The Land of Earth, a primeval forest in the northern region.
After development by Iwa-nin Village, the surrounding beasts were all driven away, clearing an area where Iwa-nin could temporarily rest.
This was the place where the Four-Tails had been reborn. Iwa-nin Village had already discovered traces of the Four-Tails living here—a giant active volcano. Surprisingly, the environment around it was quite pleasant, suitable both for the Four-Tails and the apes.
One day, Iwa-nin gathered in this area because the Eight-Tails from Kumo-nin Village had arrived.
"It's just ahead. Based on our assessment, the volcano in front is the living place of the Four-Tails. There is also a stone tablet left long ago, naming this place as 'Flower and Fruit Mountain,'" said Kurotsuchi to Killer B and the Kumo-nin, before leading them further ahead.
Iwa-nin had received intelligence indicating that a large amount of chakra had gathered near Flower and Fruit Mountain, clearly a sign of the Four-Tails' rebirth. So, Kurotsuchi personally brought Killer B, hoping that the Eight-Tails inside him could persuade the Four-Tails.
"Kurotsuchi-sama, the chakra gathering ahead is increasing rapidly," a scout reported, and shortly after, Killer B rapped, "Eight-Tails, already told me~ Four-Tails, resurrected~!"
"That fast? Earlier than we expected," Kurotsuchi said, surprised. He then turned to Killer B and said, "We'll leave it to you. If it doesn't work, we'll proceed with our backup plan. Please convey Iwa-nin Village's sincerity, we're counting on you."
Only one more Jinchūriki could prevent further conflict, after which Iwa-nin Village would no longer pursue the Four-Tails or the Five-Tails. This was a decision made by Ōnoki, despite pressure from other village elders.
"I understand, I'll do my best to persuade him," Killer B said, putting aside his usual rap, understanding the gravity of the situation for both Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin Villages.
Upon reaching the entrance of a large cave at Flower and Fruit Mountain, Killer B spoke, "No need for so many people to go inside. You and a few others can accompany me."
"Alright," Kurotsuchi agreed, bringing only two jōnin with them as they entered the cave.
The cave was enormous, about sixty or seventy meters high, large enough for a tailed beast to move freely.
After walking for a while and feeling the intense heat, they emerged into a more spacious part of the cave.
A loud roar echoed in the cave, and the ground in front of them erupted with a torrent of lava rushing toward them.
"Doton: Doryūheki!"
Kurotsuchi quickly formed hand seals, releasing Earth Release chakra from his mouth, forming a thick wall of earth in front of them to block the oncoming lava.
The lava slammed into the earth wall and was blocked.
"Curse you, humans!"
A massive red-haired ape appeared, swinging its huge fist after the lava was blocked by the earth wall.
Boom!
The earth wall shattered with a single punch, sending tremors throughout the cave, causing dust and debris to fall from the ceiling.
"Wait, Son Gokū!"
A giant octopus-bull demon burst from Killer B's body, wrapping two of its tails around the Four-Tails' raised fist.
"We came to talk!"
"What's there to talk about, Gyūki? You've sided with the humans and believe sealing us is the right thing to do, don't you? I've already died once, and now that I've finally gained my freedom, I refuse to be sealed again!"
The Four-Tails roared, slamming the ground with its free hand. The next second, a wave of lava erupted from the ground.
"Dammit, hot, hot, hot!!!"
The Eight-Tails quickly let go of the Four-Tails, jumping back to avoid the lava.
"Doton: Chikaku Undō!"
Kurotsuchi cast another Earth Release jutsu, creating a deep pit in the ground to contain the lava before sealing it off with more earth.
After being attacked twice without provocation, Kurotsuchi was starting to lose his patience. He turned to Gyūki and said, "Gyūki, let's subdue the Four-Tails first. It's too aggressive."
"Hold on. If we start fighting, Son Gokū will become even harder to reason with. These tailed beasts are all so short-tempered," Gyūki muttered, clearly frustrated. Among the nine tailed beasts, the Four-Tails ranked third in terms of temperament, just behind Kurama and Shukaku.
