336-340

*Chapter 336: The Crow and the Shadow*

When Yakumo and Touka passed Uchiha Chihaya's test, the other teams were still at the stage where teachers and students introduced themselves to each other. It wasn’t that the others were slow—Team 1 was just unusually fast.

Fast or slow, though, it didn’t matter.

But some were definitely slow.

“First… let’s start with introductions!” Kakashi Hatake sat lazily on the railing, overlooking the teens sitting on the stairs below him. “Even if some of you know each other well, you’ll be companions risking your lives together from now on. So let’s introduce ourselves properly here!”

“Naruto, you first.”

“Eh? Shouldn’t you go first, Kakashi-sensei? Like you said, some of us know about you, or have heard of your name, but some don’t at all!” Naruto retorted confidently.

“Fair enough,” Kakashi mused for a moment. “As for me, my name is Kakashi Hatake. I’ll be your guiding ninja for the foreseeable future. As for my interests or dreams… you’ll find out in time.”

With that, he fixed his gaze on Naruto, the implication clear.

“My turn, huh? Speaking of which, Kakashi-sensei, you didn’t really say anything other than your name… Oh well. Ahem, I’m Naruto Uzumaki. My favorite food is Ichiraku Ramen, my hobby is drawing, and my dream… is to become Hokage!”

“Just like Dad!” he added silently in his heart, glancing up at the fourth face on the Hokage Rock.

His eyes burned brightly, as if mirroring the sunrise, brimming with endless hope.

Kakashi caught Naruto’s glance and felt a pang beneath his mask. Even after all these years, he could never forget certain nights: the night his father died, the night his teacher passed, or the night Rin died in his arms. He sighed deeply, suppressing the memories.

He cleared his throat. “Next, Sasuke. Your turn.”

Uchiha Sasuke, unfazed by being called, spoke with measured calm. “My name is Sasuke Uchiha. I like rice balls and tomatoes, and I dislike natto and sweets. My hobby is training, and my dream…” He smirked slightly. “Naruto, I suppose you don’t know this either. My dream is to become a Hokage as great as the clan leader.”

He cast a sidelong glance at the blond boy beside him, radiating competitive energy.

“What?!”

Naruto was genuinely shocked. He’d never heard of Sasuke having such an ambition.

“Sasuke, good luck! But… I won’t lose to you! The position of the Seventh Hokage is mine!”

“I should be the one saying that,” Sasuke retorted, his brow twitching with irritation.

Their ongoing sparring left Naruto undeterred. “Just you wait, next time I’ll win for sure!”

“Not likely! I’m not planning to lose,” Sasuke shot back.

“Bring it on!”

The back-and-forth banter was so intense that it created a bubble of camaraderie impenetrable to outsiders.

“Alright, Naruto, Sasuke, settle down.”

Kakashi broke their exchange, watching the two. Memories of his youth crept in again. He shook his head, driving the thoughts away. “Ahem. Now it’s the girl’s turn. Sakura, your introduction.”

Haruno Sakura stood under Kakashi’s gaze, ready but slightly reserved. Her name had initially puzzled Kakashi—unlike Naruto and Sasuke, she wasn’t from any prominent family. The Hokage had explained she hailed from a small, ordinary clan, and her selection for the team was partly due to a lack of better options.

Still, Sakura wasn’t without potential. Her talent had been noticed by the Six-Tails Jinchūriki from Kirigakure, who had taken the time to teach her. With the right training, she held promise.

“My name is Sakura Haruno…” She followed the boys’ template, listing her likes, dislikes, and hobbies. When it came to her dream, she paused briefly before saying, “My dream is to become a strong kunoichi—strong enough to fight alongside my friends.”

Her voice was soft but resolute, and a flicker of light danced in her eyes as she thought of Yakumo, Touka, Hotaru, and Ino.

“Very good,” Kakashi said, nodding in approval.

“Introductions are over. Starting tomorrow, we’ll begin missions!”

“Missions?” Sasuke asked, narrowing his eyes. “Sorry to interrupt, Kakashi-sensei, but if I’m not mistaken, fresh graduates like us are supposed to undergo a test by the guiding ninja first. Only by passing that test do we truly graduate.”

“Wait, what?!” Naruto exclaimed, wide-eyed.

“I’ve never heard of that,” Sakura added, glancing curiously at Sasuke, though her heart fluttered slightly at his profile.

“Let me finish,” Kakashi said, amused. “The mission is a survival exercise. The three of you will team up, and I will be your opponent. Based on your performance, I’ll decide whether you pass or fail.”

“The test will take place…” He specified a training ground near the forest.

“Bring your ninja gear, and don’t use those academy practice tools. Also, feel free to strategize together in advance.”

With that, Kakashi disappeared in a puff of smoke, leaving the three teens staring at one another.

Naruto was the first to break the silence. “Sasuke, Sakura, it’s almost lunchtime. How about Ichiraku Ramen? My treat!”

He patted the bulging wallet in his pocket, grinning.

Unbeknownst to most, Naruto had a substantial inheritance from his parents—the Fourth Hokage and Kushina Uzumaki. Though Minato hadn’t had much time to amass wealth, Kushina’s inheritance from the Uzumaki clan more than made up for it. The Third Hokage had sealed it away for Naruto’s future.

Naruto’s enthusiasm was contagious, and the three began planning for the challenge ahead.

But later on,

it’s unclear if the Third Hokage knew, but the Uzumaki clan's inheritance ended up divided—part was confiscated by the village, and the rest was quietly taken by the Sarutobi, Mitokado, and Utatane families, among others. Even Danzo’s Root got involved. That old man’s curse-seal techniques were greatly improved thanks to the Uzumaki clan’s resources. Otherwise, it wouldn’t have been so easily perfected.

However, once Sougen* took full control,

he put the pressure on the Sarutobi and the others, forcing them to cough up what they had swallowed. Sougen didn’t hold a favorable view of the Sarutobi. According to the original trajectory, after the Uchiha clan's downfall, the Sarutobi clan became the most proficient in fire-style jutsu in the Leaf Village.

To be honest,

there’s a high chance that the Sarutobi quietly absorbed the Uchiha clan’s research and resources. For a prominent clan like the Uchiha, money is essential, but even more critical are the research materials on genjutsu and fire-style jutsu. These are among the most important assets of any ninja clan.

