A few seconds later, Suigetsu lay paralyzed on the ground, completely immobilized except for his mouth, which kept venting loudly, "We agreed to a sword duel! That was clearly Lightning Release you used just now!"
Anya chuckled. "I got carried away—my mistake. How about this? Next round, I'll use a sword."
As she spoke, Anya casually waved her hand, dispelling the Lightning Release effect on Suigetsu and restoring his mobility.
Suigetsu grabbed the Cleaver Sword from the ground, a glint of smugness flashing in his eyes. Without warning, he launched a powerful downward slash at Anya.
Anya's expression remained unchanged as she commented, "Not bad on the momentum. You know how to seize the moment when I let my guard down. Looks like Orochimaru's praise wasn't entirely unwarranted."
A blade slid out from her sleeve, and [Lightning Blade Art] erupted within an instant. The immense piercing force, combined with the razor-sharp edge, concentrated all power into a single point—an explosive output rivaling The Third Raikage's Ippon Gogotsu.
"Clang!"
The metallic clang rang out as the Cleaver Sword snapped cleanly in two. The blade continued its momentum, flew forward, and slammed hard into Suigetsu's chest, its tremendous inertia sending him flying until he crashed into the wall at the edge of the training field.
Once again rendered immobile by the Lightning Release, Suigetsu trembled as water droplets splashed from his body. Fear overwhelmed his expression—this person was terrifyingly strong even without using the Sharingan.
Anya stepped forward, reappearing instantly before Suigetsu, and asked with interest, "This time it was swordplay, right?"
Suigetsu groaned miserably, "It's just a practice match—you don't have to go that far."
Anya's eyes flickered. She withdrew the blade and pulled out the Blade of Indifference. "Shall we continue?"
Cautiously, Suigetsu asked, "Can I say no?"
"Of course," Anya shook her head. "No."
Gritting his teeth, Suigetsu growled, "Fine! Remove the Lightning Release—I'm going all-out this time!"
"Funny," Anya said, and released Suigetsu from the Lightning Binding once more.
This time, the moment freedom returned, Suigetsu's body turned into water. He slipped through the crack formed by his earlier impact against the wall, then zipped off in a random direction without looking back.
After running nonstop for a full day, Suigetsu finally dared to glance behind him. Finding nothing there, he exhaled in relief, muttering, "Lucky I'm so fast on my feet."
"Suigetsu, you've been standing here dazed for a while. Haven't you realized yet that you're under a genjutsu (illusion technique)?" Jugo's voice echoed appropriately.
Suigetsu felt the surroundings shift. Looking around, he indeed found himself still inside the training field—but the person who had dragged him into the duel was gone. Only Jugo stood nearby.
Seeing Suigetsu shaken, Jugo delivered another blow: "She told me earlier that she cast the Mangekyo Sharingan's illusion on you—whenever the thought of escape crosses your mind, the genjutsu activates immediately. So, better stay put like a good boy."
Suigetsu stood frozen, unconsciously muttering, "Why would she do this?"
Even Jugo, looking a bit uneasy, asked, "Did you maybe offend her?"
"How could that be possible."
Suigetsu panicked. "I just met him for the first time!"
"Then it's possible he was once the owner of this sword," Jugo, who observed carefully, explained to Suigetsu. "During the fight just now, he seemed to hate the one wielding the Cleaver Sword even more than you do."
"Zabuza? No, wait, I remember now," Suigetsu suddenly realized. "When I was very young, I once heard my father mention that there was a sword-wielding prodigy in the Uchiha Clan of Konoha. He infiltrated Kiri alone on a solo mission and took on the Seven Swords of the Bloody Mist all by himself. He almost killed him, but unfortunately someone rescued him at the crucial moment. Wait... could it be him?"
Upon hearing this, Jugo gave a firm nod and said, "That makes sense. So the kid's paying for what his old man did. Don't worry, I'm sure he didn't really intend to kill you."
Suigetsu rolled his eyes and thought to himself: I obviously know he didn't want to kill me either, but if we spar like this every day, I'd rather he just kill me already. Dad, why didn't you finish him off back then?
In the backyard of the clan residence, Kurenai Yuhi helped Xiulin change into an elegant gown. They chatted casually from time to time, but unusually quiet today, Xiulin found herself at a loss for words—quite unlike her usual self.
Seeing Anya enter, Kurenai Yuhi walked over and said, "Anya, when I was helping her change clothes just now, I noticed her physical condition—her entire body is almost covered in scars. Take a look and see if you can treat her."