Despite his frustration, Gyūki recalled Killer B's request and the intelligence gathered by Kumo-nin, suppressing his anger once more. After dodging another lava attack, Gyūki said, "Help me subdue him."
"No problem. Doton: Sando no Jutsu!"
Kurotsuchi unleashed all the chakra he had been refining into his jutsu. Massive stone slabs, tens of meters high, rose up from both sides of the Four-Tails, slamming together to trap it.
"It's useless!"
The Four-Tails screamed, lashing its four tails, shattering the stone slabs with sheer force.
Just as the stones crumbled, Gyūki's eight octopus tails shot out, tightly wrapping the Four-Tails.
"Son Gokū, you stubborn fool! Can't you let me finish speaking?"
After restraining the Four-Tails, Gyūki shouted, "Shukaku, Isobu, and Kokuō have already been captured, and Saiken's whereabouts are unknown. Can't you stop attacking?!"
Hearing this, the Four-Tails calmed down slightly and stopped struggling. It asked, "Gyūki, is what you said true?"
"I have no reason to lie. Though I came here at Killer B's request, I wouldn't deceive you. All this information comes from the intelligence gathered by the shinobi."
Kurotsuchi chimed in, "It's true. A new ninja war is on the horizon, and we want to unite all available forces. After gathering some intelligence, we learned that several tailed beasts have already been captured."
"Let me go, Gyūki."
After hearing this, the Four-Tails stopped struggling. Gyūki, seeing that the Four-Tails no longer seemed intent on fighting, released its tails.
"I came to help you, but you attacked the moment we met. We fought together once before, remember?"
"That was then, this is now!"
The Four-Tails glanced at Gyūki and Kurotsuchi before continuing, "So, what do you want to say?"
"We hope you'll help us win the upcoming war," Kurotsuchi said plainly, stating Iwa-nin Village's bottom line. He had realized how much the Four-Tails despised Jinchūriki, and anything more complicated might lead to the Four-Tails being forcibly sealed, which wouldn't help Iwa-nin in the long run.
Otherwise, they would have to worry about the Four-Tails' Jinchūriki losing control in the village, forcing them to assign guards, which would be more trouble than it was worth.
After hearing Kurotsuchi's words, the Four-Tails laughed loudly, mocking them, "You humans are unbelievable. Once, Hashirama captured me from Flower and Fruit Mountain and enslaved me for decades in Iwa-nin Village. Now that I've finally escaped, you expect me to willingly return to a Jinchūriki?"
"Senju Hashirama has been resurrected, Son Gokū."
Kurotsuchi interrupted the Four-Tails, continuing, "This is a widely known fact across the ninja world. With Hashirama's return, he might once again capture you. Don't you want revenge? If you lend us your power, Iwa-nin won't seal you inside a Jinchūriki. You'll remain free."
This was a last-minute decision Kurotsuchi made. With the impending war, they needed the Four-Tails' strength.
"No sealing, huh? Heh, seems like you're scared. Otherwise, you wouldn't be here begging so humbly."
The Four-Tails laughed, surprised at the offer. After some thought, it looked at Gyūki and then said to Kurotsuchi, "I can agree to your request, but if there's even a hint of deception, then—"
"Planning to unite against Senju Hashirama, huh? Such a naïve idea, but I doubt you'll get the chance."
Suddenly, an unfamiliar voice echoed through the spacious cave.
Gyūki, the Four-Tails, Kurotsuchi, and the others all turned toward the source of the voice. They were shocked to find that someone had appeared inside the cave without them noticing.
Wearing armor from the Warring States period and with three spinning tomoe in his Sharingan, the presence of this newcomer brought immense pressure, making the atmosphere in the cave feel heavy.
Even Gyūki and the Four-Tails, both being tailed beasts, felt uncomfortable under the gaze of the Sharingan, as if an instinctive suppression was being imposed on them.
