141-145

Chapter 141: The Perfect Jinchuriki!

"You… who are you…?"

The messengers present stared blankly at the people hosting the meeting.

It felt like a dream!

Two women stood before them—two very famous women they knew well.

At least within the ninja world, their status was second only to the Kages of the Five Great Shinobi Villages.

They were...

Pakura and Yugito!

What on earth was going on?

The messengers from various nations were in shock, almost unable to believe their eyes.

Pakura, the hero of Sunagakure!

Yugito, the Jinchuriki of Kumogakure!

Why were they here, representing the Uchiha clan? What was happening?

Where had they come from? Were they insane, or was the entire ninja world going crazy?

Faced with all these doubts, the two women remained calm, their expressions serene.

Pakura had willingly chosen to stay by Itsuki’s side.

As for Yugito, she had been won over by Itsuki's mix of punishment and reward.

She had been beaten up more than a few times!

The two women stepped forward. Pakura stood on the stage, while Yugito remained below.

"Hello, everyone. Do I need to introduce myself?" Pakura said with a bright smile.

She was representing Itsuki.

*Representing Itsuki!!!*

Excitement flashed in Pakura’s eyes.

Hidden in the shadows, Itsuki's eyebrow twitched furiously.

*Kotoamatsukami* was that strong? Was Pakura acting like someone in love?

"Pa… Pakura!" a Sunagakure messenger couldn’t help but stand up, shouting, "Why are you here? You… you didn’t die?"

Pakura tilted her head, looking at the senior from Sunagakure. "Why am I here? Do you really want me to say it publicly? Dead? You’d like that, wouldn’t you? Too bad for you, I’m alive."

The fiery energy of the Sunagakure messenger immediately deflated.

He knew the real reason for Pakura's disappearance!

If she revealed it publicly, it would cause a major stir.

Those nearby exchanged glances, realizing there was more to Pakura’s story.

There were always dirty secrets between nations—nobody was innocent.

The real issue was whether they could use this information or be exploited by others.

Then the Kumogakure representative stood up, shouting, "Yugito! What about you? Why are you here? You disappeared!"

Yugito glanced at him, sneering. "Disappeared? You say that like you actually looked for me."

"Of course Kumogakure searched for you," he retorted.

"Oh, really? I didn’t notice! I never heard anything about it."

Yugito’s voice was calm. "And don’t tell me Uchiha blocked the news. I’m here of my own free will. No one restricts me, even if I leave the village. I chose to stay here and become the Jinchuriki for this village."

"I…" The Kumogakure representative was speechless.

The truth was, Kumogakure hadn’t really valued Yugito that much.

Most of the attention went to Killer B.

The Eight-Tails was much stronger than the Two-Tails, and Killer B was the perfect Jinchuriki.

Yugito just wasn’t as important.

In fact, one village really only needed one Jinchuriki.

When Hashirama Senju distributed the Tailed Beasts in the past, Sunagakure had directly refused.

They didn’t want any more Tailed Beasts because they already had Shukaku, the One-Tail.

Having too many Tailed Beasts was a burden.

So, when Yugito went missing, although the Raikage was angry and ordered a search, it was more of a formality.

But now!

Yugito had appeared in Uchiha’s new village, and that was a huge problem.

*Whether we want her or not is one thing, but you can't have a Tailed Beast!*

Kumogakure’s stance grew firmer. "Uchiha…"

"Meow!"

A sharp cry interrupted the Kumogakure representative.

*Boom!!!*

A burst of blue flames shot into the sky.

Yugito had transformed into her Tailed Beast form—the Two-Tails!

She towered several dozen meters high.

Her cold, glowing eyes stared down.

This was the real deal—the Two-Tails, Matatabi!

"Ahhhh!!!" the messengers cried out, some preparing to flee.

A Tailed Beast was the embodiment of disaster.

Every village had experienced the destruction brought by a Tailed Beast.

This was why Kumogakure didn’t value the Two-Tails much—they couldn’t fully control it, and an uncontrolled Tailed Beast only brought harm.

"What are you screaming for?" The Two-Tails let out a low growl.

Her voice boomed like exploding flames, full of raw power.

She immediately silenced the messengers.

They stood there awkwardly, staring at the monstrous cat.

"Is… is this… a perfect Jinchuriki?"

The Kumogakure messenger couldn’t hold back his shock.

Yugito had perfectly mastered the Two-Tails' power!

Up until now, Killer B was the only perfect Jinchuriki in the entire ninja world.

