[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[Thank You For Your Support!]
====
During the time Yoichi stayed by Tsunade's side, he also took care of Nawaki.
However, his main focus was on Tsunade. Nawaki's strength was too weak; he just needed to train systematically to improve.
Tsunade still had a lot of potential for growth, and she was already a powerful ninja.
By learning Haki (both Armament and Observation), mastering Sage Mode, and grafting Wood Release to increase her chakra reserves and recovery, Tsunade was reaching the pinnacle of what a ninja could achieve.
At that point, she would possess vast chakra reserves, a body so tough that it was nearly impossible to injure, the strength to shatter half a mountain with one punch, and the ability to sense an enemy's every move during combat.
Apart from her slightly slower speed, she would be virtually flawless.
As for Genetic Potential, it was a technique that allowed a ninja to surpass Six Paths' strength without relying on tailed beasts. An entry-level planetary rank was roughly equivalent to a normal state with seven gates open.
At the high-end planetary rank, it was like a single punch equaled a Tailed Beast Bomb, capable of destroying continents, and granting a near-thousand-year lifespan. (TL: It got nuts...)
Yoichi had enough time. Now, he was training Haki with Tsunade. He had only recently acquired Haki, having trained just a few days more than Tsunade, and was not yet able to achieve Haki infusion.
Tsunade initially wanted to teach Yoichi her superhuman strength technique, feeling uncomfortable accepting so much help from this young pervert without giving something back.
However, Yoichi refused and told Tsunade that when she returned to Konoha, he would teach her a new technique for exerting force.
When he acquired the [Disciple of All Worlds] ability, Yoichi brought back the Extinction Gun technique, which had a maximum force output of six to seven times. However, Yoichi had not yet trained in it as he wanted to first enhance his Genetic Potential.
If he fully devoted himself to training, Yoichi's progress would be swift. However, that would mean neglecting his family and many other matters, which he did not want to do.
His initial purpose for coming to the Ninja World was immortality, which he had basically achieved. Now, he wanted to enjoy life.
However, Tsunade felt that Yoichi rejecting her superhuman strength technique was him looking down on her ninjutsu, and she insisted on teaching him a lesson as a senior. But before their duel, she stipulated that they could only use taijutsu, not Sharingan techniques.
For several days, the civilians of the nearby town in the Land of Tea could hear thunderous roars in the distance, accompanied by occasional earthquakes.
After enduring this for some time, the townspeople finally couldn't take it anymore. They held a celebration, praying to the gods for the continuous earthquakes to stop.
To their relief, the celebration seemed effective, and the earthquakes ceased. The townspeople decided to keep this annual celebration, praying for divine protection.
During this month, both Tsunade and Yoichi made significant progress.
Tsunade, with her finely controlled chakra, quickly grasped the principles of Armament Haki and began to use it, covering her hands. After over a month, she could almost cover her entire body with Armament Haki, catching up to Yoichi. The next step was to make her Haki even tougher and eventually achieve Haki infusion.
At that point, Tsunade could even try punching away a Tailed Beast Bomb without getting hurt.
As for Yoichi, his defense became even more terrifying. Even without any protection, bullets, shuriken, and kunai couldn't pierce his skin. With the Lightning Armor and Armament Haki, no ordinary ninjutsu could break his defense.
Observation Haki was also not difficult for the two. Tsunade already knew some sensory ninjutsu, and it was just a matter of using another method to make it constant and more precise. This required fine chakra control, which both Tsunade and Yoichi excelled at.
They didn't learn many ninjutsu techniques because they wouldn't use them often, maybe once in a decade, and mainly for teaching students.
Observation Haki was very useful for detecting enemies and aiding in combat, so Tsunade started learning it from scratch like a new ninja technique.
During their training, Tsunade and Yoichi used shadow clones to teach Shizune and Nawaki. Tsunade even entrusted Nawaki to Yoichi, blushing when she mentioned it.
Nawaki called Yoichi "brother-in-law," and Tsunade only lightly reprimanded him, not opposing the title.
Training together, discussing ninjutsu, and spending evenings soaking in hot springs and drinking together, Tsunade grew to enjoy this life more and more.