As for Kurotsuchi and the others, seeing Uchiha Madara left them in disbelief. Kurotsuchi gulped audibly; even though Madara had only spoken a single sentence, his aura exerted significant pressure on them.
"A Konoha ninja, huh? This is the Land of Earth. Are you trying to start a war?"
Kurotsuchi mustered the courage to shout at Uchiha Madara, although he had no idea how Konoha had produced such a powerful shinobi. But those eyes—there was no mistaking them. He had to be a hidden powerhouse from Konoha.
"A Konoha ninja? How laughable. It was Hashirama's mercy that allowed the other villages to survive to this day. If Ōnoki were here, that brat would recognize me."
Madara smirked coldly before leaping down.
Boom!
A cloud of dust and debris filled the cave as Uchiha Madara landed. Emerging from the dust, Black Zetsu appeared beside him and said, "Madara-sama, it seems the Four-Tails has revived sooner than expected. The Five-Tails may take another month."
"Has the location for the Five-Tails' revival been confirmed?"
"White Zetsu is keeping watch."
"Good."
Madara and Black Zetsu's conversation was not hidden, and every word was heard clearly by Kurotsuchi, Gyūki, and the others.
Their titles, along with their purpose, were laid bare for all to hear.
"Madara? You're Uchiha Madara!?"
Kurotsuchi was stunned, his face filled with disbelief as he asked, "Uchiha Madara died long ago, how can you be alive!?"
Madara replied as he walked, "If Hashirama can be resurrected, why can't I?"
Kurotsuchi quickly warned, "Gyūki, Four-Tails, be careful! He's after you!" He rapidly formed hand seals, preparing to refine chakra.
Gyūki spoke up, "Uchiha Madara? The one who controlled Kurama? A troublesome foe."
"Gyūki, let's deal with him first. After all, this is my territory!"
Son Gokū roared, about to pound the ground and unleash another torrent of lava when he noticed Madara forming hand seals.
"Kuchiyose no Jutsu!"
Boom!
A massive cloud of smoke erupted but quickly dispersed, revealing the summoned creature.
"The… the Gedo Statue!?"
Both Gyūki and the Four-Tails cried out in shock at the sight of the gigantic statue. They noticed that the Gedo Statue's eyes had already opened, revealing five of them, each containing the chakra of multiple tailed beasts.
"Gyūki, this guy has already collected the other five. He's planning to summon the Ten-Tails!"
"We have to stop him here, or it'll be the end of us!"
The two tailed beasts quickly realized the situation, and their explanation made it clear to Kurotsuchi and the others. The grotesque statue in front of them had sealed away five of the tailed beasts.
It was Madara who had been capturing the tailed beasts all along.
Kurotsuchi whispered to one of the Iwa-nin jōnin beside him, "We'll create an opening for you. Find a way to leave and get this message out."
"You won't be going anywhere. All of you will stay here."
Limbo!
Madara's eyes suddenly shifted into the Rinnegan, and in an instant, he used the Rinnegan's power.
—End of Chapter—
==== [Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]
"Sensei, here is the list of Hyūga clan members, and now all tasks will be assigned by you."
Rumi smiled as she handed Yōichi a list. This was a detailed record of all the Hyūga clan's ninja, except for a few from the main branch.
The rest were all included.
"There are a total of 831 members, Yōichi-sensei."
"That many? That guy, Hiashi, always pushed back when I asked for more people last time. But it seems the clan was hiding quite a few. Rumi, what do these clan members usually do?"
Yōichi knew about the commotion Rumi had stirred up within the Hyūga clan, but he didn't interfere, waiting to see the results instead.
Konoha was severely lacking in manpower. All the Uchiha clan's ninjas had already been deployed, and now the Uchiha Trading Company was heavily recruiting people from all over the Land of Fire.
Some of the armed protection forces were even composed of reanimated shinobi.
