"So this time, Akatsuki's goal was the Senju Clan's relics?"
Inside the ANBU base, Tsunade's expression looked rather grim.
After Orochimaru had voluntarily released the Edo Tensei, tonight's battle had already come to an end.
Yet upon returning to the ANBU base—after properly appeasing the Hyūga and dispatching enough personnel to maintain vigilance—they immediately received such news!
No one had expected that the thing they had just unearthed would actually be targeted by Akatsuki so soon.
And the members of Akatsuki had acted with such speed—such decisiveness.
"How did they even know about this?"
That question puzzled not only her; everyone from Konohagakure present was equally at a loss.
The impact of this incident was no small matter.
"What we've lost—we'll find a way to get it back."
Senju Tobirama glanced at his silent elder brother, then took the initiative to speak.
"That wicked Uchi—bastard! I'll make sure he gets a taste of my wrath!"
Tobirama had originally intended to curse outright, but upon seeing Sasuke nearby, he ultimately held his tongue.
"I've said it before—Konohagakure has plenty of issues, especially in its administration."
Compared to him, Kitagawa Gen didn't seem to care much, which made Sarutobi Hiruzen rub at his aching temples in distress.
"Now isn't the time to discuss such things. Besides the lost relics, there are many other problems from tonight."
"It's said that a Byakugan was stolen—taken by an old man who also possessed the Byakugan."
Jiraiya nodded, his gaze turning toward Kitagawa Gen.
"Gen, was that old man the one you dealt with?"
"Mm. He attacked Hinata and Hanabi—his target also seemed to be the Byakugan."
Kitagawa Gen nodded as he spoke; this was indeed something that required his explanation.
"But when I defeated and interrogated him, he chose to commit suicide."
"Suicide?"
Hearing that word, everyone present couldn't help but raise their eyebrows.
"What about his corpse?"
After a moment of thought, Tobirama asked curiously, and Kitagawa Gen sighed.
"His body dissolved. Then, a far more intense battle erupted in the distance, and its aftershocks spread to my location, forcing me to retreat."
"I see…"
Upon hearing this explanation, the others had nothing more to say.
Dissolving one's body upon death—ANBU possessed such techniques, and Root even more so.
"It seems we'll have to question Hyūga Hiashi carefully—whether the Hyūga still have any people left outside the village."
That was the only conclusion Sarutobi Hiruzen could reach; otherwise, it would be impossible to explain clearly.
Kitagawa Gen himself was curious as well. The number of Byakugan lost tonight wasn't just one pair—meaning that not only that lunar orphan desired the Byakugan.
'Akatsuki wants them too—but why? Could it be Kimimaro…?'
Kitagawa Gen immediately thought of one possible reason. After all, Orochimaru had returned to the village, and Black Zetsu knew many things.
"All right, enough about that. Tonight, the most important matter isn't the Byakugan or the Edo Tensei."
Senju Tobirama shook his head, cutting everyone off. His gaze turned toward Kitagawa Gen.
"It's not even the loss of the relics—but rather everything that happened outside the village. Gen, you went out there yourself. What's your assessment?"
Senju Tobirama's words instantly drew everyone's attention—in a sense, this was indeed the most important matter.
That mysterious figure, the one who could almost certainly be identified as being of the same lineage as the "Goddess of the Rabbit," "Ōtsutsuki Genshiki," was truly terrifying beyond measure.
Everything that had happened outside tonight—even without witnessing it firsthand—they could all be certain it had been that man's doing.
Coincidentally, Kitagawa Gen had also been outside, making the opinion of this "future mainstay" especially crucial.
"That guy… is extremely terrifying."
Kitagawa Gen pursed his lips. He had guessed things would come to this, but boasting about himself wasn't much of a problem anyway.
"I didn't dare get too close, so I'm not entirely sure who he was fighting, but I did see some of the abilities they used."
"Oh?"
"His chakra is overwhelmingly strong, his defense incredibly high, his physical abilities astonishing—and he also possesses space-time ninjutsu and unique secret arts. His combat power is unimaginable."
"He's… that versatile?"
"Yes. Otherwise, he wouldn't share the same surname as the Goddess of the Rabbit."
Kitagawa Gen nodded with a sighing air, but his account still left everyone present feeling suffocated.
Just how terrifying could such all-around capability be? They truly didn't dare imagine it. If such a person were an enemy, they had no idea how to even begin to respond.
"However, there's no need for excessive despair. Battle isn't simply about who has stronger chakra—and besides, I do have a few special means of my own."
Perhaps realizing that he had exaggerated "Ōtsutsuki Genshiki" a bit too much, Kitagawa Gen couldn't help adding that remark.
He glanced around at the others, then slightly raised his hand.
In that instant, a strange power intertwined within his palm.
And as that power appeared, everyone present—even the Edo Tensei couple standing far away—felt a jolt of fear in their hearts!
"This is… Yin–Yang Release?"
Senju Hashirama looked at the chakra. Even though he had never seen it before, he almost immediately guessed what that power was.
"That's right—Yin–Yang Release."
Kitagawa Gen nodded. Yin–Yang Release was indeed the most effective means of dealing with the Ōtsutsuki.
Or rather, Yin–Yang Release was effective against all living beings in existence.
Yet the number of people capable of merging Yin and Yang Release was almost nonexistent in the entire shinobi world!
Even Uchiha Madara had barely managed to grasp it only after awakening the Rinnegan.
And besides, what if one did possess Yin–Yang Release? Didn't Jigen have it as well—and wasn't he still beaten down by him?
Still, it was necessary to give everyone a bit of confidence; otherwise, if their morale collapsed, that would be troublesome.
"I've long been able to control both Yin Release and Yang Release—you all know that—and I've been striving to fuse the two. Now, I've finally achieved some results."
