268 268. A New Jinchūriki
The contract established between Izumi and the Ryūmyaku was indeed distinct from the sealing techniques used on traditional Jinchūrikis. This contract allowed for a unique bond between them, granting the Ryūmyaku the ability to interact with Izumi in a way that was not typical for Jinchūrikis.
With this contract, the Ryūmyaku possessed the capability to come out of Izumi's body, manifesting itself as a separate entity when necessary. Conversely, it could also enter Izumi's consciousness, establishing a profound connection that allowed them to communicate and share their thoughts and abilities.
This exceptional contract opened up new possibilities and dynamics in their partnership, as the ancient energy of the Ryūmyaku and Izumi's abilities combined to form a powerful alliance.
The decision for Izumi to become a Jinchūriki by forming a contract with the Ryūmyaku was indeed a significant one. However, it also brought to the forefront the potential vulnerabilities associated with such a position.
Traditional Jinchūrikis did possess a fatal weakness, as they could be relatively easily sealed away by techniques like the Adamantine Sealing Chains, the Demonic Statue Chains, or other similar methods. This weakness was a point of concern, and the team members were undoubtedly aware of the risks that came with this role.
The team would need to take measures to protect Izumi from these vulnerabilities, ensuring that he could harness the power of the Ryūmyaku without falling victim to sealing techniques.
Tabane, Kisame, and Kakashi exchanged concerned glances as they contemplated the implications of Izumi's decision to become a Jinchūriki.
Tabane expressed her reservations, saying, "Izumi-chan, this is a significant commitment. We need to consider ways to protect you from being sealed. I might be able to develop some countermeasures."
Kisame nodded in agreement, his shark-like grin softened by genuine concern. "Tabane's right. We've got your back, but we need to plan for your safety, especially against sealing techniques."
Kakashi chimed in, "We'll find a way to mitigate this vulnerability."
Izumi's frustration bubbled to the surface, and he grumbled with determination, "Why do you think I need to be protected? I'm not a kid!"
His words carried a resolute tone, emphasizing his confidence and independence. Izumi was well aware of the responsibilities and challenges he was undertaking as a Jinchūriki, and he was determined to face them head-on, determined not to be underestimated or coddled.
"If you say so…"
With the decision settled and the initial concerns addressed, the team members could only resign themselves to Izumi's determination. Izumi, confident in his choice to become a Jinchūriki for the Ryūmyaku, remained resolute in his decision.
Once everything was in order, Izumi began to retrieve the gems filled with pure energy that he had collected earlier. These gems held a significant amount of power and would prove valuable in their mission beside obtaining the source of energy.
With the gems in hand, Izumi introduced the group to the Ryūmyaku. The young dragon, a symbol of their newfound partnership, hovered gracefully before them. Its presence was both awe-inspiring and serene, and the team members gazed at the creature with a sense of wonder and anticipation.
Becoming a Jinchūriki came with its share of vulnerabilities and challenges, but the benefits were undeniable. Izumi now possessed an abundance of energy, and this newfound power only served to increase his strength further. The energy from the Ryūmyaku flowed within him, enhancing his abilities and unlocking new potential.
The team members witnessed the transformation in Izumi's strength, acknowledging the advantages that came with this unique partnership. While they remained vigilant about the risks and vulnerabilities, they also recognized the immense potential for Izumi to excel in their mission with this newfound wellspring of energy at his disposal.
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As the group made their way out of the ancient ruins of Rōran, they stepped into the open air, leaving behind the chamber that held the Source of Ryūmyaku. The sense of history and mystique that had enveloped the ruins was left behind as they emerged into the world outside.
The moment was marked by the lifting of Hiiro's Word Magic barrier, which had kept the energy of the Ryūmyaku contained within the chamber. With a sweeping motion of his hand, the barrier dissipated, releasing the magical energy back into the atmosphere.
The transition from the ancient and sacred chamber to the outside world was a stark contrast, and the team members were once again bathed in the warm sunlight of the Land of Wind. They could feel the vastness of the world around them and the potential for the adventures that lay ahead, their mission far from over.
Sensing the residual energy and the potential for others to detect their presence, Izumi swiftly proposed, "Let's get out of here before someone from Sunagakure comes. We don't want to attract any unnecessary attention."
