Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal

After seeing Danzo off, Nangō Kumoi had just let out half a sigh of relief when a cold fact suddenly pierced his mind like an ice spike, instantly freezing him in place.

"Wait... the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal!"

He nearly sprang out of his chair and smacked his forehead in frustration.

"I was so focused on using systems and ideology to restrain Root that I forgot about Senior Brother Danzo's little 'specialty'!"

In the original timeline, one of the most chilling control methods employed by the Root led by Danzo was the compulsory "Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal."

Once branded with it, members could not reveal any information concerning Danzo or Root in any form. Violators died immediately.

It was practically a physical guarantee of "absolute loyalty," far more direct and cruel than any ideological education or institutional restraint.

"Careless! That was truly careless!"

Nangō Kumoi rubbed his temples, feeling a headache coming on.

"Absolute loyalty can never be fully obtained through coercion, but ninjutsu... especially this kind involving seals and cursed bindings, really can 'manufacture' distorted loyalty to a certain extent.

If Senior Brother Danzo secretly implements or even forcibly applies this kind of cursed seal during Root's future training..."

Then any ideological guidance or institutional checks he envisioned would be greatly undermined.

Root could still become an independent kingdom loyal only to Danzo personally, or one completely corrupted by extremist ideals, perhaps even turning against Konoha.

"I have to take precautions in advance and find a way to counter, or at least monitor and remove, this kind of cursed seal... and I can't alert him."

Nangō Kumoi forced himself to calm down as his mind raced.

Ban it outright? Danzo would certainly comply in public while defying it in private, perhaps implementing it even more covertly.

Research a solution himself? He had some knowledge of Sealing Jutsu, but he was far from a specialist. Especially with a powerful cursed seal involving restrictions on the soul or life itself, he was unlikely to achieve results anytime soon.

Just as his thoughts began to grow anxious, a name lit up in his mind like a beacon—Mito Uzumaki!

"Right! How could I forget Master's wife!"

Nangō Kumoi's eyes lit up, and everything suddenly became clear.

"The Uzumaki Clan has been renowned throughout the Ninja World for generations for its powerful vitality and unparalleled Sealing Jutsu!

As one of the last remaining core members of the Uzumaki Clan, she is an exalted existence capable of perfectly sealing the Nine-Tails.

No one in the entire Ninja World can likely match Lady Mito's attainments in Sealing Jutsu.

She might have records on this kind of restrictive cursed seal, ideas for breaking it, or even... preventative measures!"

This discovery eased the weight in his heart. As expected, having an elder in the family was like having a treasure.

Lady Mito was not merely a stabilizing force in politics, but also an unfathomable "technical treasure trove."

Thinking of Lady Mito naturally made him think of that little blonde girl.

"Perfect. Tsunade is officially reporting to the Ninja Academy tomorrow, isn't she?"

Nangō Kumoi checked the calendar.

"I'll pay her a visit today. I can show concern for the younger generation and encourage her, while also 'happening' to ask Master's wife a few 'academic questions.' Entirely reasonable."

Having made up his mind, he no longer hesitated. He immediately rose and briefly straightened his appearance.

Government affairs could wait. The hidden danger concerned control over a key force in the future, and there was also his little niece about to enter a new stage of her life. Both were worth making the trip immediately.

He instructed the Anbu to prepare some child-friendly snacks and novel stationery with a touch of modern design.

Then, carrying several ordinary documents concerning the Ninja Academy's recent arrangements as a pretext, he left again with minimal escort and headed toward the Senju Ancestral Home.

The afternoon sun was warm, and the streets mingled the vitality of reconstruction with the calm that followed sorrow.

Nangō Kumoi's mood gradually shifted from tense calculation to an anticipation tinged with responsibility and warmth.

The afternoon sunlight was just right as Nangō Kumoi arrived at the Senju Ancestral Home carrying a box of snacks and a set of specially made stationery.

The courtyard felt livelier than before. As he approached the tea room, he vaguely heard a soft, rhythmic clattering from within, as though some small objects were rolling around.

After the maid announced him, Nangō Kumoi entered the tea room.

Mito Uzumaki still sat upright in the seat of honor, but her expression seemed much gentler today, even carrying a trace of amusement.

An old book lay open before her, yet beside her hand sat a small porcelain bowl. Inside it... appeared to be several dice?

"Kumoi, you're here?"

Mito raised her eyes. With a light flick of her fingers, the porcelain bowl and dice silently slid into her wide sleeve, the motion as natural as if she had merely brushed away dust.

She looked at what Nangō Kumoi had brought, the corners of her mouth lifting slightly.

"More tasty treats for that little gambler? She has no time to make trouble today. She's giving herself extra training, saying she can't embarrass herself in front of her new classmates tomorrow."

"Master's wife."

Nangō Kumoi bowed. He pretended not to notice the fleeting glimpse of those "teaching materials," then smiled and set down the things he had brought.

"Exactly. Tsunade starts school tomorrow, so this is just a small token. I also came to see you, Master's wife. There are some... trivial matters I would like to ask about."

"Sit."

Mito gestured for him to do so and personally poured him a cup of tea, her gaze clear and perceptive.

"There's something on your mind. You didn't come only because Tsunade is starting school, did you? Tell me, what 'academic problem' have you run into this time?"

Nangō Kumoi gathered his thoughts and spoke in the tone of someone seeking guidance on an ancient text.

"Master's wife, your insight is as sharp as ever.

Recently, while sorting through old archives, I came across some surviving documents from the Warring States era. They mentioned certain clans using exceptionally special sealing contracts to bind death warriors or spies, forcibly silencing them, with violators suffering immediate backlash.

The records were vague, but the principles seemed inconceivable. My knowledge in this field is shallow, yet I cannot help feeling uneasy.

Now that the village is being rebuilt and the various factions are complicated, the consequences would be unimaginable if such methods were abused.

I wonder whether, among the vast records of the Uzumaki Clan, Master's wife has ever seen anything similar?

I do not seek a solution. I merely want some understanding, to know roughly how sharp this 'blade' is and where I should guard against it."

His words both made his concern clear—guarding against abuse—and stated his position—seeking knowledge only for the sake of preparedness—wrapping his true purpose in cautious inquiry.