yondaime-Sama's seal, the artificial tailed beast plan could finally proceed to the final stage.

nAfter registering at the main village gate, Kuroto left Konoha.

nSince Kuroto left Konoha so suddenly, the Root ninja responsible for monitoring him had no choice but to follow closely.

nKuroto also noticed the follow-up and thought to himself, 'I have to somehow get rid of him!'

nHowever, before he could even take any measures, a metal chain suddenly appeared from the side of the tree, tying him firmly and restricting all his movements.

nWith Kuroto tied-up and restricted, two figures appeared from the bushes, one on the left and the other on the right, carrying ninja swords in their hands and pierced through Kuroto's heart and throat.

nAll this happened so suddenly, Kuroto couldn't even react.

nAs soon as the blade pierced the target's heart, one of the attackers grinned,

"Twenty-five million Ryo are secured!

"

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nRead up to Chapter - 187 on P.a.t.r.e.o.n. : p-atreon.com

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