Her long-lost brother was alive again, jumping around in front of her, still talking about his childhood dreams. Even after she disciplined him to focus on training, he never gave up on becoming Hokage.
With a considerate person by her side, even though he sometimes made her furious with embarrassment, Yoichi always managed to cheer her up, making her feel cherished.
Before, Tsunade felt she was losing something in her life. Now, it felt like everything she had lost had returned.
One day, after training, all four had made considerable progress.
Tsunade could now use both Armament Haki and her superhuman strength simultaneously, and her combat proficiency with Observation Haki had increased, making it harder for Yoichi to spar with her using only taijutsu.
Nawaki had mastered the Six Styles and, once his body was further enhanced with Wood Release, he could start training in Haki.
The improved Six Styles required less physical strength and more chakra control, similar to Haki.
Shizune had learned the A-rank medical ninjutsu, Mystical Palm Technique. All four had made significant gains, and Tsunade suggested they celebrate with a drink.
During this month, Yoichi also discussed the difficulties of training Genetic Potential and shared the initial data on the Extremis Virus with Tsunade.
While Tsunade was interested, she knew she couldn't conduct research in the Land of Tea and would have to wait until they returned to Konoha.
Without human experimentation, it was impossible to make progress with just theoretical data.
After drinking, they all soaked in the hot springs before returning to the inn. Tsunade suggested gambling, but Shizune and Nawaki firmly rejected the idea.
Nawaki, although not remembering his grandfather Hashirama, disliked Tsunade's gambling habits, especially when she lost and took it out on him.
"Damn Nawaki, you even opposed me gambling. You didn't help me either," Tsunade grumbled when they returned to their room, lightly kicking Yoichi in a fit of small jealousy.
Yoichi, sitting on the bed, explained, "Actually, I oppose it too, because there's something more important tonight."
"More important? What is it?" Tsunade asked, turning around, only to be pulled into Yoichi's arms, sitting on his lap, face to face.
"Pervert," she muttered, seeing the fiery look in Yoichi's eyes, knowing his intentions. Her earlier anger disappeared, replaced by a mix of shyness and excitement.
Tsunade, who had been lonely for over a decade, couldn't resist Yoichi, especially since he was her beloved.
xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx.xxx
When morning approached, the sleeping Tsunade suddenly smelled something delicious. She opened her eyes to see Yoichi setting food on the table.
"Awake? You only slept for three hours. I was going to let you sleep longer. Shizune came looking for you, but I sent her away," Yoichi said, recalling their night of fulfillment.
"Damn you," Tsunade muttered, blushing as she got up to eat, feeling her legs weaken for a moment. She glared at Yoichi, using chakra to steady herself.
After freshening up, she sat down to eat the magical lamb Yoichi had brought, savoring its taste.
"Tsunade, I might have to go back," Yoichi said suddenly.
Hearing this, Tsunade's good mood vanished. Even the delicious lamb lost its appeal. "Is it because of Mikoto and Mina?" she asked unhappily.
"No, there's trouble in the village. Minato is dead, Jiraiya is seriously injured, and Sakumo asked me to return immediately," Yoichi explained.
"What? Minato is dead, and Jiraiya is seriously injured? Is there a war in the village?" Tsunade asked, shocked.
"It's an enemy we know, one of Jiraiya's former students from the Rain Village, the one with the Rinnegan," Yoichi explained, sharing the recent intel on the Akatsuki. Despite sending a team prepared for the Rinnegan, they suffered heavy losses.
"Jiraiya, that fool. He should have reported the Rinnegan to the village back then. What was he thinking?" Tsunade muttered, realizing the gravity of the situation.
"Mina has already healed the wounded. Sakumo wants me back to strategize. The enemy isn't just Nagato; there are others," Yoichi continued.
"Don't take unnecessary risks. Promise me that!" Tsunade demanded, grabbing Yoichi's hand.
"Don't worry, Tsunade. I won't die easily. We have centuries to spend together," Yoichi reassured her.
"Smooth talker. Don't turn the Senju necklace into a cursed item," Tsunade said, her worry easing.
"I'll take Nawaki with me for a while. If the village needs me, contact me immediately. I want to develop that technique, too. It's almost complete," Tsunade said, referring to the Yin Seal and Strength of a Hundred Technique, which she now hoped to use to maintain her youth.