In the past, Yugito could use some of her Tailed Beast’s power, but it was imperfect. She could never control it fully.

But now, she had done it!

"Yes, I’m a perfect Jinchuriki," Yugito’s cold voice rang out. "I couldn’t do it in Kumogakure, but I achieved it here, in the Fire Shadow Village."

The Kumogakure messenger, trembling with excitement, shouted, "Yugito, come back with me! Return to Kumogakure!"

He was so excited he almost fainted.

With a perfect Jinchuriki like Yugito, Kumogakure would have a huge advantage in the looming war!

Who cares about Konoha?

The advantage was clearly with Kumogakure!

"Return?" Yugito sneered. "Why? So you can lock me up again?"

In the past, Yugito had lived a difficult life.

At times, she wasn’t even allowed inside the village.

This was why, in the original story, she had been so easily captured by Hidan and Kakuzu of the Akatsuki.

The Kumogakure representative hesitated, "You…"

"If you say another word, I’ll lose control right now and show you!" Yugito’s cold voice cut him off.

"Every year, people die at the hands of Tailed Beasts. One more or one less won’t make a difference!"

"If you don’t believe I’ll do it, just try me!"

The Kumogakure messenger immediately shut his mouth, staring at Yugito with a complicated expression.

Pakura had been quietly observing the entire time.

Revealing Yugito as a perfect Jinchuriki was all part of their plan.

As for provoking Kumogakure… Fugaku and the others had already left for a mission that would anger them even more.

Recently, the Uchiha clan had caused chaos in Kumogakure, but they didn’t care.

A war was inevitable—why worry about these details?

The ninja world was built on power.

Pakura smiled warmly. "Shall we continue?"

"Today, we are here to announce a few things."

"First, we are officially establishing a village, named the Fire Shadow Village!"

"Uchiha Itsuki will be the Kage of this new village—the Mokukage!"

"I, Pakura, will serve as the Mokukage's secretary."

"And our Fire Shadow Village has its own Tailed Beast!"

The messengers were in an uproar again.

"Fire Shadow Village?"

"Mokukage?"

"A Kage?"

"Can a newly established village really bear the title of Kage?"

"A Tailed Beast? Do you really own it?"

The messengers had mixed reactions, silently mocking them.

There were many villages in the ninja world, but only the Five Great Shinobi Villages could use the title of Kage. The others were just village chiefs.

For the Uchiha to form a new village and claim the title of Kage… typical Uchiha arrogance!

However, most of the messengers, while smirking, didn’t voice their opposition.

Why should they?

The Uchiha had made their intentions clear—they were targeting Konoha.

With the Two-Tails involved, they would inevitably clash with Kumogakure.

The other villages could sit back and watch, reaping the benefits.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 142: Fire Hidden Village, Wood Shadow, Uchiha!

The atmosphere became a bit tense.

The envoys stayed calm, quietly waiting for Konoha and Cloud Village to act.

Can we endure? Can you?

Fire Hidden Village!

Wood Shadow!

This village has always felt off from the beginning.

From the start, they’ve been targeting Konoha.

The very creation of this village is a shame Konoha can’t shake off. If you can endure it, we’ll call you "big brother."

As for Cloud Village...

They've already publicly displayed the Two-Tails and made it a perfect Jinchuriki. Are you willing to let that go?

Fight!

Fight the Uchiha!

Wipe them out!

In fact, just as these envoys predicted, as soon as the meeting ended, the envoys from Konoha and Cloud Village turned and left.

No reconciliation possible!

The conflict will only end when one side admits defeat.

After a few meaningless congratulations from the other ninja villages' envoys, they left too after a brief chat with the Uchiha.

Welcome Uchiha Village?

Nonsense!

There’s only so much to go around. If you get more, we get less.

Who would be willing to let that happen?

They'll wait for Cloud Village and Konoha to act first, then decide how to respond.

"How’s it going?"

Pakura, along with Yugito, arrived at the back of Fire Hidden Village, a place nestled between mountains and rivers.

There was a house there.

Itsuki had taken up temporary residence in this place.

As for the others, some lived in large tents, while others stayed in simple shelters.

The ninja homes were still under construction.

"The message has been sent. As expected, Cloud Village and Konoha will attack us, while the other villages will remain neutral," said Pakura. "Your plan worked, but I don't understand—why did you choose Cloud Village and Konoha as opponents? Wouldn't facing Sand Village be easier for us?"

Itsuki smiled casually, "We need to pick the two strongest villages, otherwise the other villages might get involved."

