156-160

*Chapter 156: What Did You Do to Kurotsuchi? (Please Subscribe!)*

Touji didn’t have much of a reaction. After all, being part of the Hyuga clan’s Byakugan training, he was used to such situations.

In fact, when he first encountered Kurotsuchi, he had already sized her up.

Kurotsuchi, on the other hand, blushed deeply and quickly submerged herself in the water.

Touji didn’t pay any attention to her and walked over to the sink to start brushing his teeth.

Kurotsuchi froze for a moment.

She was absolutely sure that Touji hadn’t even glanced at her just now. He had gone straight to wash his face and brush his teeth.

For a moment, Kurotsuchi’s mind began to wander.

Did Touji not notice me at all? If I go out now, won’t I be exposed? Or... does he completely see me as one of his own?

Touji spent about five minutes washing up. When he walked out of the bathroom, there was a faint trace of blood beneath his nose.

They continued walking towards Iwagakure.

After a whole day of training yesterday, Kurotsuchi’s speed had improved significantly. In less than two hours, the two of them finally reached their destination.

The guards at the entrance frowned when they saw Kurotsuchi dragging herself along like a dead fish.

“Brat! What did you do to Kurotsuchi?!”

“Hurry and notify the Tsuchikage!”

In no time, several guards surrounded Touji, weapons drawn, all staring at him warily.

Touji’s mouth twitched.

Do I really look that much like a villain? Everyone’s always misunderstanding me.

Meanwhile, Kurotsuchi was giggling to herself, waiting for Touji to embarrass himself.

Before long, a small figure descended from the sky.

“What are you all doing? Surrounding my grandson-in-law like you’re going to overthrow the heavens?”

“Grandson-in-law?”

“Kurotsuchi got married?”

“Well, that explains why she’s in this state.”

Onoki, the Tsuchikage, walked over to Kurotsuchi with satisfaction, looking at her current state with pride. “My dear granddaughter, you’ve finally grown up!”

Kurotsuchi couldn’t help but cough up blood.

Now she understood just how awkward Touji had felt earlier—no matter how much she explained, it wouldn’t help.

Onoki then walked over to Touji and gently patted him on the shoulder.

“Now that you’ve already done the deed, when do you two plan on getting married?”

Touji was immune to this by now, but Kurotsuchi panicked, rushing over.

“What do you mean ‘done the deed’? Grandpa, stop making wild assumptions! Nothing happened between us!” Kurotsuchi anxiously explained.

But seeing the faint smile on Onoki’s face, her own expression darkened.

“Relax, I understand. It’s natural for a girl to be shy.”

“Grandpa, I know why you’re in such a hurry, but give me a month. If you can recognize my strength, will you let me choose my partner freely?” Kurotsuchi said seriously.

Onoki was taken aback. He had never seen Kurotsuchi this serious before.

Seeing that Onoki was still hesitating, Kurotsuchi removed all the weights from her body.

Immediately, she felt much lighter, and both her strength and speed increased significantly.

Then Kurotsuchi launched an attack on Onoki.

Touji stroked his chin and smiled. Just training during the day wouldn’t have resulted in such rapid progress.

But at night, Touji had taught Kurotsuchi the same way he had taught Hinata Hyuga, and her skills had improved dramatically.

Just a few punches made Onoki struggle, even forcing him to retreat.

Onoki knew Kurotsuchi’s abilities well, and seeing how much she had improved in such a short time astonished him.

*Ding! Onoki’s favorability increased by 5 points! Current favorability is 65! You can now sign in!*

Touji paused for a moment.

Onoki’s initial favorability was already at 65, the highest he had ever seen.

Clearly, reputation is very useful.

“Check Onoki’s stats!”

*Ding! Onoki! Current favorability is 65! You can now sign in!*

*At 50 points: Earth Fist Technique unlocked!*

*At 60 points: Weighted Boulder Technique unlocked!*

*At 70 points: Light-Weight Boulder Technique unlocked!*

*At 80 points: Earthquake Core unlocked!*

*At 90 points: Steel-Release Technique unlocked!*

*At 100 points: Dust Release unlocked! You’ve earned his trust to marry his granddaughter! Infinite sign-ins activated (7-day interval)!*

“Sign in for Onoki!”

