Chapter 161: Chapter 161: The Sand Village Requests Aid
In the training ground, Sasuke and Naruto were sparring, it was a routine they repeated countless times every day. These matches not only honed their combat skills but also deepened their understanding of each other, ensuring better coordination in future battles.
Under Aoba's guidance, Naruto had become much more like a true ninja than in the original storyline. He had mastered techniques like the Shadow Clone Jutsu, Body Flicker, and Rasengan with great proficiency.
Even without training at Mount Myōboku, Naruto had begun incorporating elemental changes into his Rasengan under Aoba's tutelage. Techniques like Wind Style: Rasengan and Wind Style: Rasenshuriken were already in development. However, his most critical trait remained his status as a jinchūriki.
After their training session, Aoba approached Naruto.
"You're progressing well. I think it's time we move to more advanced training."
"Advanced training? Sensei, does that mean increasing the intensity again?" Naruto asked.
"No, not in that way. This is about delving deeper. With your current state, I believe it's time for you to start using the Nine-Tails' power."
"Uh, but isn't the Nine-Tails an evil monster?" Naruto hesitated.
"Heh, who told you the Nine-Tails is evil?"
"But it attacked the Leaf Village and..."
"The Nine-Tails attacked because it was under someone's control. Remember, Naruto, the Nine-Tails is not merely a monster. It's a unique lifeform created by the Sage of Six Paths, possessing immense power and a long lifespan. It was originally meant to be humanity's ally.
"That's why every major village has kept their tailed beasts as strategic weapons. And as a jinchūriki, you're central to that."
"But I don't know how to harness its power."
"That's fine. It's not something you can master overnight. First, we need to complete a specific training: you'll enter your inner world and try to communicate with the Nine-Tails.
"This process won't be easy, but I'm confident you can do it. Keep in mind, the Nine-Tails didn't voluntarily harm the Leaf. It was also a victim. The one who killed your parents harmed both the Leaf and the Nine-Tails. Your interests align with the Nine-Tails."
"I see… but how do I enter my inner world?"
"That's simple. Sasuke, it's your turn."
Sasuke blinked in surprise before realizing Aoba wanted him to assist Naruto in entering his inner world.
"I understand. Naruto, look into my eyes."
As the two entered a meditative state, Aoba set up defensive seals around them before turning to Karin.
"Now it's your turn. During your last check-up, I confirmed your body has fully recovered and is far more robust than normal. It's time to develop your potential."
Karin had the innate ability to use Adamantine Sealing Chains, but so far, she could only summon two chains. In combat, this was limiting.
The Adamantine Sealing Chains were designed to deal with tailed beasts and large summoning creatures. Having too few of them diminished their effectiveness.
"But how do I do that?" Karin asked.
"Don't worry, just stand still. I'll handle it."
Karin was about to say something when she suddenly felt Aoba's chakra erupt. The overwhelming pressure nearly made her collapse.
In that moment, Karin perceived Aoba not as a human but as a primordial beast.
Her chakra surged, and three golden chains emerged from her body.
"Not enough. Feel the changes in your body, understand them, and take control," Aoba instructed. His words were infused with a subtle genjutsu, compelling Karin's mind to focus.
Karin, startled into clarity, instinctively began exploring the chakra chains within her body.
The Uzumaki Clan's constitution was truly extraordinary, and Karin was one of its best. Aoba's tests revealed that her physical potential was even greater than Naruto's.
Perhaps due to her purer Uzumaki bloodline, Karin excelled not only in chakra reserves but also in sensory abilities, the Adamantine Sealing Chains, and her affinity for elemental jutsu.
As Aoba observed Karin's training, he suddenly sensed movement behind him. Turning, he saw an ANBU operative standing nearby.
"Lord Aoba, the Hokage requests your presence immediately."
"Understood. Karin, that's all for today. Your next task is to watch over Naruto and Sasuke."
"Yes, Sensei."
Aoba disappeared from the training ground and reappeared in the Hokage's office, where he found Kakashi, Shikaku, and Hiashi Hyūga already present.
Hiashi had risen to prominence as the first clan leader to support Aoba's reform policies. Now serving as the head of the Leaf Police Force, he had become part of the village's leadership.
However, Aoba had ensured the police force was no longer monopolized by a single clan. Hiashi was the leader, but the force included members recruited from across the village, particularly civilian ninjas seeking stable jobs. This was part of Aoba's broader plan to bridge the gap between clans and civilians.
The Leaf's decision-makers now consisted of Tsunade, Aoba, Kakashi, Shikaku, and Hiashi. Whenever all five were gathered, it meant something serious had happened.
"The Sand Village has requested aid. They are under attack," Tsunade announced.
"Aid? Is Iwagakure attacking them? Or perhaps Kumogakure?" Aoba asked.
"No, neither. It's the Akatsuki."
"..."
Aoba fell silent. He hadn't received any intelligence from Hidan, now operating under the alias Shin. "What's the situation?"
"We don't have the full details yet, but according to the Sand's message, the situation is dire. It seems they can't hold out."
"They can't hold out?" Aoba was surprised. Could this mean Pain himself had intervened? But if so, wouldn't his target be the Leaf?
"Since they're our military allies, we must respond. However, even in its weakened state, the Sand is still one of the Five Great Nations. If they're struggling, their opponent must be formidable. We need to approach this cautiously."
"Agreed. Kakashi, select four ANBU squads from the village, along with a sealing team and a sensory team. You'll lead the mission. Aoba, your Team 7 will accompany them."
"Understood. But such a deployment will affect the village's defenses."
The personnel being mobilized were elite, so the Leaf's internal security would indeed be impacted. Despite having plenty of ninja, Tsunade had sent many out on missions, particularly for maritime trade, leaving fewer available for village defense.
Hiashi spoke up, breaking his silence.
"The village's security can be handled by the Leaf Police Force. I'll cancel all leave and redeploy the police to fortify the village perimeter."
"Excellent. That settles it. Everyone, begin preparations immediately."
"Yes!"
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