Itsuki deliberately set up Fire Hidden Village to face Cloud Village and Konoha.

Uchiha establishing a village would undoubtedly attract interference from many ninja villages.

Since that was inevitable, he decided to proactively choose his enemies.

Konoha was bound to be an opponent.

For the second, Itsuki chose Cloud Village, the next strongest after Konoha.

Because of the Two-Tails.

Because they’re bandits.

Is Cloud Village interested in the Uchiha bloodline?

Definitely!

Do they want to destroy Fire Hidden Village and take everything?

Of course!

So Itsuki decided to strike first and force them to submit.

Beat them until they’re scared of the Uchiha!

Once the strongest two ninja villages make their move, the others will naturally step back and wait for the chance to gain from the situation.

Now, everything is going according to plan.

They just needed to give Cloud Village and Konoha a good beating, forcing them to behave, and Fire Hidden Village would solidify its place in the ninja world.

"Come here!"

Itsuki turned to Pakura and Yugito, gesturing for them to approach.

"You both performed very well this time, let me reward you."

"Who cares!" Pakura huffed, but obediently walked over.

Yugito hesitated, fidgeting in place.

"Hmph!"

Itsuki snorted softly, a cold glint flashing in his eyes.

Yugito shuddered, her eyes tearing up slightly, and soon after, her whole body began trembling.

But!

The trembling made it hard to tell whether it was fear or excitement!

"Tsk tsk!"

Itsuki clicked his tongue and said, "This little kitty is actually a pleasant surprise."

...

As the envoys from the various ninja villages left...

Fire Hidden Village!

Wood Shadow!

These two names began to spread across the ninja world.

At first, it was mockery.

But later, the leaders of the other villages grew serious.

Fire Hidden Village now had a large barrier protecting the entire village.

And it wasn’t just Uchiha—there were other ninjas as well!

The Two-Tails was in Fire Hidden Village!

She had fully mastered the power of the Tailed Beast and become a perfect Jinchuriki!

When combined, these factors were enough to shock anyone.

For instance, the Raikage!

As soon as he received the news, the Fourth Raikage punched through a wall and stormed out of his office.

Mabui, his secretary, stood there with a dark look, too drained to even sigh.

In Cloud Village, the destruction of the Raikage’s office was a massive and frequent expense.

Desks, chairs, walls, and doors!

Nothing lasted a week!

"Yoo-hoo!"

"Awrooo!"

"Guys!"

"Yaaah!!"

"Are you excited?"

A middle-aged man in summer robes stood on a platform, rapping to the crowd below.

His expression was passionate, and tears were faintly visible in his eyes.

The people below responded with excited screams.

They were so hysterical.

They were so wild!

But, they were also...so helpless.

In fact!

There were only a dozen people below, all tied up to prevent them from escaping.

Killer Bee’s concert was a total failure.

Frustrated, he had to drag his disciples along to act as his audience.

“Boom!”

A thunderclap suddenly roared.

A massive figure, surrounded by lightning, appeared before Killer Bee.

“Yo, yo, big bro!”

Killer Bee looked at the stormy expression of the Fourth Raikage and gave a sheepish smile.

“What are you doing?”

“I…”

“Bam!”

Before Killer Bee could respond, a large hand grabbed his head hard.

"You idiot! I told you to train, to master the Tailed Beast’s power quickly, but all you do is mess around with this nonsense, huh?"

"Speak!

Speak up!"

"Wham! Wham! Wham!"

...

After it all ended...

The Fourth Raikage calmly straightened his clothes.

Killer Bee lay trembling on the ground, looking wronged.

He was a huge man, tall and heavy even among regular people.

But compared to the Raikage, he was just the little brother.

Below, his disciples hung their heads one by one.

They couldn’t look!

Absolutely not!

One glance, and their lives could be in danger!

“Bee!”

The Raikage’s voice was low. “I have something to ask you.”

“Big bro, go ahead!”

Killer Bee’s voice was small.

Mainly because he didn’t dare speak loudly.

His body hurt!

When the Raikage hit, he didn’t know how to hold back.

“It’s about Yugito.”

The Raikage turned, looking at Killer Bee, his voice deep, “Do you think Yugito could become a perfect Jinchuriki?”

“Of course!”

Killer Bee replied without hesitation, “Any Jinchuriki has the potential to become a perfect Jinchuriki.”

The Raikage frowned slightly. “Bee, what do you consider a perfect Jinchuriki?”

For once, Killer Bee was serious—maybe because he feared getting hit again, or maybe the pain left him no room for jokes.

