[Naruto Grandfather] Chapter 91 - 95

Chapter 91

"When I return to Cloud Village, none of you will be able to escape."

The Fourth Raikage, A, felt a growing unease in his heart. Even if he managed to survive this battle, how many of the elite shinobi of Cloud Village would make it through?

Hearing A's ominous statement, the Tsuchikage and Kazekage merely smirked.

Chiyo stepped forward and said, "A, we're not children anymore. Empty threats like that don't scare us."

Ōnoki of Both Scales, the Tsuchikage, wasted no time with words. He surged forward, his fist encased in stone, aiming directly at the Fourth Raikage.

"Earth Style: Rock Fist Technique!"

"Out of my way!" A roared as lightning crackled around his arm. His thunder-imbued fist collided with Ōnoki’s rock fist, shattering it effortlessly. Not a single scratch marked his body.

A smirked inwardly. All those years spent in Shin-Konoha weren’t in vain.

The Fourth Raikage wasn’t reckless. He didn’t allow lightning to strike him without purpose. Each bolt of electricity he endured had been harnessed to stimulate and strengthen his body.

Uzumaki Chito, I bet you didn’t anticipate that your punishment would become my strength.

Seeing A easily neutralize his attack, Ōnoki's pupils narrowed in alarm.

"Chiyo , Yagura, what are you waiting for?" Ōnoki called out sharply. He knew he couldn’t face A alone. This man had grown even stronger, a development that spelled disaster for the other villages.

If this continued, it wouldn’t be long before Cloud Village became an unstoppable force.

Without hesitation, Chiyo and Ōnoki formed an alliance, launching a coordinated attack on the Fourth Raikage.

Meanwhile, Yugito Nii rushed toward Yagura, the Mizukage. Among the Cloud shinobi, she was likely the only one capable of handling him.

Yugito entered the initial transformation of her tailed beast state, her body partially enveloped in the chakra of Matatabi, the Two-Tails. A blue flame-like chakra danced around her form, and her eyes turned pure white. A single tail swayed ominously behind her.

"Perfect timing," Yagura said with a smirk as he dashed toward her, his crescent moon staff sweeping toward her torso.

Slash!

The staff connected but barely left a mark, as Yugito’s chakra quickly healed the wound.

"Such attacks are useless against me," she said, her voice calm and confident.

In a flash, Yugito closed the distance between them, her hands transforming into sharp claws that raked toward Yagura.

Clang!

The crescent moon staff met her claws in a clash of sparks, the sound of metal grinding against metal ringing through the battlefield.

Meanwhile, Killer B tried summoning the Eight-Tails’ chakra, but something was amiss. No matter how much he called for Gyuki, the Eight-Tails, he received no response.

"Yo, Gyuki! What’s goin’ on? Why aren’t you answering me?"

Killer B’s usual cheer was replaced with concern as he turned to his brother. "Big Bro! I—I can’t transform into the Eight-Tails!"

The Fourth Raikage’s expression hardened. Killer B’s perfect synchronization with the Eight-Tails was a cornerstone of Cloud Village’s strength.

"What do you mean you can’t transform?" A demanded.

"I still have some of the Eight-Tails’ chakra in me, but Gyuki isn’t here anymore," B said, his voice tinged with panic.

A’s eyes widened as the realization dawned on him.

"It’s Uzumaki Chito! He must’ve extracted the Eight-Tails from you!"

The Fourth Raikage clenched his fists, his teeth grinding in anger. He had no reason to doubt Killer B. The only plausible explanation was that Uzumaki Chito had intervened.

Shin-Konoha… you ruthless profiteers…

"Stop!" A’s voice thundered across the battlefield, commanding everyone to halt.

But Ōnoki and Chiyo weren’t about to back down.

"I said, stop!" A repeated, his voice colder this time.

With his body fully encased in the Lightning Chakra Mode, his speed and defense reached their zenith. His hair stood on end, and sparks crackled violently around him—a clear indication that he was ready to go all out.