"Understood. I'll send word when the time comes. You can return to Konoha if needed," Yoichi replied.
Tsunade's face turned slightly red, thinking about their relationship and the potential gossip.
After discussing a few more things, Yoichi bid farewell to Tsunade, Shizune, and Nawaki, and returned to Konoha.
He hadn't expected Jiraiya and Minato to fail together. The enemy was clearly more than just Nagato; perhaps even Obito was involved.
(End of Chapter)
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[Thank You For Your Support!]
====
Upon returning, Yoichi first went home for a bit before heading to the Hokage Building.
The second failed mission had hurt Konoha's foundation, costing them many elite ninjas, including Minato.
When Yoichi arrived at the Hokage's office, Sakumo had already gathered Konoha's higher-ups.
The first time Nagato killed so many ninjas could be attributed to insufficient intelligence.
However, during the second mission to capture him, they had adequate information and even brought specialized ninjas. Despite this, they still failed, and even Minato was killed.
"Yoichi-kun, you're back."
"I have some things to report, but the Rinnegan matter is more pressing. Let's address that first."
After Yoichi spoke, everyone in the room turned their attention to Jiraiya and Shikaku.
Forty elite ninjas were dispatched, but they lost over ten. Considering their intelligence on the Rinnegan, such heavy losses seemed improbable.
"Our intelligence was also leaked. The enemy knew our usual tactics inside and out. They knew everything about my, Inoichi, and Choza's strategies, as well as other ninjas' secret techniques," Shikaku explained, shocking everyone in the room. They had gone to great lengths to gather intelligence on the enemy, only to find their own information exposed.
"The enemy also had numerous summoned creatures, one of which could turn invisible. This invisible lizard caused us to lose several comrades in the first encounter."
"Additionally, Nagato had six more body clones, which appeared to be disposable. The masked enemy's space-time ninjutsu was formidable, giving even Minato a hard time, and there was another enemy proficient in Fire Release, covered in white wood."
As Shikaku described the battle, it became clear that their own tactics were entirely compromised.
Even Minato's Flying Thunder God markings were known to the enemy. The Konoha Jonin's specialties were also exposed.
It was one thing for the enemy to know about the Ino-Shika-Cho trio's secret techniques, but knowing their battle habits indicated a severe intelligence leak.
Moreover, the masked enemy's space-time ninjutsu was terrifying. Their attacks passed through him as if he were intangible, and he could also use the technique to teleport them away.
Even Minato nearly fell for it.
Nagato's Rinnegan abilities had also increased. When they destroyed two of his body clones, he summoned a mask to repair them.
Not to mention the bizarre giant summoning beasts that required three ninjas to handle each one.
At this point, Shikaku realized the situation was dire and suggested a retreat. However, the enemy wasn't keen on letting them go, making the retreat extremely difficult.
The masked enemy used space-time ninjutsu and Wood Release to ambush and protect his allies. Minato saved Jiraiya, who had been knocked away by Nagato, but was impaled by the masked enemy's Wood Release: Piercing Branches.
Jiraiya and his summoned creatures' combined Fire Release techniques finally forced the enemy to retreat, allowing them to escape.
After Shikaku finished, the room fell silent.
Then Sakumo asked, "Yoichi-kun, any thoughts?"
"Given the intelligence leak and the Fire Release proficiency, Shikaku, did that person use techniques like Great Fireball, Dragon Fire, or Majestic Destroyer Flame?"
Yoichi asked, knowing that while many ninja were proficient in Fire Release, the Uchiha clan were the true masters. The techniques he mentioned were signature Uchiha jutsus.
Shikaku nodded. "Indeed, there were techniques similar to the Great Fireball and dragon-shaped Fire Release techniques."
Yoichi sighed. "Uchiha clan's Fire Release techniques, knowing village ninja's secret techniques, it must be Fugaku, the renegade."
Everyone realized immediately. As the former Uchiha clan head, Fugaku knew their strategies and secrets.
Sakumo asked, "Yoichi-kun, are you saying that person was Fugaku?"