"She's lucky to have survived being a test subject at Orochimaru's lab," Anya casually remarked, but noticing Kurenai Yuhi's slight displeasure, he still agreed. "Don't worry, it's a minor issue."
Saying this, Anya walked over to prepare to treat Xiulin.
Unexpectedly, Xiulin extended her arm to stop him and said, "No need, I don't require your help."
"Why not?" Kurenai Yuhi asked.
"Your chakra gives me the creeps—it feels cold," Xiulin bluntly replied. "Besides, you hurt Sasuke so badly. I won't accept your kindness."
"Sensor ability?" Anya became interested. Ever since Hanno, who combined three types of sage chakra, was his prime example, he hadn't expected Xiulin to actually sense the change. His Sage Chakra immediately shifted, [Myoboku Sage Art] activated as scorching heat rose from his body. He then asked, "How about now? What's your impression?"
Xiulin's expression changed—the sensation felt completely different from just a moment ago.
"How did you do that?" Xiulin exclaimed in astonishment. "Among all the ninjas I've sensed so far, you're the only one who can freely change his own chakra like this."
"It seems your sensory abilities are truly impressive—comparable even to Inoichi, the renowned Sensor Type ninja," Anya smiled slightly. "No wonder Orochimaru kept you. But I'm not too fond of your personality. Precisely because you refuse, I insist on healing you."
Come to think of it, I wonder if it's because they're both from the Uzumaki clan, but Xiulin's personality resembles that of Little Pepper a bit. She has quite a temper too. However, since Kurenai Yuhi had already spoken up, Anya acted without hesitation and forcibly restrained Xiulin's body. The Sage Chakra within her body shifted again as pale green [Shikkotsu Forest Sage Chakra] flowed into Xiulin. The scars left from severe wounds on her body quickly faded, and her skin became smooth, giving her an ethereal aura.
This feeling—Xiulin could feel her cells practically cheering. Her body's chakra became more active, and her vitality subtly increased by a level. The look she gave Anya turned into one of horror. This person was even more terrifying than Orochimaru—able to alter someone's life force with just a wave of her hand. That was far scarier than brute strength alone.
Fifteen minutes later, Anya gave Kurenai Yuhi a nod and said, "I've healed all her scars."
"That's more like it." Kurenai Yuhi took Xiulin's hand and said, "Miss Mikoto has already welcomed you. From now on, live here. If you need anything, feel free to ask us—this place is your home."
Xiulin felt a warmth she hadn't experienced in a long time and was momentarily too moved to speak.
In the Konoha Hokage meeting room, the Five Kages had begun to arrive one by one. They were Minato, Sasori, Onoki, Samiu, and Terumi Mei. As for Tsunade, the moment she saw Hakuto enter with Sasori, she immediately pulled her aside without a word.
After everyone sat around a round table, Onoki was visibly restless, and his gaze toward Samiu was filled with tension. Last time, this woman was merely a Raikage candidate; this time, she'd become the Raikage outright—it was simply too unexpected.
Therefore, the first thing Onoki said after sitting down was, "How exactly did the Fourth Raikage A die?"
Samiu replied officially, "He was killed by Akatsuki's Hidan."
"How is that possible?" Onoki disbelieved. "I understand Hidan's abilities—he needs blood from a ninja to perform his cursed ritual. The Fourth Raikage's [Lightning Armor] couldn't be breached by ordinary ninjutsu."
Samiu calmly responded, "Then do you know how many enemies the Fourth Raikage faced? During the rescue of Killer Bee, we engaged in a fierce battle with Akatsuki. Hundreds of ninja were injured or killed, and multiple Akatsuki members surrounded and attacked the Raikage, successfully allowing Hidan to obtain his blood."
"But..."
Sasori interrupted Onoki, "Tsuchikage, we're gathered here to discuss the [Fourth Great Ninja War], not to debate the circumstances of someone's past death."
"Hmph, until we clarify this, I won't feel at ease," Onoki retorted. He looked around, sensing an overwhelming sense of danger. Now, for the sake of fighting Akatsuki, the ninja world had temporarily united. But once that great enemy was gone, he feared he might share the same fate as the Fourth Raikage.
At this moment, Shikamaru, acting as Minato's advisor, asked, "Raikage, I heard you've already captured Hidan. May I ask how you dealt with him?"
Samiu simply answered four words: "[We executed him by fire.]"
"Burning him alive, huh? Oh no..." Shikamaru's expression darkened.
Concerned, Minato asked, "What's wrong?"
