Chapter 285: Chapter – 281 Minimum Threshold
Itachi noticed the person walking towards him dressed as Homusubi, and he was surprised a little but this surprise did not affect Itachi's reaction and he immediately active his Sharingan.
As his black eyes turned scarlet with three black tomoe spinning inside, Itachi tried to see through the guise of this person.
But as he observed, Itachi frowned because he was unable to see past the guise of the opposite person, not to mention seeing through the guise, even determining the opposite party's gender was difficult for him, for a moment the person dressed as Homusubi seemed a woman but at the very next moment the person appeared to be a male, giving off an inexplicable sense of mystery.
Facing this person, Itachi did not drop his guard even if he seemed to be a member of Amatsukami, and asked cautiously, "You are?"
The party did not care about Itachi's cautious tone, but asked indifferently, "You are Uchiha Itachi?"
Itachi nodded without relaxing his guard.
The recent disappearance of Uchiha Hiiragi has again realized the people of Konoha that the danger that the Uchiha Shinobi are in. Just imagine, if an elite shinobi who has already awakened the three tomoe Sharingan, and has years of experience disappear overnight without leaving even a single clue, then that is a big reason for worry and fear.
It just implies that even if you are an elite Jonin, you are not safe.
Therefore, Itachi is especially careful, considering the importance of his identity, and the impact his disappearance can cause.
It not for his trust in Kuroto-san, and Shisui-san's judgment Itachi would have definitely not come to such an isolated and dense part of the forest, more so without informing anyone in the clan or the village.
But even if Itachi trusts Kuroto-san, it does not mean that the person standing in front of him would be trusted by him just because he/she 'seems' to be a member of Amatsukami.
He or maybe she? Whatever, the gender of this person is, said, "Uchiha Itachi, you can call me 'Ho' for now. I will be your proctor during your assessment until we know whether your recruitment is confirmed. If you are recruited into the organization, then you will be in my subdivision, and you will bear the title of Homusubi."
This person 'Ho' was obviously Hyuga Kuroto controlling the 'Uchiha Tsukihi' clone.
Fighting is one of the best methods for soul adaption, and Itachi is a very good sparring partner, so Kuroto would obviously not let this opportunity go to waste.
Itachi considered the words of 'Ho' a little and then said, "Doesn't the organization already have a Homusubi?"
Because Itachi was still not sure about the other parties' identity, as such Itachi arranged his words to not give out Shisui's name.
"What makes you think that there can only be one 'Homusubi'?" – After a pause, 'Ho' continued, "Uchiha Shisui is 'Homusubi' but Homusubi is not Uchiha Shisui."
Seeing that 'Ho' mentioned Shisui's name, Itachi relaxed his guard a little, but only a little, and asked doubtfully, "If that is the case, then how many Homusubi are there in the organization?"
'Ho' shrugged, "If you count on the basis of the minimum qualification, then there are two 'Homusubi' in the organization as of yet, as for the future, perhaps there will be a third, a fourth, a fifth… and so on, in short, there is no limit, as long as the candidate meets the minimum requirements, he is eligible to be a candidate to bear the title of Homusubi."
Itachi was surprised, and then asked curiously, "And what is the minimum standard requirement?"
'Ho' laughed a little and said, "The minimum requirement is to have awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan."
"WHAT!!???" – Even if it was calm and collected Itachi, he couldn't help but exclaim in shock upon learning the minimum standard. "Must have awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan to bear the title of Homusubi?"
As far as Itachi knows, currently, there are only three people who have awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan, one is Shisui, the second is Shinichi, and the third is probably this person standing before him. And that's what's more shocking, the ocular power Mangekyou Sharingan represents the peak level of what an Uchiha can awaken, and once an Uchiha does awaken Mangekyou Sharingan he will become the focus of all attention as he is considered a great threat. And Itachi is more clear about this than anyone else.
Never in his dream would Itachi have thought that to become a full-fledged member of Amatsukami, he must have Mangekyou Sharingan, and this surprise was clearly evident on his face.
Seeing Itachi's surprised loo, 'Ho' asked in a confused tone, "What's so strange about this?"
Itachi scowled, "Are you mocking me?"