Frankly,

even without the guidance of elders, Sasuke, given his talent, could have done far better if he had access to the ninjutsu research passed down through the Uchiha generations. Unless those records were lost, Sasuke wouldn’t have struggled so much in the original storyline. It seems that after the massacre, apart from the techniques Fugaku taught him, Sasuke had no other source for learning new skills.

Similarly, Naruto never got access to the Fourth Hokage couple’s training notes. The Nine-Tails incident only claimed their lives—it didn’t destroy their house. Many of their belongings were intact and preserved.

Training notes like these,

according to village rules, should go to the child of the deceased. If there’s no child, they go to close family members. Only in the absence of family would the village handle them. Anyone caught hoarding such materials would face interrogation by the Torture and Interrogation Force, followed by a long stay in the Leaf Prison.

Later on,

Sasuke met Kakashi and Orochimaru, and Naruto encountered Jiraiya. It was then that these boys finally began to shine, revealing the brilliance hidden beneath the dust and grime.

But I digress.

In short, Sougen recovered everything he could of the Fourth Hokage couple’s legacy and handed it over to Jiraiya to manage on Naruto’s behalf. Jiraiya himself had no shortage of funds; his royalties from writing books alone were astronomical—more than a typical jonin could earn in over a decade of missions.

Under Jiraiya’s care,

Naruto left behind his diet of expired and instant food, living a healthier life. He even had enough pocket money to treat others to meals.

“Ramen again?”

Sasuke scoffed. “I don’t get how you’re so obsessed with ramen.”

“Because it’s delicious!” Naruto replied earnestly, leaving Sasuke visibly irritated. Without another word, Sasuke turned and walked off, heading straight for Ichiraku Ramen.

“Sakura, come on! Let’s grab some food and plan how to deal with Kakashi-sensei tomorrow,”

Naruto called out to the girl.

Sakura hesitated for a second but then followed Naruto and Sasuke. The three of them—Team 7—soon disappeared from the rooftop.

Three seconds after the kids left,

Kakashi reappeared, standing on the steps. He looked around and said, “Naruto and Sasuke are gone now. There’s no need to hide anymore. You should come out and say what you need to say.”

After about three seconds,

“Apologies, Kakashi-senpai.”

“Ha, Kakashi, you noticed me, huh?”

A crow perched on the water tower suddenly distorted and transformed into Uchiha Itachi. At the same time, a shadow on the water tower stretched, grew, and morphed into a person—Jiraiya.

“Lord Jiraiya?”

“Lord Jiraiya?”

Both Kakashi and Itachi were stunned as they stared at him.

“Wait... your reactions... don’t tell me you didn’t notice me?” Jiraiya was equally dumbfounded, realizing he might have misinterpreted Kakashi’s earlier words. It seemed Kakashi had only spotted the Uchiha presence.

“Well, Lord Jiraiya, Itachi was once my subordinate,”

Kakashi said, implying he was familiar with Itachi’s techniques and had already suspected something was off with the crow. However, he truly hadn’t noticed Jiraiya hiding in the shadows. This peculiar jutsu was something Kakashi had never seen before.

As far as he knew,

even the Nara clan couldn’t achieve such shadow concealment.

Impressive—it’s no wonder Jiraiya is one of the Sannin,

with skills that rival Lady Tsunade’s.

“Ha! No matter, I planned to talk to you anyway,” Jiraiya said, smiling. He then added, “I didn’t expect the Sixth Hokage to assign you as Naruto’s teacher. That was a wise decision!”

Kakashi stayed silent.

Jiraiya had the authority to comment on the Hokage’s decisions, but Kakashi didn’t dare voice any opinion.

“Lord Jiraiya, when did you return?”

“Just today. Naruto’s about to graduate, and I had some business with the Sixth Hokage, so I came back... How’s Naruto doing?” Jiraiya asked.

“Do you really need to ask?” Kakashi replied helplessly.

Naruto’s abilities were no secret to Jiraiya, and Kakashi, who frequently visited Naruto with fresh produce, knew them well too. The upcoming test held no suspense—unless the kids sabotaged themselves with infighting or a complete lack of teamwork.

“Ha! True enough.”

Jiraiya laughed, then turned to Itachi. “Uchiha Itachi... I’ve heard of you. Is the boy with Naruto your younger brother?”

“Yes, Lord Jiraiya,” Itachi replied politely.

“Good. Your brother is a promising kid.”

“You’re too kind.”

“You two don’t have to be so formal. Anyway, Kakashi, Naruto is in your hands now. I need to speak with the Sixth Hokage. I’ll treat you both to drinks when I have time.”

As his words faded,

Jiraiya disappeared without a trace, leaving Kakashi and Itachi staring at each other.

*Chapter 337: The Akatsuki Gradually Emerges*

It was almost noon when the sky suddenly changed. A light spring rain began to fall, its rhythmic patter audible even indoors. The abrupt weather shift caused quite a stir—housewives hurriedly retrieved laundry hung out to dry, pedestrians quickened their pace, seeking shelter. The once-bustling streets swiftly became sparsely populated, with only an array of umbrellas resembling clusters of mushrooms dotting the alleys.

"Good thing I ran fast," muttered Jiraiya, standing under the eaves of the Hokage Tower. He brushed the water droplets off his clothes, noticing the numerous gazes fixed on him. Realizing he had forgotten to disguise himself with a transformation jutsu, he decided it was too late to bother. Ignoring the curious stares, he refrained from engaging anyone or giving them a chance to approach him.

He walked briskly up the stairs, uninterrupted.

When his figure vanished around a corner, the lobby erupted like a volcano, buzzing with heated discussions. Speculations about Jiraiya’s sudden return flew in all directions. Was something major about to happen? Some even argued heatedly, nearly coming to blows.

Jiraiya, however, was unaffected by the commotion downstairs.

Unimpeded, he arrived at the Hokage’s office—a place so familiar that he could have navigated it blindfolded. Despite the Hokage mantle passing to the Sixth Hokage, the office had remained unchanged, just as the Hokage Tower still stood as Konoha’s political center, even as the village expanded outward.

"Knock, knock."

He rapped on the door.

The door opened immediately. A white-haired young man with glasses, exuding a frail appearance, greeted him respectfully. "Lord Jiraiya, please come in. The Hokage has been expecting you."

Inside, the expansive office was devoid of any unnecessary presence. Besides Kabuto Yakushi, who had opened the door, only the Sixth Hokage sat in the Hokage’s chair.

This setup did not surprise Jiraiya.

