Chapter 184: Chapter 183: I Still Want to Give It a Try
Before Shisui could speak, Byakuya took the initiative to pull out a blood bag and poured it directly into Yakumo's mouth, simultaneously starting to perform medical ninjutsu.
Under the effects of the medical ninjutsu and the Uzumaki blood, the previously barely-breathing Yakumo's face regained some color.
After realigning his internal organs, the ones that had been pierced by a kunai began to rapidly heal. Soon, only a frightening-looking hole remained, but the life-threatening danger was gone.
Seeing Byakuya's extraordinary medical skills, Shisui was momentarily stunned.
He was well aware of the severity of Yakumo's injuries. Even if they called upon Lady Tsunade, the Slug Princess, the chances of saving him would have been less than 30%. Yet, Byakuya had managed to rescue him with just a bag of blood and his medical ninjutsu.
Noticing Shisui's strange gaze, Byakuya let out a small snort, "Jealous? This is the power of the Uzumaki bloodline. It's because of this ability that Uzushiogakure, isolated overseas, was destroyed by an alliance of enemies."
Hearing this, Shisui fell silent.
He didn't know much about Uzushiogakure's history, but he was aware that Uzushiogakure and Konoha had been allies, to the point that even Konoha's forehead protector design was modeled after the Uzumaki clan's crest.
However, as time passed, the Uzumaki clan had gradually faded into a mere name.
This made him start to worry about his own clan's fate. Due to various reasons, the Uchiha clan had faced ostracism from both the village and the Hokage's office. Would they one day face a crisis similar to the Uzumaki clan's?
As this thought crossed his mind, Shisui suddenly understood why Byakuya harbored such deep hostility toward the village.
It wasn't because Byakuya had some prophetic ability, nor because his intelligence analysis was exceptionally sharp. It was because the Uzumaki clan, to which Byakuya belonged, had already experienced everything he feared.
After finishing the treatment, Byakuya tossed Yakumo over to Shisui's side.
Feeling the warmth and breathing of his comrade, Shisui let out a sigh of relief and then looked over to Yugito, waiting for Byakuya to deal with the jinchuriki.
Seeming to understand Shisui's thoughts, Byakuya chuckled and said, "Shisui, are you interested in the Two-Tails jinchuriki? If you offer a suitable price, I wouldn't mind letting you take the credit."
"Are you asking me to take the credit? Isn't Amegakure interested in the achievement of defeating the Two-Tails jinchuriki?"
Byakuya shook his head lightly, "Achievements can't be eaten as food. With that old man Hanzo in Amegakure, we don't need additional deterrence. It's better to let Uchiha take the credit."
Considering Byakuya's offer for a moment, Shisui then asked, "What does Uchiha need to give in order to buy the Two-Tails jinchuriki from you?"
Byakuya looked at the Two-Tails jinchuriki and replied, "It's simple. Uchiha gets the credit for defeating the Two-Tails jinchuriki, and we in Amegakure get the Two-Tails. Both sides get what they need."
Hearing this, Shisui's expression became more serious.
It was clear that Byakuya had come for the Two-Tails. If Amegakure were to obtain a tailed beast, their already powerful village would firmly step into the ranks of the Five Great Ninja Villages, becoming the sixth great village.
After thinking for a moment, Shisui said, "If you really take away the Two-Tails jinchuriki, Kumogakure won't let it slide. They'll definitely come after Amegakure."
Byakuya nodded and chuckled, "If the Two-Tails jinchuriki were still alive, then Kumogakure would certainly cause trouble. But if the jinchuriki is already dead? Would Kumogakure really avenge a dead person?"
Upon hearing this, Shisui's previously narrowed gazes eased up a bit.
At present, the Two-Tails Jinchuriki had fallen into their hands, and as long as Shisui and Byakuya reached an agreement, the fate of the Two-Tails—whether to live or die—was up to them.
Though a living Two-Tails Jinchuriki could bring greater benefits to the village, Shisui couldn't afford to turn against Byakuya at this moment. It would be more advantageous to claim the fame of defeating the Two-Tails Jinchuriki and gain Byakuya's favor.
After all, Byakuya was the one truly capable of defeating a Jinchuriki, and he had just saved both his and Yakumo's lives. He was their benefactor.
After making up his mind, Shisui nodded and said, "Since Lord Byakuya has spoken, I can only follow your decision."
After a brief division of interests, Byakuya made a hand seal and performed the Wood Clone Jutsu.
Even though Shisui had seen Byakuya use Wood Release before, he was still a little surprised when he saw the Wood Clone.
Byakuya noticed Shisui's reaction but didn't say much. This was precisely the effect he wanted. As long as he casually revealed some superficial abilities in front of Shisui, Shisui would inevitably start overthinking them in his mind.
After sending the Wood Clone off with the Two-Tails Jinchuriki to a safe location, the two of them carried Yakumo and headed toward the Konoha camp.
Shisui went to report on the defeat of the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, while Byakuya was headed there to demand his reward from Jiraiya.
After sprinting through the forest for some time, Byakuya and Shisui suddenly stopped. They noticed a figure standing on a distant tree branch—an Uchiha with three tomoe in his Sharingan.
It was none other than Tekka Uchiha.
When Tekka saw Shisui and Yakumo, he was excited, but upon noticing Byakuya, his expression quickly darkened before he instinctively tightened his grip on his short sword.
Tekka hadn't forgotten the humiliation Byakuya had subjected him to more than a year ago. He recognized that seemingly harmless smile on Byakuya's face.
Seeing that Tekka was ready to attack, Shisui hurriedly spoke, "Tekka, Byakuya is not our enemy. He's a ninja hired by Lord Jiraiya."
Upon hearing this, Tekka hesitantly lowered his sword, but there was still a wary look in his eyes.
Byakuya instantly appeared behind Tekka, took the short sword from his waist, and after casually twirling it in his hand, he chuckled and said, "Shisui is right. If I were your enemy, I wouldn't have given you the chance to notice me."
"My Sharingan didn't even react..." Tekka's clothes were drenched in sweat as he stared at Byakuya, his eyes filled with nothing but fear.
Shisui sighed and said, "Lord Byakuya, please don't take offense. Tekka has always been impulsive. I ask for your understanding."
"I'm not one to hold grudges. It was just a little joke."
'You definitely don't hold grudges but that's only because your enemies are usually killed on the spot...' Shisui inwardly grumbled as he walked toward Tekka.
Just then, Byakuya suddenly said to Shisui, "Although it was my idea, the fame of defeating a Jinchuriki is a double-edged sword. You should consider it carefully."
Shisui paused and softly replied, "I know it's a double-edged sword, but for the sake of the clan and the village, I still want to give it a try. What if it succeeds?"
Hearing this, Byakuya chuckled and said, "Shisui, you make a good point. I look forward to the day you succeed. But the reality of the ninja world is even harsher than you imagine. If you ever find yourself with no other options, feel free to come and join me. I specialize in taking in those without a home."
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