"There's no one else it could be. The Uchiha clan has been looking for him, but it seems he's hiding in the Akatsuki."
Yoichi continued, "As for the one using space-time ninjutsu and Wood Release, I'm not sure. Though I have Wood Release through genetic grafting, all instances and names of Wood Release users can be provided to the Fourth Hokage."
Orochimaru added, "The list of Wood Release recipients from me can also be provided to the Fourth Hokage."
Hiruzen's eyelid twitched, realizing his clan's two Wood Release users could no longer be kept secret.
"If it's not someone from the village, then Wood Release abilities must be circulating outside," Sakumo said, feeling troubled.
Twice they had failed to capture the enemy, who now held a deep grudge against Konoha. They had to find a way to eliminate this threat.
Yoichi asked, "Do we have any more intelligence on them?"
Shikaku shook his head. "No, last time it was likely a deliberate exposure of information. Though we anticipated this, we didn't expect them to know our tactics so well."
"Continue gathering intelligence. I'll handle them next time," Yoichi said. "I understand their tactics now. When they appear again in the ninja world, I'll capture them."
"Yoichi-kun, the Rinnegan and space-time ninjutsu..."
"Don't worry, Fourth Hokage. I never take on tasks I'm not confident in."
Yoichi added, "I fear death, but if I say I'll handle it, I'm fully confident."
While he had hoped to let the Akatsuki serve as a disruptor to gather the tailed beasts, they had gone too far, forcing Konoha to decide on their elimination.
Even if it meant waiting to collect the tailed beasts until after he had conquered other nations, Yoichi had to deal with the Akatsuki now.
This mission's failure was largely due to Fugaku's intelligence leak. Fugaku had long been a confirmed renegade, with a bounty on his head, so this wasn't tied to the Uchiha clan.
"Will there be any issues with Kushina?" Sakumo asked, concerned that the Jinchuriki might lose control in her emotional state.
Jiraiya, who had been silent in grief, finally spoke. "Let me tell Kushina. Minato died saving me... but I'll need the sealing team's help."
"Don't send the sealing team. Their skills aren't sufficient. Let Mina accompany Jiraiya," Yoichi suggested. "Mina can use the Adamantine Sealing Chains. If Kushina loses control and transforms, Mina can restrain her."
Sakumo agreed. "Alright, Yoichi-kun. The rest of you, recover and keep gathering intelligence. We're done here."
The rest, such as compensations and the memorial, would be handled by Sakumo. The loss of Minato, a prominent future leader, weighed heavily on him.
After the meeting, everyone left the Hokage building, including a sorrowful Hiruzen.
He had high hopes for Minato, even considering him for the Hokage position. Despite Sakumo becoming Hokage, he still valued Minato, seeing him as an improved version of Jiraiya. But fate had a cruel way of repeating itself, with Minato sacrificing himself for his comrades.
Jiraiya followed Yoichi to the Uchiha compound but did not enter.
Yoichi returned home just as Mina had come back. Since the arrival of Karin, Mina frequently cared for the child, often carrying her around joyfully.
Seeing Yoichi, Mina asked in surprise, "When did you get back, Yoichi-sama?"
"Just now. Mina, Jiraiya is waiting. Go with him to see Kushina."
Yoichi took his daughter, noting to himself that she seemed a bit heavier.
"To see Kushina? What's wrong?" Mina asked.
"Minato died on a mission. Kushina doesn't know yet. Jiraiya plans to tell her, and you need to go in case she loses control."
Mina understood, "Minato is dead... and Kushina is pregnant..."
"Though the chances are slim, there's still a risk. If she transforms, the baby won't survive. That's why you need to go."
"I understand. I'll leave now. I hope Kushina can handle it," Mina said, changing her clothes and departing. Yoichi sent a wood clone as an extra precaution to ensure no accidents happened.
When the wood clone arrived with Jiraiya and Mina at Kushina's home, they found many ANBU and barrier team members already there.
At that moment, Yugito appeared, her face lighting up when she saw Yoichi.
"You're back?"
(End of Chapter)
Paragraph comment
Paragraph comment feature is now on the Web! Move mouse over any paragraph and click the icon to add your comment.
Also, you can always turn it off/on in Settings.
GOT IT