"So, Akatsuki's goal this time was the 'Senju Clan's relics'?"
In the ANBU base, Tsunade's expression turned grim. After Orochimaru had voluntarily dispelled the Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, the night's battles had officially come to an end. However, after calming the Hyūga clan and deploying enough personnel for vigilance, they returned to the ANBU base and were greeted with this shocking news!
No one had expected the items they had just excavated to be targeted so quickly by Akatsuki. And Akatsuki's actions were swift and decisive.
"How did they even find out about this?" This question puzzled not only Tsunade but also the other Konoha members present, who wore faces full of confusion. The implications of this matter were anything but trivial...
"What we've lost, we'll find a way to recover." Tobirama Senju glanced at his silent elder brother, finally taking the initiative to speak.
"That wicked Uchiha... I'll make sure he pays the price!"
Tobirama had been about to curse, but seeing Sasuke nearby, he ultimately held himself back.
"I've said it before—Konoha has many problems, especially in governance."
Compared to him, Kitagawa Minamoto seemed indifferent, making Hiruzen Sarutobi rub his temples in frustration.
"Now is not the time to discuss these matters. Besides the lost relics, there are many other issues tonight."
"It's reported that Byakugan was stolen, and the culprit was an old man who also possessed Byakugan." Jiraiya nodded, his gaze shifting to Kitagawa Minamoto.
"Minamoto, was that old man your opponent?"
"Yes, he attacked Hinata and Hanabi, and his target seemed to be the Byakugan." Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, knowing he needed to explain the situation.
"I defeated him and interrogated him, but he chose to commit suicide."
"Suicide?"
The mention of this word made everyone present raise their eyebrows.
"What about his corpse?"
Tobirama pondered for a moment before asking curiously, but Kitagawa Minamoto sighed.
"His body dissolved, and a stronger battle erupted nearby. The aftermath spread to my location, forcing me to retreat."
"I see..."
Hearing this explanation, no one had much else to say. Dissolving upon death—ANBU possessed such capabilities, and Root often employed similar methods.
"It seems we need to question Hiashi Hyūga carefully. Do the Hyūga have any members left outside the clan?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi could only arrive at this conclusion, as the situation was otherwise difficult to explain.
Meanwhile, Kitagawa Minamoto was also curious. Tonight's loss of Byakugan wasn't limited to just one pair, suggesting that not only the lunar orphan desired the Byakugan.
"Akatsuki seems to want it too. But why? Could it be related to Kimimaro..."
Kitagawa Minamoto suddenly thought of a possibility. After all, Orochimaru had made a second appearance, and Black Zetsu knew a lot of things.
"Alright, let's not talk about these matters. Tonight's most important issue isn't the Byakugan or the Impure World Reincarnation."
Tobirama shook his head, interrupting the group as his gaze fell on Kitagawa Minamoto.
"Nor is it the loss of the relics. It's about what happened outside the village. Minamoto, you were there—what's your take?"
Tobirama's words instantly drew everyone's attention. In many ways, this was indeed the most critical issue.
That mysterious figure, almost certainly a fellow clansman of the "Rabbit Goddess," Ōtsutsuki Minamoto, was terrifying beyond imagination. Everything that happened outside tonight, even without witnessing it firsthand, they could confidently attribute to that individual.
Coincidentally, Kitagawa Minamoto had also been outside the village. As the "future mainstay," his perspective was particularly crucial!
"That guy... is truly terrifying."
Kitagawa Minamoto pursed his lips, having anticipated this line of questioning. Fortunately, hyping himself up wasn't a big deal.
"I didn't dare get too close, so I don't know who he was fighting. But I did observe some of their abilities."
"Oh?"
"His chakra is incredibly strong, his defenses are extraordinarily high, his physical resilience is unbelievable, and he possesses space-time ninjutsu and unique secret techniques. His combat capabilities are unimaginable."
"He's... that versatile?"
"Yes, otherwise he wouldn't share a surname with the Rabbit Goddess."
Kitagawa Minamoto feigned a sigh, but his words left everyone present feeling suffocated. The sheer versatility of such a figure was terrifying to contemplate. If someone like that was an enemy, they genuinely couldn't fathom how to counter him.
"However, don't despair too much. Battles aren't solely about who has the stronger chakra. Besides, I do have some special methods."
Perhaps sensing he had exaggerated Ōtsutsuki Minamoto's strength too much, Kitagawa Minamoto decided to temper his statement.
He glanced at the group, then raised his hand slightly. Instantly, a peculiar energy began to intertwine in his palm. As this energy emerged, everyone present—even those far away, like the Impure World Reincarnation couple—felt a chilling sense of dread!
"This is... Yin-Yang Release?" Hashirama Senju stared at the chakra, and although he had never seen it before, he almost immediately deduced its nature.
"Correct, Yin-Yang Release."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded. Yin-Yang Release was indeed one of the most effective tools against the Ōtsutsuki. Or rather, Yin-Yang Release was effective against any creature in existence.
However, few in the ninja world could master Yin-Yang Release. Even Madara Uchiha had only barely grasped it after awakening the Rinnegan.
What's more, even with Yin-Yang Release, it wasn't necessarily decisive—Isshiki had it too, and yet Kitagawa Minamoto had still beaten him down.
Still, he needed to give the group some hope. Otherwise, if their morale truly collapsed, things would become problematic.
"I've always been able to control Yin Release and Yang Release—you all know that. I've been working hard to merge these two powers, and now I've finally made some progress."
