Chapter 134: Chapter 134
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Gazing into the distance.
Kyomu's condition wasn't great, and Kakashi, Obito, and Might Guy could hardly walk without him.
But in the haze, Kyomu and his companions seemed ever more majestic.
The Third Raikage, along with the Cloud ninjas, retreated once more, unable to spare any concern for Kyomu and his group.
It wasn't for lack of want but because Killer Bee, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, was having issues with his body. The Tailed Beast chakra, full of negative emotions, could be felt even from afar.
If something went wrong, the consequences would be unimaginable!
"Lord Kyomu!"
The front-line Leaf ninjas parted way, disregarding their injuries and those around them, standing upright, bowing sincerely.
"Lord Kyomu!"
"Lord Kyomu!"
As Kyomu passed by, he received a heartfelt title of respect from each person.
With heads held high and taking large strides, this was what Kyomu had earned!
Likewise, the teammates following him did the same.
Despite needing to support each other and everyone being injured, their heads remained high, and their spines straight. This was the treatment they deserved, the epitome of manhood!
"Victory to Lord Kyomu!"
"Victory to Lord Kyomu!"
"Victory to Lord Kyomu!"
No one mentioned 'Konoha' anymore; this victory relied on Kyomu and his teammates, not much on the village.
Perhaps, Kyomu's brilliance had already transcended Konoha. Or maybe, Kyomu's brilliance had already altered the collective.
"Victory to the First Ninja Squad!"
"Victory to the First Ninja Squad!"
"Victory to the First Ninja Squad!"
What followed was a collective honor, belonging solely to the First Ninja Squad of Konoha, led by Kyomu.
Their posture, even straighter, and the corners of their mouths, nearly reaching their ears.
They felt utterly content, wanting to share their heroic stance at that moment with everyone. If there were a way to record it, it would be even better, to distribute it for all to see, pointing out their figures and explaining how they were at that moment.
"Maybe the protagonist of my next book should be modeled after Kyomu." Jiraiya watched the departing figures, "Perhaps, while individual heroes are important, the role of a team cannot be overlooked."
The team is always a strong backing for an individual.
Kyomu had always walked this path, even if he was strong enough on his own, the team made him stronger, without worries of what lay behind.
Amidst the attention, Kyomu and his companions arrived at the center of the camp and stood firm.
Looking around, Kyomu's heart swelled with pride, surrounded by his supporters!
Suddenly raising his arm high, "Victory!"
"Victory!"
"Victory!"
"Victory!"
The echo, like a chorus, followed, but far from annoying, it was the best complement to the radiance.
The shouts traveled far, the Third Raikage couldn't help but look back, glimpsing the silhouette of Kyomu raising his arm.
"The youthful vigor of the young..." The Third Raikage's lips moved, his heart not tasting sweet.
Who could understand the bitterness of being the background?
Are we not good enough?
Figures like A, Killer Bee, Darui, C, and Samui, each could stand on their own, praised by all in the ninja world.
Talent, effort, strength, weren't they all exceptional?
"But before you, everything becomes a joke." The Third Raikage clenched his fist, "Bright radiance isn't always good; it makes you a target. And next time, I will measure you myself!"
Turning to leave, the Third Raikage was determined to end Kyomu's brilliant future, whatever the cost.
Feeling something, Kyomu looked towards the direction of the Cloud ninjas' retreat, his lips curving into a smirk.
"I love how you all can't stand me but also can't kill me."
Lowering his arm, the cheering around him ceased abruptly, showcasing Kyomu's authority.
"Everyone, focus on healing and rescuing our comrades. I need to rest, sorry."
Kyomu nodded humbly, moving forward with his followers.
"Captain Kyomu, wait a moment."
Genma , limping, spoke up, his ever-present senbon nowhere in sight, "Something this cool..."
"Yeah, Captain, I saw several sisters looking at me," said Ebisu, brushing his hair, "But with my face all scorched, I wonder if I left a good impression."
"Ebisu, can you not talk about such trivial matters?" Genma glared at him, "Being cool isn't for the opposite sex, but for oneself."
"I don't see it that way." Ebisu shook his head seriously, "Be it sisters or younger girls, the prettier they are, the happier I am. It has nothing to do with being cool, only with my mood."
"Looks like your injuries are healed then?" Kyomu glanced back at them, including the rest of the team.
"Do you know what strength you have?" The team knew what Kyomu meant.
"Captain Kyomu, at that time..."
"I know you didn't think much about it, and it was more of a reflex action, but is this how you form a human wall?" Kyomu gritted his teeth, "Rather than that, it'd be better if you had teamed up in twos or threes to block. If it was about strength, I'd be happier.
But you gambled with your lives, thinking they're worthless?!"
Waving his hand irritably, Kyomu dismissed them, "Get out, all of you, seeing you annoys me!
Once you're healed, hurry back to training. If anyone falls behind, I'll strip you of your Scale Armor and... your skin."
The team wasn't scared off but instead responded with a smile, "Thank you, Captain, for caring."
"Go!" Kyomu laughed despite his anger, "I don't want to see you today."
The team left, their faces smiling, their hearts warm.
Captain, next time we definitely won't form a human wall.
As the team walked away, Kyomu also smiled, satisfied to have such people follow him.
"Alright, you three stop playing dead." Kyomu approached the tent, tossing Kakashi and Obito onto the bed, "Don't think I don't know your condition."
"Ouch." Obito lay stiff on the bed, moaning, "You try being constantly electrocuted by lightning."
Kakashi frowned, his handsome face twisted, clearly enduring.
And Kakashi once again, exceptionally, stood with Obito, "Don't bother with him, let him die in a Tailed Beast Bomb."