“A perfect Jinchuriki is someone whose will aligns with the Tailed Beast. The Jinchuriki fully accepts the beast, and the beast acknowledges the Jinchuriki. The two form a bond, coexist, and live in harmony.”

“That’s what makes a perfect Jinchuriki!”

“When Yugito left Cloud Village, she was far from that.”

“She could barely use the Tailed Beast’s power. That’s all.”

Killer Bee’s voice held no pride, only a hint of sadness.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 143: The Difference Between Jinchuriki

“This is the intel I received from the Fire Hidden Village!”

“Fire Hidden Village?” Killer Bee was stunned.

Where did this village come from?

Anyone who didn’t know might mistake it for the Leaf Village!

Aren’t they afraid the old monkey from Konoha will lose his temper?

The Raikage didn’t answer, simply motioning for him to look at the information.

Killer Bee stopped talking and began reading.

However!

The more he read, the more his expression became lively.

Eventually, he looked up, dumbfounded.

“Uchiha? They created a new village? Completely severed ties with Konoha?”

“Fire Hidden Village? Shadow of Fire?”

Even Killer Bee, usually unserious, couldn’t help but look perplexed.

“Is this person out of their mind?”

The Raikage glanced at Killer Bee, tilting his head slightly;

Are you really not feeling guilty when you say that?

“Surprised, huh!”

“No, I’m just wondering why Uchiha didn’t call themselves the Flame Shadow. Are they worried about having the same name as those idiots from Iwagakure?”

As expected!

The Raikage internally breathed a sigh of relief.

He knew it!

His brother wasn’t a normal person either.

So, hearing Killer Bee’s words actually made him feel relieved.

Being abnormal is good!

If he were acting normally, the Raikage would’ve worried that something was wrong with his brother.

It’s unsettling when an abnormal person acts normal once in a while.

“By the way!”

The Raikage’s expression tightened, and he stared at Killer Bee. “I remember you know Uchiha Itsuki.”

“That’s right!”

Killer Bee replied straightforwardly. “We became acquainted during the Third Shinobi World War. Back then, he was young but showed exceptional talent in singing. I was sure that if he continued on that path, he’d become famous throughout the ninja world.”

Raikage: “...”

“Stop with the singing nonsense. If you mention it one more time, I’ll beat you to death!”

As the sound of the Raikage cracking his knuckles echoed, Killer Bee instantly bowed his head.

Can’t mess with him!

His brother’s punches really hurt when he gets serious.

“Let’s get back to the matter of Jinchuriki.”

The Raikage’s voice lowered. “The intel says Yugito became a perfect Jinchuriki. What do you think?”

“Not sure.”

Killer Bee shook his head, a rare hint of hesitation in his eyes.

The Raikage said, “It’s said she fully controls the power of the Two-Tails.”

“Big bro!”

Killer Bee sighed, “I’ve said it before: fully controlling a Tailed Beast’s power and being a perfect Jinchuriki are two different things.”

“Let me explain it again.”

“What you call a perfect Jinchuriki requires being completely in sync with the Tailed Beast, becoming one with it, forming a bond. At that point, the Jinchuriki is the Tailed Beast, and the Tailed Beast is the Jinchuriki.”

“There have been many Jinchuriki who could control the power of a Tailed Beast.”

“The Three-Tails Jinchuriki, the Fourth Mizukage, Yagura, managed it.”

“The Four-Tails Jinchuriki, Roshi, also came close to fully controlling his Tailed Beast.”

“The Jinchuriki of the Five-Tails and Six-Tails can also control some of their power. I haven’t fought them, so I can’t judge how much they’ve mastered.”

“Remember, they’ve only controlled the power of the Tailed Beasts.”

“They use the Tailed Beasts as weapons. I, on the other hand, see Eight-Tails as a companion, a part of me.”

The Raikage stroked his chin, muttering, “So, they treat the Tailed Beasts like chakra or a ninjutsu tool, while you treat yours like a clone, right?”

“...Pretty much.”

“I understand!” The Raikage nodded. “Prepare yourself!”

“Prepare?”

“A war is coming!”

The Raikage grinned menacingly. “This time, I’m going to crush those damned Uchiha!”

Killer Bee remained silent for a moment before nodding.

“Hehe!”

Inside Killer Bee, Eight-Tails chuckled, “See? Wasn’t I right?”

Within his sealed space, Killer Bee sat silently atop the massive Eight-Tails’ head.

Eight-Tails lazily said, “I told you, if the Two-Tails fell into enemy hands, the Raikage would definitely use that as an excuse to start a war.”