Pausing briefly, he observed the incredulous faces of those around him before continuing.
"Moreover, I'm proficient in space-time ninjutsu, Dust Release, Wood Release, and Sage Mode. Combining all of this with Yin-Yang Release, there's definitely a chance!"
Kitagawa Minamoto's words brought a spark of hope to everyone's eyes. They had indeed been terrified by the battle outside, and based on Kitagawa Minamoto's description, Ōtsutsuki Minamoto's strength had left them feeling utterly hopeless.
But now, seeing the "Yin-Yang Release" in Kitagawa Minamoto's hands and recalling his abilities, they realized the "treasure" was right in their midst!
"Minamoto is right. Battles aren't just about comparing individual abilities. You only truly know the outcome once the fight begins."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled, sighing as he shook his head.
"I guess I'm getting old—sometimes I can't help but overthink things."
"That guy exerts immense pressure. He's someone who could destroy the world."
Tobirama didn't mock Hiruzen. Excessive pressure often led to overthinking and losing focus.
"Still, I never expected you to quietly master such power."
"Indeed, it's truly incredible."
Jiraiya couldn't help but laugh, and Kakashi was equally amazed.
"Yin-Yang Release—the legendary power. It's absolutely astonishing."
"Actually, I haven't fully merged it yet. I'll need some more time."
Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head before continuing.
"But this time won't be long. Perhaps the next time Ōtsutsuki Minamoto appears, I'll be ready."
At that point... he'd undoubtedly have to put on a show.
Kitagawa Minamoto actually found this situation troubling. He had anticipated something like this would happen eventually. But now that it had arrived, while others only needed to cheer him on, he had much more to consider—like how to maintain the "invincible" image of Ōtsutsuki Minamoto while preserving the "undefeated legend" of Kitagawa Minamoto...
"Alright, let's not dwell on this."
Shaking his head, Kitagawa Minamoto decided not to overthink it. When the time came, perhaps they could simply "mutually boost each other's reputation."
He turned to look at the Uchiha couple in the distance and smiled.
"Those two have been waiting for quite some time. We shouldn't keep them waiting any longer, especially since they've been so helpful."
"Tch."
Tobirama pursed his lips, while Hiruzen promptly invited the couple over.
"It's been a long time, Clan Head Fugaku, Lady Mikoto."
"Lord Third, you're too kind."
Fugaku Uchiha bowed slightly, his eyes gleaming as he surveyed everyone present.
He had been watching from a distance, and while Sasuke had remained quiet throughout the meeting, the mere fact that he was included in such a discussion was a form of recognition!
This further convinced Fugaku that Sasuke's future was bright, and that he had made the right decision.
"About what happened back then, we—"
"Let's not speak of the past. I failed to control Danzō, and you failed to guide your child properly."
Hiruzen quickly interjected.
"The past is like smoke. Everything has now passed. Itachi Uchiha has been defeated by Sasuke. We should look forward."
"Indeed, we should look forward."
Fugaku smiled, understanding the Third Hokage's meaning perfectly.
Some matters were best left buried, and Sasuke would only continue to flourish!
With this in mind, he turned to Kitagawa Minamoto and Kakashi, bowing once more.
"I must thank both of you for guiding Sasuke. Without you, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today."
"That's not quite right."
Before Kakashi could respond, Kitagawa Minamoto shook his head with a smile.
"Sasuke has been guided not just by Kakashi-sensei and me, but also by Master Jiraiya and Lord Second."
"Oh?"
Fugaku's eyes brightened even more. This was incredibly good news!
"Besides, Sasuke himself is exceptionally talented."
Kitagawa Minamoto smiled, patting Sasuke's shoulder as he continued.
"Unlike a certain subordinate of ours whose academic performance was less than ideal, Sasuke has always excelled."
"Tch."
Naruto, who had remained silent during the meeting (his parents keeping him in check), couldn't help but react. Why was it that whenever Kitagawa Minamoto met with parents, he immediately started reporting on their children?
Sasuke smiled. This feeling was truly wonderful!
"However..."
But before Sasuke could enjoy the moment for too long, Kitagawa Minamoto's voice rang out again.
"Sasuke does have one issue that needs addressing, and this is where you two should provide some guidance."
"Hmm?"
Fugaku and Mikoto Uchiha's expressions turned serious, while Sasuke immediately sensed trouble.
But Kitagawa Minamoto kept his hand on Sasuke's shoulder, continuing with a smile.
"You see, the Uchiha clan now has only him left, and his goal is to restore the family."
"..."
"But he seems to have little interest in marriage and children—he even appears somewhat averse to the idea."
"..."
"Perhaps you could advise him on this matter? After all, no one wants the Uchiha clan to truly disappear."
As Kitagawa Minamoto finished speaking, Sasuke's face had darkened considerably. Especially when he saw the way his parents were looking at him, he lowered his head even further.
Nearby, Naruto snickered secretly, while the others seemed accustomed to such scenes.
But what Kitagawa Minamoto said was true—having only one Uchiha left was indeed concerning.
[Mission Completed: Sasuke's Exclusive Sideline Task 2 - Jonin's Home Visit]
[Reward Obtained: Portion of Sasuke Uchiha's Special Yin Release]
Seeing the notification on his interface, Kitagawa Minamoto nodded with satisfaction. With this reward, plus Isshiki's chakra, his gains from this venture were exceptionally generous...
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