"There's no mission right now. Can't I take care of my own matters?"
Itachi Uchiha calmly looked at the two figures before him, though inwardly, he was already preparing himself.
"Besides, I remember this organization doesn't restrict our freedom. Are you planning to break the rules?"
"Of course not. I'm just a little concerned about you."
Obito Uchiha snorted lightly, feeling that Itachi was truly skilled at putting on an act.
Did Itachi really think no one knew his true identity?
A double agent like him, expecting complete trust?
Under normal circumstances, if Konohagakure hadn't been causing so much trouble for the Akatsuki, creating significant obstacles and threats, Obito might not have bothered with Itachi.
But now, every encounter seemed to bring chaos, each time creating massive problems for their organization.
How could he possibly let Itachi act freely anymore?
"We're going to test a new recruit to see if they meet the criteria."
At this moment, Kisame Hoshigaki grinned as he spoke.
"Didn't expect you to be on the move too, Itachi-kun. Why not join us? It would make things much more convenient."
Itachi didn't respond immediately, pondering whether he should speak.
With his encounters with Konohagakure growing more frequent, and their forces becoming increasingly formidable, even though he still considered himself loyal to the village, those he faced did not share the same sentiment.
He recalled how, during the mission in the Land of Earth, he had almost been taken out by a Flying Thunder God Technique.
If not for his Susano'o, he would have died on the spot. It was clear he needed to find ways to strengthen himself.
As the son of the former Uchiha clan head, Itachi had access to many records and had set his sights on certain items.
"The Sword of Totsuka, and the Yata Mirror..."
These legendary artifacts, which he had read about in the clan's records, had always intrigued him. However, the chaotic state of Konohagakure and the Uchiha clan had prevented him from acting sooner.
After eliminating his clan, he needed to stabilize his position before making a move, but now he could no longer wait.
"Why so quiet?"
Kisame noticed Itachi's silence and grinned, his sharp teeth gleaming.
"Could it be that Itachi-kun has some unspeakable secret?"
"Everyone has secrets."
Fixing Kisame with a cold stare, Itachi responded icily.
"Of course, if you insist on coming along, suit yourselves. But I can tell you this: I'm going to retrieve something that belongs to the Uchiha clan."
"Oh?"
Kisame raised an eyebrow. His tone remained polite, but his words carried a sharp edge.
"Didn't expect you to be so sentimental, Itachi-kun. Even after killing your entire clan, you still consider yourself a member of the Uchiha?"
Itachi didn't reply, though his gaze shifted slightly.
"Something from the Uchiha clan? Is it to deal with Konohagakure?"
Obito, on the other hand, remained calm, frowning as he asked.
"In a way."
Itachi nodded.
"These items are likely only useful with Susano'o. Are you planning to compete with me for them?"
"Don't worry, I have no interest. I'm here to test the recruit."
Hearing the mention of Susano'o, Obito immediately shook his head, as if he truly had no way of using it.
In truth, he wasn't interested in such "Uchiha artifacts." His sole purpose was to keep an eye on Itachi.
After all, how could external tools compare to his own abilities?
"Since we've run into each other, let's check it out together. Consider it a favor."
"Please don't phrase it like that. I know what you're thinking."
Itachi remained cold, turning away to continue walking.
"If you're coming, follow me. A friendly reminder: the information I have is limited, so finding it won't be easy."
In the Land of Fire, Kitagawa Minamoto's figure flickered and appeared in a secluded valley.
"Finally, I can stretch my legs a bit."
Standing atop a tall tree, he gazed at the moonlit forest below, lightly cracking his neck.
After nearly a month, he had settled most matters in Konohagakure. Leaving a Shadow Clone behind, he had decisively slipped away.
The past month had been fulfilling. In addition to building connections with other Jōnin alongside Kakashi, he hadn't forgotten to acquire valuable resources from Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I heard that Kekkei Genkai can actually be achieved through Chakra fusion, so I want to prepare and experiment."
When Hiruzen curiously inquired about his motives, Minamoto had a well-prepared explanation ready.
"Also, my precision in Chakra control is exceptionally high. Perhaps I can learn more ninjutsu of other elements, which would facilitate my experiments."
"I see. While I think your approach is risky, I am willing to support you."
Hiruzen didn't take long to agree, though he reminded Minamoto:
"If you feel anything unusual, do not act recklessly. Notify me, Kakashi, Jiraiya, or even Tsunade immediately. With us around, even if we can't help you succeed, we can at least ensure your safety. Understood, Minamoto?"
Hiruzen's care for him was undeniable. Beyond being part of the "Hokage faction," it was also due to Minamoto's consistent performance.
"If I were to declare, 'I have a dream of becoming Hokage,' he might even push harder to 'test' me."
Confirming his direction, Minamoto swiftly moved forward while musing internally.
"Maybe I don't even need to say it; he already has plans..."
Recalling the various elemental ninjutsu scrolls, insights, and even notes from the First and Second Hokage he had obtained, Minamoto couldn't help but swallow hard.
