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"Something big has happened, Obito has been captured." White Zetsu had been following Obito with a clone, but when they were in the Mist Village, that clone was nearly crushed by the Perfect Susanoo.
Fortunately, the message was transmitted back in time.
White Zetsu's method of transmitting information was similar to a network; there were many roots transformed by White Zetsu clones beneath the ninja world. By sending chakra through these roots, the main body and other White Zetsus could receive the information.
Black Zetsu asked, "Who did it? Obito's dojutsu should be one of the hardest to catch in the ninja world."
Recently, Black Zetsu had been keeping an eye on Nagato, as the Rinnegan was more important than Obito. Especially now, Nagato was being watched by the great nations, walking a tightrope every day.
"It was the Lightning Fang of Konoha. That man's speed is so fast that Obito couldn't even react."
White Zetsu explained, while Black Zetsu was attached to White Zetsu's body, it still had to speak to convey information. "I think even Nagato wouldn't be able to use the Rinnegan's techniques in time against him."
"Is he that fast?" Black Zetsu was shocked and found it hard to believe. It remembered that Obito's space-time ninjutsu was already too fast for most people to react to. If someone was even faster than that… it meant they were the fastest in the ninja world.
"What should we do now?"
"Go inform Nagato and Fugaku about this. The Lightning Fang of Konoha's strength might be on par with Madara's now. He's not someone they can deal with. I have to make some preparations; even Madara didn't foresee that after him and Hashirama, such a monster would appear in the ninja world."
Black Zetsu spoke, thankful that it knew Madara's secrets and jutsu, though executing them would be difficult and would require using White Zetsu's body.
————————————————
"Yoichi-sensei, is it true that Obito has been captured?" Rin asked in surprise.
"Yes, I caught him myself. He's currently being held in the village prison. Do you want to see him?" Yoichi nodded and continued, "We've uncovered a lot of information. Obito was the one who killed Minato, and he's deeply connected to the Akatsuki, the group that targeted you. However, the ones who harmed you were likely others."
"Obito… he became too extreme. Why didn't he return to Konoha back then?" Rin sighed. She was somewhat grateful to Obito for his concern when she was being hunted by the Mist ninja, but if he had returned to Konoha after her supposed death, he would have learned she was alive after a few years, and none of the subsequent tragedies would have occurred.
"Yoichi-sensei, I'm not sure if I should go see Obito. I should ask Kakashi. He probably has a lot to say to him."
Yoichi said, "Go ahead. But Obito won't be able to see you. His Sharingan, connected to his space-time ninjutsu, has been removed. Otherwise, he might use it to escape."
"I understand. Once Obito decided to attack Konoha, he was no longer a comrade. This is for the village's safety. But before I go, Yoichi-sensei…"
Rin licked her lips nervously and walked around the desk to stand in front of Yoichi, whispering, "Have you thought about that… thing?"
"Rin, not today. Kurenai and Rumi will be back soon, and I have some things I need to take care of outside." Yoichi gently kissed Rin's soft cheeks, finding a way to persuade her to leave.
Once she left, Yoichi let out a small sigh of relief. He had just recovered a bit of energy, and he still had to take care of Mikoto and Mina tonight. He couldn't afford to let Rin drain him dry.
Shortly after Rin left, Rumi and Kurenai returned. Yoichi had just finished dealing with some village matters and could delegate some tasks to them.
Although it was still Konoha Village, the proportion of ninja to ordinary citizens was decreasing, nearing a ratio of ten to one.
The Ninja Academy had submitted a request for expansion because more and more children were applying to enroll. This year alone, the academy had received over 400 applications, but even with double the classrooms, they could only admit just over 200. Therefore, the expansion had to be approved.
Yoichi had already given the go-ahead for this, but he insisted that graduation would take no less than six years, with an additional two-year apprenticeship before students could be deployed on the frontlines. This was part of a minor reform that many supported; no one wanted to see young children die on the battlefield.
Moreover, Konoha's combat strength was no longer stretched thin. Although the village hadn't been actively expanding its military power, the advanced items and secret medicines released by the Uchiha clan each year, such as improved ninja gear and refined soldier pills, had significantly bolstered the village's overall strength.
If war were to break out, Yoichi would have the Uchiha clan provide the village and other clans with large quantities of secret medicines, potentially boosting Konoha's combat strength by 30%.