Killer Bee sighed, “We’ve only had peace for a few years…”

This time, it was the Eight-Tails who comforted Killer Bee. “Don’t overthink it. If the Two-Tails is in Uchiha’s hands, Raikage will undoubtedly try to reclaim it. The importance of the Tailed Beasts is undeniable. If you were the Raikage, you’d do the same.”

“Sigh…”

“War…”

...

The impending war, however, came to an abrupt halt.

The tension between the four major villages—Konoha, Suna, Kumo, and Iwa—was momentarily diffused, all due to Uchiha.

Suna and Iwa observed from the sidelines.

Kumo and Konoha were determined to face Uchiha head-on.

Kumo’s reason was the Two-Tails.

A while back, chaos erupted in Kumo, and Uchiha was suspected to be involved.

But Konoha was the most enraged.

The so-called Fire Hidden Village had been established on Konoha’s territory, carving out a chunk of their land.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was especially furious, demanding the Hokage swiftly resolve the Uchiha issue.

Losing territory was no small matter.

After a brief discussion, Konoha and Kumo made their decision.

Konoha would deploy 4,000 troops.

Kumo would send 3,000, with Eight-Tails joining the battle.

Both forces, from different directions, marched toward Uchiha.

Fire Hidden Village?

We’ll deal with that after we win!

You’ll just be wandering rogue ninjas!

Many had underestimated the Fire Hidden Village at first.

But now, with its barriers, over a thousand ninja, Kage-level fighters, and even Tailed Beasts, their perspective had changed.

With a perfect Jinchuriki as well, the situation was far more serious.

Whether they could fend off Konoha and Kumo would shape the future of the ninja world.

People were curious: Would a sixth “Kage” emerge?

...

“Ugh!”

Itsuki sat up and stretched, looking lazy.

Next to him slept Yagura and Yugito.

Rather than sleeping, it was more like they were unconscious.

Last night, these two were thoroughly exhausted by Itsuki.

Although Itsuki was confident in his Uchiha plan, the pressure had built up.

And last night, he released it all.

Yakumo Kurama had stopped by.

She had followed Itsuki, leaving Konoha behind.

The beautiful Genjutsu specialist had hesitated to even enter the room last night, fleeing in embarrassment.

Seeing Itsuki in such high spirits, she feared for her life.

She admitted, she was scared!

“Hey, didn’t you go a bit too far?”

A low voice suddenly interrupted.

Yugito, who had been in a deep sleep, suddenly opened her eyes.

Her pupils were eerie slits, one yellow and one blue.

The Two-Tails Matatabi!

“Did I?” Itsuki asked suspiciously, “Yugito seemed pretty happy.”

“Bullshit!” Matatabi growled, “She was screaming in pain!”

“Well, that’s your chance,” Itsuki grinned. “While she’s asleep, you can play. Just be sure to come back.”

“Hmph!”

Matatabi snorted, dressing Yugito’s body and walking out proudly.

As a Tailed Beast, injuries didn’t concern her.

Once outside, Matatabi’s eyes gleamed.

The taste of freedom!

She hadn’t run wild in days!

“Meow!”

With a loud cry, she leaped into the trees, darting between branches.

Watching her disappear into the distance, Itsuki smirked.

Arrogant little cat.

Screaming in pain?

You were screaming just as much when I beat you up.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 144: Prepare!

Yugito was not the perfect jinchuriki that Killer Bee had mentioned.

In fact, for leaders like the Raikage and Itsuki, a perfect jinchuriki wasn’t necessary.

As long as they could control the power of the tailed beast, that was enough.

As for how Yugito controlled the power of her tailed beast... a mixture of force and incentives!

Itsuki used genjutsu to control the Two-Tails, forcing the massive demon cat to dance wildly in the forest.

Meowing as it pranced around.

A day later, when the genjutsu wore off...

The Two-Tails collapsed on the ground, as if it had just been beaten by Six-Tails, battered and bruised.

“Matatabi, you don’t want to be a puppet forever, do you?”

“Behave, and every few days, I’ll let Yugito take you out for some fun. Don’t worry, in Hidden Fire Village, no one will harm you.”

The ones who would hurt you definitely wouldn't be from the Hidden Fire Village.

The Two-Tails, enraged, fully erupted and fought fiercely against Itsuki.

Then...

Itsuki used Susano'o and dragged the Two-Tails into the forest, repeatedly hammering it down.

Literally slamming it to the ground over and over!

He smashed a man-made lake into existence!