From the moment he revealed himself to Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi, he knew his whereabouts were unlikely to remain a secret. He hadn’t intended to play coy, so he accepted the prepared reception without complaint.

"Sougen," Jiraiya addressed him by name.

"Welcome back, Lord Jiraiya," Sougen replied with a smile, gesturing invitingly. "Please have a seat. Let’s discuss everything once you’re comfortable. Kabuto, bring some tea."

Silently, Kabuto delivered a steaming cup of tea to the coffee table in the reception area. Jiraiya seated himself on the sofa, positioned diagonally across from Sougen. With a slight shift of posture, they were able to meet each other’s gaze.

"The village seems to be flourishing," Jiraiya began with an observation—a result of what he had noticed during his journey back.

Once considered dangerous and sinister by Sarutobi-sensei and Danzo, the Uchiha clan had been suppressed at every turn. Yet now, an Uchiha held the position of Hokage, and Konoha had not crumbled. Instead, it thrived.

"That’s only natural. If the village doesn’t improve, it would be a dereliction of the Hokage’s duty," Sougen replied.

"I visited Naruto," Jiraiya said after taking a sip of tea, the warmth chasing away the residual chill of the rain. "Assigning Kakashi to mentor him—Sougen, that was a thoughtful decision."

"No need for compliments. It wasn’t favoritism but a practical choice. It’s the most logical approach for the village’s future," Sougen said evenly.

"For the village’s sake, huh?" Jiraiya shook his head, pleased with the outcome regardless of the reasoning.

Not dwelling on the topic, he shifted to the primary matter. "Speaking of the village... I discovered something during my recent travels. While one reason for my return was to see Naruto as he approaches graduation, the other was because of this discovery."

"What is it?" Sougen asked, intrigued.

"The Akatsuki," Jiraiya said, uttering the name deliberately. "Sougen, have you heard of this group?"

"The Akatsuki... I believe the Anbu has some records. If I recall correctly, it’s a mercenary organization. They fight for anyone who pays them, regardless of the client’s identity. Anbu investigations revealed that Iwagakure had hired them multiple times to target Wind Country’s allies, and Suna once employed them against Iwa’s partners," Sougen said, feigning ignorance.

He knew the Akatsuki’s true nature all too well. Thanks to Orochimaru’s revelations, he was privy to nearly all their secrets. Yet he kept this knowledge to himself, not even sharing it with his closest confidants. It wasn’t about fear of exposure for collaborating with rogue ninjas; as Hokage, he was untouchable in such matters.

The pretense was strategic. He wanted to avoid premature confrontation with Nagato. The Rinnegan was still a daunting power, and before unlocking its secrets himself, going head-to-head with Nagato and the Akatsuki—especially with Uchiha Obito in the mix—would be a costly gamble. Even victory would likely be temporary at best.

"But... Jiraiya, since you’ve brought this up, I assume the Akatsuki is more than just a mercenary group?"

"Exactly."

Jiraiya nodded, his expression unusually grave.

“This Akatsuki organization appears on the surface to be driven solely by the pursuit of wealth, resorting to any means necessary. However, from some intelligence I recently came across, it seems their true objective goes far beyond mere money. Their target… is the Tailed Beasts!”

“The Tailed Beasts?”

“It seems the core members of Akatsuki are S-ranked rogue ninjas from different villages. Although it’s not yet clear what they intend to do with the Tailed Beasts, one thing is certain—they are plotting to capture them. What’s more… Orochimaru is part of Akatsuki.”

The mention of Orochimaru made Jiraiya’s expression darken further.

As one of the legendary Sannin, Jiraiya shared a decades-long bond with Orochimaru. He understood all too well how dangerous his former comrade could be. Even Jiraiya himself couldn’t confidently claim victory against Orochimaru in a direct confrontation. His assurance of being able to hold his ground against him might even be an overstatement.

And within Akatsuki, there were more S-ranked rogues as dangerous as Orochimaru, their exact number unknown.

“Capturing Tailed Beasts, huh?”

Sougen tapped the table thoughtfully with his fingers. “Jiraiya-senpai, are you worried that Naruto might be in danger?”

“Naruto is definitely one of their targets,” Jiraiya said solemnly, his brows furrowed deeply. “And it’s not just Naruto I’m worried about. Akatsuki’s aim is to collect all nine Tailed Beasts. Whatever they’re scheming, it’s no small matter. Sougen, we need to prepare for this immediately!”

Jiraiya’s return to Konoha was partially motivated by the need to warn Uchiha Sougen.

He wanted to ensure that the Sixth Hokage didn’t underestimate Akatsuki as a mere nuisance.

“I see. I understand now,” Sougen said with a nod. “Jiraiya-senpai, thank you for the warning. Rest assured, I will treat this matter with the utmost seriousness. The safety of the Jinchuriki directly impacts the security of the village. I’ll have the ANBU prioritize investigating Akatsuki. Their movements haven’t exactly been subtle these past years; we just haven’t paid close enough attention to them until now.”

With Konoha’s current strength, a serious investigation would yield results, even if it didn’t completely expose Akatsuki’s operations.

Provided, of course, that Konoha approached the matter with genuine resolve—and that Sougen, as Hokage, was willing to dig deep.

“This might even be a good opportunity,” Sougen thought to himself as he looked at Jiraiya’s serious expression. In the past, he had refrained from acting against Nagato, hidden in the Rain Village, because he wasn’t confident of victory. Taking action hastily could lead to uncontrollable chaos. Confronting Nagato’s Rinnegan with only the Mangekyō Sharingan’s powers wasn’t a guaranteed win.

But that was then.

Things were different now.

Sougen had awakened the Rinnegan. Though its powers were still in development, the synergy between the Rinnegan and the Flame Fan forged from the God Tree’s branches was extraordinary. If his progress in mastering the Rinnegan had once been a steady jog, it was now akin to boarding a jet plane.

Even so, any move against Akatsuki would require careful preparation.

For now, Sougen suppressed his eagerness and said, “I’ll instruct the ANBU to treat Akatsuki as a top priority. If there’s any new information, I’ll have someone contact you. Speaking of which, Jiraiya-senpai, do you plan to leave Konoha again soon?”

At this question, Jiraiya was silent for about ten seconds before shaking his head lightly.

“I’m not sure. Naruto’s current situation is unique, so I intend to stay and look after him for a while. Beyond that… I can’t say for certain what will happen.”