"Rumi, Kurenai, handle these files. If everything checks out as reported, approve them accordingly."
The two of them could now manage some of Konoha's less critical affairs, such as land expansion and residential applications. This greatly eased Yoichi's workload, eliminating the need for him to use clones for these tasks.
Rumi smiled gratefully at Yoichi, as her retrieval of the lost Byakugan had elevated her status within the Hyuga clan.
Hiashi had granted her the same status as the main family, allowing her to learn all the clan's secret techniques and exempting her from the Caged Bird curse.
While her status as Yoichi's student had shielded her from the Caged Bird seal, Hiashi's public declaration had formalized it, making it a matter of clan policy.
The Byakugan was almost impossible to leak due to the Caged Bird seal. No other village had managed to obtain one, making the stolen Byakugan a stain on the Hyuga clan's honor. Rumi's success in retrieving it had helped the clan save face.
"Yoichi-sensei, thank you so much. The main family will no longer meddle in my affairs. The clan head even invited you to visit us sometime. My sister makes excellent tea," Rumi said sweetly, her gratitude evident.
Without Yoichi's help, she could never have achieved such high standing within the clan, even though her sister was married to Hiashi.
Yoichi smiled, "I'll visit when I have the time. I have something to discuss with Hiashi anyway. But don't worry too much about the Byakugan, Rumi. It was just a small matter."
"Gratitude is still necessary, sensei," Rumi said, but she stopped talking when Kurenai returned with tea. Smiling, she picked up a stack of files and returned to her desk to begin her work.
Yoichi glanced at the two of them and said, "I'll leave the rest to you."
"Understood, Yoichi-sensei"
"Don't worry, Yoichi-sensei."
The two students smiled sweetly, allowing Yoichi to leave with peace of mind.
However, he left a clone behind to keep an eye on things. After his main body departed, Kurenai and Rumi got to work.
As Konoha's population grew, so did the number of tasks that needed handling. Although this was the Assistant's office, almost all village matters passed through here first.
After the Assistant's office reviewed the more critical issues, they were forwarded to Sakumo, who would give them a glance before assigning them to be handled.
However, out of ten files, Sakumo would only thoroughly review one and then delegate the rest.
After leaving the office, Yoichi headed to Konoha Hospital as usual.
Tsunade had refused to stay in the Uchiha compound, so Yoichi could only visit her during the day or sneak into her room at night with the Flying Thunder God Technique to cuddle her to sleep.
"Tsunade… Why are you wearing something loose today?" Yoichi immediately noticed that something was off when he saw Tsunade. She had changed from her usual attire, wearing something looser around her waist, allowing her top to drape more naturally.
"Heh, take a guess, you cheeky brat!"
Tsunade's face lit up with a pleased smile, crossing her arms as she spoke.
"Could it be…"
As a father of two, Yoichi immediately used his spiritual energy to sense Tsunade's abdomen and detected a faint life force.
He moved closer to Tsunade, gently placing a hand on her stomach, saying, "Why didn't you tell me earlier? You should take a break from your research for now. There's no rush. I'll talk to Orochimaru about it. His projects should've been shut down ages ago. They've wasted so many resources."
"You're going to make Orochimaru come after you!" Tsunade said, but then she laughed. "I was planning to take a break too. Even if you hadn't come today, I would have told you. Your last suggestion led to significant progress with the Extremis Virus."
"But not all kekkei genkai can successfully merge. Ice Release, for example, causes the virus to become even more unstable when merged. However, my grandfather's Wood Release and the Shikotsumyaku have been very successful, enhancing the virus with these kekkei genkai traits."
Tsunade explained and took Yoichi to see the test mice.
The Extremis Virus, when merged with kekkei genkai, enhanced those abilities and transferred them to the host. For instance, mice injected with the Shikotsumyaku-enhanced virus had bones three times harder than those injected with the Wood Release-enhanced virus.
However, the mice injected with the Wood Release-enhanced virus had incredible regenerative abilities, able to regrow severed limbs in just three seconds.
Other mice injected with the virus didn't have such strong regenerative abilities, taking at least seven to eight seconds to regrow lost limbs.
However, even after regeneration, they needed a large supply of nutrient solution, or they would become emaciated. After all, energy couldn't be generated from nothing; the virus only rewired the "brain programming" as a genetic virus.