A vanished in a flash, appearing beside Ōnoki and delivering a devastating kick that sent the old Tsuchikage flying.

Before Ōnoki could activate his Earth Style: Added-Weight Rock Technique, A had already knocked him out of range.

Ōnoki staggered to his feet, his face twisted into a grin.

"Don’t underestimate me, young man," Ōnoki said, forming hand seals. "Dust Release: Detachment of the Primitive World Technique!"

A beam of destructive energy shot toward A, disassembling part of his Lightning Chakra Armor.

A froze momentarily, realizing how close he had come to disaster.

"As expected of Dust Release," A muttered, his tone wary. He glanced at Ōnoki with newfound respect but kept his guard up.

Ōnoki chuckled grimly, holding his waist as he straightened. "Don’t forget—none of us became Kage by being weaklings."

The Fourth Raikage nodded in grudging acknowledgment. He knew better than to underestimate someone like Ōnoki, even in his old age.

"Yugito, Darui, Mabui—fall back," A commanded.

"Yes, sir!" the Cloud shinobi responded in unison, retreating to the ship. Their eyes remained locked on the enemy, their hostility undiminished.

Yagura, who had also halted his attack, narrowed his eyes at A. A growing unease gnawed at him.

"A, do you have any final words?" Chiyo asked, her voice calm but her body tense, surrounded by his signature puppet.

"It’s about the Eight tails," A said evenly. "I’m sure you all understand what this means."

His words hung in the air, sending a chill through everyone present.

"Are you trying to negotiate, or is this some kind of ploy?" Ōnoki asked, suspicion etched on his face.

A’s gaze hardened. "It’s a warning."

As silence settled over the battlefield, Yagura’s unease grew. Deep in his heart, he couldn’t shake the feeling that something catastrophic was about to unfold.

Chapter 92

The Fourth Raikage, A, looked at Yagura and suddenly chuckled, his voice carrying a hint of mockery.

"Yagura, why are you in such a hurry? I haven’t even told you yet."

"What nonsense are you spouting? Why would I be in a hurry?" Yagura snapped, his tone sharp and defensive. "But you—are you trying to sow discord with your words?"

Without waiting for a reply, Yagura charged at A, his movements swift and deliberate.

The chakra of the Three-Tails surged into Yagura’s body, wrapping him in a tailed beast cloak. Though his appearance remained human, the fiery energy emanating from him left no doubt about his intentions.

Even during his fight with Yugito, Yagura hadn’t used the Three-Tails’ power. Now, the sudden activation of this chakra, and his focus on A as a target, raised suspicions.

Ōnoki and Chiyo both sensed that something was amiss.

Yagura’s hatred for the Fourth Raikage seemed disproportionate, even personal. It was puzzling—Cloud Village and the Mist Village had no history of conflict. The Land of Water and the Land of Lightning were separated by an ocean, making large-scale battles between them nearly impossible.

And yet, Yagura’s current actions were fueled by an intensity that was hard to explain.

A dodged Yagura’s attack effortlessly, his expression calm but his mind racing.

"Are you so afraid of what I might say?" A taunted, his voice carrying across the battlefield. "Chiyo, Ōnoki—aren’t you curious?"

Both Chiyo and Ōnoki exchanged glances, their suspicions deepening. They forced Yagura to retreat temporarily.

"Yagura, stand down," Ōnoki commanded coldly, his sharp gaze shifting between Yagura and A. "We also want to hear what A has to say."

The atmosphere grew heavier with tension. What had initially seemed like a unified effort against the Raikage now felt like a fragile alliance on the brink of collapse.

A studied Yagura for a moment before speaking, his voice deliberate and measured.

"Killer B no longer has the Eight-Tails within him. That’s the truth. But sooner or later, we will retrieve what was taken from us—no matter what it costs," A declared.

Ōnoki and Chiyo exchanged skeptical looks. Both found the idea of seeking vengeance against Shin-Konoha absurd.

Find trouble with that man? You’d have to be insane, they thought silently.