The top-level ocular power that an Uchiha Shinobi can have is the bare minimum standard that a 'Homusubi' must have, if that's not a joke, then what is?
This is pure bullshit, something that Itachi is completely unwilling to accept!
Seeing Itachi's unbelievable look, 'Ho' sighed, and then, deactivated the seals around the eye part of the mask, with the eyes now clearly visible, 'Ho' activated the Sharingan, which soon turned into something different, it was the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan!
Looking at the eye pattern, Itachi wasn't much surprised, as he probably expected the other party to have it, but was curious about something and asked, "Your Mangekyou Sharingan is different from Shisui-san's?"
'Ho' nodded, and explained, "Yes, what I have is called the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan, it's a higher level of ocular power compared to ordinary Mangekyou Sharingan that Uchiha Shisui possesses, so you see, I am the leader of 'Homusubi' sub-division."
As 'Ho' spoke, suddenly the basic ribcage Susanoo appeared around 'Ho.'
Looking at the golden-orange Susanoo ribcage, Itachi muttered, "So it really was you who helped clear rumors about Shisui-san being 'Homusubi'?" – muttered Itachi.
'Ho' nodded as the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan was deactivated, and the basic Susanoo disappeared.
Itachi asked at this moment, "But you mentioned the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan? I have never heard of this? And you also mentioned it to be a higher level of ocular power?"
'Ho' said, "Yes, but now is not the time to discuss this, just know that Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan is a higher level of ocular power that an Uchiha can have, you will learn about all these things in the future, for now, focus on the matter at hand. To become a member of Amatsukami, you must have Mangekyou Sharingan."
Itachi was a little frustrated and asked, "Is it really that difficult to join Amatsukami as a formal member?"
'Ho' nodded, "It's difficult indeed. Having a Mangekyou Sharingan is just a threshold. If you are not a shinobi who stands at peak level combat power, that is, at the level of a Kage, or better yet, higher than a Kage, then you would be a burden to the organization. And you clearly haven't reached that level yet. But now you might be wondering why are you here then? So to answer your question, it's potential. You have potential Uchiha Itachi, and therefore, you will undergo training. Once you fulfilled the minimum standard. You will become a full-fledged member of Amatsukami."
After hearing Ho's words, Itachi eased a little.
Given the reputation of Amatsukami, it doesn't sound so strange if he thinks about it. And Itachi was able to accept the minimum standard requirement that he must have.
And looking at the person standing in front of him, many of Itachi's doubts were also cleared. Prior to this, Itachi really wondered who was the 'Homusubi' who fought Shisui at the eastern peak of Tojinbo Mountain Range.
After all, many people including his father Uchiha Fugaku had witnessed the scene of two Susanoo clashed against one another at that time, so Itachi always wondered just who is the other individual in Amatsukami who also possesses Mangekyou Sharingan.
Now that there was 'Ho' in front of him Itachi did not need to wonder anymore.
Well putting all his thoughts aside, Itachi glanced at the opposite person and said, "In that case, I am grateful Ho-san, in order to save the Uchiha Clan and protect the village, I will work my hardest to not be a burden."
'Ho' nodded and said, "You have talent no doubt about it, now let's see how much of your talent come to fruition."
With those words, both Itachi and 'Ho' took their respective battle stance.
…
Konoha Cemetery
Hatake Kakashi stared at the memorial monument in front of him, and spoke, "Minato-sensei, our team-11 is responsible for ensuring the safety of your child. I assure you that I will protect him at all cost, let him follow your footsteps to become a shinobi you can be proud of."
There are few things that interest Hatake Kakashi, so in his free time, he would generally come to the Konoha Cemetery to have some idle talks with his friends Obito and Rin, as well as his Jonin Sensei, Namikaze Minato.
Sometimes, Kakashi can even spend his entire day here in a dazed state.
When he is here, Kakashi's vigilance is a bit less, and sometimes he is unable to notice the other person who comes to the Konoha Cemetery similar to him.
And that person is none other than the masked man, who was watching him even now, but Kakashi did not notice this.