After the demonstration, Tsunade said angrily, "I spent years developing the Creation Rebirth technique, but now that the Extremis Virus is working, Creation Rebirth is completely obsolete…"
Yoichi comforted her, "This is still your achievement. With the Extremis Virus, Shizune's safety will also be greatly improved. But the most important thing right now is your health. Now that the research has succeeded, let Orochimaru handle it."
With that, Yoichi created a Wood Clone and instructed it to leave.
"You're really going to leave it all to Orochimaru? The Extremis Virus is very delicate to produce. Let me choose a few people from the hospital to help him."
Tsunade smiled, but then slapped away Yoichi's wandering hand and asked, "Did you send your clone to find Orochimaru?"
"No, I sent it to Shizune. I told her to go home and remove all the alcohol from the house. No more drinking for you for a year."
"What?"
Tsunade, angry, straddled Yoichi's lap and shook him by the neck, saying, "No way! I refuse! I'll go crazy if I can't drink!"
"Give it up, Tsunade. Otherwise, I'll have to follow you around all the time."
Yoichi was unfazed by her resistance. He had already given Shizune time off to monitor Tsunade.
No matter how much Tsunade pleaded, he wouldn't relent, not even when she tried to soften him with her sweet talk.
Tsunade had a bad habit of overindulging in alcohol, often relying on her strong medical ninjutsu. But this was her first pregnancy, and Yoichi wanted to be extra cautious.
Finally, seeing that Yoichi wouldn't budge, Tsunade gave up pleading and began plotting something devious.
"By the way, how's Kushina? I've been meaning to visit her. Is she alright?"
"She should be fine. I sent her to the Turtle Island in the Cloud Village for jinchuriki training. It's a place where she can confront the darkness within her heart."
Yoichi answered without missing a beat, although in his mind, he thought he might need to check on her soon.
——————————————
"Orochimaru-sama, what's wrong?"
Nawaki noticed Orochimaru's sudden change in expression during their return to the village, and he pulled out a kunai, prepared for danger.
However, Orochimaru sighed, patted Nawaki on the shoulder, and said, "Shizune, your sister and Yoichi have gone too far. From now on, you and Anko will take on B-rank missions on your own. Also, you need to come back with me for a bit."
(End of Chapter)
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After a recent reform, Konoha's prison system has been divided into two areas.
One area is a temporary detention center, which is specifically for those who have violated Konoha's management regulations, such as getting involved in fights.
The offenses are relatively minor, with the maximum sentence being a month. The temporary detention center is quite rudimentary and uncomfortable, ensuring that anyone who ends up there would not want to return.
The other area is where long-term prisoners are held. Once someone is sent here, their chakra is sealed, their meridians are blocked, and they are shackled with chains on both their hands and feet.
Every day, they are sent to labor camps.
Konoha is currently undergoing many construction projects, with five different railway lines being built simultaneously, which requires a lot of labor.
These prisoners, who have committed serious crimes or have been captured, serve as a labor force. One guard from the security team can oversee twenty prisoners, and any insubordination is met with immediate execution, with no second chances.
In the deepest layer of the long-term prison, reserved for the most heinous criminals, there is currently only one inmate: Uchiha Obito. Despite having sealing techniques placed on him, the seals surrounding the prison have not been activated.
Yoichi was hoping that White Zetsu would come to rescue Obito so that he could use the Flying Thunder God technique to infiltrate the Akatsuki base and wipe them out. Unfortunately, after two or three days, there was no sign of White Zetsu, as if he had given up on Obito.
The sound of footsteps echoed in the quiet prison. Hearing this, Obito, who was lying on the ground, slightly raised his chest but remained still. His injuries had been treated, and with his Sharingan and Kamui removed, he wasn't afraid of escaping. If his injuries weren't treated, the necrotic tissue would have killed him in a few days.
When the footsteps stopped at the prison door, Obito heard a familiar voice.
"Obito, why is it you?"
Kakashi…
Obito knew that after being captured and brought back to Konoha, he would face many interrogations and torture, but the one person he didn't want to see was Hatake Kakashi. Fortunately, his eyes had been removed, so he couldn't see Kakashi.
"...I have nothing left to say, Kakashi. I heard you're now a genius Jonin, the son of the Fourth Hokage. So why not have the village execute me quickly?"