*Ding! Successfully signed in for Onoki! Earth Clone Technique unlocked! Favorability increased by 5 points! Current favorability is 70! You can continue to sign in!*

*Ding! Successfully signed in for Onoki! Earth Spear Technique unlocked! Favorability increased by 4 points! Current favorability is 74! You can continue to sign in!*

*Ding! Successfully signed in for Onoki! Light-Weight Boulder Technique unlocked! Favorability increased by 3 points! Current favorability is 77!*

Onoki, who had been fighting Kurotsuchi, suddenly found Touji increasingly likable.

“Kurotsuchi, I’ll agree to your request, but you’ll need to defeat Touji in a month!”

Kurotsuchi’s heart sank.

The memory of Touji’s prowess in battle yesterday was still fresh in her mind.

Fighting Touji would be like a sheep walking into a lion’s den—certain defeat!

“No other options?”

“Or you can defeat me!” Onoki smiled confidently.

“Fine, I choose you!”

Onoki spat out blood.

She’d rather fight him, the Tsuchikage, than Touji. That showed just how powerful Touji was in Kurotsuchi’s eyes.

Onoki couldn’t help but frown, letting out a cold grunt.

“Are you underestimating your grandpa? Fine, I’ll show you what I can do!”

As Onoki spoke, the ground began to tremble, and chunks of rock rose up, trapping Touji.

“See? Touji might be a genius, but he’s not fully grown yet. Compared to your grandpa, he still has a long way to go! Now, I’ll give you another chance—who will you choose to defeat?”

“Grandpa, or him…”

“You!” Onoki felt as though he had just swallowed a fly. Turning to look at Touji, he realized Touji had disappeared.

“Where did he go? Did my technique kill him?”

“Grandpa, look up!” Kurotsuchi pointed upwards.

Onoki looked up and saw Touji floating in the air.

Normally, mastering the Light-Weight Boulder Technique allows for flight.

But very few ninja could truly master the Light-Weight Boulder Technique.

Even Onoki’s favorite pupil, Deidara, hadn’t succeeded.

Yet here was Touji, using the technique to float effortlessly, and Onoki could tell that Touji’s understanding of the technique was on par with his own.

“What a monstrous talent! But today, I must defeat him, or I won’t be able to show my face in front of my granddaughter again!”

With that thought, Onoki flew up and stared at Touji with determination.

“Give it your all! Let my granddaughter see just how wide the gap between us really is!”

(End of Chapter)

---

*Chapter 157: If You’ve Got the Guts, Don’t Move! (Please Subscribe!)*

Ōnoki used the Light and Heavy Boulder Technique and flew toward Touji.

As he flew, rocks gathered rapidly in his hands until his entire hand turned to stone.

"Weighted Boulder Technique!"

Ōnoki swung a punch, using the Weighted Boulder Technique the moment it was thrown.

This made what looked like an ordinary punch suddenly pack several times more power.

However, Ōnoki noticed Touji didn’t even attempt to dodge. He was getting ready to catch the punch with his bare hand.

Ōnoki sneered.

Though the Stone Fist Technique might not look strong, with the Weighted Boulder Technique, its power multiplies dramatically.

One punch could easily shatter a large boulder.

"Get down!"

Bang!

Ōnoki froze, a shocked expression on his face.

The scene he expected—Touji being smashed away—didn't happen. Instead, Touji caught the punch with one hand.

Although Ōnoki was shocked that Touji caught the punch so easily, what really left him in disbelief was that Touji didn’t move an inch while floating in the air.

The Light and Heavy Boulder Technique wasn’t actual flight; it just reduced one's body weight to the minimum, allowing them to float.

Chakra was then used to propel and maneuver.

However, floating like this wasn’t stable. A strong gust of wind could blow you away if you're not careful.

Not to mention the force behind that punch.

Even on solid ground, most people would’ve been sent flying by such a punch.

Yet Touji remained perfectly still in the air.

There were only two possible explanations: either Touji had incredible chakra and chakra control or his mastery of the Light and Heavy Boulder Technique was extraordinary.

In fact, his control over the technique might surpass Ōnoki’s.

Ōnoki’s expression darkened.

The stronger Touji became, the better it was for Iwagakure's future development. After all, Konoha had already declared him a rogue ninja. Even if I marry Kurotsuchi to Touji, it wouldn’t be a problem.

But Touji wasn’t giving Ōnoki any face at all.

Both of Ōnoki's proud attacks were effortlessly neutralized by Touji, leaving him feeling utterly humiliated.

