Chương 63: chapter 55
Chapter 55
Outside the Konoha gates,
Naruto and Sasuke stood, gazing at the towering trees ahead. Sasuke exuded an air of calmness, a departure from his usual chaotic demeanor.
"You seem peaceful," Naruto spoke to him, sensing the emotions emanating from Sasuke.
"Let's go," he said.
"Yes, yes,... it has been a long time since we both go on a joint mission," Naruto spoke to Sasuke.
"Hmm..." he uttered, though deep inside, he no longer felt alone. The presence of his friend had begun to fill the void that his brother's absence had left behind.
"Don't be such a brooder, Sasuke," Naruto remarked to his friend. His inclination for playful teasing was a constant source of enjoyment.
He didn't respond, instead setting off toward the country's border. The mission briefing had indicated that the mission was located on the borders between Kumo and Konoha..
Naruto cast a glance at his friend and increased his pace, running alongside Sasuke. Along the way, he playfully annoyed him with his ongoing conversation.
The change in climate as they approached their destination was evident, marking their transition from one region to another.
The group's arduous journey of two days had brought them to the borders of a new territory, where the environment and conditions began to shift noticeably.
The group's journey led them into a rugged and rocky terrain, a stark contrast to the lush greenery of Konoha. The landscape transformed into a mountainous region, characterized by tall and imposing peaks that seemed to reach the skies.
The absence of the familiar vegetation of their village was replaced by the raw and untamed beauty of the mountains.Their senses picked up.
"I can feel your energy radiating all over the place," Sasuke addressed Naruto.
"Yes, you are right. I could sense my chakra signature, and there was another one as well—one that I'm familiar with," Naruto spoke to Sasuke.
Sasuke nodded in agreement. He, too, sensed the presence of two chakra signatures emanating from the same individual. However, it wasn't just a singular person; there were hundreds of them. Astonishingly, they weren't weak either—each one resonated at the level of a Jonin.
Both of them remained stationary, and before long, individuals began to materialize before their eyes, emerging from the ground one after another. Hundreds of men appeared, all of them seemingly at the Jonin level or higher, sporting a variety of distinct headbands.
Among them, a portion were adorned with headbands from various villages—Konoha, Iwa, Suna, and Kiri, to be specific.
"White Zetsu," Naruto whispered in a subdued tone, making his words discernible only to Sasuke.
"But these aren't the typical White Zetsu. They've taken control of ninja bodies. The original White Zetsu were comprised of Hashirama's cells and were generally at the Genin to Chunin level. Once they've assimilated into a human host, they become indistinguishable from regular humans. Even the Byakugan wouldn't be able to detect them," Naruto enlightened Sasuke.
"However, these White Zetsu are far from ordinary. They've been enhanced not only with Hashirama's cells but also my own. This infusion amplifies their power, streamlines their production, and renders them nearly undetectable. They've reached the level of a Jonin's prowess. They can eliminate targets and seamlessly replace them, making them exceptionally effective spies. Their true identity would remain concealed unless they're scrutinized for either Hashirama's or my cells.
The situation is escalating into utter chaos. We're completely unaware of the extent of these Zetsu creations. If their numbers reach into the millions, the combined might of the five nations would pale in comparison," Naruto elaborated.
"Now I comprehend why Orochimaru mentioned that I will bring chaos to the whole world. compatibility of my cells with Otsutsuki blood. It all falls into place," Naruto thought to himself.
"I can't help but wonder how many high-ranking figures within the hidden villages have been replaced by Obito," Naruto mused within his own thoughts.
"But do I really care? Nah... I don't care whether they live or die," Naruto contemplated. "There are only a few individuals I truly care about. As long as they are safe, the world could crumble to ashes for all I care." Naruto pondered how much everything had changed;
there was no guarantee that Jiraiya would meet his end in just a day or two, or that Akatsuki would strike Konoha within a matter of days.