Kakashi touched the left eye covered by his forehead protector and continued, "I've read the interrogation report. You could have returned as a hero of Konoha back then, so why did you go looking for—"
"Then what about you, Kakashi? You completely broke our promise! How did Rin die?"
"Obito…"
A familiar voice interrupted Obito's fury, leaving him stunned.
This voice… he often heard it in his dreams, and he would recall it at least once or twice daily. There was no mistaking it—it was Rin.
"Kakashi, who's with you? Is it a transformation jutsu? If you're trying to extract information, can't the Yamanaka Clan just pull it out of my mind? Why resort to such a despicable—"
Before Obito could finish his angry rant, Rin's voice interrupted him again. "Obito, I didn't die."
Rin's voice once again interrupted Obito, and Kakashi added, "Obito, we've pieced together the events. Rin sacrificed herself to prevent the Three-Tails from attacking Konoha by intentionally impaling herself on my blade."
"Let me continue, Kakashi."
Rin interrupted Kakashi and then said to Obito, "Obito, after you saved me and Kakashi at Kannabi Bridge, I was weak, so when I returned to the village, I started learning medical ninjutsu from Mina-sensei. With her recommendation, I began studying the Sage Mark under Yoichi-sensei."
Rin shared some details about what had happened after Obito's presumed death, though she made slight alterations, presenting the training under Uchiha Yoichi as her request, eventually becoming his sixth disciple.
Obito was left in disbelief. He had always thought Rin was dead, only to find out that she was alive, having been protected in the village due to the seal on her heart.
"Obito, Yoichi-sensei discovered that while Kirigakure was the visible enemy, the true culprit was hidden in the shadows. That's why this was kept secret. But to think that you would conspire with the real culprits and even kill Minato-sensei…"
Rin's voice was full of disappointment in Obito. She had once been grateful to him for saving her, but seeing the madness that had consumed him, Rin now felt only a desire to distance herself.
As for any affection Rin might have had for Obito, she now found it terrifying. If Obito hadn't saved her, she wouldn't have wanted to meet him at all.
"Obito, I've told you everything. You were deceived."
Rin finished, sensing Obito's despair. It felt like they had said too much.
So she turned to Kakashi and said, "Kakashi, let's go."
"Yeah."
Kakashi sighed and left the prison's deepest layer with Rin.
He felt that Obito was a tragic figure, but it was regrettable. Even though Kakashi was the son of the Fourth Hokage, he couldn't save Obito.
Obito had committed unforgivable sins, killing Minato-sensei and many elite Konoha ninja. Once his mind had been thoroughly interrogated and all valuable information extracted, he would be sentenced to death.
Currently, Obito was still alive because of the White Zetsu tissue on his body, which perfectly mimicked human tissue and was worth researching. This was the only reason he hadn't been executed yet.
After leaving the underground prison, Rin felt a bit lighter and asked Kakashi, "Kakashi, what are you going to do next?"
"I'm probably going to take on some missions. I might not stay in the village for a while. What about you, Rin?"
"I'll probably stay in the village. I'm currently helping Mina-sensei teach the new medical class."
Rin explained that the ninja academy had started teaching chakra control to students within the first five years. Those who excelled in chakra control were selected to take an additional medical ninjutsu course, which Rin was responsible for teaching.
It was initially Mina's responsibility, but with two children to care for, she rarely had the time to teach.
"I see. Well, take care, Rin. I'm heading out."
"Take care, Kakashi."
Kakashi was in a somber mood, so after exchanging farewells with Rin, he went home, packed his ninja gear, and headed to the Hokage office to take on some high-level solo missions.
As for Obito, after Rin and Kakashi left, he suddenly began to go mad, yelling and screaming in the underground prison. The security team tried to stop him several times, but to no avail. Obito continued to scream wildly.
They could have blocked the door, but then Obito began a hunger strike, which annoyed the security team to no end.
But Obito still had value. Before his death sentence was pronounced, they needed to keep him alive. Although Obito had taken the lives of his clansmen, the security team grudgingly administered nutrients to keep him from starving.
In the Hokage's aide office, a meeting was currently taking place. After Kurenai finished brewing tea, she stayed to take notes. As a Jonin and Yoichi's disciple and assistant, she was qualified to remain, even though the meeting involved village secrets.
