บท 155: Chapter 155: Who Exactly Is He?
"I'm sorry!"
Upon hearing this, Konan felt a pang in her heart and almost cried. She shook her head, saying, "Nagato, this isn't your fault. He was just too powerful."
Konan knew that Nagato had already done his best. If they hadn't retreated, they would have been killed by that man.
Nagato remained silent for a moment before taking the letter from Konan's hand.
After reading that the Flying Thunder God user simply wanted him to keep the Akatsuki in check and had already started persuading the Five Great Shinobi Villages to cancel their joint investigation into the Akatsuki, Nagato casually destroyed the letter.
With this person's existence, capturing the Tailed Beasts would be extremely difficult for the Akatsuki. Given the circumstances, Nagato decided to follow the agreement and allow the Akatsuki to develop in peace.
"Nagato, is your body alright?" Konan asked, looking at Nagato with concern.
"I absorbed the chakra of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails, so I'm fine for now," Nagato replied, shaking his head to indicate that she shouldn't worry.
"I think you should get Madara to hand over the method he used to heal Kisame's limbs," Konan suggested, glancing at Nagato's prosthetic limbs, which had been modified using the Asura Path's abilities. "After he was healed, Kisame not only gained Wood Release but also a significant boost in chakra."
Konan had been closely monitoring Obito's recovery and had interrogated Kisame after he was severely injured, which led her to this conclusion.
"He might not agree," Nagato said, shaking his head while rapidly considering alternative solutions.
Despite his words, Nagato didn't dismiss Konan's suggestion and decided to find a way himself.
"I agree!" Uchiha Obito suddenly appeared in mid-air, looking down at Nagato and Konan.
The Flying Thunder God user's power had surpassed Obito's expectations, so he had to enhance Nagato's strength to ensure the success of their plans to capture the Tailed Beasts. Although he disliked the idea of further empowering Nagato, he was even more reluctant to face the Flying Thunder God user directly.
"That's for the best," Nagato said, turning to look at Obito.
At 7 PM.
Inside a new cave.
The ethereal figures of the Akatsuki members gradually appeared on the outstretched fingers of the Gedo Statue.
As they materialized, everyone immediately looked at the leader standing on the right thumb. This time, it was the actual leader, not the Deva Path Pain they usually saw.
Under the scrutiny of the Akatsuki members, Nagato coldly surveyed them. One by one, they lowered their heads, signaling their submission.
Despite the leader's defeat in the duel with the Flying Thunder God user, his overwhelming power had far exceeded their expectations, making any resistance futile. Their loyalty was now genuine.
Even though the leader had lost, it was because the opponent was simply too strong.
Obito felt a wave of dissatisfaction seeing the Akatsuki members' submission to Nagato's might.
After scanning the group, Nagato spoke coldly, "According to the agreement with the Flying Thunder God user, we need to lie low for the next two years and not appear publicly. However, during this period, the Five Great Shinobi Villages will cancel their joint investigation into us.
"You have all seen the Flying Thunder God user's formidable power. So, in these two years, I hope you will find ways to enhance your own strength."
The Akatsuki members responded in unison, "Understood."
The next day.
Land of Fire, Konoha.
Hokage's Office.
Tsunade opened the door to the Hokage's office and walked in.
"Tsunade-sama!"
Several Anbu members, who were reporting a mission to the Third Hokage, immediately bowed upon seeing Tsunade enter.
"You all may leave for now," Tsunade instructed after glancing at the Anbu.
"Yes." Without waiting for the Third Hokage's order, the Anbu members responded in unison and left the office.
It was well-known in Konoha that Tsunade was likely to be the next Hokage, so the Anbu members knew whose orders to prioritize.
"Old man, I hope you will withdraw from the joint investigation into the Akatsuki," Tsunade said, pulling a chair and sitting in front of the Third Hokage with her legs crossed.
"Withdraw from the joint investigation into the Akatsuki?"
"Tsunade, why do you want to do that?"
The Third Hokage was stunned by Tsunade's request.