Matatabi gave in.

With tearful eyes, she placed her paw in Susano'o’s massive hand.

No one likes being mistreated, and cats are no exception.

Thus, Itsuki earned the title of the “Cat Knight”!

"Lord Mokukage!"

A ninja approached Itsuki, kneeling on one knee.

“Yo, Yugao, why didn’t you come yesterday? I was really hoping to play a game with you.”

Itsuki greeted the ninja with a smile.

The masked ninja removed her mask, revealing an incredibly beautiful face.

It was none other than Uzuki Yugao.

She stared at Itsuki for a long moment before answering, “I didn’t want to die!”

Itsuki: “...”

What did she take him for?

A human foundation-building machine?

“Lord, the intelligence report has arrived!”

Yugao handed the report to Itsuki, saying, “Hidden Cloud and Hidden Leaf are determined to eliminate us this time to maintain their rule, with significant help from Hidden Rock and Hidden Sand.”

“That’s normal. They want to preserve their unique status.”

“The Five Great Shinobi Villages definitely don’t want to become six!”

Itsuki glanced at the report briefly, then smiled. “Well, let’s play along. We’ve been preparing for so long. It’s time to act.”

Yugao took a deep breath and replied, “Yes! I’ll activate the plan right away!”

Itsuki's lips curled into a cold smile. “They think I’ve spent the last ten years just preparing a piece of land, gathering money, forming trade routes, recruiting talent, and readying the tailed beast…”

Yugao: “…Lord Mokukage, I’m running out of time!”

Itsuki quickly shifted his tone, “Let them see what we’re really capable of!”

“Yes!”

Yugao swiftly left.

Itsuki walked over to the wall.

Hanging there was a large map of the shinobi world.

It meticulously marked all the small ninja villages and minor countries.

“There’s a lot I could use here!”

“But... do I need it?”

“I’ll just use it to train my troops. Otherwise, taking them all down myself with my full-body Susano'o would be too boring!”

“And besides, I still need missions!”

“These little things can be my mission fodder.”

Itsuki glanced at his golden finger system.

[Mission: Lead the Uchiha clan to establish a new ninja village!]

[Mission complete!]

[Reward: Flying Thunder God Technique upgrade!]

[Flying Thunder God: Level 5 (63% → 76%)]

That’s all the improvement I got?

As expected!

I’m way too strong now!

And!

The preparations were too thorough, making what seemed like an impossible task of establishing a new village bring only this small improvement!

“Time to set up two major missions!”

Itsuki muttered to himself.

He waved his hand, adding two new missions to his task list.

[Mission: Defeat Hidden Leaf!]

[Mission: Defeat Hidden Cloud!]

Will these two missions be enough to raise my Flying Thunder God to Level 6?

Minato Namikaze and Tobirama Senju’s Flying Thunder God level back in the day was probably only Level 6 too!

“I’ll surpass you both very soon.”

Itsuki's expression shifted as his consciousness entered a special space.

Amegakure!

Where the Ten-Tails’ husk was kept.

On each of the ten fingers, shadows flickered.

Everyone had arrived.

Uchiha Itsuki was the last to appear.

“Yo, everyone, this gathering isn’t just for me, is it?”

Itsuki smiled at the people present.

Pain’s cold voice echoed, “Uchiha Itsuki, you’ve been stirring up quite the commotion.”

“And so?”

Itsuki asked in surprise, “You gathered everyone just to talk about my little matter? Isn’t that overreacting?!”

A little matter?

The members of the Akatsuki organization were at a loss for words.

You broke away with the Uchiha clan, formed your own ninja village, and now you’re going up against both Hidden Cloud and Hidden Leaf, and you call this a little matter?

In your eyes, what counts as a big deal?

Taking down all five Great Shinobi Villages?

“Itsuki, if you need help, we can assist you!”

Konan said softly from the side.

Itsuki’s clone in Akatsuki had long disappeared.

Konan could only contact Itsuki through the ring now.

She had been worried about him lately.

Itsuki smiled and said, “Help? Do I need to pay?”

“What do you think?”

Pain nearly laughed in disbelief.

If it weren’t for Konan, do you think he would even offer help?

And now you want it for free?

“No thanks!”

Itsuki waved his hand. “Hidden Cloud and Hidden Leaf? I don’t take them seriously.”

“Don’t take them seriously?”

“Yeah, and it’s not just those two. I’ve even beaten the Rinnegan before!”

Pain took a deep breath, nearly choking. “Well then, good luck!”

He vanished first.

The others followed suit.

