Chapter 22
"I'll do it, I'll do it!" Aburame Hatsuizumi waved her hands impatiently. After seeing the mighty performance of Tategyo (Magikarp), she was eager to see if she could summon a powerful insect—preferably a massive, ancient one. The bigger and more intimidating, the better.
"Alright, go ahead and try it. Just follow the method I taught you—it's simple," Yamato nodded, feeling nostalgic. He had been just as excited as they were when he first learned Kuchiyose no Jutsu (Summoning Technique). Summoning beasts were invaluable partners for shinobi. Tategyo had accompanied him through his weaker days and had grown alongside him. Their bond ran deep.
Hatsuizumi rolled up her sleeves and repeated the hand seals Yamato had demonstrated. She bit her finger, pressing it to the ground with determination, unfazed by the small wound.
Yamato reminded her, "Don't forget to channel chakra and sense the presence on the other side of the summoning formation. Not all summoned beasts are as mild-mannered as Tategyo. Some have terrible tempers, and others will attack those who attempt to form a contract with them. If anything feels off, cancel the jutsu immediately."
Hatsuizumi nodded. As she felt her chakra drain, she focused on the connection forming between herself and the other side of the summoning realm. Through the delicate chakra bridge, she sensed multiple energies—each distinct in nature.
One was a soft, moist blue energy, akin to a lump of mud. Another was black and white, fuzzy yet firm. A third had a twisted, violet aura, like writhing tentacles filled with madness.
Hatsuizumi drifted through this ocean of energy, searching for the one that resonated with her. There were powerful presences and weaker ones, but none felt quite right. Just as her chakra was nearly depleted, she spotted something—a flickering energy, shifting between emerald green and withered yellow. It wasn't particularly strong, but she couldn't explain why—it just felt right.
The light hesitated before responding to her chakra thread.
Poof!
A small cloud of smoke dispersed as Hatsuizumi slumped to the ground, panting from exhaustion. She had barely enough chakra left to complete the contract.
"I... I did it," she gasped, opening her palm under the watchful eyes of her companions.