The Akatsuki had repeatedly threatened Konoha, mastered the First Hokage's Wood Release, and exhibited power that could challenge the Five Great Shinobi Villages.
If they weren't thoroughly investigated and eliminated, the consequences for Konoha could be severe.
Hearing the old man's response, Tsunade frowned.
Since Shishou didn't want his battle with the Akatsuki leader to be exposed to the Five Great Shinobi Villages, Tsunade couldn't tell the Third Hokage the real reason.
She could guess Shishou's reasons. The Five Great Shinobi Villages had ruled the ninja world for a long time and wouldn't tolerate any organization that could threaten them.
If they realized that Shishou and the Akatsuki leader had the power to destroy any village, the leaders of the Five Great Shinobi Villages wouldn't cower but would instead unite to investigate and hunt down Shishou and the Akatsuki.
If it came to that, even the Fifth Mizukage wouldn't be able to stop it.
However, without a good reason, Tsunade couldn't convince the Third Hokage to halt the investigation into the Akatsuki. The issue of Wood Release was too significant for the Third Hokage and the others to easily let go.
Though she had boasted to Shishou about being able to take the Third Hokage's position whenever she wanted, that was a last resort. She really didn't want to become Hokage unless absolutely necessary.
Seeing Tsunade fall silent, the Third Hokage didn't press her but watched her calmly. He believed Tsunade had her reasons for this request and wanted to understand them.
"This is the request of the Flying Thunder God user," Tsunade finally said, having found no better reason.
"The Flying Thunder God user?"
"You know him?" The Third Hokage was taken aback, unable to believe it.
He only knew that the Fifth Mizukage of Kirigakure had a close relationship with this person, never imagining that Tsunade was also connected to him.
"He once saved my and Shizune's lives. I returned to the village this time because of him," Tsunade said, revealing a bit of ambiguous information.
"He saved you and Shizune?" The Third Hokage was shocked.
He knew very well how powerful Tsunade was now. It wouldn't be an exaggeration to say that even he would lose badly in a fight against her.
A battle that could put Tsunade in danger was no trivial matter.
Of course, the Third Hokage had no idea that this battle was the one outside Kirigakure, where the Birth of the Trees had been unleashed.
He couldn't imagine that his disciple and the Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi, had teamed up to deceive him.
Seeing Tsunade nod, the Third Hokage asked again, "Who exactly is he?"
บท 156: Chapter 156: Tsunade Urged to Marry
"Who exactly is he?"
Hearing the Third Hokage's question, Tsunade furrowed her brows. She wasn't entirely sure about Shishou's true identity, only knowing that he had ties to Konoha.
After a moment's thought, Tsunade replied, "You don't need to know who he is. Just know that he has significant ties to Konoha and means no harm to the village. He'll be keeping an eye on the Akatsuki, so you don't need to worry about them causing any more trouble for Konoha. I can guarantee that."
The Third Hokage was surprised and then gave Tsunade a curious look. He couldn't understand why she trusted the Flying Thunder God user so much or why she seemed so confident in his abilities.
Could it be?
The Third Hokage suddenly thought of a possibility. Could there be something more between them?
A glint of realization flashed in his eyes.
Over the years since Dan Kato's death, many had pursued Tsunade, but none had succeeded after facing her wrath. Only Jiraiya, who matched her in strength, had continued his pursuit, albeit fruitlessly.
If Tsunade believed that the Flying Thunder God user could handle the Akatsuki, then the man must have demonstrated incredible strength in her presence. Otherwise, he wouldn't have caught her attention.
With this in mind, the Third Hokage couldn't help but smile. This Flying Thunder God user seemed like a perfect match for Tsunade. As her teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi had always been worried about her marriage prospects. If there was indeed a relationship between them, it could solve her single status and bring a powerful ally to Konoha.
It was a win-win situation!
Lost in his thoughts, the Third Hokage's smile grew wider.
"Old man, what are you thinking about? Why are you smiling like that... it's creepy," Tsunade said, feeling a strange sense of foreboding.