To reclaim his pride as the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki had to defeat Touji!

"Touji, if you have the guts, keep standing there without moving!" Ōnoki shouted something even he was embarrassed to say.

Standing still in a fight is practically asking to die.

"Alright, I won’t move. Come on!" Touji smiled and gestured at Ōnoki.

Ōnoki thought he misheard and stared at Touji in disbelief.

"I said don’t move. Are you sure?"

"Absolutely."

Ōnoki frowned, lowering his opinion of Touji.

A ninja’s combat strategy is based on constantly shifting positions, avoiding enemy techniques, and finding advantageous terrain for a counterattack.

Standing still makes you an easy target.

Ōnoki was confident that even if the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, stood still, he had a 50% chance of killing him.

Yet Touji was this arrogant.

"Are you sure about this? Standing still means no dodging. Are you really sure?" Ōnoki confirmed again.

"Yes!" Touji replied firmly.

Hearing this, Ōnoki snorted.

"If you can really take my attack without moving, then I’ll let you have the title of Tsuchikage!" Ōnoki said, quickly forming hand seals.

A gray cube appeared around Touji, surrounding him.

Kurotsuchi's eyes widened in fear, and she shouted to Touji, "Run! You can’t survive that attack!"

Ōnoki sneered.

The Particle Style: Atomic Dismantling Jutsu breaks down everything within the barrier into atomic particles.

It’s practically an instant-kill technique.

No matter how strong Touji is, if he doesn’t run, he’s dead.

"Kid, you better run, or it’ll be too late!" Ōnoki said with a wicked grin.

But Touji didn’t move at all, standing right in the center of the Atomic Dismantling Jutsu.

Ōnoki’s eyebrows furrowed, and a look of anxiety appeared on his face.

"Get out of there! I can’t stop the technique once it reaches this stage!" Ōnoki shouted in panic.

But Touji remained motionless.

The floating cube continued to compress until it exploded into a cloud of dust.

Ōnoki’s eyes widened as he stared at the scene.

He never saw Touji escape.

That could only mean one thing: Touji was dead!

Ōnoki started to regret his actions.

Touji was only a twelve-year-old boy, impulsive as any child his age. But Ōnoki let his pride get in the way, and now Touji had died because of it.

Kurotsuchi, witnessing the scene, felt a sudden emptiness in her heart. She shakily flew to Ōnoki’s side using the Light and Heavy Boulder Technique, still unsteady.

"Grandpa! Why did you kill him? If you wanted me to marry him, I would have agreed! Was killing him really necessary?" Kurotsuchi cried, tears streaming down her face.

Ōnoki, overwhelmed with guilt, reflected on his actions.

Touji was a rare genius. Yes, he was a bit arrogant, but what genius isn’t?

With proper guidance, he would’ve become a formidable shinobi.

Now, by killing Touji, Ōnoki didn’t just end a young boy’s life—he destroyed Iwagakure’s future!

"I… I made a mistake."

Ōnoki hung his head in defeat.

Though he hadn’t known Touji long, losing him felt as painful as losing a lifelong friend.

Tears welled in Ōnoki’s eyes and spilled over.

Just then, a gust of wind blew the dust away, revealing a silhouette within.

"Look! He’s still alive!"

"How is that possible? No one has ever survived the Tsuchikage’s technique!"

Ōnoki didn’t want to believe it, but he couldn’t stop himself from turning to look.

His body trembled as he saw Touji, unharmed, floating in midair.

"Impossible! Someone survived that technique?"

Kurotsuchi, seeing Touji alive and well, angrily flew toward him, but her control of the technique faltered, causing her to crash right into him.

She grabbed onto Touji’s leg, holding on tightly to avoid falling.

"You jerk! Next time, warn me! What would I do if you died? Who’s going to teach me ninjutsu, huh?"

Touji coughed awkwardly.

"I get it, but can’t you fly on your own?"

Kurotsuchi looked at Touji, her face turning red.

"Idiot! Take this headbutt!"

(End of chapter)

---

*Chapter 158: The Current State of the Land of Earth (Subscription Request!)*

Touji never expected that one day he would fall victim to someone's schemes.

Moreover, Kurotsuchi clung to him like a stubborn plaster, refusing to let go.

"If you move again, I'll headbutt you one more time!" Kurotsuchi said smugly, then her face suddenly turned red.