His words carried a sense of urgency, emphasizing the need to depart quickly to avoid any potential conflicts or inquiries from the Hidden Sand Village.
Contrary to the urge for discretion, Kisame and Rory sported mischievous grins on their faces. Kisame chuckled and added, "You know, fighting against Sunagakure ninjas might be quite interesting."
Rory, with her penchant for battle and a hint of excitement in her eyes, concurred, "Indeed, it could be a thrilling challenge."
Their unconventional enthusiasm for a potential confrontation brought forth a mix of amusement and bemusement among the team members. While they valued caution, Kisame and Rory's appetite for battle was a reminder of the diverse personalities that made up their unique group.
Izumi cast a side glance at Rory, a hint of amusement in his expression, as he remarked, "Thrilling? Let's be honest, Rory, you could probably wipe them out with ease."
His words drew a few chuckles from the team members, who understood the vast difference in power between Rory and most adversaries they might encounter. Rory's battle prowess was renowned, and the idea of her finding a challenge in Sunagakure ninjas seemed rather far-fetched.
Izumi's expression took on a thoughtful and contemplative demeanor as he considered the idea of confronting the ninjas from Sunagakure. It was worth noting that they were all wearing the distinctive Akatsuki robes, which could easily be misinterpreted.
Izumi's grin, filled with a sense of mischief, spread across his face, signaling that he had a plan in mind. The team members watched him with curiosity and anticipation, ready to hear what he had in store.
Izumi turned to Kakashi and offered a piece of advice, his grin still present but with a hint of caution. "Kakashi, it might be best for you to take a step back. Your Jutsu and your movements might be too obvious," he suggested.
Kakashi, ever the seasoned ninja, acknowledged Izumi's wisdom and nodded in agreement, his hidden features expressing understanding. In the group, only Kisame didn't wear the hooded mantle, unbothered by the potential exposure. His confidence and readiness for a potential confrontation were evident, and he stood ready to embrace whatever challenges lay ahead.
Izumi, taking into account their choice to confront potential adversaries while dressed as Akatsuki members, decided to don a swirling pattern mask, imitating the infamous Tobi. This choice was a strategic one, as it was known that Tobi had the ability to teleport, much like Izumi.
With the mask obscuring his face, Izumi's identity was concealed, allowing him to blend in seamlessly with the Akatsuki guise. His resemblance to Tobi added an element of surprise and unpredictability to their approach, and he was prepared to use this to their advantage in any interactions with the Sunagakure ninjas.
As they waited for the potential arrival of the Sunagakure ninjas, the scorching desert sun beat down upon them, making the heat nearly unbearable. Realizing that the wait might be longer than expected, the group made the decision to seek shelter and escape the oppressive heat.
They ventured back into the ancient ruins of Rōran, looking for a place where they could find some respite from the harsh desert conditions. The ruins offered a welcome escape from the sweltering temperatures, providing a temporary haven for the team members to gather.
Feeling the intense heat of the desert, Izumi couldn't help but comment, "Damn, the weather is too hot. I guess I should try that."
What he meant was to utilize his Devil Fruit power, the Kaze Kaze no Mi: Model Gas, to create nitrogen gasses that could potentially provide some relief from the scorching heat. His unique abilities had the potential to manipulate air and gas, offering a creative solution to combat the extreme conditions of the desert.
Izumi focused his Devil Fruit power with precision and expertise. As he concentrated, the air around him began to ripple and shimmer, signaling the transformation that was about to take place.
Slowly, the surrounding air molecules were manipulated by his power. Nitrogen molecules, which made up a significant portion of Earth's atmosphere, were drawn in and rearranged. They combined and separated, reconfiguring into a pure and invigorating nitrogen gas.
As the nitrogen circulated within their shelter, it enveloped the team members in a refreshing and chilly atmosphere, providing much-needed relief from the sweltering desert heat.
Their discomfort was quickly replaced by a sensation of coolness and comfort, as the cold nitrogen surrounded them. It was as if they had found a temporary oasis in the midst of the scorching desert, and they couldn't help but appreciate Izumi's resourcefulness in using his Devil Fruit power to create this welcomed respite.
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