Previously, Yōichi had pressured the Ino-Shika-Chō trio to surrender some of their clan members as well, but the village still lacked enough ninjas. For example, just establishing security forces in different locations required nearly four times the current number of shinobi.
And this was only for the most basic security forces, tasked only with maintaining local order.
"They mostly train, manage clan businesses, or do nothing at all. Even if some of the branch family members want to become ninjas, the elders of the main family often oppose the idea under the guise of clan loyalty and duty," Rumi said, her tone filled with resentment toward the elders of the main family. These were the same people who once wanted her to retire from being a ninja and return to the clan to marry.
Had it not been for the fact that these elders didn't face her directly and only had Hiashi speak with her, Rumi might have seriously considered using her Tenseigan Chakra Mode on them.
"This should be all the branch family's ninjas. I initially wanted to model the clan after the policies you implemented with the Uchiha, Yōichi-sensei, but I found that it wasn't feasible. In the end, after some suggestions from the branch family elders, I made a few adjustments," Rumi added.
Yōichi chuckled and said, "The Uchiha clan is not that easy to imitate. The difficulty of awakening the Byakugan compared to the Sharingan is quite different."
While the Uchiha clan distributed more funds, much of the money ended up returning to the clan's own businesses, and the benefits for those with the three-tomoe Sharingan were significant.
However, there were very few such clan members.
In contrast, there was no clear standard for the Byakugan within the Hyūga clan. After a certain amount of training, nearly anyone could awaken the Byakugan. If the Hyūga were to implement similar policies to the Uchiha, their system would collapse in a few years.
"Go ahead and assign the ninjas. Start with the security teams in the Suna District and the Ame District. You and Kurenai should meet with Uchiha Masato and discuss the plans with the security forces."
Yōichi handed the responsibility over to Rumi and Kurenai. Their years of experience in village governance had made them highly skilled in handling the village's affairs, and they were well aware of what Konoha needed most at the moment.
All they had to do was follow the plan.
"Now, only the Five-Tails remains."
Madara glanced at the lifeless bodies lying on the ground without a hint of emotion. These people no longer stirred any excitement for him in battle.
At this moment, the Gedo Statue had opened eight of its eyes. Aside from the remaining Nine-Tails chakra in the Gold and Silver Brothers, only the Five-Tails was left to be captured.
"Black Zetsu, where is the Five-Tails?"
"In another forest, also within the Land of Earth, but it's a bit farther from here, Madara-sama. It seems that some of them are still alive?"
"Let them be. They're insignificant."
After dismissing the Gedo Statue, Madara began walking away. He had no interest in returning to finish off those who might still be alive. While ninjas typically made sure their enemies were dead, Madara didn't care whether they lived or died.
"Very well."
Black Zetsu didn't contradict Madara's will. After all, their "mother" was nearly ready to be resurrected. Though Black Zetsu didn't fully understand why her consciousness had suddenly awakened, once the Five-Tails and Nine-Tails chakra were sealed into the Gedo Statue, Madara would no longer be needed.
Even the Infinite Tsukuyomi wouldn't require Madara's involvement; their mother's will would directly resurrect through the Gedo Statue.
It wasn't until long after Madara left that the Iwa-nin outside of Flower and Fruit Mountain noticed something was wrong.
When they sent people inside to investigate, they found Killer B, Kurotsuchi, and the others lying on the ground. Startled, they rushed over to check, discovering that everyone was dead except for Kurotsuchi, who was barely alive.
"Quick, get a medical ninja in here to save them!"
Soon, the Iwa-nin managed to save the lone survivor, Kurotsuchi. After receiving medical treatment, she finally regained consciousness.
As soon as Kurotsuchi woke, Ōnoki immediately asked for an account of what happened. The Kumo-nin also stood by, looking grim, as Killer B was not only their village's perfect Jinchūriki but also the younger brother of the Fourth Raikage.
Now, with Killer B dead in the Land of Earth, how could they possibly explain this to the Raikage?