*[Ding Dong! Kurotsuchi’s affection increased by four points! Current affection: 77 points!]*

Touji frowned. Why did Kurotsuchi's affection jump by four points after just one headbutt?

And judging by her expression, it seemed like she was preparing for a second hit!

Quickly, Touji used Shinra Tensei, sending Kurotsuchi flying away.

Ōnoki, watching this scene, trembled.

Although he didn't understand exactly what Touji did, the power seemed strangely connected to his own Heavy and Light Rock Techniques.

It seemed like an even more advanced application of those techniques.

In an instant, Ōnoki's eyes lit up with excitement, and his expression toward Touji changed.

He hurriedly flew over to Touji, grabbing his arm.

"Marry Kurotsuchi right away, and I’ll hand over the position of Tsuchikage to you!"

Touji twitched his mouth, quickly shaking off Ōnoki’s hand and looking at him with disdain.

"I've already told you, I’m not going to marry Kurotsuchi. You can forget about that idea!"

Ōnoki tried to grab Touji again.

But this time, his hand passed right through Touji, as if grasping thin air.

"A space-time ninjutsu! I finally understand how you dodged my Dust Release technique!" Ōnoki looked at Touji like he had just discovered treasure.

But he also realized that Touji genuinely wasn’t interested in Kurotsuchi.

Still, he was unwilling to give up and turned to Kurotsuchi.

"My dear granddaughter, I have a mission for you. In the month that Touji is teaching you ninjutsu, make him yours!"

Kurotsuchi raised an eyebrow, her face showing irritation.

"This month is for proving myself so I can have a relationship based on love, not for completing your mission!" Kurotsuchi protested.

Ōnoki didn’t get angry. Instead, he turned and gazed at the distant mountains.

"Kurotsuchi, what do you think of the mountains of the Land of Earth?"

Kurotsuchi glanced at Ōnoki, confused.

He had just been so scary, and now he was all serious again.

But as long as he wasn’t forcing her into marriage, Kurotsuchi could accept whatever came next.

"They’re great. The scenery is beautiful."

Ōnoki chuckled, but he shook his head as he did.

"The continuous mountain ranges indeed provide us with abundant mineral resources and plenty of wild game. But our country has far less arable land than others, and transportation is extremely inconvenient. Even though some distances are only a few kilometers as the crow flies, it can take villagers an entire day to travel them."

Hearing this, Kurotsuchi frowned.

Mineral resources didn’t mean much to the average civilian. While there was plenty of game in the mountains, only ninjas were able to hunt it.

For regular villagers, going into the mountains was a death sentence.

As a result, many people lived day-to-day, never knowing when their next meal would come.

This was the norm in the Land of Earth, so Kurotsuchi didn’t understand why Ōnoki suddenly brought it up.

"We can just import food. After all, we have rich mineral resources, so we’re not lacking in money," Kurotsuchi said proudly.

Ōnoki let out a bitter laugh.

"That’s exactly what worries me!"

"Why would having money make you scared?"

"Only if we can hold on to it, does it count as real wealth! The mineral resources of our Land of Earth have long been coveted by the other nations. The only reason they haven’t attacked us yet is that I, this old relic, am still alive! But I’m old and don’t know when I’ll fall. We need someone to hold up the Land of Earth after I’m gone!" Ōnoki’s face turned somber as he spoke.

"Deidara could have become the leader of Iwagakure, but he defected. Now, no one in the village is qualified to bear the title of Tsuchikage. As soon as I die, the other nations will invade. When that time comes..."

Ōnoki trailed off, his face filled with sorrow.

At that moment, Kurotsuchi understood.

Her grandfather, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki, was old and tired.

But the current situation forced him to stay in the role of Tsuchikage.

If Ōnoki died, who would be able to stop the Raikage from Kumogakure?

"I... I understand. I will find a way to make Touji stay in the Land of Earth, no matter what it takes!"

Ōnoki shook his head, saying, "You still don’t get it. The only thing that can truly bind a man is responsibility! In other words, descendants!"

Kurotsuchi shuddered.

Her mind was in turmoil, weighing love against the future of the Land of Earth.

After much inner conflict, love finally lost to her nation.

After all, her own happiness was insignificant compared to the future of the entire country.

And, to be honest, Touji wasn’t that unlikable.

"Tsuchikage-sama, I accept this mission!" Kurotsuchi said, looking seriously at Ōnoki.

Ōnoki nodded in satisfaction, his eyes filled with approval.