A ignored their dismissive attitudes and pressed on. "What I want to know is this—why did Mist Village suddenly stop bidding during Killer B’s auction? It wasn’t because you lacked the funds, was it?"

The Fourth Raikage’s words caused a stir. "The economy of Mist Village isn’t weaker than that of Cloud Village. Thirty-seven million ryo is hardly beyond your reach. Or…" A paused, his eyes narrowing. "Did you already know there were no Eight-Tails in Killer B’s body?"

His accusations struck a nerve. Even though A hadn’t attended the auction personally, Darui’s recounting had left him with lingering doubts about Yagura’s strange behavior that day.

Yagura stiffened, his fists clenching. Even Terumi Mei and Ao, who stood behind him, glanced at their Mizukage with suspicion.

Mist Village had been declining under Yagura’s leadership. Strange orders and internal strife had left the village fractured. Even the Seven Ninja Swordsmen had abandoned Mist Village.

Ōnoki and Chiyo shared a knowing look before turning their attention to Yagura.

"Yagura, explain yourself," Chiyo demanded, her voice cold and unyielding.

"There’s nothing to explain! Why would you believe the words of an enemy?" Yagura shot back, his voice tinged with panic.

Deep within Yagura’s mind, Uchiha Obito—the one secretly controlling him—felt a flicker of panic. This situation was spiraling out of control. He hadn’t anticipated this turn of events and didn’t know how to handle it.

Seeing Yagura’s uncharacteristic agitation, both Chiyo and Ōnoki drew their own conclusions.

"There’s no need for further explanation," A said confidently, feeling the weight lift from his shoulders.

Cloud Village couldn’t afford to battle three ninja villages simultaneously. Even if they survived, the losses would be catastrophic. But now, with cracks forming in the alliance, A saw an opportunity to escape unscathed.

He began retreating toward the ship with his subordinates, his eyes watchful of the tense standoff between the other villages.

Sand Village, Stone Village, and Mist Village stood at odds, each unwilling to make the first move against A.

Yagura, as the Three-Tails’ jinchuriki, radiated raw power. Ōnoki’s Dust Release was equally formidable, and Chiyo’s 100 puppet was no less fearsome.

The stalemate was unbreakable. None dared act rashly.

Under their watchful eyes, Cloud Village successfully withdrew to the safety of their ships, the tension between the three remaining villages simmering beneath the surface.

As Cloud Village disappeared into the distance, the alliance crumbled entirely.

Each village began evacuating, though many cast distrustful glances at Yagura. His strange behavior had shaken their confidence in Mist Village’s leadership.

Far away, Uzumaki Chito observed the scene with a faint smirk.

"What a pity," Chito muttered, his tone laced with disappointment. "If the strongest forces from four villages had clashed, that would’ve been truly entertaining."

The blame, of course, lay with Uchiha Obito.

Obito, still hidden within Yagura’s subconscious, felt a cold sweat drip down his spine. His plans had unraveled spectacularly, all because of his overconfidence.

Originally, three villages had been poised to cripple Cloud Village, leaving them in ruins. But thanks to his meddling, everything had fallen apart.

Suddenly, a suffocating pressure descended upon Obito. It was Chito’s unmistakable aura.

The weight was unbearable, and Obito collapsed, trembling. Resistance wasn’t an option—he didn’t dare provoke Chito’s wrath.

"Lord Chito, I’ve made a mistake. It’s my fault," Obito pleaded, his voice shaking as he knelt in submission.

Chito’s eyes burned with cold fury. "There are things you can do, and things you shouldn’t do. Don’t think being clever will save you."

Obito’s head pressed low against the ground, his voice a frantic stream of apologies. "Yes, Lord Chito. I promise—I’ll never do it again!"

Chito’s sharp gaze lingered on Obito before he finally relented. "Death can be avoided, but punishment is inevitable. Reflect on your actions, and remember—don’t test my patience again."

With that, Chito withdrew his oppressive aura.

Obito remained on the ground, too afraid to look up.

He’s gone… but what will he do to me now? Obito wondered, dread pooling in his chest.