"...It was Uchiha Madara. He's collecting the tailed beasts, and counting the Four-Tails and Eight-Tails, he's already captured seven of them. Father, Uchiha Madara is now heading for the Five-Tails. Contact our ninjas there immediately!"
"Uchiha Madara!?"
The mention of Madara's name instantly brought back unpleasant memories for Ōnoki. He recalled how he and his teacher, the Second Tsuchikage, had been easily defeated by Madara, who hadn't even bothered to take them seriously.
"What's he planning by capturing the tailed beasts?"
Kurotsuchi coughed weakly and replied, "I'm not sure, but before the Eight-Tails was captured, it told us to protect the Five-Tails at all costs and not let Madara collect all of the tailed beasts."
After Kurotsuchi explained the situation, Ōnoki understood the gravity of the matter, though his expression darkened further.
The alliance between the four nations hadn't even formed yet, Amegakure had been nearly wiped out, and though Kirigakure had just agreed to join, relations between Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin were now shaky.
Ōnoki knew how important Killer B was to Kumo-nin, but now he was dead, in the Land of Earth no less.
"Dodai, that's the situation. I understand how important Killer B was to your village, but there's a greater threat now. I hope you can talk to the Fourth Raikage and make sure he doesn't do anything that will play into the enemy's hands!"
Dodai's heart sank after hearing Ōnoki's words. He replied, "I'll do my best to persuade Raikage-sama."
The enemy was clear, and even their motives were known. Ideally, Kumo-nin and Iwa-nin should be strengthening their alliance to fight Madara and Konoha.
But Dodaicouldn't be sure what the Fourth Raikage would decide, given that his brother had died. Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding the Third Raikage's death in the Land of Earth had been suspicious as well.
"Third Tsuchikage, I'd like to accompany you to the Five-Tails' revival site."
Ōnoki replied, "Naturally. We'll set off immediately. If we're lucky, I hope the Fourth Raikage will bring Kumo-nin here too. After all, the enemy is Uchiha Madara."
Dodai, considering the situation, asked, "How much longer until the Five-Tails revives?"
"Hmm, about a month. The Five-Tails hadn't shown any signs of movement when the Four-Tails began gathering chakra, so it should be about a month behind."
Dodainodded thoughtfully and then said, "In that case, Third Tsuchikage, I hope your village will allow Raikage-sama to bring Kumo-nin here. Only by letting him personally investigate will he be convinced."
Ōnoki immediately understood Dodai's intention. He wanted the Fourth Raikage to see Uchiha Madara with his own eyes, focusing the Raikage's hatred on Madara so that the alliance between Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin could be strengthened.
Dodaialso didn't want relations between Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin to fracture at such a crucial moment, so he came up with this suggestion.
Ōnoki responded, "Let him come. Even if he brings a thousand Kumo-nin, Iwa-nin will make all the necessary arrangements. But make sure he brings strong shinobi, because our enemy is Uchiha Madara!"
"I understand. I'll report this to the Fourth Raikage immediately."
Dodai left the infirmary, preparing to inform the Fourth Raikage of what had transpired.
...
Konoha was no longer recognizable as its former self. The village had expanded to nearly 100 kilometers, and numerous tram tracks and public transportation systems had been built throughout.
Without these, it would be nearly impossible for ordinary people to get around, as it took hours just to walk from one side of the village to the other.
"Naruto, hurry up!"
Kushina sighed as she called out to Naruto. Today, Naruto was going to train with Sasuke and Karin, and Kushina planned to tag along to chat with Minako.
Minato had been gone for three days now, and Kushina was slowly beginning to forget him.
Thinking about this made Kushina grit her teeth in anger. After what happened during those two days—nearly non-stop for hours—she couldn't even bear to mention Minato's name. She avoided thinking about him altogether, afraid that Yōichi would pin her against the wall and have his way with her again.
"Coming, Mom."
Naruto changed his clothes and, after putting on his shoes, left with Kushina.