"Kurotsuchi, the entire Land of Earth will be grateful to you!"

*[Ding Dong! Kurotsuchi’s affection increased by five points! Current affection: 82 points! Sign-in available!]*

Touji glanced at Ōnoki and Kurotsuchi, puzzled.

They just had a brief conversation, yet Kurotsuchi’s affection jumped by five points. How much brainwashing had it taken to reach this level of influence?

But the chance to sign in was too tempting for Touji to pass up.

"Sign in with Kurotsuchi!"

*[Ding Dong! Successfully signed in with Kurotsuchi! Obtained the Weighted Boulder Jutsu! Affection increased by two points! Current affection: 84 points!]*

Touji smiled inwardly.

The Weighted and Lightened Boulder Techniques were similar to the powers of the Rinnegan.

Both involved manipulating gravity.

However, these two jutsu were much more limited, requiring the power of the planet beneath to work.

The Rinnegan, on the other hand, was different.

Gravity was just one of its many uses, and it could shift gravity’s center with precision.

Far more practical than these two jutsu.

While Touji was practicing the Lightened Boulder Jutsu, Kurotsuchi approached, head down, her face bright red like a ripe apple.

"Touji-kun, I think maybe we could try being together. Who knows, we might be a good match?"

Touji froze for a moment.

Was this still the same Kurotsuchi who used to preach about free love? How did she suddenly cave to external pressure?

Touji also began to suspect that Ōnoki had been talking with Hiashi Hyuga.

One was selling his daughter, and the other was selling his granddaughter!

*Third update! Please subscribe!*

*Chapter 159: The Slug Sage (Please Subscribe!)*

Touji was really annoyed, extremely annoyed! Ever since the conflict in Iwagakure Village, Kurotsuchi had become a completely different person, constantly hanging around Touji. Even during ninjutsu training, she would frequently get close.

And this morning, when Touji groggily woke up, he found Kurotsuchi lying on top of him.

Who could stand this?

Standing on the rooftop, Touji looked around to make sure no one was nearby and took out the teleportation scroll for Shikkotsu Forest. Touji would rather deal with the Slug Sage than continue being entangled with Kurotsuchi!

Biting his finger, he swiped it across the scroll. Instantly, Touji felt the space around him warp, and he was sucked into it.

Moments later, he opened his eyes to find himself in a different location, a place that looked unlike most areas in the ninja world.

Touji became serious. After all, the Slug Sage had existed for over a thousand years, even living during the time of Kaguya Otsutsuki. No one knew how much chakra she had accumulated.

However, in Touji’s memory, the Slug Sage was supposed to be enormous. No matter how much he looked around, he couldn't see her.

“Where is the Slug Sage hiding?” Touji muttered.

Suddenly, Touji felt the ground beneath him move. Rather than a shake, it felt more like a slither. He realized he was slowly rising.

“Are you looking for me?”

Touji's face twitched, and he hurriedly activated his Rinnegan to float in midair. Looking down, he realized that what he had been standing on wasn’t the ground—it was the body of the Slug Sage!

Touji scanned his surroundings but couldn’t see the edge of the Slug Sage's form anywhere. His heart trembled slightly.

The Slug Sage's chakra might even surpass that of the Tailed Beasts.

“You’re the child Tsunade sent?” the Slug Sage asked.

Touji smiled bitterly. Calling Tsunade "child" at her age was something only the Slug Sage could get away with.

“Yes, I’m Touji.”

“Alright. That kid Tsunade was too playful and never fully learned. But Hashirama managed to learn Sage Mode. I hope you can, too!”

Only the Slug Sage could call the God of Shinobi, Hashirama Senju, “little Hashirama.”

“I’m ready!” Touji responded confidently.

As soon as he finished speaking, the Slug Sage spat saliva at Touji. Before he could react, he felt the saliva flowing into his body. Natural energy from the surroundings began pouring into him through his pores.

“This is the first step. Now for the second step: I will enter your body to help you sense the natural energy more deeply.”

Touji nodded but quickly realized something was wrong. The last time someone entered his body—Yamanaka Ino—she had been completely brainwashed. If the Slug Sage entered his body, who knows if his system would devour her or if she would devour the system?

“Wait... Ah!” Before Touji could stop her, the Slug Sage's consciousness entered his body.

[Ding! An external invader has been detected. Countermeasures are being deployed!]