"Hey, you're not wishing me well at all." Kyomu looked down at Kakashi, "Even without the mask, you still have the same old face."
Kakashi turned away, uncomfortable without his mask.
Muffled, "I, Kakashi, will never use Fire Release again, I mean it!"
"And if you do?" Obito joined in.
"Then I'll tear your mouth apart."
"Alright, rest up, I'll treat Guy's injuries."
Kyomu gently placed Might Guy on the bed, quickly checking his body.
Guy was still unconscious.
"How's Guy?" Kakashi turned back, Obito listening intently.
"Looks serious, but thankfully no vital damage." Kyomu sighed with relief, "Aside from torn muscles throughout his body, his meridians and bones are intact.
Reconnecting the torn muscle fibers and resting well for a month, Guy will be back in action."
Kakashi and Obito relaxed, but Obito's expression fell.
"Kyomu, because of Guy... I awakened the three tomoe Sharingan."
"That's good." Kyomu didn't look up, his palm glowing with the unique light of medical ninjutsu, treating Guy.
"But I feel guilty..." Obito's voice was low, "Why did I awaken it because Guy almost..."
"Don't think too much." Kyomu took a moment to reassure Obito, "You awakened the three tomoe Sharingan because you wanted to protect, not for any other reason."
"Kyomu's right." Kakashi joined in, "It was your concern for Guy that caused such intense emotional turmoil, not because of any darkness in you."
"But..."
"No buts." Kyomu shook his head, "Instead of saying this, wait for Guy to wake up and talk to him directly.
I think since you awakened the three tomoe Sharingan because of Guy, you naturally have to ask if Guy minds."
Obito nodded, then solemnly said, "I don't want to gain power this way, nor do I want to evolve these eyes through your misfortune."
"Why not?" Kyomu looked up at Obito, "Doesn't that mean you care about us? I don't blame you."
"Me neither." Kakashi looked into Obito's eyes, "Rather than being cursed, they felt your heartfelt emotions, a manifestation of your emotional power."
Consoled by Kyomu and Kakashi in turns, Obito finally smiled, "So... the power of these eyes is based on my emotions for you guys."
Seeing Obito's mood improve, Kyomu joked, "As long as you don't actively send me and Kakashi to our graves, these eyes' power hasn't soured."
"How could I!" Obito vehemently shook his head, "Even if I die before you, I won't let that happen again."
"Then hurry and evolve to the Mangekyo Sharingan." Kyomu smiled lightly, "Show the same determination you had to protect Rin. Kakashi and I won't mind."
"I will!"
Obito nodded firmly, "When you most deserve my protection, I believe these eyes will grant me the strongest power to keep you safe."
"I'll remember that."
"Me too." Kakashi spoke up, "Let's see if Obito is all talk."
---
In the mountains where Madara was hiding.
Madara opened his eyes, his imposing figure shifting forward two steps, "You say Obito has awakened the three tomoe?"
"Yes."
"Truly worthy of the successor I chose, his rich emotions have endowed his eyes with infinite potential." Madara's voice was filled with joy.
"Madara, aren't you worried..."
"After the establishment of Konoha, I realized that burning oneself to illuminate the village is but an illusion." Madara's thoughts drifted, "Human selfishness, narrow-mindedness, hatred, hypocrisy, they never disappeared, just hidden deeper.
This is unchangeable, hence hatred will never vanish. With eternal hatred, war is everlasting, and peace forever out of reach.
Hashirama didn't understand this; he thought a lion could command a flock of sheep, and he indeed did. But what after his death?"
Madara gestured around, "Look, he died, and the very next year, the First Great Ninja War broke out, those sheep fighting over the leader's position.
So his peace was a joke, as long as people exist, peace is unachievable. But I, I found a solution, albeit incomprehensible.
Yet, Kyomu, he should understand. Even if he doesn't, it doesn't matter, he and I are very alike, I think he'll listen to what I have to say."
Zetsu gasped, "Madara, you intend..."
"Correct, Kyomu will play a part in my plan." Madara nodded, "His teacher was killed by the village, fought bloodily on the front lines only to be suppressed, then recognized for his deeds after the war... and followed his teacher's footsteps.
How could he not harbor hatred?
How could those who follow him not harbor hatred?
Rather than me, it's Hashirama's descendants themselves who act.
He and I, are natural allies, that's unchangeable, the only variable, is not knowing what exactly Aragami Kyomu seeks."
Madara's smile curved, "Everyone has aspirations, sometimes achieved at once, but most progress step by step.
Perhaps Kyomu initially just wanted to become stronger, then to earn honors to clear his teacher's name, or to settle scores with some.
But what if all his followers died?!"
Madara's smile gradually took on a twisted flavor, spreading madness across his face, "Emotions also give a person goals, for someone like Kyomu, emotions are his greatest weakness!
Those he cares about die for him, he'll feel guilty, he'll blame himself, he'll go mad, but more so...
Kyomu will do everything to resurrect them!"
Zetsu seemed to understand, "But what if Kyomu finds out your initial plan?"
"What does it matter, only I can!" Madara was extremely confident, "The Rinnegan has always been my Rinnegan, Kyomu has no choice, after all, there are only a few outsiders who can wield the Rinnegan, whom is he willing to sacrifice? Who wouldn't he want to resurrect?"
"Ha ha, ha ha ha!" Madara laughed heartily, "He can't escape, and we, just need to fan the flames a little."
After laughing, Madara calmed down, contemplating the specifics of his plan.
Manipulating hearts, he, Uchiha Madara, is the true master!
(End of Chapter)
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