He tried to stand but found his body unresponsive. A strange sound escaped his mouth—a bark.

Obito’s eyes widened in horror. No… this can’t be!

He had been transformed into a ninja dog.

This wasn’t a simple transformation jutsu; it was a permanent alteration, a cruel punishment.

Chapter 93

Changing the essence of life—this was undoubtedly a god-like ability to create life itself.

The shock in Uchiha Obito’s heart grew deeper and more profound. He had thought he understood Uzumaki Chito’s strength, but the more he witnessed, the more he realized his understanding was no more than the tip of an unfathomable iceberg.

Death can be avoided, but punishment is inevitable, he thought bitterly. But how long would this punishment will last?

“Huh, where did this little ninja dog come from? Little one, where’s your master?”

Kakashi crouched down, his silver hair glinting under the sun as he eyed the small white-haired ninja dog with curiosity. Shin-Konoha hadn’t started cultivating ninja dogs yet, so the presence of one here was odd.

"This little guy must’ve been abandoned," Kakashi muttered, his tone tinged with pity as he gently scooped up the small dog. Strangely, he felt a sense of closeness to it, as if an unspoken bond connected them.

Meanwhile, Uchiha Obito was panicking internally. His body felt stiff, and he struggled to escape Kakashi’s grasp.

No! This is humiliating! Not only was I turned into a dog, but now I’m caught by Kakashi of all people. Let me go! Don’t touch me with your dirty hands!

“Woo—” Obito growled, the sound coming out as a threatening whimper, though it only made him seem more adorable in Kakashi’s eyes.

“Are you hungry, little guy? Let’s go get some ramen. Ichiraku Ramen is the best,” Kakashi said with a smile, cradling the dog closer.

Ramen? A ninja dog doesn’t eat ramen! No, wait—I don’t eat ramen! Obito howled internally, squirming in Kakashi’s arms.

“Woo, woo!”

Kakashi chuckled. “Alright, alright. I’ll take that as a yes. Let’s go.”

I, Uchiha Obito, would rather starve to death than eat ramen with you, Kakashi!

Ichiraku Ramen.

“Yo, little guy, you’ve eaten three bowls already. Want another?”

The dog blinked up at Kakashi as he slurped down another noodle.

I’m not eating because it’s delicious! I’m eating to bankrupt you, Kakashi. That’s the only reason.

Obito gulped down more ramen, each bite tasting more heavenly than the last. Curse this ramen! It’s… it’s so fragrant…

Naruto, passing by, stared wide-eyed at the unusual sight. “Whoa, Kakashi-sensei! Since when did you have a ninja dog that loves ramen?”

Kakashi chuckled. “Found him outside. Must’ve been left behind by someone at the auction. He’s got quite the appetite.”

The sight of a ninja dog eating ramen quickly became the talk of Shin-Konoha.

“Captain Kakashi’s ninja dog is incredible! Even his pets are extraordinary,” villagers whispered with admiration.

From a distance, Uzumaki Chito observed the scene, a faint smile on his lips.

It seems this bond between Kakashi and Obito still exists, even under such strange circumstances.

Chito didn’t intend to keep Obito in this state for long. But for now, it served as a chance to mend the broken relationship between the two former comrades.

Meanwhile, the auction had concluded, and Shin-Konoha’s financial reserves had surged to 70 million ryo.

“That’s enough to complete every project with the best materials and decorations,” Chito mused, feeling satisfied with the progress.

At the gates of Shin-Konoha, Nagato, seated in a wheelchair, was flanked by Konan, Hidan, and Kakuzu. They had come to bid farewell to Chito.

“Grandpa, we’re heading back,” Nagato said respectfully.

Chito nodded knowingly. “Aren’t you going to settle down here in Shin-Konoha?”

Nagato smiled faintly. “You know I can’t. The Akatsuki is my responsibility, and I can’t abandon it. Yahiko entrusted this dream to me, and I intend to see it flourish.”