Pain had gathered everyone with the intent of helping Itsuki.

Or rather, making a deal.

After all, the Akatsuki’s missions were all about collecting money and igniting wars.

If Itsuki was willing to pay handsomely, they didn’t mind stepping in.

But after such a brief conversation, they realized it wasn’t going to happen.

Itsuki was firm.

“Orochimaru-sensei!”

When most of the people had left, Itsuki suddenly spoke.

Orochimaru looked up. “What is it, Itsuki-kun?”

“The emissary between Hidden Cloud and Hidden Leaf died. You did that, didn’t you?”

Though phrased as a question, Itsuki was certain.

Orochimaru grinned. “Did I cause you trouble, Itsuki-kun?”

“Trouble’s not the issue. I’m just curious why sensei did it.”

No one had considered that Orochimaru might be behind it.

Orochimaru extended his tongue, laughing hoarsely, “Just wanted to give my teacher a bit of trouble.”

Itsuki smiled faintly. “I’m about to go up against Hidden Leaf. Will you make a move?”

“Who knows?”

Orochimaru chuckled and left the Ten-Tails husk.

Itsuki frowned slightly.

He was another dangerous and unstable factor.

Who knew how far Orochimaru had developed his Reanimation Jutsu?

Unfortunately...

When it came to that jutsu, Orochimaru would never teach him.

Itsuki had even visited the Hokage’s office to check the forbidden jutsu scroll, but it wasn’t there.

Orochimaru had probably erased it from the scroll of forbidden techniques.

But!

I don’t need such a thing anyway!

Itsuki let out a cold laugh, turning his gaze toward Konan, who looked worried on the side.

(End of Chapter)

Chapter 145: The Battle Begins!

Itsuki lingered a while longer to reassure Konan, repeatedly promising that he had everything under control.

Everything happening now was part of his plan.

But...

Konan still wasn’t convinced.

In the end, Itsuki had no choice but to agree to let Konan send one of her paper clones to assist.

Other people might not know how powerful Konan’s paper clones are, but as someone who had read the original story, Itsuki was well aware of their strength.

However, creating clones consumes a lot of chakra. Letting her go alone, she probably wouldn’t make it to the Hidden Leaf Village, so Itsuki used the Flying Thunder God technique to transfer her.

At the same time...

The paper clone carried a billion explosive tags!

Itsuki couldn't help but laugh and cry at the thought.

If the people from the Hidden Cloud and Hidden Leaf Villages knew that a beautiful woman was coming their way with a billion explosive tags, would they even want to fight?

Hell no—they’d be blown up from start to finish!

The entire battlefield could be plowed over several times.

Thinking about it, Itsuki was a bit confused.

Konan had so many explosive tags, yet she used them all just to deal with Tobi?

Why go through all that effort just to have one final explosion?

“Oh, by the way!”

Just as he was about to dismiss the projection, Itsuki suddenly asked, “Have you seen that masked man recently?”

“No!” Konan was taken aback. “He hasn’t shown up lately. It’s not surprising, though—he often disappears without a trace.”

“I beat him up!” Itsuki said bluntly. “He came to the Hidden Leaf, threatened me, tried to get me to behave, maybe even wanted to recruit me. But I gave him a good thrashing, and now he’s probably nursing his wounds.”

“I see,” Konan’s eyes narrowed dangerously.

Injured?

This was a golden opportunity!

If she could eliminate him, Konan wouldn’t hesitate.

“Be careful!” Itsuki warned. “He probably has plenty of tricks up his sleeve. I doubt you’ll even find him.”

“That’s Nagato’s business,” Konan smiled slightly. “Nagato knows what he’s doing.”

“That’s true,” Itsuki agreed.

Nagato wasn’t a fool—he was the leader of the Akatsuki.

And now Tobi was injured.

Thinking of injuries, Itsuki felt a pang of frustration.

During the Nine-Tails’ attack in the original story, did Minato really not know who Tobi was?

Come on! How could you not know and still be so friendly with him?

Yes—friendly!

How could you hit him with a Rasengan and not finish him off? You were right there! Instead of just removing control over the Nine-Tails, why not drive a kunai through his head?

Were you playing games?

When I fought Tobi, all it took was one kick to send him packing for a nap.

That’s how you’re supposed to be ruthless!

But you? I just can’t figure it out!

Seriously, I can’t!

Minato, you deserved your fate...

If you hadn’t died, it would’ve been an injustice!

Itsuki shook his head, summoned a clone, and headed to the Hidden Rain Village to bring back Konan’s paper clone to accompany him on the attack against the Hidden Cloud.