In the past, his travels across the ninja world were driven by the Great Toad Sage’s prophecy—that one of his disciples would become a ninja capable of reshaping the world. To prepare for this, the Great Toad Sage had urged him to gain wisdom and understanding of the world’s ways. That was why Jiraiya embarked on an endless journey, tirelessly searching for the so-called Child of Prophecy.

But now, the Great Toad Sage had revealed that the course of the future had been disrupted by a star from another world. The mist of uncertainty now shrouded the ninja world, and the path of destiny was no longer clear.

Jiraiya’s fate was no longer tied to that of the Child of Prophecy.

That said, years of wandering had left their mark on him. While Konoha was his home, nothing within it now bound him in place. Not even Naruto, whom he deeply cared for. Naruto had his own path to follow, and Jiraiya knew he couldn’t become a hindrance.

Moreover, traveling gave him a faint hope of running into Tsunade. Although he’d never encountered her outside Konoha in all these years, that small possibility was enough to keep him going.

“For the next two months at least, I won’t be leaving. After that… who knows? I’ll be staying in my usual spot. If you need anything, just send someone to find me. Not that you’d have much trouble locating me with your skills, Sougen.”

“Two months, huh? Let’s hope the ANBU brings us some good news by then,” Sougen said with a smile.

“Ha! I’ll look forward to it,” Jiraiya replied with a hearty laugh.

Once he finished his tea, Jiraiya declined a refill from Kabuto, stood, and took his leave. His purpose for meeting Sougen had been fulfilled, and he saw no need to linger.

As he left the Hokage Tower, the spring rain continued to fall in gentle streams. With a black umbrella handed to him by Kabuto, the white-haired sage disappeared into the rainy streets, quickly blending into the crowd.

Back in the Hokage’s office, Sougen stood by the window, gazing at the rain-soaked village through the glass.

“Hokage-sama?” Kabuto approached after tidying up the tea table.

“You heard what we discussed earlier. Go to the ANBU and tell Shisui to assign his best men to investigate Akatsuki thoroughly,” Sougen instructed without turning around.

“Make it clear that this is a top-priority mission. No slacking off. Other tasks can be delayed if needed, but I want a full report on Akatsuki as soon as possible.”

“Understood, sir.”

“Good. Dismissed—and close the door on your way out. I’d like some time alone.”

Kabuto left, ensuring the door was securely shut behind him.

Sougen remained in the office, standing alone, his Rinnegan glowing faintly as he gazed out at the rain-soaked village.

*Chapter 338: Have You Heard the Name Jiraiya Before?*

The sound of rain pattered continuously.

Though the rain paused last night, it resumed early this morning. A hazy curtain of drizzle enveloped the entire village of Konoha, lending a cool and serene undertone to the usually lively village. The bustling figures on the streets remained undiminished, yet the spring rain seemed to wash away some of the noisiness.

At the northern edge of the village, near the forested training grounds.

The seventh team's assessment had begun.

"…Is this the gap in ability?"

Sakura darted through the rain, her pink hair clinging to her forehead, wet and disheveled. Her spirits were weighed down, like an anchor pulling her emotions into a spiral of despair.

"Sakura, keep retreating!"

"Naruto, send two more shadow clones to guard Sakura."

"Got it! On it!"

The voices of the young shinobi echoed amidst the rain.

Naruto’s shadow clones charged through the downpour to intercept Kakashi’s attacks. Though the clones were quickly dispersed, they succeeded in creating enough distance between Sakura and Kakashi. Meanwhile, Naruto and Sasuke launched a coordinated pincer attack.

Sasuke’s Uchiha-style swordsmanship already displayed a mastery of its core principles, though it still lacked the refinement of actual combat experience, leaving him slightly inexperienced. However, with Naruto’s shadow clones providing cover and support, even Kakashi was forced to divide his attention for defense. Giving up on Sakura, the seemingly easiest target, to take down Sasuke instead was no simple feat. At twelve years old, Sasuke and Naruto weren’t far behind Kakashi’s own abilities at that age.

Thus, the battle reached a stalemate.

---

At exactly 8 a.m., the young shinobi, who had been waiting at the training ground for over half an hour, finally saw Kakashi arrive precisely on time. True to his word about wanting to correct his tardiness, Kakashi had instead perfected the art of arriving at the last possible second.

Without wasting words, Kakashi announced the start of the assessment. On a rainy day like this, it wasn’t the time for idle chatter or bonding. The test was straightforward: a survival exercise under simulated combat conditions. Their task was to endure Kakashi’s relentless attacks for twenty minutes.

He gave them twenty minutes to prepare. They could set traps in the surrounding forest but were restricted to within a one-kilometer radius of the training area. The purpose wasn’t to test their endurance in a long chase but their combat capabilities. After all, Naruto could flood the area with shadow clones, a tactic that alone would give Kakashi a headache.

Moreover, Kakashi placed a restriction on Naruto's *Beast Imitation Drawing Technique*. Otherwise, if Naruto sketched a giant bird and flew out of reach, Kakashi would be dealing with a much more frustrating scenario—one that already raised his blood pressure just imagining it.

Frankly, demanding three freshly graduated genin to survive twenty minutes against an elite jonin sounded more like bullying than a fair test.

At first, Sakura was dumbfounded by the numerous restrictions imposed. She even suspected that Kakashi had no intention of letting them pass from the start.

However, Naruto and Sasuke quickly accepted the seemingly unreasonable terms and soon demonstrated through their actions that Kakashi’s demands weren’t as excessive as they seemed—they were fair and realistic.

After all, Kakashi had become a jonin at twelve!

Naruto and Sasuke were no less talented. The only difference was their lack of experience in life-or-death combat, the crucible that had shaped Kakashi into the prodigy he was. What Kakashi sought to do now was defeat Naruto and Sasuke without harming them—a far greater challenge than eliminating an enemy.

This delicate balance led to an unexpected equilibrium.

While Kakashi held the upper hand, his victory was not overwhelming. If not for Sakura, who added an additional burden for Naruto and Sasuke, Kakashi might not have even had a chance to succeed in twenty minutes.

---

Ninja abilities vary greatly.

Some excel in swift, decisive strikes; others prefer to trap their opponents with intricate strategies. There are those who thrive in high-pressure situations and those who master prolonged battles of attrition.

Unfortunately for Kakashi, Naruto fell into the latter category.

His naturally vast chakra reserves made him a powerhouse in extended combat. Unlike his earlier reckless days, when he would summon hundreds of clones and waste chakra, Naruto now exercised restraint. He typically created only five to seven clones, maintaining a tactical edge without unnecessary expenditure.