Chito regarded Nagato with a mix of pride and understanding. “Men need their own paths. Naruto has Shin-Konoha, and you have the Akatsuki. Just remember—Naruto and I are your family. No matter what, Shin-Konoha will always be your home.”

Nagato’s expression softened. “Thank you, Grandpa.”

Hidan stepped forward, bowing reverently. “Lord Chito, please allow me to create a statue in your honor. A god like you shouldn’t have just one believer. Everyone should worship you!”

Chito chuckled at Hidan’s exuberance but saw no harm in the gesture. “Very well. If it pleases you, Hidan, I leave this matter in your hands.”

“Thank you, Lord Chito! I won’t let you down!” Hidan exclaimed, bowing so low his forehead touched the ground.

Kakuzu glanced at Hidan with a mix of disdain and exasperation. “A true fanatic,” he muttered under his breath.

As the Akatsuki members departed, crossing through the Land of Fire back to the Land of Rain, Shin-Konoha settled into a brief moment of peace. But Chito knew the ninja world was far from tranquil.

In the Hokage’s office, a black stone rested quietly on the desk.

From within the stone, a wisp of black smoke coalesced, forming the spectral figure of Sarutobi Hiruzen.

“Have Jiraiya and Danzo returned yet?” Hiruzen asked, addressing the Shadow Ninja stationed nearby.

“No, Hokage-sama. They have not,” the ninja replied, his tone laced with hesitation.

The former Third Hokage’s expression darkened. My good apprentice… Jiraiya, have you and Danzo betrayed me?

Sarutobi’s voice grew cold. “What of the patriarchs of the other clans?”

“They’re gone as well, sir,” the Shadow Ninja admitted.

Sarutobi’s gaze shifted toward the Land of Whirlpools, his expression unreadable.

Uzumaki Chito… what exactly are you planning?

Chapter 94

When Danzo and Jiraiya returned to Konoha, they both knew Sarutobi Hiruzen would already have pieced together the situation.

Anyone who could rise to the position of Hokage wasn’t lacking in intelligence. The auction, combined with the activities of Shin-Konoha, left too many clues for a seasoned veteran like Sarutobi to miss.

The Flying Thunder God mark on the invitation had seemed like an opportunity to return to Konoha quickly. However, they soon realized it was a one-way marker. There was no reverse Flying Thunder God Technique embedded within it.

As a result, it took Jiraiya and Danzo two full days to return, and the other clan heads arrived back in Konoha at a similar pace.

"Was the auction fun?"

Sarutobi’s tone was neutral, masking the turmoil in his heart as he addressed his former apprentice and longtime comrade. He wasn’t sure how to approach them—anger, disappointment, or diplomacy.

Konoha had already lost so much, and Sarutobi understood better than anyone that driving people away would only push the village closer to ruin.

The other clan leaders were still en route, but Sarutobi had chosen to wait for Jiraiya and Danzo’s return first. These two were people he trusted—or at least, had trusted once.

Danzo chuckled awkwardly, trying to avoid the question. “Heh, well…”

Sarutobi sighed, knowing he wouldn’t get anything meaningful out of Danzo. The man was a master of evasion when it came to direct questions.

"Jiraiya," Sarutobi said, turning to his former student. "Tell me, what’s your impression of that village?"

Sarutobi deliberately refused to name Shin-Konoha, referring to it only as "that village." Acknowledging its legitimacy was a line he wasn’t willing to cross.

Jiraiya hesitated for a moment before responding, his tone cautious. "With the Uzumaki clan’s resources and the wealth they’ve accumulated, that village has already established itself as a prototype of a Great Ninja Village. And with this recent auction, they’ve gained another 70 million ryo in funding. I’m afraid—"

He didn’t finish his sentence, but the implication was clear.

Shin-Konoha wasn’t just a fledgling village; it was a growing power that could rival Konoha itself.

Sarutobi’s expression darkened as he let out a cold snort. "As long as Konoha stands, no imitator will ever surpass us."

He suppressed the anger bubbling within him, frustrated not only at Shin-Konoha’s rise but also at Jiraiya’s implied doubts about Konoha’s future.