As they walked, Naruto suddenly asked, "Mom, where's Dad? He hasn't shown up in three days, right?"
"He's gone far away. You'll understand when you're older."
Kushina didn't want to lie to Naruto, so she kept her answer vague.
A little while later, as they continued walking, they encountered an old acquaintance—Jiraiya.
"Kushina, good morning. Where are you two headed?"
Jiraiya greeted them before asking, "By the way, I haven't seen Minato the past couple of days. I had something I needed to discuss with him."
Hearing this, Kushina turned to Naruto and said, "Naruto, go ahead and find Sasuke. I'll catch up with you later."
After sending Naruto off, Kushina replied, "Minato... he's already returned, back to the Pure Land."
"So soon?"
Jiraiya's face showed surprise. He had known Minato's intentions, but he thought Minato would stay a bit longer before returning to the Pure Land.
"Why the rush? Well, what do you plan to do now, Kushina?"
"Live a good life, and raise Naruto," Kushina replied plainly. She didn't want to deal with anyone associated with Minato right now, especially since she was carrying another man's child. Every time she faced Jiraiya, she felt the urge to avoid him.
"I see. And Naruto?"
"I have some things to discuss with Mina, so I'll be going now, Jiraiya-sensei."
Kushina quickly cut off Jiraiya, knowing what he was about to say. Minato had discussed this with him before, but things had changed.
Naruto, now a Jinchūriki with a powerful beast sealed inside him, would benefit more from training with Yōichi.
Besides, Kushina wasn't worried. After all, Naruto was the older brother of the child she was carrying.
"Ah, Kushina..."
Jiraiya called out a couple more times as she walked away, but she ignored him. He sighed and muttered to himself, "Am I being avoided?"
Kushina quickly caught up to Naruto, and the two of them arrived at the Uchiha compound.
When Naruto got there, Sasuke, Haku, and the others had already begun training. Seeing this, Naruto shouted, "I'm here!" before jumping in to join them.
At this point, the three of them were almost like little monsters. Though they had only had the beasts sealed within them for a short time, they were already able to use the beasts' abilities.
Yōichi had erased the consciousness of the summoned beasts while preserving their powers, essentially turning them into batteries that allowed Sasuke, Haku, and Naruto to use the beasts' abilities at will.
With this power boost, Sasuke, Haku, and Naruto had each increased their strength by two levels. If they fully unleashed their abilities, even Kimimaro and Itachi wouldn't stand a chance against them.
Sasuke could now casually cast A-rank Lightning Release jutsu, releasing ten in a row with ease. Under such circumstances, most tactics seemed futile.
That's why Yōichi had them focus on training their genetic abilities.
By mastering their genetic abilities, they would be able to fully absorb the beasts' powers as their own and grow even stronger.
Yōichi, having finished refining the fire, was also training at home. He was now able to slowly refine the fire without affecting anyone else, though it did make his body feel slightly warm.
But for Yōichi, who had mastered Godzilla's power, this wasn't a significant issue.
By refining a little each day, he would fully absorb the Golden Emperor's Heavenly Flame within two months.
"Kushina, you finally made it! Look, I prepared some salted meat cakes just for you!"
Mina brought out some snacks and cheerfully placed them in front of Kushina.
However, unlike usual, Kushina wasn't too thrilled. In fact, seeing the salted meat cakes made her feel nauseous, so she pushed them away, saying, "No thanks, Mina. I don't feel like eating this today... ugh."
"Hmm?" Mina asked curiously, "You used to love these. Are you feeling unwell today?"
"Uh, yeah, maybe just a little," Kushina replied quickly, laughing it off. Still, she pushed the snacks a bit further away, not wanting to even smell them.
(End of Chapter)
====
[Check Out My Patreon For +20 Extra Chapters On All My Fanfics!! For Only $5!!][www.p@treon.com/zaelum]
[+500 Power Stones = +1 Extra Chapter]
[Thank You For Your Support!]
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