Ch. 61The Scroll of Seals
Key plot points
- Qiu Shan uses his Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan’s Kotoamatsukami to control Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi without alerting the Anbu or other hidden observers.
- Hiruzen signals the observers to leave, then seals the office so he and Qiu Shan can speak privately.
- He recognizes the genjutsu’s nature and admits that, despite knowing he is controlled, he feels no hostility toward Qiu Shan and will obey him and protect his interests.
- Hiruzen assumes Qiu Shan may want the Uchiha Clan restored to power. Qiu Shan rejects this: he prefers the clan remain safely away from Konoha while he secretly directs village resources toward its growth.
- Qiu Shan asks to study the village’s Scroll of Seals and copy its techniques. Hiruzen retrieves the scroll, removes its traps, and lets him read it.
- Using his Sharingan, Qiu Shan rapidly memorizes techniques including the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, Impure World Reincarnation, the Eight Gates Released Formation, the Reaper Death Seal, and Flying Thunder God.
Character developments and interactions
- Qiu Shan demonstrates confidence in his greatly enhanced Kotoamatsukami and treats control of Hiruzen as a strategic means of securing resources—not as a route to Uchiha rule. He prioritizes the clan’s safety and development.
- Hiruzen recognizes that he has been manipulated but remains compliant, even offering to help conceal Qiu Shan’s actions. His private exchange with Qiu Shan is unusually candid and cooperative.
- Their interaction is calm and respectful: Hiruzen asks what Qiu Shan wants, while Qiu Shan explains his intentions and makes a direct request. Hiruzen readily grants access to the highly guarded scroll.
Significant themes
- Power and coercion: Kotoamatsukami can override a person’s will while leaving them aware of the control.
- Pragmatic leadership: Qiu Shan chooses covert support and distance from Konoha’s political conflicts over reclaiming power openly.
- Knowledge as reward: Access to the Scroll of Seals makes controlling Hiruzen immediately valuable, giving Qiu Shan a trove of powerful techniques.