Danzo interjected, his voice calm but pointed. "Sarutobi, the reality is clear. Shin-Konoha has the foundation to become a legitimate village, and soon, they’ll seek official recognition."

Sarutobi’s pupils contracted. "Recognition? You mean they’ll seek to align themselves with a nation?"

Danzo nodded solemnly. "Yes. For a village to be truly recognized, it needs a country’s endorsement. And what better option than the Land of Fire?"

Sarutobi clenched his fists. The thought of Shin-Konoha being legitimized under the Land of Fire was almost unbearable.

"Do you think they’d truly align with the Land of Fire, after everything?" Sarutobi asked through gritted teeth.

Danzo sighed. "The Uzumaki clan’s ties to the Land of Fire run deep. Chito Uzumaki was the First Hokage’s teacher, Naruto Uzumaki is the son of the Fourth Hokage, Tsunade is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, and even Kakashi, who defected, was the Fourth Hokage’s apprentice. Their lineage and connections are undeniable."

He paused before adding, "In terms of legitimacy, Shin-Konoha arguably surpasses Konoha."

Sarutobi remained silent, his jaw tight.

Danzo continued, "If Shin-Konoha aligns itself with the Land of Fire, the other nations will see it as a direct threat to Konoha. It will inevitably lead to conflict, and only one of the two villages will survive."

Jiraiya frowned. "Do you really think the other nations would stand by and allow Shin-Konoha to rise unchallenged? They’d act, just like they did with Hanzō of the Salamander when he tried to claim the title of Kage."

Danzo shook his head. "You’re underestimating the other villages. They don’t care who wins, as long as the conflict weakens both sides. For them, it’s a matter of interests, not allegiances."

The room fell into a heavy silence.

Sarutobi finally spoke, his voice low. "If Shin-Konoha seeks recognition under the Land of Fire, it will mean war. There’s no room for two villages under the same banner. Either they merge, or one of them will be destroyed."

Danzo nodded in agreement.

Meanwhile, in Shin-Konoha, Naruto sat in a meeting room with Tsunade, his expression a mix of curiosity and concern.

"Why do we have to align with the Land of Fire?" Naruto asked. "Can’t we choose another country?"

Tsunade sighed, leaning back in her chair. "Unless you want to be called the Tsuchikage or Kazekage, you’ll need to align with the Land of Fire to claim the title of Hokage. It’s the only way to maintain the name and the legacy of the Hokage."

Naruto frowned but didn’t argue further. He understood Tsunade’s point, but the thought of relying on the Land of Fire left a sour taste in his mouth.

Tsunade continued, "Once the infrastructure of Shin-Konoha is complete, we’ll need formal recognition to solidify our position. That recognition will need to come from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire."

Chapter 95

" formal recognition?" Naruto scratched his head, his expression puzzled. These formalities were unfamiliar and somewhat esoteric to him.

Tsunade sighed, recognizing Naruto’s confusion. Having witnessed the intricacies of Konoha’s succession ceremonies, she was well-versed in the rules and regulations of legitimizing a village.

"It’s like obtaining an official identity," Tsunade explained patiently. "It means the Fire Nation formally recognizes Shin-Konoha as a legitimate village. It doesn’t hold much direct power, but it gives us protection on the surface. Other villages will have one less excuse to target us, and fewer enemies is always better."

Naruto nodded slowly. He didn’t fully grasp the finer details, but he understood the gist. "So, basically, we need to visit the Fire Nation’s Daimyo and get them to officially recognize Shin-Konoha, right?"

"That’s the idea," Tsunade confirmed. Her expression darkened slightly. "But don’t expect it to be smooth sailing. The old man—the Third Hokage—won’t let us get there easily. There will be resistance, possibly even battles."

She tugged at her hair in frustration. Shin-Konoha was still growing, and their resources were stretched thin. Every ninja had their hands full.

