Chapter 108: If She Wants to See Me, Let Her Come Here Herself!
When it came time for Hinata to choose a technique, Uchiha Yi found himself at a loss.
The Hyūga clan's training regimen was firmly rooted in taijutsu, complemented by the Byakugan. This system was stable, ensuring most Hyūga could reach at least mid- to upper-chūnin level strength through diligent practice of their signature Gentle Fist.
Asking Hinata to abandon her foundational skills to pursue one of the advanced or forbidden jutsu on the scroll seemed utterly impractical.
In the end, Yi decided that Hinata was better off focusing on perfecting the Gentle Fist rather than diversifying into techniques that might stretch her too thin.
After assigning each of the three their respective training tasks, Yi turned his attention to researching some of the forbidden jutsu himself.
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Meanwhile, in Amegakure at the Akatsuki base, Kakuzu and Hidan finally returned with the Two-Tails' jinchūriki, Yugito Nii, in tow.
Obito welcomed yet another successful capture, securing the Two-Tails, Matatabi. He retreated into his Kamui dimension, where he let out a euphoric cry, venting years of suppressed emotions. With each step closer to completing his goal, all his sacrifices seemed increasingly worthwhile.
"Black Zetsu," Obito called out. "Do we have any leads on the Six-Tails yet?"
"I've already sent more White Zetsu clones to search," Black Zetsu replied with a sinister grin. "As long as the Six-Tails' jinchūriki remains in the Land of Water, it's only a matter of days before we find him."
"What about the One-Tail? What's the situation there?" Obito asked.
Black Zetsu answered matter-of-factly, "The One-Tail's jinchūriki is still in Konoha, participating in the Chūnin Exams. Making a move now could alert not only Konoha but also the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails and the Eight-Tails in Kumogakure."
Hearing this, Obito nodded grimly. "We'll hold off on the One-Tail for now."
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Konoha – Hokage's Office
Standing before Tsunade, Shibuki from Takigakure adopted a low posture, fully aware he was here to beg for help, not make demands.
"You're saying your village's Seven-Tails jinchūriki has gone missing, possibly abducted?" Tsunade asked, her tone incredulous.
"Yes," Shibuki replied anxiously. "She disappeared without a trace after the village was attacked. We've searched everywhere, but there's no sign of her!"
His desperation was palpable; time was running out, and he feared the worst for Fū's life.
After hearing Shibuki's story, Tsunade found herself in a difficult position.
Ordinarily, such a mission would be a no-brainer, but Konoha's current situation was precarious. Aside from herself, Jiraiya, and Orochimaru, there were few capable shinobi available.
"Have you made a decision, Hokage-sama?" Shibuki pressed, his patience fraying.
"We can't take this mission," Tsunade finally said, her voice firm but regretful. "I suggest you seek help elsewhere."
"What?!" Shibuki's composure snapped. "Isn't Konoha supposed to be the strongest of the Five Great Nations? How can you refuse a simple investigation mission?"
Boom!
"Shut up!" Tsunade slammed her fist into her desk, splintering it into fragments. Her patience had reached its limit.
"I said we're not taking the mission. Take it elsewhere!" she barked.
Shibuki shrank back, terrified. Realizing he had crossed a line, he quickly left the office.
---
Moments later, Shikaku Nara, Tsunade's advisor, approached her with another matter.
"Hokage-sama, a message has arrived from the Hidden Mist."
"Ugh! More work? I swear, I'm done with this Hokage nonsense. Whoever wants the job can have it!" Tsunade grumbled, making no effort to hide her frustration.
"Hokage-sama, this message is critical," Shikaku urged, trying to soothe her temper.
Reluctantly, Tsunade took the scroll and read its contents.
Her expression hardened as she processed the information.
"Shikaku, go fetch Uchiha Yi immediately!" she ordered, her voice steely.
The letter from Kirigakure reported that a masked man, presumably a member of Akatsuki, had stolen the Three-Tails. Based on his attire and abilities, they suspected it might be Uchiha Yi, a known Akatsuki operative.
If the Mist's intelligence was accurate, Yi's presence in Konoha during the Chūnin Exams might not be a coincidence—it could be part of a larger scheme to target the Nine-Tails.
Uneasy with this possibility, Tsunade summoned both Jiraiya and Orochimaru as a precaution. She needed to prepare for any potential conflict.
---
When Shikaku found Uchiha Yi and relayed Tsunade's summons, Yi's response was as sharp as it was dismissive.
"She wants to see me? Tell that fool of a Hokage she doesn't have the authority to summon me," Yi said with a faint smirk.
"If she really wants to meet, she can come here herself."
With that, he turned away, resuming his study of the Flying Thunder God Technique.
---
Shikaku sighed. Yi's defiance wasn't surprising—he was a man who operated on his own terms, unbound by traditional hierarchies.
"Well, I'll let her know," Shikaku said, leaving to deliver the message.
In truth, Konoha had little leverage over Yi. They couldn't afford to alienate him, especially now.
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