He paused briefly, glanced at the stunned faces around him, then continued.
"Moreover, I also excel in space-time ninjutsu, and I can use Dust Release, Wood Release, and even Sage Mode. Combined with Yin–Yang Release—it's not impossible to stand a chance!"
At those words, the eyes of everyone present lit up.
They had indeed been shaken by the battle outside, and according to Kitagawa Gen's description, the power of that "Ōtsutsuki Genshiki" had filled them with despair—
Yet now, as they looked at the "Yin–Yang Release" fused in Kitagawa Gen's hand and recalled his abilities—
They realized that the "treasure" had truly been right beside them all along!
And recalling Kitagawa Gen's words, they couldn't help but sigh in admiration.
"Indeed, Gen is right—battle isn't about evaluating a single aspect of ability. You only know the truth once the fight actually begins."
Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled, exhaling softly as he shook his head.
"Looks like I've really grown old. Sometimes I can't help but overthink."
"That guy gave too much pressure. He's someone capable of destroying the world."
Senju Tobirama didn't mock Sarutobi Hiruzen; excessive pressure would always make people lose focus and spiral into needless thoughts.
"I just didn't expect that you'd quietly come to wield such power."
"Yes… truly unbelievable."
Jiraiya couldn't help but laugh, and Kakashi was filled with deep emotion.
"Yin–Yang Release, huh… a legendary power. Simply incredible."
"I actually haven't completely fused it yet—it'll still take me some time."
Kitagawa Gen shook his head, then continued speaking.
"But it shouldn't take too long. Perhaps by the time 'Ōtsutsuki Genshiki' appears again, I'll already be done."
When that time came…
He wouldn't be able to avoid putting on quite a performance.
In truth, Kitagawa Gen felt troubled. He had long known that this kind of situation would most likely happen.
It was just that when it truly arrived, others only needed to wave flags and shout encouragement—but he had far more to consider.
For instance, how to maintain the image of the "invincible Ōtsutsuki Genshiki," and at the same time preserve the myth of the "unbeaten Kitagawa Gen."
"All right, let's not dwell on that for now."
Shaking his head, Kitagawa Gen didn't bother to think further. At worst, they could just "coordinate honestly" when the time came.
He turned to look at the distant Uchiha couple and said with a smile, "The two of them have been waiting quite a while—we can't keep them standing there forever. After all, they did help out quite a bit."
"Tch."
Senju Tobirama pursed his lips, while Sarutobi Hiruzen straightforwardly called the couple over.
"It's been a long time, Clan Head Fugaku, Mikoto-san."
"Third-sama, you're too polite."
Uchiha Fugaku gave a slight bow. As he looked at everyone present, his eyes gleamed brightly.
He had been observing from afar earlier. Though Sasuke had stood quietly without saying a word, the fact that he was allowed to attend such a meeting was already a recognition in itself!
That made him all the more certain—Sasuke's future would be a smooth one, and he had made the right decision.
"As for what happened back then, we—"
"There's no need to bring up the past. I failed to keep Danzō in check, and you failed to guide your child properly."
Sarutobi Hiruzen was the first to speak.
"The past has vanished like smoke. Now everything is over—Uchiha Itachi has been slain by Sasuke. It's time for us to look forward."
"Indeed, it's time for us to look forward."
Uchiha Fugaku smiled—how could he not understand what the Third Hokage meant?
Some matters were best closed here and now, and from this point on, Sasuke's future would only grow brighter!
Thinking of that, he turned toward Kitagawa Gen and Kakashi, bowing once again.
"I must also thank both of you for your guidance toward Sasuke. Without it, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today."
"That's not quite right."
Before Kakashi could speak, Kitagawa Gen smiled and shook his head.
"The ones who've guided Sasuke aren't just me and Kakashi-sensei—there's also Jiraiya-sama and the Second Hokage."
"Oh?"
Uchiha Fugaku's eyes shone even brighter. That was an astonishingly good piece of news!
"Besides, Sasuke himself is exceptionally talented."
Kitagawa Gen smiled, patting Sasuke on the shoulder as he spoke slowly.
"Unlike a certain subordinate of mine whose academic performance isn't too ideal, Sasuke has always been outstanding."
"Tch."
Naruto didn't dare speak casually in this meeting—after all, his parents were here to keep him in line—but now he just couldn't hold it in.
Why was it that when they'd met his parents before, Kitagawa Gen's first words had been complaints?
Sasuke couldn't help but smile; this feeling was simply too satisfying!
"But…"
However, before Sasuke could enjoy it for long, Kitagawa Gen's voice sounded again.
"Now, there's one issue Sasuke still needs to resolve—and that's something you two should help him with."
"Hm?"
Both Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Mikoto immediately grew serious, while Sasuke felt a wave of dread.
Yet Kitagawa Gen pressed down on his shoulder, continuing to smile.
"The Uchiha now only have him left—and his goal is to restore the clan's glory."
"…"
"It's just that he seems to have no interest at all in marriage or children—in fact, he seems almost repulsed by the idea."
"…"
"Could you two try to talk to him about it? After all, no one would want the Uchiha to truly vanish from the world."
As Kitagawa Gen finished speaking, Sasuke's face had already darkened.
Especially under his parents' gaze—he could only lower his head even further.
At the side, Naruto snickered quietly, while the others wore looks of mild amusement, clearly used to such scenes.
Still, what Kitagawa Gen said was true—it really wasn't good for the Uchiha clan to be left with only one member.
[Side Mission for Sasuke Completed: Jonin Instructor's Home Visit]
[Reward Obtained: Partial Special Yin Release of Uchiha Sasuke]
Seeing the notification on his interface, Kitagawa Gen nodded in satisfaction.
With this reward—combined with Isshiki's chakra—this harvest was anything but ordinary.
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