Summoning a thousand clones was excessive unless fighting a tailed beast or other massive threats. More often than not, the clones would simply get in each other's way. This newfound discipline transformed Naruto into a near-perpetual motion machine, consuming chakra at a rate barely faster than his regeneration.

Fighting Naruto under such conditions was a nightmare for Kakashi.

"What kind of monster is this?" Kakashi silently lamented.

For the first time, he empathized with the enemies who had fallen before him. While their frustrations had stemmed from his deadly precision, his own struggles now arose from Naruto’s boundless energy reserves.

---

Twenty minutes passed in the blink of an eye.

Kakashi’s final tally: zero successes.

The entire seventh team had survived the exercise. Even Sakura, whom Kakashi had initially considered the weakest link, remained unscathed, thanks to Naruto and Sasuke’s unwavering support.

When the alarm clock, protected by an umbrella, finally rang, Kakashi regretfully withdrew. Gazing at the panting Sasuke, the soaked Sakura, and the ever-energetic Naruto, he sighed helplessly.

Apart from Sakura, who still resembled a typical genin, Naruto and Sasuke could probably pass the chunin exam with a bit more experience. Naruto’s shadow clones alone could overwhelm most adversaries. And that wasn’t even counting the other techniques Jiraiya had taught him. What a little monster—the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, after all. As expected of the Fourth Hokage’s son.

And Sasuke…

Sasuke's incredibly sharp and unparalleled Uchiha swordsmanship is truly fierce!

Compared to Naruto, it seems his compatibility with Sasuke is even better. Their fighting styles overlap significantly.

As for Sakura... her future looks promising!

"Alright, you passed the test," Kakashi announced, scratching his head as water dripped from his hair, which was wet enough to wring out.

Once again, he sighed inwardly—being a mentor to ninjas was no easy job!

"Haha! Sasuke, Sakura, we passed the test!" Naruto shouted with excitement, his joy undampened even by the light drizzle around them.

"Hmph, isn’t that to be expected? What’s there to be so excited about? Naruto, you’re overreacting," Sasuke sneered, catching his breath and attempting to mask his amusement. Of course, the slight upward curl of his lips betrayed him.

Sakura, however, remained dejected, biting her lip in frustration.

Was this truly the real strength of Naruto and Sasuke? They had managed to hold their own against Kakashi, a Jonin, for so long—even while dragging along someone as weak as her. Back at the ninja academy, she had no clear standard for comparison and only knew they were strong.

But just how strong? She never really understood until now.

Now, her perspective had been shattered once again.

Doubt crept into her heart—could she really keep up with Naruto and Sasuke? Today, it was only Kakashi-sensei, so there was no real danger to their lives. But what about when they faced real enemies in the future? Could they maintain the same composure then?

She had no confidence at all.

At this moment, Kakashi spoke up.

"Naruto, Sasuke, your performance was impressive. But what pleases me most is that you didn’t abandon your teammate for an easier fight against me. Many people believe that those who break the rules of the ninja world are scum... but in my view, those who don’t value their comrades are even worse than scum!"

"If you had discarded your teammate right from the start, I would’ve been disappointed and sent you back to the academy. Remember this: teamwork is vital. There will be times when you must rely solely on yourself, but learning to depend on your comrades is never a mistake."

His gaze swept over the attentive young trio, a glint of satisfaction in his eyes.

Setting aside the challenges of his position, Kakashi considered it a privilege to mentor these kids. Just as students choose their mentors, mentors also seek promising students. Having good students was a mutual fortune for any teacher.

Turning to Sakura, whose lips were almost bleeding from biting too hard, Kakashi addressed her specifically.

"Sakura... I’m glad you didn’t give in to despair because of Naruto and Sasuke’s abilities and decide to quit the test altogether. I know the pressure you’re feeling can’t be dispelled with a few words."

"But let me tell you this: no one can predict the future. Some people drift along, waiting for destiny to take its course, while others refuse to believe in fate and instead trust in the futures they carve out for themselves. I don’t know which path is right, but I respect those who strive to control their own destinies—provided they don’t stray into wrongdoing."

"Don’t let your current limitations define your future. Let me share a secret: the decision to pair you with Naruto and Sasuke was made by the Hokage himself. Even if you doubt yourself, why not try trusting his judgment? I’m looking forward to seeing what you’ll achieve."

Naruto and Sasuke kept quiet during Kakashi’s speech but couldn’t hide their surprise at the revelation.

"Kakashi-sensei, you mean the Hokage personally chose me to be Naruto and Sasuke’s teammate? Is that true?" Sakura asked, her eyes locked on Kakashi.

"I may not seem reliable, but I’d never joke or lie about the Hokage’s decisions," Kakashi replied earnestly.

"I... I’ll do my best, Kakashi-sensei," Sakura said, nodding resolutely.

---

"An excellent choice indeed," said Jiraiya, perched on a tree near the training ground, a pleased smile on his face.

"But then again, it’s only natural. Kakashi... he’s Minato’s student, after all. Am I wrong, Sougen?"

"I don’t entirely agree with your logic," Sougen replied from a nearby treetop, watching the training ground. "Plenty of great parents have mediocre children. The same goes for teachers and students. But Kakashi is undoubtedly a good teacher. With him guiding Naruto’s growth, you can rest easy, Jiraiya."

"Ha! I never doubted Kakashi’s ability," Jiraiya said with a laugh. "But you should try to understand an old man’s affection for the next generation."

"Nothing wrong with caring for the younger generation, Jiraiya. Just make sure your care doesn’t turn into a chain that binds their future. Fledglings must learn to fly on their own. You can’t protect them forever," Sougen said.

"I understand that," Jiraiya murmured. "It’s just... time flies so fast. Back when I first met Naruto, if it weren’t for your introduction, he might not have dared approach me. Now, he’s a remarkable young ninja."

"That’s your own fault, Jiraiya," Sougen retorted. "If you hadn’t blindly trusted the wrong people, Naruto wouldn’t have had to endure those hardships. Sure, you could argue that adversity shaped him into the great person he’s destined to be, but I despise that reasoning. Why must Naruto suffer so much just to become great?"

"Minato and Kushina wouldn’t have wished for that. They would’ve wanted their son to grow up healthy and happy. That was their blessing to him."

Jiraiya fell silent, reflecting on Sougen’s words.

