"Right now, Fū is really strong!"
Natsuki gave a thumbs up, not exaggerating at all.
Because the technique Fū had just displayed was terrifying. The insects flying out of the gourd on her back, after being infused with the chakra of the Seven-Tails, could now expand to the size of a millstone. With such massive bugs swarming in the thousands, even Sakura and Ino would probably faint on the spot if they saw them.
And those giant bugs not only devoured chakra but also had terrifying biting force. Combined with their resistance to multiple chakra natures, they were already close to Shino's envisioned "super insects."
A swarm like that could probably suck the Ten-Tails dry in one breath and then gnaw it to pieces. Just imagining that scene was enough to make one's scalp tingle.
Indeed, introducing Shino to Fū in the beginning had been the right choice. With the two of them studying bugs together, how could insects not take flight?
"That's right! Just now I saw Ten-ten controlling kunai from a distance—was that Jiton (Magnet Release)?" Fū asked curiously.
"It's Magnet Release, but not a kekkei genkai. It's actually a device," Ten-ten explained, channeling magnet-style chakra to demonstrate by manipulating ninja tools.
"So amazing! Ten-ten, come train with me!"
"Sure, I happen to have some free time."
Then, unbelievably, Ten-ten stood on a kunai and slowly floated down. In such a short time, her control over Magnet Release had already reached this level of finesse.
Her mission was to protect Fū, and there was no need to always shadow her from the dark. Training alongside her like this was perfectly fine.
Natsuki watched the contest between Magnet Release and Bug Release, enjoying this rare moment of leisure.
At that moment, a figure appeared behind him.
"Shino's here," Natsuki was the first to notice his friend.
"Natsuki, so you've returned already."
Shino sat beside him, also watching the battle below. "Thanks for introducing me to Fū. Borrowing her Seven-Tails chakra, I've accelerated the cultivation of my insects. The day I create the ultimate super bug isn't far away."
Natsuki grinned. "Congratulations on getting stronger! In the future, Ten-ten and I will have to rely on you for protection!"
But Shino shook his head. "You two are stronger than me—maybe it won't come to that. But if we're fighting side by side, you can entrust your backs to me without worry."
"Mm. Ten-ten and I have always trusted your strength. That's never changed."
Saying so, Natsuki stretched out his fist. Shino did the same, their fists colliding—a symbol of friendship.
Night soon fell.
Ten-ten guarded not far from Fū's residence to ensure her safety.
Meanwhile, Natsuki brought snacks and drinks, and the two of them leaned against each other, eating as they gazed at the stars. The world felt quiet, as if only the two of them remained.
Romantic and warm.
In the following days, Natsuki couldn't stay idle.
Tsunade gathered the jōnin in the village for a meeting. Naturally, Natsuki, Ten-ten, and Shino all attended. (Forgot to mention—Ten-ten and Shino had already been promoted to full jōnin long ago.)
As for the safety of the Jinchūriki, during the meeting they were simply arranged to go eat at Barbecue Q, so there was nothing to worry about.
Tsunade began to make arrangements:
"The Akatsuki will inevitably attack Konoha, so we cannot afford to be careless. For this period, I won't assign any external missions. All jōnin and even special jōnin must remain within the village as much as possible, ready to defend against enemy attacks. Additionally, the safety of the Jinchūriki must be guaranteed..."
She assigned patrol duties to every jōnin and special jōnin, ensuring the village would always be on high alert.
But Natsuki was not given any specific assignment. As Tsunade said, he would be "flexibly deployed"—wherever he was needed, he would be sent. It looked relaxing, but in truth it was the busiest role.
Sure enough, less than half a month later, new reports arrived.
The Five-Tails Jinchūriki had been located. Iwagakure had been infiltrated and breached from within by Uchiha Itachi and Hoshigaki Kisame, and the Five-Tails was captured.
Natsuki could already imagine Ōnoki throwing a fit and accidentally wrenching his old back in rage. After all, losing two Jinchūriki was enough to make anyone blow a fuse.
This time, Kumogakure did not gloat. Instead, they hastily reinforced their defenses.
Rumors spread that in the Land of Lightning, Yakushi Kabuto and a masked man had been spotted as a pair, probing for information on the Eight-Tails' location.
But Kumogakure had been traumatized by the Edo Tensei army before, so now they didn't dare act rashly.
Don't be fooled by Raikage A's "muscle-brained" appearance—anyone in such a high position is no fool. To lead Kumogakure to prosperity, he couldn't possibly be stupid. So even if others called him cowardly, he would not casually send forces out.
In fact, Raikage A even shamelessly sent another letter requesting support from Konoha.
Tsunade, of course, flatly refused.
Negotiations had failed earlier because A rejected all her terms. Now that he was in trouble, he wanted aid? How could things be that convenient? Besides, Konoha's own situation was precarious. With Akatsuki likely to launch a full-scale assault, strengthening defenses was the top priority.
One day, Sasuke suddenly came to find Natsuki.
After making sure no one was around, he quietly handed over a scroll.
Natsuki, curious, unrolled it—and froze.
It was an invitation from Uchiha Itachi, asking Sasuke to settle everything at the Naka Shrine.
Apparently, Itachi's bloodline illness had reached its final stage. His life was nearly at its end, and he was eager for a final battle with his brother.
What surprised Natsuki was that Sasuke had chosen to inform him.
Sasuke explained:
"You've always told me to stay calm. After calmly analyzing, I'm certain Itachi's motive isn't just to settle our feud. He must also be after the Three-Tails. Perhaps he's secretly bringing allies.
Our duel—you don't need to interfere. Just help me watch out for others who may appear. Don't let anyone interrupt my revenge. And afterward, make sure no one steals the Three-Tails."
Sasuke coming to him like this was a sign of trust.
Naturally, Natsuki did not refuse.
He nodded solemnly. "Go and take your revenge with peace of mind. I'll handle the rest."
Only then did Sasuke breathe easier. Seizing a moment when no one was watching, he quietly led Natsuki toward the Naka Shrine.
After scouting the area to confirm it was clear, Sasuke finally brought Natsuki inside.
And there, sitting grandly on the lone chair, was Uchiha Itachi.
Seeing Natsuki arrive with Sasuke, Itachi's expression instinctively darkened.
"Sasuke, so to ensure your revenge, you've even brought along reinforcements."
When it came to Natsuki, Itachi had no confidence.
His left eye's Tsukuyomi was useless against him. His right eye's Amaterasu could be broken casually. His Susanoo had once been beaten into the ground by Natsuki's colossal avatar.
They weren't even on the same level.
If Natsuki actually interfered, there was no way Itachi could have a proper, heartfelt final battle with his beloved younger brother.
And in his last moments, what he wanted most was uninterrupted time with Sasuke...
(End of Chapter)
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