"First, let's discuss the security team. Recently, their workload has increased significantly. After discussing it with the Hyuga Clan Leader, he has agreed to assign fifty Hyuga ninja to support the security team. The security team will also expand and extend its jurisdiction to cover a hundred kilometers around Konoha," Yoichi announced to everyone.
Hiruzen, Jiraiya, and the others felt a bit bitter. They felt that Yoichi had already become the Fifth Hokage.
Even though the Hokage election had not yet taken place, Sakumo, the Fourth Hokage, had willingly taken a subordinate seat, and the meeting wasn't even held in the Hokage office. What kind of situation was this?
However, Sarutobi, Jiraiya, and Shikaku knew better than to say anything. After all, it was Sarutobi himself who had approached Sakumo and agreed to the deal to capture the Akatsuki member.
"That's it for the village matters. Next is the Akatsuki. Iwagakure is playing hardball. Onoki responded that while they've cooperated with Akatsuki, he doesn't know where they are now and that it's none of Konoha's business."
Yoichi passed around Iwagakure's reply for everyone to read, then continued, "I plan to issue A-rank and S-rank missions on behalf of the village, targeting Iwagakure's resources."
Shikaku thought for a moment before asking, "Wouldn't that risk starting a war? If Iwagakure retaliates—"
"Let them retaliate. Konoha isn't afraid of war. Moreover, during times of peace, A-rank and S-rank missions are increasingly rare. If we don't create some high-level missions, our Jonin will be underutilized, and their income will decrease."
Yoichi added, "Intelligence gathering and sabotaging enemy village resources can also provide additional income for idle Jonin. As for Iwagakure, let them come if they want to start a war. Without their Jinchūriki, Iwagakure poses no real threat."
Hearing this, Shikaku had no more objections, and neither did anyone else in the room, including Koharu and Homura.
These two had become so cautious that even Yoichi had no excuse to remove them. Now, he had the ANBU watching them closely, ready to remove them for even the smallest misuse of village funds.
"As for Nagato's Rinnegan, we've gathered quite a bit of information. The interrogation team has extracted details from Obito's mind, and ANBU has also uncovered some intel on Nagato and Konan. Jiraiya-san, would you be willing to take on this mission?"
Everyone in the room turned to Jiraiya, who was surprised to be entrusted with this task after having failed twice.
"Now that we have clear intel on Nagato, there shouldn't be any more surprises. Given your strength, Jiraiya-san, you should be able to handle it."
With so many eyes on him and Yoichi's reasonable explanation, coupled with the offer of Rinnegan intel, Jiraiya felt compelled to accept the task.
"I understand. Leave it to me."
Hiruzen sighed. Even if he wanted to dissuade Jiraiya, there was no opportunity.
"Good. You can select your team members and submit the list later."
Yoichi said, though this was another trap. Jiraiya might not find anyone available for the mission, forcing him to choose from his close associates like the Sarutobi or Ino-Shika-Cho clans. Hiruzen might even join out of concern.
"That's all for now. ANBU, stay behind. Escort the Fourth Hokage back to his office to handle some documents. There are quite a few matters that require his personal attention."
"Oh, Yoichi-kun, you're joking! I wouldn't neglect village affairs."
Sakumo chuckled and left the room, heading back to his office. However, if Yoichi hadn't mentioned it, he had indeed been planning to go to the market to buy some fresh mackerel.
After dealing with the village's affairs, Yoichi stretched and felt like he had mostly recovered.
"Come to think of it, if my eye technique can reverse life and death, it should be able to heal my waist too."
Yoichi suddenly remembered that he had overlooked the restorative power of his eye technique. His Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan flared as he used his eye technique on his waist.
Sanrinsanmyō!
A surge of vitality filled Yoichi's waist, bringing immense relief and comfort. In just a few seconds, he felt as though he had returned to his peak condition.
"Amazing recovery... it seems this is the true power of Sanrinsanmyō."
Yoichi was pleased with himself. He also opened the superpower wheel. With the accumulation feature, he hadn't checked on his biggest cheat for some time.
It had been a while, and he had accumulated three chances to draw. He could either use them all at once or exchange them for abilities from the past month.
"I'll hold off for now. I'll save it for when I really need it."
Yoichi decided to postpone using his draws.
He then grabbed a prepared set of videotapes, a TV, and a VCR and used the Flying Thunder God technique to teleport back to Turtle Island.
The capture of Minato's killer should be good news for Kushina.
(End of Chapter)
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