"Alright, Jiraiya," Sougen said, steering the conversation elsewhere. "I’m not just here to watch Naruto’s test. There’s news about the Akatsuki. The Anbu has uncovered something."

"So soon?" Jiraiya asked, surprised.

"It’s from old records in the Root Division archives. They mention the Akatsuki as an enemy of Amegakure, led by a man named Yahiko. Jiraiya, do you recognize the name?"

Sougen’s sharp gaze locked onto Jiraiya as he posed the question.

Chapter 339: Lies and a New Storm

"Root... That old geezer Danzo sure has long ears! Yahiko, huh? It's been ages since I last heard that name—assuming the person you're talking about is the same kid I knew," Jiraiya muttered, his expression growing somber. "The Yahiko I knew... I heard he died years ago."

"Danzo's ears aren't the only things long; his reach is pretty extensive too," Sougen remarked, glancing at Jiraiya.

"If the records from Root's archives are accurate, it's clear that Danzo and Hanzo of the Salamander once colluded. They joined forces against the Akatsuki, with Danzo secretly dispatching a squad of Root elites to the Land of Rain. But they were wiped out completely."

"...!"

Jiraiya's face stiffened. He had never heard of such events before.

"Although all of Root's elites perished, Hanzo survived on the Rain side. But strangely, after that operation, Hanzo retreated into seclusion and cut almost all ties with Danzo. Despite sending numerous operatives to Amegakure seeking answers, Danzo received only one vague response—Rinnegan."

Jiraiya fell silent, waves of shock surging in his heart.

Rinnegan... Could it be Nagato?

Sougen didn’t seem to care about Jiraiya’s reaction, continuing calmly, "Naturally, Hanzo’s evasive explanation didn’t satisfy Danzo. But for reasons unknown, Amegakure became a black hole after that—no information ever came back, and everyone Danzo sent disappeared without a trace."

"Not long after, Konoha had its own troubles, forcing Danzo to let the matter drop temporarily. Hanzo wasn’t an easy target, and without full commitment, it was better not to provoke him. Danzo planned to settle accounts with Hanzo later when he had the chance."

"Of course, that 'later' never came. Danzo’s bones have long since rotted away. But the Akatsuki—the organization that neither Danzo nor Hanzo could destroy—still thrives. Now, it seems to have become a massive entity, gathering numerous S-rank rogue ninja, including Orochimaru. Just thinking about it gives me a headache."

Lies.

Sougen wove them effortlessly.

The supposed "headache" was a blatant fabrication. As it stood, the Akatsuki wasn’t much of a concern to him apart from Nagato. Figures like Orochimaru, Zetsu, or Obito were skilled at survival and deception, but when it came to direct combat prowess... they were no match.

After defeating Obito, Sougen no longer viewed the man, whose power relied on space-time ninjutsu for ambush tactics, as a serious threat. Only Nagato, wielding the Rinnegan inherited from Uchiha Madara, warranted his full attention.

"In any case, based on these records, my advisors speculate that the Akatsuki’s base is still likely within the Land of Rain."

At this, Sougen fixed his gaze on Jiraiya. "Jiraiya-sensei, I’m sharing this information for one reason only: do not act recklessly. I know you spent considerable time in the Land of Rain. Regardless of whether this Akatsuki is connected to Yahiko's group, I have plans to deal with them. I cannot afford any surprises derailing those plans."

"Feel free to gather intelligence, but do not risk yourself. If you alert them prematurely..."

Sougen didn’t finish the sentence—there was no need.

Alerting the Akatsuki would ruin everything. If the organization retreated further into the shadows, tracking them down would become a nightmare. Even after activating his Rinnegan, Sougen had failed to sense the Gedo Statue, the vessel of the Ten-Tails—a mutated form of the divine tree.

He suspected that the Gedo Statue was bound to Madara’s Rinnegan in some way, preventing him from detecting it. Alternatively, Black Zetsu might have tampered with it, enabling Madara to summon the Ten-Tails.

Whatever the reason, it didn’t matter now.

What mattered was Sougen’s interest in the Gedo Statue. Unfortunately, its location was unknown, and the only clue lay with Nagato, hidden in Amegakure. Preparations to confront Nagato were underway, but Sougen hadn’t anticipated Jiraiya independently uncovering information about the Akatsuki.

Thus, after careful consideration, Sougen decided to warn Jiraiya.

He couldn’t let the legendary Sannin’s impulsiveness stir up a hornet’s nest in Amegakure.

"... Don’t you have any questions about the Rinnegan?" Jiraiya finally asked.

"No need."

Sougen shook his head.

"Everyone has secrets. The Rinnegan might be seen as a myth by many, but Jiraiya-sensei, don’t forget—I’m an Uchiha. Our clan boasts one of the longest histories in the ninja world. Even if some truths are buried, capable descendants can uncover them. Myths are often just distorted versions of actual events."

"... Secrets, huh?" Jiraiya murmured.

Jiraiya let out a sigh.

He had never revealed to the village that Nagato possessed the Rinnegan because he knew that if the secret got out, Nagato’s future would be far from bright. At the time, Jiraiya also believed that Nagato was the prophesied child foretold by the Great Toad Sage, so he chose to conceal the discovery of the Rinnegan.

"Alright, that’s enough on this topic, Jiraiya-sensei. Please don’t forget what I’ve said. If you truly can’t resist going to investigate the Land of Rain, at least let me know beforehand so I can make some preparations."

After finishing his words, Sougen bid farewell and left.

The drizzling spring rain continued to fall, and even standing atop the treetops didn’t keep one from getting drenched. Staying there any longer, one would truly end up looking like a wet rat.

Jiraiya was left alone, lost in thought.

---

More than a month had passed since the graduation exams. It was said that only three-fifths of the graduates this year had successfully become genin. One-fifth returned to the Ninja Academy to continue their studies, while the remaining fifth gave up on becoming shinobi and sought other ways to make a living.

"Alright, Naruto, Sasuke, just a little more effort."

"Keep it up; we’re almost done."

"Just a little bit more."

Late spring transitioned into early summer, and the scorching sun hanging high in the sky already showed its might. The boys, working under the blazing sun, were drenched in sweat, their exhaustion evident. Meanwhile, the only girl in the team wasn’t standing idly by—she was busy helping prepare lunch for them and their clients.

If anyone had leisure, it was likely just their teacher, Kakashi.

Sitting under a tree, sipping iced tea, and enjoying his favorite Icha Icha Paradise book.