For some reason, Hiruzen had specifically encouraged him to study the works of the Second Hokage.
"The Second Hokage's Water Release, Genjutsu, and even some unique insights..."
Are you trying to mold me into the Second Hokage?
Am I really that cunning?
"You sly old Sarutobi, your insults are harsh."
Though he grumbled internally, Minamoto accepted the materials with enthusiasm.
Over the past month, besides further developing his Yin Release and Yang Release, he had been diligently studying these techniques.
He felt his future "public image" could entirely emulate the Second Hokage. After all, they both had white hair, short blades, and mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Aside from the chaotic Forbidden Techniques, he could probably replicate most of them.
"Plus, I'm not as devious as he was."
Minamoto had a clear understanding of himself.
Shaking his head, he dismissed these random thoughts.
As he approached the Fire Temple, he stopped and took out a scroll.
Poof—
With a puff of smoke, a mask appeared in his hand, along with a white robe styled with Indra Chakra patterns.
"This should do."
After equipping himself, Minamoto formed a single seal, summoning a water mirror before him.
Gazing at his reflection, he nodded in satisfaction, then extended his hand. With a slight pulse of Chakra—
Buzz—
A black staff slowly materialized in his hand!
"This is the extent for now, but it's sufficient."
After assessing the staff's quality, Minamoto nodded slightly.
"Alright, let's begin!"
Under the sparse moonlight, within the meditation chambers of the Fire Temple—
"Kū, are you alright?"
Dilu, who had been training Kū, suddenly noticed him collapsing in pain. Concerned, he asked urgently.
Kū, a novice monk-in-training at the Fire Temple, had another identity: the son of Sora, one of the former Twelve Guardian Ninja.
Within Kū resided a sinister force, one that had once nearly destroyed the Fire Temple's defenses, threatening the surrounding villages as well.
Because of this, Kū was not well-received at the temple. If not for Dilu's support, he would have been expelled long ago.
"I don't know, but inside me..."
Kū spoke through gritted teeth. Though he was hot-tempered and socially awkward, he understood who treated him well.
"It seems... that monster is afraid of something."
"Afraid?"
Dilu was taken aback, his heart filling with unease. Without hesitation, he picked up Kū.
"I'll take you away for now. Something feels off. I'll find someone to try sealing the rampaging force inside you."
Carrying Kū, Dilu quickly left the meditation hall, heading for the underground chamber. But suddenly, he sensed something and looked up sharply!
"This is..."
Under the moonlight, a white-robed figure wearing a mask floated silently in the air, gazing down at him.
"So, here you are."
The figure spoke calmly. As his voice echoed, Kū's pain intensified, his body now radiating a layer of red Chakra!
"Who are you? What is your purpose?"
Dilu grew even more cautious. This figure was clearly no ordinary individual.
"Is your target Kū?"
"Yes, and no."
The figure shook his head slightly.
"I'm merely here to reclaim what lies hidden within him, something that rightfully belongs to me."
"The Nine-Tails' Chakra..."
Dilu remained silent, his mind racing, while the figure seemed indifferent to his reaction.
"Besides, that thing is suffering inside him. Returning it to its rightful owner would be better, wouldn't it?"
"What if I refuse?"
After a long pause, Dilu finally spoke.
"And who exactly are you?"
"Refuse? What a pity."
The figure sighed lightly. The next moment, he raised his hand, and the black staff in his grip pointed towards the night sky.
Buzz—
Instantly, the sky seemed to shatter like glass, cracks spreading rapidly like a spiderweb!
The cracks expanded, and in the blink of an eye, the sky appeared to shatter completely, fragments falling like broken glass.
"The Sealed Iron Wall Barrier... shattered just like that?"
Dilu stared in shock. The supposedly "impenetrable" barrier had been broken once again, and so effortlessly.
As the barrier's destruction alerted everyone in the temple, the figure leisurely floated downward, looking at Dilu from above.
"The barrier was decent, but not as strong as I'd imagined. Also..."
"You may call me Ōtsutsuki Minamoto-shiki."
"Still haven't found what you're looking for?"
In a forest not far from the Fire Temple, Obito Uchiha looked at Itachi with evident dissatisfaction.
Refusing to use Kamui to get here, they had been searching for a long time without results. Obito was beginning to suspect Itachi was stalling.
"I told you, my information is incomplete. I need time to locate it."
Itachi remained composed, glaring coldly at Obito.
"Aren't you here to test the recruit? Why don't you go do that?"
"How convenient. The recruit happens to be nearby, and I have enough intel on him to approach directly."
Obito snorted.
"So for now, I'll keep an eye on you... Hm?"
Before he could finish, his eyes suddenly widened.
Not just him—Itachi and Kisame also turned their gazes toward the Fire Temple, their expressions shifting.
From that direction, a powerful Chakra presence was surging, and not just any Chakra—
"The Nine-Tails' Chakra? What's going on?!"
(End of Chapter)
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