Shikamaru wore a heavy expression as he spoke, "Back then, when our tenth squad fought Hidan alongside Master Kakashi, Hidan's partner simultaneously struck both of them with Fire Release and Wind Release techniques. Yet within moments, Hidan reappeared completely unscathed. I suspect fire won't kill him. It's possible he's still alive."
"What?" The expressions of those around him darkened somewhat. Who could guarantee they'd never get injured? Everyone clearly understood what fate awaited them if their blood fell into that guy's hands.
Terumi Mei asked, "Then, what should we do next time we encounter this person with an Immortal Body?"
"Disintegrating and burying him thoroughly would be the best method," Shikamaru quickly analyzed. "That's exactly what I did before. He was trapped for some time too, so it must have been Akatsuki members who rescued him."
Samiu responded, "Fine, as long as there's a method. His personal strength isn't particularly formidable."
As the discussion progressed, they began allocating the Allied Forces' deployment. Their primary mission was to ensure the safety of Naruto and Killer Bee.
Samiu stated, "Killer Bee has already been placed on Turtle Island. It's a mobile island hidden within dense sea fog, and aside from our village's leadership, no one else knows his location."
Sasori added, "I suggest sending Naruto to Turtle Island as well."
Terumi Mei agreed, "Yes, having the two Jinchuriki together will make supervision more convenient."
After a brief period of contemplation, Minato also expressed agreement and made a request, "Raikage, if I recall correctly, Killer Bee is a perfect Jinchuriki, correct?"
Samiu nodded.
"Then, would it be possible for him to teach Naruto how to control the Tailed Beast's power?"
Samiu nodded again. "Of course. Given his personality, he'd be more than willing."
"Is that so? Then that would be great," Minato said gratefully before turning serious. "Based on intelligence gathered by our village's Sensor Division, the enemy numbers approximately one hundred thousand. We should now form separate teams according to the different abilities of the ninja."
"The divisions will be refined into several units: the Strategy Division, Intelligence Division, Reconnaissance Team, Surprise Attack and Diversion Platoon, Mid-range Combined Combat Unit, Close-range Combined Combat Unit, Long-range Combined Combat Unit, Special Battle Force, and the Medical Logistics Division."
Sasori raised a question, "Isn't there still one unit missing?"
"What do you mean?"
"The Daimyo Protection Squad. They might very likely come under attack."
Minato nodded in agreement. "Indeed, we must dispatch a team of powerful ninja to guard them."
Just then, the door opened and someone walked in, volunteering, "Leave it to me. I alone will suffice."
The several individuals looked toward the newcomer, each displaying different expressions.
In the Hokage's office, Tsunade berated Hakuto so fiercely that he couldn't even lift his head. Her rage was practically enough to melt him, clearly showing just how worried she'd been all this time.
Hakuto could only bitterly smile inwardly, muttering curses under his breath about his dad bailing on him.
Once she had let off some steam, Tsunade finally calmed down and asked, "Why have you been so quiet all this time? Do you realize your mistake now?"
"I know I was wrong, Lady Tsunade. Please stop being angry; getting upset will make you look old," Hakuto quickly resorted to flattery.
Tsunade wasn't buying it. "Hmph. From today on, you'll stay by my side and not go anywhere else."
"No way. I'm joining the Fourth Great Ninja War," Hakuto protested.
"Forget about it," Tsunade snapped.
Hakuto had a sudden idea and whispered, "How about this—I've got some good news to share. Let me fight, okay?"
Suspicious, Tsunade asked, "Tell me first."
"Jiraiya-sama isn't dead yet."
"What?" Tsunade's heart pounded. Hurriedly, she asked, "Really? Where is he?"
"His soul resides within my Spiritual Space. Unfortunately, he doesn't know the Spirit Transformation Technique, so you can't see him."
Delighted, Tsunade said, "As long as his soul remains, your father might find a way to save him."
"Wait." Seeing Tsunade preparing to leave, Hakuto quickly stopped her. "Uh, strangely enough, Jiraiya-sama forbids me from sharing this with Father."
"I see. It seems he still has some concerns in his heart." Tsunade asked, "Does Jiraiya have any message for me?"
"He said...Father is actually the most terrifying person in the world. He wants me to ask you to find out what exactly he plans to do." Hakuto looked totally baffled.
Tsunade's face darkened slightly, but she silently nodded.
The Five Kages stared in silence at Anya's sudden appearance.
Anya chuckled lightly. "What? Think I'm not qualified enough?"
"Haha, of course not," Minato replied with a smile. "It's just that I didn't expect you to take up this mission. Well then, I entrust the Daimyos of the Five Great Countries to you."
Anya gladly accepted. "Fine."
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