Chapter Five: How Could You Harbor Such Extravagant Thoughts?

Sometimes, words cannot be spoken too plainly.

Emiya Shirou found it difficult to tell Senju Tobirama directly that only by truly reviving himself could he cure his elder brother.

Tobirama, naturally suspicious by nature, would surely suspect that Shirou’s resurrection was some kind of conspiracy if it were laid bare.

Although, in truth, it was indeed a conspiracy.

But precisely because it was a conspiracy, it required careful and delicate nurturing and planning; otherwise, it would be easily uncovered.

However—

Tobirama, somewhat immature, showed little concern over whether Shirou could truly be revived. Instead, his focus was solely on understanding what this “Yang Power” was that could solve his elder brother’s lifespan problem.

“Lord Emiya, what exactly is this Yang Power?” Tobirama furrowed his brows and began to analyze on his own: “It seems related to Yang-natured chakra. I recall that Yang chakra can indeed create many wondrous secret techniques, and the use of medical ninjutsu is also connected to Yang chakra…”

For example, the Akiyama clan within the Leaf Village.

Tobirama knew that the Akiyama clan specialized in secret techniques developed through Yang chakra—such as the Multiplication Technique, which could temporarily enlarge the human body and its strength to an extraordinary degree.

“That’s right.”

“Yang Power is the ultimate form of Yang chakra.”

Emiya Shirou had no choice but to explain the concept of Yang Power, trying to entice Tobirama as much as possible: “Yang Power can create life from nothing. It can regenerate severed limbs of patients and rapidly restore damaged organs…”

As Shirou spoke, his gaze turned regretfully toward Senju Hashirama lying on the sickbed: “Naturally, it can also restore life to patients whose vitality has been exhausted, allowing them to continue living…”

“Then…” Tobirama’s curiosity deepened as he asked the crucial question, “How can a ninja cultivate Yang chakra to its ultimate form and possess Yang Power?”

“That’s not easy.”

Shirou’s eyes flickered as he sighed softly: “The simplest way is for a person who already possesses Yang Power to share it with another…”

“Your elder brother.”

“He’s the most suitable person for me to share Yang Power with.”

A faint emerald chakra appeared on Shirou’s palm, slowly dissipating with a hint of regret: “Unfortunately, the Yang Power within me vanished without a trace during this resurrection. I don’t even know what exactly happened…”

“……”

Tobirama took a deep breath.

“I apologize.”

“That was my mistake.”

Taking the initiative, Tobirama apologized and solemnly explained, “There was an error with my Reanimation Jutsu, as this is my first time using this technique…”

“It’s alright.”

Shirou did not blame Tobirama, instead comforting him while digging a pit for the story: “Perhaps it’s because this body is not the one I had in life. It might have already vanished in the underworld…”

“Hmm…”

Tobirama nodded tightly, frowning deeply.

***

“???”

Emiya Shirou mentally raised a question mark at Tobirama.

No—

You really think it’s my fault?

Is it your fault, or could it be that I, an ancient predecessor, made a mistake?

To ensure the success of the Reanimation Jutsu, I deliberately left my soul in the underworld and even volunteered to come forward when the technique summoned the soul!

If I hadn’t cooperated willingly…

Then it would be surprising if this crude technique succeeded!

Truly a headache.

At this point, Shirou could only make do and continue.

At the very least, he had to find an excuse to remain in the living world for now.

Even if it was as a reanimated body roaming the ninja world, there would still be future opportunities; after all, he hadn’t left no contingency plans back in the day.

“Forget it.”

Looking at Senju Hashirama on the sickbed, Shirou sighed deeply and said, “I’ll try some other medical methods now, first to restrict the chakra in his body, preventing his self-healing ability from rapidly dividing cells…”

“That won’t be easy.”

Tobirama agreed with Shirou’s approach but doubted Shirou’s methods: “My elder brother’s chakra is very strong. It will be difficult to restrict it…”

“Indeed, it is very strong.”

Shirou raised a finger, a patch of jet-black energy flickering at the fingertip as he praised, “It’s not much weaker than your clan’s ancestor, Ashura…”

“What is that…”

Tobirama’s gaze grew heavy.

“A curse seal.”

Shirou looked at the cursed seal energy on his fingertip and explained, “This curse seal is condensed from natural energy. It can prevent a person from using chakra. If one recklessly tries to use chakra, the seal restricts their movements…”

“I’m not sure if it will work on him…”

Shirou’s expression grew cautious, seemingly uncertain whether his method would succeed: “Because the patient’s body shows traces of having mastered Sage Mode, his body may adapt to the energy of the curse seal very easily and may not be completely sealed off…”

“Natural energy… may I feel it?”

Tobirama looked at Shirou and took the initiative to suggest, “I have some understanding of certain techniques. Maybe I can try to improve it and lend a hand…”

That would be perfect.

This ancient medical ninja’s internal struggle was just right.

Tobirama himself was also conflicted. He trusted Shirou enough that it felt improper to doubt the cursed seal energy on Shirou’s finger.

Even though Tobirama knew Shirou meant no harm, when it came to his elder brother, he refused to trust others and only felt reassured by handling things personally.

***

“I’m just a little worried.”

A trace of unease appeared on Shirou’s face.

“What’s the problem?”

Tobirama raised an eyebrow.

“This is not a commonly used medical technique.”

Shirou expressed his concerns sincerely: “Although the curse seal temporarily seals a person’s chakra, once the one cursed fully masters it, they can integrate the seal and gain even stronger chakra…”

“I worry…”

“That the power of the curse seal might spread among the world…”

“Just like chakra, it could be used by future generations in conflicts…”

Shirou sighed softly, recalling the past: “When the Sage of Six Paths and the Ninja Religion spread chakra, many feared it would be used for fighting. Ashura and I believed that the world would use chakra to alleviate suffering as we did…”

“But now…”

“Our thinking was indeed wrong.”

“In the end, chakra was used by ninjas to fight one another.”

“Lord Emiya.”

“This isn’t your fault.”

Tobirama understood Shirou’s concerns and comforted him: “The mistake in this world has never been power itself, but rather the insatiable greed in some human hearts.”

“Please rest assured.”

“I will not disclose the curse seal.”

Raising his palm, Tobirama looked coldly at Shirou and swore: “And if I ever use the power of the curse seal in conflict, may my soul find no peace in the underworld after death!”

“You don’t have to go that far…”

Shirou’s eye twitched involuntarily.

No—

Tobirama, you really don’t have a clue, do you?

You, a master of the Reanimation technique, disturbing the peace of others’ souls, actually think your own soul could rest peacefully? How extravagant your thoughts are!

But…

Since Tobirama has sworn such a solemn oath…

Shirou had no choice but to go along and apply the curse seal to Tobirama.

If Tobirama discovers any issues in the future and wants to undo the Reanimation, the curse seal would serve as a means to counteract his actions.