A smile graced Naruto's face as he observed the multitude of Jonin-level ninjas standing before him.
His eyes glowed faintly as he activated them, scanning the entire area. "There are precisely 456 Jonin-level ninjas surrounding us," he informed Sasuke.
Sasuke's demeanor remained composed and analytical. He observed the situation before him. "It will take some time to deal with all of them," he said.
"Hehe... this is going to be fun," Naruto chuckled, and with a swirl of smoke, a sword reminiscent of Kusanagi manifested in his right hand.
Seeing his friend's readiness, Sasuke drew his katana, adopting a stance of readiness as well.
*
In the Hokage's office, a somber and dense atmosphere hung in the air, as if the weight of a death had settled upon the room—a truth that indeed held its ground.
Before Tsunade, Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji stood with red eyes, bearing witness to the painful loss of their sensei.
"So, Asuma Sarutobi fell in battle against the Akatsuki," Tsunade spoke, her gaze fixed upon the three ninjas before her.
She had received the mission report detailing their encounter with two Akatsuki members during the mission—individuals known as Hidan and Kakuzu, who were infamous for their immortality and tenacity. The report indicated that they had succeeded in killing Asuma Sarutobi while sparing the lives of the children present.
"I want to kill them," Shikamaru spoke to her, his tone serious. The fact that they were responsible for their sensei's death was a clear motivation for his desire to eliminate them both.
"You're not strong enough yet, but don't worry. We will avenge him," Tsunade assured the young man.
Ino and Choji exuded a somber and despondent atmosphere, marked by the weight of sorrow. This marked their first experience with the loss of someone dear to them. They gazed at the Hokage, their eyes devoid of their usual vibrancy.
"You can leave now. Take some time to rest," she addressed them. They all nodded in acknowledgment and departed the room.
'They'll need some time to find solace for their minds and hearts. Witnessing the demise of someone close is never easy,' she contemplated within herself.
'Akatsuki is becoming increasingly troublesome, the actions of the three hidden villages are escalating against Konoha, and now the loss of an elite Jonin... this situation is spiraling beyond control. Is there some kind of curse upon me?' she thought silently?
And then, a knock at her window interrupted her thoughts. She knew exactly who it was. The person stood before her, awaiting her attention.
So, Jiraiya, you've arrived. What information do you bring?" she addressed her teammate.
Jiraiya always communicated with her through letters and various undisclosed methods, reserving in-person visits for the most critical of situations.
The fact that he was here in person now signaled that the situation had escalated significantly.
Jiraiya fixed his gaze on her. "It's concerning the leader of the Akatsuki. Utilizing my network of spies scattered across the world, I've ascertained that he's currently located in Amegakure," he spoke to her.
"The Village Hidden in the Rain... So you're heading there," she stated.
"Yes, that's correct. I've been informed that they've successfully gathered all seven of the tailed beasts, with only the Eight and Nine-Tails left," he shared with her.
Tsunade's expression turned into a frown. "They possess seven of the tailed beasts, and you're planning to confront their leader in the Village Hidden in the Rain?" she addressed him.
"Yes... I must proceed with it, for the safety of the village and for you," he affirmed with a smile.
A feeling of unease gripped her heart as his words reached her ears.
"You will return, won't you?" she spoke, her voice slightly strained, her throat feeling dry.
"Absolutely, I'll return," he replied with a smile, then gracefully leaped towards the window. .
"Look after yourself, Tsunade,"he said, meeting her gaze one last time before departing with a smile.
Tsunade yearned to halt him, but he was already gone, leaving her with an unease that settled heavily in her heart.
A peculiar sensation enveloped her, a premonition that she might never lay eyes on him again. Tears welled up and traced down her cheeks, her gaze fixed upon the setting sun beyond the window.
Soon, darkness descended upon the village once more.
[AN~ guess what is coming next, do 40 comment on this chapter and i will upload next chapter…
Give me some power stones man…]
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