As for the Hidden Leaf...

Itsuki once again found himself lost in thought.

Did the trap he set go off or not?

The Hidden Leaf had gone silent recently, blocking all information. They were clearly guarding against him.

Nara Shikaku likely had his suspicions about the Third Hokage.

When Itsuki left the Hidden Leaf with the Uchiha clan, Shikaku was ordered to hunt him down but had only been going in circles.

They never crossed paths!

That was also why Itsuki decided to focus his attack on the Hidden Cloud.

“Someone, come!” he called.

“Yes!” A masked figure appeared. “Lord Kage!”

“Fugaku, where are they?”

“Here,” the ninja pointed to a location.

Itsuki glanced at it, then said, “It’s about time. Inform Fugaku to begin. Tomorrow, I should appear right in front of the Hidden Cloud forces!”

“Yes, sir!”

Itsuki turned to see Pakura standing silently behind him. “The village is in your hands.”

Pakura nodded. “Be careful.”

“You should be careful too!” Itsuki replied.

He left a clone in the village and took 500 ninjas with him.

Fugaku took another 1,000, half of them Uchiha, the other half regular ninjas.

Itsuki took 500 with him.

Only about 300 ninjas were left in the village, a dangerously low number.

Still, there were plenty of skilled fighters.

Pakura, Setsuna, and Touji stayed behind in the village.

Moonlight Hayate and Yamato were also there.

And there were a large number of explosive tags.

If they could hold out for five days, Itsuki might be able to return!

...

On the road, Itsuki led 500 ninjas at a rapid pace.

“Meow!” A sharp cry rang out.

Yugito appeared beside Itsuki, running alongside him.

Her eyes were still two different colors.

This meant she was still in her Two-Tails form.

“I didn’t get to have any fun last time,” she said.

“After the battle, I’ll let you play for a few days. Then switch back and let Yugito take over.”

“No, I want to fight!” Two-Tails protested. “I’ve been itching to fight the Eight-Tails.”

“Huh?” Itsuki was surprised. He hadn’t heard of the proud little cat having any beef with the Eight-Tails.

But Two-Tails had no intention of explaining.

At the Hidden Cloud camp...

The Raikage hadn’t come.

The person leading this battle was an older man.

He wore a military beret, with an eyepatch on his left eye that had the kanji for “Lightning.”

Dodai!

He was experienced and steady, having served two Raikage, and had the full trust of the current Raikage.

The Fourth Raikage had gone to the Hidden Stone border.

Compared to the cunning Onoki, the Raikage didn’t take the Uchiha too seriously.

Besides, Killer Bee had also been deployed with the ninja forces.

His bigger concern was that Onoki might break his word and intervene before they had dealt with the Uchiha.

If that happened, what could you do?

Dodai, walking with the troops, suddenly shouted, “Sensor ninjas, report!”

“No abnormalities, Lord Dodai!” came the reply.

“Stay sharp!” Dodai’s voice was calm but firm. “Remember, scan every ten minutes, take turns, and watch out for explosive tags!”

“Yes, sir!”

“Wahoo, woohoo!”

“Oh yeah!” Killer Bee’s rapping echoed. “Dodai, you’re steady, it’s true. With you, the Cloud’s lucky too.”

Dodai smiled slightly. “It’s my honor to serve the Cloud. Bee, I’ll be counting on you in this battle. They say the Susano’o is tough to deal with.”

“I know!” Killer Bee swayed as he continued to rap. “I’ll take on Uchiha without a hitch.”

Inside Bee, the Eight-Tails spoke with a serious tone.

“Bee, be cautious. The Susano’o is a power that can battle a tailed beast head-on.”

Killer Bee’s rap didn’t stop.

“We’ve got 4,000 ninjas, no fear, no fear!”

Dodai nodded.

“Indeed, we have 4,000 ninjas, and with you here, Bee, no matter what they plan, the sheer numbers are in our favor.”

“Dodai, how do you think the Uchiha will attack?” Killer Bee asked.

“The supply lines!” Dodai responded without hesitation. “The Uchiha only have around 2,000 ninjas and are facing two ninja villages at once. Their only option is to destroy our supplies and force us to retreat. There’s no other way.”

Will it really be that simple?

Killer Bee’s movements paused slightly.

He thought about the young man he had only met a few times.

Something told him the Uchiha wouldn’t follow Dodai’s expectations.

“Boom!!”

Suddenly, an explosion erupted.

(End of this chapter.)