[Ding! The invader is too strong. Initiating Plan B!]

[Ding! The invader has been assimilated! Slug Sage favorability has increased by 999 points!]

[Ding! As favorability has reached the maximum, you have obtained all of the Slug Sage’s ninjutsu tools!]

[Ding! By obtaining all the Slug Sage’s tools, the host has achieved Sage status!]

Touji was stunned. He had come just to learn Sage Mode, but now he had actually become a Sage, with limitless Sage chakra! To make things even more awkward, he had accidentally maxed out the Slug Sage’s favorability.

“Touji-kun... You learned Sage Mode so quickly. As expected from the man I’ve chosen!” The Slug Sage’s voice softened.

Touji's eye twitched. He had expected this to happen, but with her massive body, he didn’t feel any inappropriate thoughts.

“It seems like you don’t like my current form. No problem, I can change!” the Slug Sage said, enveloping Touji in a thick cloud of smoke that covered the entire mountain range. It was so dense that he couldn’t even see his own hand.

After about half an hour, the smoke cleared, and the mountain-sized body of the Slug Sage was gone. Standing before Touji was a beautiful young woman, gazing at him with affection.

“As a Sage, I can change my appearance once every thousand years, and I can stay like this for as long as I want,” she explained, spinning gracefully. “This form is based on what I found in your memories. Do you like it?”

Touji couldn't help but give a thumbs-up. People always said that no one knows a man better than another man, but the Slug Sage had taken a peek into his memories and transformed into his ideal type. He couldn't stop a nosebleed from trickling down.

“Quick, put on some clothes!” he blurted out.

The Slug Sage smiled sweetly and twirled again, summoning a beautiful outfit. Touji’s nosebleed flowed even faster.

“This is based on your favorite outfit from your memories. I have others too—would you like me to show them to you?”

Holding one hand to his nose, Touji frantically waved the other. “No, no! I don’t have enough energy! Bring me a nutrition drink!”

“A nutrition drink?” The Slug Sage tilted her head. “I’m not sure what that is, but my slime can heal any injury. Would you like some?”

Touji winced but quickly thought of something. “What would happen if Tsunade used the summoning technique right now?”

The Slug Sage pondered for a moment, then pulled out a hair and tossed it aside. A puff of smoke appeared, and another woman identical to the Slug Sage stood beside her.

“If Tsunade calls, one of my clones will go. And if Touji-kun has any special needs, I can create as many clones as necessary!”

Touji began coughing violently. This could lead to disaster!

Now he finally understood Xu Xian’s dilemma. When someone who matches your ideal aesthetic and personality stands in front of you, how do you say no? Even if that someone is a snake?

“Although my main body can’t easily leave Shikkotsu Forest, my clones can protect you anytime,” the Slug Sage said, with one of her clones hugging Touji.

“This is a nightmare…” Touji muttered.

(End of chapter)

Chapter 160: Uchiha Obito Calls for Help

"Touji-kun... who is this?" Kurotsuchi excitedly ran over, but when she saw a woman leaning against Touji, her enthusiasm dimmed.

Her hand instinctively went to her chest, and another to her backside, with a defeated expression on her face. The woman beside Touji was stunning, like someone from a dreamlike world.

But Kurotsuchi wasn’t willing to admit defeat. Girls that looked like this were usually just pretty faces. Thin arms and legs—nothing like a real ninja.

Why would a man like Touji, who despises weakness, settle for someone like that?

With this in mind, Kurotsuchi boldly moved closer to Touji, nestling herself against his other arm.

"Touji-kun, there are a few ninjutsu techniques I can't seem to master. Can you teach me?" Kurotsuchi said in a playful tone.

Slug Sage slightly curled her lips into a smile.

Having lived for thousands of years, even though the real body rarely left the Shikkotsu Forest, there wasn’t much she hadn’t seen before.

As soon as Kurotsuchi started speaking, Slug Sage knew exactly what was on her mind. She had also scanned some of Touji's memories, which included information about Kurotsuchi.

The two notes Touji had left about Kurotsuchi stood out: *A disgrace to the Kage level, but with really long legs!*

From what Slug Sage could see, Kurotsuchi didn’t quite seem Kage-level, but the legs part was definitely accurate.

"Ninjutsu? How about I teach you?" Slug Sage confidently offered.

Kurotsuchi frowned, sizing up the Slug Sage.