When the masked man who was silently watching Hatake Kakashi, heard Kakashi's words, he narrowed his eyes and thought, 'Is team-11 responsible for protecting Uzumaki Naruto now? This is a good opportunity!'
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Read up to Chapter - 535 on P.a.t.r.e.o.n. Page: p-atreon.com/Milta_translations
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
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Creation is hard, cheer me up!
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Chapter 286: Chapter – 282 Cursed Seal
In an underground laboratory in the Land of Sound. Orochimaru leaned on a chair, observing Haku with a sharp gaze.
After a long while of silence, Orochimaru smiled softly and spoke, "Haku, welcome back."
Although Orochimaru's smile creeps out most people who see him for the first time, Haku was very used to it, and spoke in a slightly guilty tone, "I am sorry, I worried you Orochimaru-sama."
Orochimaru nodded and asked casually, "How was your experience staying in Konoha?"
Haku thought a little and said, "Well, Kuroto-sama was very caring of me."
"Was he?" – Orochimaru muttered, and then asked curiously, "What did you do while you stayed in Konoha?"
Haku recalled all the things and then spoke, "There is not much I did there, Kuroto-sama asked me to perform Water Release and Ice Release Techniques, then he also taught me several Water Ninjutsu, as well as taijutsu, and then… that's it."
Orochimaru frowned, "Just this?"
Haku thought more and spoke, "By the way, Kuroto-sama also extracted some of my cells, and… and he also brought a pet rabbit for me…"
"Oh?" – Orochimaru muttered, 'Huh, no wonder Kuroto-Kun asked for cell fusion research from me, it turns out that he has also started conducting human experiments.'
With what Haku said, coupled with his information exchange with Kuroto, Orochimaru understood that Kuroto has also started to conduct Human Experimentations.
It's just that Orochimaru lacks the intelligence about the field that Kuroto is going after, so he can't accurately judge the directions of Kuroto's experiments.
But that did not matter so much, because these experiments must be related to the Hyuga Clan's genetics, after all those were what Kuroto was studying before Orochimaru left Konoha.
'Kuroto-Kun abandoned the laboratory I left him, it must mean that he has opened up a secret laboratory somewhere else. It seems that Kuroto-Kun doesn't want his research to be known by others, heh heh heh, as long as I find his secret laboratory, perhaps I might be able to find something interesting.' – Thinking of this, Orochimaru no longer cared about Haku and told him, "Okay, you can go now, your room is still the same as before so you can continue to use it."
"Yes." – Haku responded with a courteous bow and went out.
Just before Haku responded, he had actually suddenly remembered the strange technique that Kuroto used on him, but because Haku didn't really understand it in detail and coupled with the fact Orochimaru didn't seem to be interested to listen to him anymore, so Haku did not speak anything further about the matter that he, himself didn't really understand.
After Haku went outside, Kabuto came inside the laboratory, "Orochimaru-sama, there is news from Shinno."
"What did the message say?" – asked Orochimaru with an eager gaze.
Kabuto pushed his glasses as he spoke, "Shinno said that the collaboration will have to wait for about a month, currently, he is involved in something, but you needn't worry, he will approach you when the opportunity is right."
"Me and worry?" – Orochimaru spoke with a sullen look, but soon licked his lips and spoke with a smile, "Shinno, is he going to start his plans of creating the Reibi too?"
With Hyuga Kuroto's successful example, many of Orochimaru's preconceptions have changed. So now Orochimaru fully understands that as long as Shinno is able to find a large enough chakra source, creating an artificial Bijuu, which is the Reibi in Shinno's words is very much plausible.
Although the stability is still a bit questionable, the probability of success clearly outweighs the chances of failure.
As such, Orochimaru also has some expectations.
If Shinno's Reibi project also results in a success, then maybe Orochimaru will also think of creating an artificial Bijuu.
Thinking of the future prospects, Orochimaru muttered, "I suppose I can wait another month or so."
Kabuto nodded and then asked respectfully, "Orochimaru-sama, what are you going to do with Yuki Haku?"
Kabuto was obviously worried that Yuki Haku has been brainwashed by Hyuga Kuroto making Haku a spy of Hyuga Kuroto, so maybe they would have to dispose of him.