"Tsunade," Hiruzen began, his tone gentle, "you're not getting any younger. When will you introduce this Flying Thunder God user to me? I'd like to meet him and see what kind of person he is."
Tsunade was stunned. Is he indirectly urging me to get married?
"Old man, we're not in that kind of relationship!" Tsunade's face turned slightly red as she explained. Shishou had never hidden his feelings for her, and she was well aware of his intentions. But she wasn't ready for a deep relationship yet, especially considering the number of women around him. It made her uneasy.
Moreover, those women were quite capable, especially the one who could instantly create barriers. She left a lasting impression on Tsunade.
"Oh?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, his suspicion growing. "Then what is your relationship?"
He noted Tsunade's reaction, which only reinforced his suspicion. If she wasn't interested, she would have dismissed the topic outright, perhaps even reacted violently, as she often did with Jiraiya.
"Humph! Enough of this nonsense. Are you going to withdraw from the joint investigation or not?" Tsunade demanded, growing irritated.
"Heh, I'll agree to withdraw Konoha from the investigation, but on one condition," Hiruzen said, his voice firm. "You must bring the Flying Thunder God user to meet me, so I can be sure he's capable of keeping the Akatsuki in check."
"You..." Tsunade gritted her teeth, furious. "You just wait!"
She stormed out, leaving Hiruzen smiling contentedly.
In the Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
In the Tsuchikage's office.
"What did you say? Kumogakure announced they're withdrawing from the joint investigation into the Akatsuki?" Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, floated in the office, frowning at the intelligence officer before him. He hadn't expected such a sudden announcement from Kumogakure, especially without any prior indication.
"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama. Kumogakure has indeed announced their withdrawal. Here is their letter," the Iwagakure intelligence officer said, handing over the document.
Onoki took the letter and opened it, just as another intelligence officer entered the office.
"Tsuchikage-sama, Kirigakure has also sent a letter. They are planning to withdraw from the joint investigation as well."
"What?" Onoki was taken aback. Kirigakure had suffered multiple attacks by the masked man from the Akatsuki and should have been the most eager to continue the investigation. Why would they suddenly withdraw?
Moreover, the timing was suspicious. Kumogakure's withdrawal was followed immediately by Kirigakure's.
There had to be something significant behind this!
Unable to figure out the reason, Onoki decided to temporarily suspend the investigation until he understood why Kumogakure and Kirigakure had withdrawn.
"Where are the Four-Tails and Five-Tails now?" Onoki asked the intelligence officer. After a heated argument about the Tsuchikage position, the two Jinchuriki had left Iwagakure and disappeared.
"We have no information on their whereabouts," the officer replied, shaking his head.
"Forget it. They can do as they please," Onoki said, frustrated. With Dust Release at his disposal, he didn't need to worry about those two Jinchuriki. However, finding a suitable successor for Dust Release was becoming a pressing concern.
As tensions rose in the ninja world, Onoki knew he needed a successor to protect Iwagakure.
Gazing at the letters from Kumogakure and Kirigakure, Onoki grew increasingly uneasy. There was definitely something significant at play, something that made even these aggressive villages pull back.
"Enough is enough," Onoki muttered, making a decision. "From now on, whether it's Kurotsuchi, Akatsuchi, or Deidara, they must all start training in Dust Release! And any talented student in Iwagakure, I'll teach them myself."
Determined, he ordered the intelligence officer, "Bring me the list of all talented ninjas and students in Iwagakure. Announce that I will be holding a selection test in three days for anyone who has mastered the three nature transformations related to Dust Release. Those who pass will become my disciples."
"Yes, Tsuchikage-sama!" The intelligence officer was shocked but quickly complied and disappeared to carry out the order. This news would surely cause a stir in Iwagakure.
Floating to the window, Onoki looked out over the village and murmured, "I don't care what's happening in the ninja world. If anyone dares to cause trouble in the Land of Earth, I'll make sure they taste the power of Dust Release!"
สถานะพลังงานรายสัปดาห์
200+ การจัดอันดับด้วยพลัง 
41 หินพลัง 
ความคิดเห็นย่อย