"Damn it! We should never have taken on this river-cleaning job."

Sasuke, standing knee-deep in the river, grumbled.

"Ugh! It’s tough work, that’s for sure."

Naruto nodded in agreement, sweat dripping off his forehead and splashing into droplets with each motion.

That morning, Team 7 had taken on a collective mission from Kanata Village, a small settlement not far from Konoha. Most of the young villagers had moved to Konoha to work, leaving behind mostly elderly residents. While farming was something they could manage for a few more years, clearing the river clogged with debris from upstream—including waste from Konoha—was beyond their capabilities.

Although the village had wells, the two wells could only provide enough water for drinking, not irrigation. The village head had no choice but to request a mission in Konoha.

Team 7 was the unlucky group assigned this job. Under the sweltering sun, they waded into the chest-deep river to remove debris. Shadow clones couldn’t withstand the constant pressure of the water, making crowd tactics useless except for clearing garbage along the riverbanks.

Fortunately, shinobi had monstrous stamina.

Compared to ordinary people, their efficiency was astonishing. In less than three hours, they had cleaned the river, and the previously murky waters ran clear again.

By the time they returned to the shore, Sakura had prepared lunch.

Even for her, the work hadn’t been easy. The young girl had never realized how demanding cooking could be. This was thanks to Kakashi’s offhand remark to their clients: “Why not have my team help prepare lunch?”

Thus, Sakura found herself working with a few frail elders to prepare food for their team of four and the dozens of villagers. Washing, cutting, cooking—nearly all the tasks fell to her. The elderly women, shaky on their feet, could only offer verbal advice and little actual help.

"Phew! Naruto, Sasuke, you’re done too, huh?"

Exhausted and pale, Sakura slumped onto a bench, too tired to move.

"Yeah, all done," Naruto replied with boundless energy, despite his drenched appearance.

Being a stamina monster certainly had its perks.

"Next time, I’m not taking another D-rank mission," Sasuke muttered through gritted teeth as he staggered over to an empty stool and flopped down, panting heavily.

Even with his rigorous training, Sasuke couldn’t deny the exhaustion of this job. Unlike his usual intense workouts, this mission was not only tiring but also filthy and unpleasant—a dreadful combination.

"Yo, already finished?"

Kakashi strolled over with his book in hand, leisurely as always.

"Good job!"

"Kakashi-sensei," Sasuke began, forcing himself to look up. "I think we’re ready for missions above D-rank. Over the past month, we’ve caught cats, carried water, patched roofs, babysat, and gathered herbs... Kakashi-sensei, I’m starting to forget how to wield a sword!"

"Getting impatient, are we?"

Kakashi chuckled at the worn-out but determined faces of his team. "Alright. I thought you’d start complaining about these boring tasks a week ago. To have lasted until now is impressive. Next time, I’ll pick a more challenging mission for us."

Naruto and Sasuke’s abilities were already suitable for C- or even B-rank missions.

However, Kakashi believed it was better to start with mundane tasks to temper their personalities and teamwork, while also addressing Sakura’s weaknesses. Over the past month, he had helped her significantly improve her fundamentals through exercises like tree climbing, water walking, and chakra control.

Sakura’s rapid progress, coupled with her remarkable learning ability, reassured Kakashi that she wouldn’t lag behind in battle as long as the enemy wasn’t overwhelmingly strong.

A balanced team was critical. If Naruto and Sasuke were the long planks of the barrel, Sakura’s growth ensured the shortest plank didn’t limit the team’s potential.

"C-rank missions, huh?"

While Kakashi considered how to further challenge his team, a sinister breeze carrying malevolent intent swept into Konoha, causing a stir and even catching the attention of the Sixth Hokage, Uchiha Sougen.

(Chapter End)  

*Chapter 340: The Annihilation Incident*

Under the shroud of the deep night, orange sparks danced through a village at the foot of Katsuragi Mountain, as if holding a farewell ceremony for the fading wails of despair. The villagers who once lived there had embarked on a one-way journey to the underworld, leaving only a handful of fortunate souls spared by the Reaper.

The Reaper had not hurried to invite everyone to the underworld.

High atop a hill, a group of tearful young men and women hid in the bushes, watching helplessly as their hometown was devoured by the inferno. The grief overwhelmed them like a tsunami, submerging their hearts in a tide of despair, anger, and confusion.

“W-wahh…”

A young girl, the youngest of them, couldn't help but sob softly.

“Don’t cry. This isn’t the time for tears; we have to keep moving,” the group’s leader said through gritted teeth.

“But... where can we go?” someone asked, their voice filled with uncertainty.

With their homeland consumed by flames, they had nowhere to turn. The survivors were all young, having spent most of their lives within the vicinity of their village. Many of them hadn’t even ventured beyond the nearest town. Even with the proud Tsuchigumo name, they were utterly lost without their home.

The Tsuchigumo clan had long abandoned their days of living by the blade, weary of the constant life-and-death struggle of ninja life. But even their attempt to shed the ninja identity hadn’t guaranteed peace. Trouble, after all, had a way of finding them.

The naive belief that laying down their weapons would dissolve their enemies’ malice had instead invited merciless slaughter.

“We’ll go to Konoha,” the leader said firmly.

“My father once told me that the granddaughter of Yakushi—our clan’s guide—is in Konoha. If we can find her and secure Konoha’s aid, we can avenge our families.”

“But… the elders forbade mentioning Yakushi’s name. Will she even help us?”

An older survivor voiced their concern, while the younger ones looked confused, unfamiliar with the name Yakushi. Since the internal split in the Tsuchigumo clan, Yakushi had become a taboo subject for this branch. Only the older generation even knew who Yakushi was, while the younger ones had never heard the name.

“That’s a feud between the elders. They’re… gone now. We don’t need to carry their grudges. Besides, we’re all Tsuchigumo. We have to try. And didn’t Konoha’s shinobi visit our leader recently? There must be some connection.”

The leader’s voice faltered at the end, but he knew better than to let his despair show. Without hope, the last remnants of the Tsuchigumo clan would crumble completely.

“Let’s go! Stop looking back and be careful not to be seen.”

The displaced young survivors vanished into the night, tears streaming as they left their burning village behind. Unbeknownst to them, a figure watched silently from the shadows. Once the group had disappeared, heading toward Konoha, the watcher smiled with satisfaction before melting into the darkness.