Kakashi managed the garrison, ensuring Shin-Konoha’s safety. Might Guy, along with Iruka and Anko, taught at the academy, training the next generation. Even Hanabi, Tenten, and Rock Lee were busy honing their skills under Guy’s rigorous mentorship.

After considering the situation, Tsunade concluded, "Naruto, this mission will fall to you."

Naruto’s eyes widened slightly. "Me? Alone?"

"Yes," Tsunade replied, nodding firmly. "This type of mission—representing the village to a Daimyo—is classified as S-rank. When you complete it, you’ll officially have your first solo S-rank mission under your belt."

Naruto’s surprise quickly turned into excitement. "No problem! Leave it to me!"

His eagerness didn’t escape Tsunade, though she still hesitated. "Are you sure you don’t want someone to go with you? I could pull Guy from his teaching duties to accompany you."

Naruto shook his head confidently. "No need! I can handle it alone."

His enthusiasm stemmed from his growth during Shin-Konoha’s development. Naruto had pushed his limits, mastering the quasi-six-tailed state. Though he hadn’t yet achieved perfect control, his power had increased significantly. He could now spar with Tsunade and hold his own, even suppressing her in some instances.

"If I ran into a Hyuga or even Jiraiya again, I wouldn’t lose," Naruto thought with determination. "And if things get too tough, I can always escape."

As Naruto prepared to leave, Tsunade turned her attention to a voice that echoed in her mind. It was the ever-watchful Uzumaki Chito.

"Are you sure it’s wise to let Naruto go alone?" she asked, her concern evident.

Chito’s voice was calm but resolute. "The  baby bird must learn to fly, not forever hide under the eagle’s wing. Naruto has the strength to succeed, and it’s time he tried."

The next words nearly made Tsunade faint.

"I left nine talisman jades embedded in his ninja belt. There’s no one alive who can bully him now."

Tsunade froze, her lips parting in shock. "Nine talisman jades?! That’s enough to destroy the ninja world!"

Shaking her head with a mix of disbelief and amusement, she muttered, "Lord Chito, you truly are a doting grandpa."

Naruto departed by waterway, heading toward the Land of Fire’s territory. The journey required passing near Konoha, as the Land of Fire’s Daimyo Mansion was situated a considerable distance from any village. Naruto could have avoided Konoha with a long detour, but he chose to travel directly, undeterred by the possibility of confrontation.

Meanwhile, in the Land of Sound, Orochimaru stood in his laboratory, admiring his handiwork—Sasuke Uchiha.

The Cursed Seal of Heaven was perfectly engraved onto Sasuke’s body, the mark radiating dark energy from the back of his neck.

"With this, your combat power will increase significantly," Orochimaru mused, his voice filled with satisfaction. "But remember, the second form comes with severe side effects. Use it sparingly."

He released the chains restraining Sasuke. Almost immediately, Sasuke darted forward, his hand closing around Orochimaru’s throat.

Orochimaru coughed, his snake-like tongue flicking as he grinned. "You wouldn’t kill me, would you? Be warned—this power I’ve given you can just as easily be taken away."

Sasuke’s grip tightened momentarily before he released Orochimaru with a shove, sending him to the floor.

"Tell me where Naruto is," Sasuke demanded, his voice cold and unwavering.

Orochimaru chuckled as he stood. "Is it necessary? You’ve grown stronger, yes, but Naruto isn’t weak. With Uzumaki Chito’s training, he’s—"

"Stop wasting my time!" Sasuke snapped. "Tell me where he is, or I’ll kill you right now."

Orochimaru’s grin widened. He knew Sasuke doubted his ability to retract the curse’s power. After all, Orochimaru himself showed no signs of bearing the Cursed Seal.

"Fine," Orochimaru said, dusting himself off. "Naruto is traveling to the Land of Fire’s Daimyo Mansion. If you hurry, you can catch him."

Without another word, Sasuke left the laboratory, heading toward the Land of Fire.

Watching him leave, Orochimaru licked his lips, his golden eyes gleaming with malice. "Lord Chito, let’s see who is stronger—my Cursed Seal or the Naruto you’ve trained."