"You? Teach me ninjutsu?" Kurotsuchi asked disdainfully, clutching Touji's arm even tighter.

Slug Sage, being the calmest of the sages, wouldn't usually get angry over a comment like that. But for some reason, seeing Kurotsuchi's attitude sparked an unusual annoyance in her.

"Why not? Want to give it a try?"

"Fine! Whoever loses must fulfill one request from the winner!" Kurotsuchi responded confidently.

Although she couldn’t figure out why this woman had such confidence, with those frail arms and legs, Kurotsuchi felt there was no chance she could lose.

"Bring it on!"

Slug Sage stood proudly in place, a slight smile playing on her lips as she looked at Kurotsuchi.

Seeing the expression on Slug Sage's face only made Kurotsuchi even more irritated.

"You’d better be ready!" she said as she charged toward Slug Sage.

Having undergone intense physical training in recent days, Kurotsuchi’s strength and speed had significantly improved. She was sure that even without chakra, she could easily defeat her past self.

Facing someone like this "vase," victory seemed within reach.

In just a blink, Kurotsuchi closed the gap between them. But Slug Sage didn’t move, calmly raising a delicate finger.

With a gentle flick, a beam of chakra energy shot forth.

Kurotsuchi's pupils contracted instantly. Under Touji’s training, her reaction time and danger sense had greatly heightened. When the beam shot out, her body instinctively dropped.

The beam barely missed her, streaking overhead and hitting a distant mountain with a deafening boom.

The ground trembled violently.

Kurotsuchi looked back in shock. A thick cloud of smoke rose from the distant mountain, with rocks tumbling down its slopes.

When the smoke cleared, she saw a massive hole pierced right through the mountain. The attack hadn’t caused an explosion, it had simply gone through it.

Kurotsuchi swallowed hard.

If that beam had hit her, she would’ve stood no chance.

Despite looking like a pretty vase, this woman’s casual attack carried immense power.

Frustration boiled inside Kurotsuchi. In terms of appearance, figure, and ninjutsu, she had lost to this woman completely.

In that moment, Kurotsuchi understood. The more outstanding the man, the more extraordinary the women by his side.

She glanced down at herself.

Her figure was average. As for looks, she couldn’t compare at all. Her only victory was her leg length.

But then again, the other woman’s legs were perfectly proportioned, as though crafted to perfection—neither too long nor too short.

"I get it... I'll just go train on my own." Defeated, Kurotsuchi turned to leave.

Slug Sage, smiling, stepped in front of her.

"Leaving so soon? Don’t you remember our agreement?"

Kurotsuchi’s face darkened.

"Fine. What do you want?"

Slug Sage grinned mischievously, looking Kurotsuchi up and down.

"Well, you're not bad-looking. If I were to stay with Touji all alone, he might get bored. How about we bring this girl into the fold?" Slug Sage thought to herself before rushing to grab Kurotsuchi's hand.

"My request is simple: complete your mission!"

"Mission... what mission?" Kurotsuchi’s eyes lit up.

"You know what I mean. Now go practice your ninjutsu. We both have high hopes for you!"

Kurotsuchi’s heart began to race.

At first, she had approached Touji only because of Ōnoki’s orders. But after spending time with him, she realized she couldn’t stop thinking about Touji, his image occupying her every thought.

So, she had started making more appearances in front of him. Originally, she thought this perfect woman would leave her with no chance at all.

But now, to her surprise, this woman was willing to accept her.

It felt like a gift had fallen straight into her lap.

"Don’t worry, I’ll finish my mission!" Kurotsuchi said excitedly.

Touji, overhearing this, felt a headache coming on.

Since arriving in the shinobi world, it seemed he was always caught up with women. Initially, he had to raise favorability levels to grow stronger. But now, even though his strength was more than enough, the women’s affection kept soaring.

It was starting to annoy him.

Just as Touji was getting frustrated, a long, piercing whistle sounded from the distance.

His brow furrowed.

That sound was all too familiar, and Touji knew it was meant for him.

He had a device that could send out this same signal. Whenever he found himself in danger he couldn’t handle, he could blow it, and Uchiha Obito would drop everything to come to his aid.

Likewise, if Obito used his whistle, Touji would rush to help.

But Touji couldn’t understand.

With Kamui at his disposal, what kind of enemy could Obito have encountered to need his help?

After all, even if Obito couldn’t win a fight, he could always escape using Kamui.