---

*Konoha Village*

The Hokage’s office had been particularly busy in recent days. While it was never a place of leisure, the recent surge in workload was undeniable. The dark circles under the eyes of its staff and their drooping expressions were proof enough.

The influx of tasks had forced repeated extensions of work hours, leaving little time for rest. Only the promise of increased pay and bonuses kept morale from collapsing under the pressure.

“Is there new intel?”

The head of the Intelligence Analysis Department looked up from his cluttered desk as the door opened. Seeing a subordinate walk in with a stack of files, he let out a weary smile.

“Another family wiped out?”

“Three clans,” the subordinate replied, setting the pile of documents on the desk. “This includes intelligence gathered by the ANBU and accounts from survivors of two of the clans. Hopefully, we can uncover something useful to identify the culprits.”

“Sigh… let’s hope.”

The department head rubbed his thinning hair in frustration, his heart heavy with worry.

About a week ago, a shinobi from a small, obscure clan in the Land of Fire arrived in Konoha, requesting an investigation into their clan’s destruction. Initially, the case drew little attention; the rise and fall of tiny clans numbering less than a hundred was not uncommon. The mission was classified as a routine B-rank task and left open for interested parties to accept.

However, similar requests soon began flooding in.

The sheer number of cases raised alarm bells. Further investigation revealed a startling pattern: over the past month, more than twenty ninja clans within the Land of Fire had been wiped out overnight. Apart from a few survivors who managed to escape, entire clans had been annihilated.

The most chilling detail? The bodies were missing. Even ashes from the cremated remains were scarce.

A creeping unease settled over the intelligence division.

The unusual situation was immediately reported to Sougen. Under the Hokage’s highest directive, the Hokage Tower began operating at full capacity to uncover the truth behind this series of events. Departments like the Intelligence Analysis Division embarked on grueling, sleepless shifts.

However, overtime wasn't limited to just the lower-ranked staff.

The Sixth Hokage himself remained stationed at the Hokage Tower, with his office lights often staying on all night. The increase in salaries and bonuses ensured no one harbored resentment. Instead, many resolved to thoroughly relax once this ordeal was over.

“Director, another one. Someone else has arrived.”

A staff member from the Intelligence Analysis Division stumbled into the room.

"Another? At this point, it doesn't matter. The more, the merrier," the increasingly numb director muttered. At first, he sympathized with the ninja clans that had silently vanished, but as reports flooded in, his compassion dwindled.

“No, it’s different this time. The Tsuchigumo clan was attacked.”

“Tsuchigumo? Water spider, earth spider—wait, the Tsuchigumo clan? The one from Mount Katsuragi?” The director sprang to his feet, eyes wide.

“Yes, sir. As far as I know, there’s only one Tsuchigumo clan,” the staff member stammered.

“…You’re right,” the director muttered grimly. The Intelligence Analysis Division, as its name suggested, dealt with sensitive information. As a veteran who had served through four administrations, the director knew things younger staff could only imagine.

The name "Tsuchigumo" immediately brought to mind the Hokage's apprentice, but for the director, it signified the formal alliance between Konoha and the Tsuchigumo clan. The Third Hokage had forged a pact with their patriarch, Yakushi no Gyōja, promising aid in times of need.

Though the Third Hokage had passed, and Konoha was now under the Sixth Hokage's leadership, that alliance had not been nullified. With the Tsuchigumo clan nearly annihilated and the Hokage's apprentice being a member of that clan, this incident was about to escalate.

“Are you certain it was that Tsuchigumo clan from Mount Katsuragi?”

“Yes, survivors have already fled to the village. The news is spreading fast—it’s impossible to keep this under wraps,” the subordinate confirmed.

The director sighed deeply. This was bound to cause a stir. Before this, Konoha had treated the deaths of various ninja clans with distant sympathy, as they weren’t directly related.

But now—

The Tsuchigumo clan, a Konoha ally, had been attacked.

This was no longer a matter of investigation. Konoha had to take a firm stance, sending a clear message to the outside world. If the Third Hokage might have sought negotiation, the Sixth Hokage’s resolute temperament left no room for compromise.

In other words,

a major response was inevitable.

“Still… it has nothing to do with me,” the director mused, settling back into his chair. With so many powerful ninjas in the village, he was confident the situation would be handled without requiring his involvement.

#Hokage’s Office

“You’re saying the thieves from Chitoseya escaped?” Sougen looked at Shisui in surprise.

“Yes, three days ago.”

Shisui’s expression darkened.

Preoccupied with the investigation into the recent annihilation of ninja clans, he hadn’t been overseeing the surveillance at Chitoseya. Worse, the ANBU assigned to the task delayed reporting the escape, thinking they could recapture the targets before alerting superiors.

But three days had passed, and the targets were still at large.

“This was my oversight, Sougen,” Shisui said through gritted teeth. “I’ll personally handle—”

“They vanished three days ago?” Sougen interrupted, pondering aloud. “Shisui, do you think this is connected to the Tsuchigumo incident?”

“What?” Shisui blinked in surprise.

“You suspect that group attacked Mount Katsuragi? But the string of clan annihilations began over a month ago. During that time, the suspects were confined in Konoha. Moreover, weren’t some of them confirmed to be Tsuchigumo members themselves? They might have betrayed their clan, but attacking their own seems unlikely.”

“Don’t be so sure,” Sougen replied calmly. People sometimes wielded the knife against their own for certain goals. The timing of the escape aligned suspiciously with the attack on Mount Katsuragi.

“Given how things have escalated, it wouldn’t be surprising if someone is using the chaos to their advantage,” Sougen remarked, glancing toward the door. “Shisui, just watch. The fish are about to bite the hook.”

At that moment, an urgent knock sounded at the door.

Before Sougen could say "Come in," the door burst open, and a flustered young woman stormed inside.

“Master! Mount Katsuragi…” She trailed off, unsure what to say.

As the granddaughter of Yakushi no Gyōja, she had heard of the clan's survivors who fled to Konoha and their harrowing plight. Overwhelmed with emotion, she had rushed to her master without a plan.

“It’s good you didn’t recklessly leave the village for revenge,” Sougen remarked, gesturing toward her. “I’ve already arranged for the Tsuchigumo survivors to be cared for. As for Mount Katsuragi, I’m planning to send a team to investigate. Tell me, Hotaru, would you like to take on this task personally?”

“Can I… really go?” Hotaru asked hesitantly.

“With your team’s strength, conducting a preliminary investigation should be manageable,” Sougen said with a reassuring smile.

(End of Chapter)