After all, finding Yuki Haku was too easy, as long as you know the location of that laboratory, anyone can find Haku.
Orochimaru groaned a little and then said, "Monitor Haku's physical, mental and spiritual state, then I will plant the Cursed Seal to him."
Cursed Seals of Heaven and Earth are the latest Kinjutsu that Orochimaru has developed. The idea comes from Jugo's special ability to absorb Nature Chakra, Orochimaru was obviously interested in this special ability, and after careful research and countless experiments, Orochimaru finally combined that ability with some of the techniques of Ryuchi Cave and developed several Cursed Seals including, the Cursed Seal of Heaven, Earth, Forest, and Sea.
After developing these Cursed Seal, Orochimaru has so many fantastic ideas and began many new kinds of research.
One of his attempts incorporate his own chakra and part of his soul with the Cursed Seal and inject that incorporated part into others using the Cursed Seals.
Once this project succeeds, all the ninjas carrying the Cursed Seal will become Orochimaru's respawn points.
And as long as even a single one of those respawn points is alive in the Shinobi World, then Orochimaru can come back to life, even if his entire body is destroyed, he will no longer have to fear death for the time being.
…
Back to Itachi's ongoing training session.
Ding… Ding…
A series of metal collision sounds can be heard resounding in the dense forest.
Ho's body was fast, extremely fast, and the Katana carried by Ho danced just as Ho's intentions and anything within the range of the Katana's limit was not spared.
Itachi was constantly pressured by Ho, and even after relying on the three tomoe Sharingan, it was very difficult for him to keep up with Ho.
But this type of training was also working very well, as Itachi was constantly adapting to the pressure by the virtue of his intelligence, tricks, and techniques that led Ho sometimes by surprise, giving Itachi enough opportunity to take short breathers in the midst of the battle.
After barely dodging Katana's strike again, Itachi leaped on top of Katana's blade and shoved his feet hard in an attempt to kick Ho's face.
The moment that Ho took to retreat backward to avoid the sweep, Itachi also leaped backward, distancing himself from Ho.
Huff… Huff… Huff…
Itachi gasped heavily, this type of drawn-out battle is not what he is used to, so Itachi must think up countermeasures because the difference in their skills and strength levels have started to become more and more apparent as the battle has progressed.
Itachi could clearly feel that even though the opponent follows generally Uchiha techniques, he does not solely rely on them, in fact, it wouldn't be wrong to say that the opponents fighting style are completely different from any Uchiha shinobi Itachi has ever faced.
And strangely enough, there were occasional moves that reminded Itachi of Hyuga-style combat methods and understanding this, Itachi can't help but think, 'Was Ho trained by Kuroto-san personally?'
Regardless, he can't continue with this rhythm.
Based on whatever he has deduced up to now, Itachi started to formulate a strategy.
At this time, Ho said, "I seriously hope that this isn't your best Uchiha Itachi, because if it is then I have to say that I am much disappointed."
Itachi did not speak a word, and he was watching Ho calmly, and after wiping away the traces of sweat, Itachi was ready to go at it again.
Since he didn't actually know the content of the assessment, so Itachi was extra prepared, so there was no problem of lack of tools.
With both of them again ready to start the next round, a solemn atmosphere covered the forest.
At this time both of them performed the Body Flicker Technique.
Whoosh… Whoosh…
And an extremely high-speed battle broke out between the two.
Other than the two after images flashing, metal clashing, fire raging, could be seen.
Ding… Ding… Ding…
After a few seconds of high-speed combat, Ho managed to gain the upper hand, Ho kicked Itachi in the chest, sending him crashing to the tree behind, then instantly flashed and appeared before Itachi, pinning him to the other tree, with the Katana's blade stopping just a few short centimeters away and said, "I suppose that's my win, Uchiha Itachi."
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Read up to Chapter - 536 on P.a.t.r.e.o.n. Page: p-atreon.com/Milta_translations
CREATORS' THOUGHTS
Alex_Clive
Alex_Clive
Your gift is the motivation for my creation. Give me more motivation!
Creation is hard, cheer me up!
For P.A.T.R.E.O.N. Support:
https://www.p atreon.com/Milta_translations
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