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"Rin isn't dead!? Yoichi-kun, what's going on?" Sakumo's hands trembled when he saw Rin. Had it not been for his long practice of swordsmanship and meditation, he might have stood up in shock.
"Yes, Fourth Hokage, Rin was on the brink of death, but my ocular technique saved her. At that time, she was almost indistinguishable from a corpse and took a long time to regain consciousness," Yoichi explained. "If my ocular technique hadn't evolved, I wouldn't have been able to save her. Fortunately, it did, and I managed to bring her back."
"Also, there was more to Rin impaling herself on Kakashi's blade," Yoichi added.
Sakumo asked curiously, "More to it?"
"Yes, Fourth Hokage. I apologize for the guilt Kakashi has been carrying. I was cursed and couldn't take my own life. To prevent the Mist's plan to destroy the village, only Kakashi could kill me. I'm very sorry," Rin said, bowing slightly in apology. Sakumo quickly waved his hand, signaling her not to apologize.
"This is a true ninja of the village, willing to sacrifice herself to protect it. Such pure intent to protect the village deserves respect, not apology," Sakumo said solemnly. "If Kakashi blames you, I, as his father, will personally reprimand him!"
Kakashi had just entered the room when he heard his father talk about reprimanding him. Seeing who was inside, his eyes widened in shock.
"Rin? How—how are you here?" Kakashi stuttered.
"I'm sorry, Kakashi," Rin said, smiling at Kakashi as she explained what had happened.
Upon learning the truth, Kakashi felt a weight lift from his shoulders. "I'm just glad you're okay," he said softly.
"Sorry, Kakashi," Rin repeated.
"It's fine. We did it for the village. I'm just glad you're alright," Kakashi responded, his tone and actions mirroring his father's. He glanced at Yoichi with a mix of gratitude and reproach, wondering why Yoichi hadn't informed him earlier.
"Rin had some signs of life left, making her revival relatively easy. Reviving someone who's been dead for a long time would be much harder, especially if they're powerful," Yoichi explained, touching his eye. Reviving Nawaki had been challenging enough, as his ocular technique wasn't specialized for resurrection like the Rinne Tensei.
Orochimaru suddenly interjected, "Yoichi-kun, does that mean you've revived someone else?"
Yoichi smiled enigmatically but said nothing, leaving Orochimaru to wonder if the revival was someone significant to him.
Sakumo suspected Yoichi might have revived someone, but he chose not to press further, respecting the sensitivity of such matters. Knowing Rin was alive was enough.
"Resurrection is a sensitive topic. This will be classified as an S-rank secret. Orochimaru, Kakashi, no one must speak of this. As for Rin's status..." Sakumo felt conflicted about how to explain Rin's return.
Orochimaru suggested, "I have a jutsu that can alter her appearance. Rin can live in the village under a different identity. We can inform her close friends and have ANBU enforce secrecy."
Sakumo nodded. "That could work."
"Actually, there's no need for jutsu. Simple changes in appearance can make her unrecognizable. If she ties up her hair, removes her face paint, and alters some habits, no one will recognize her," Yoichi proposed. "Rin is officially dead, after all. Seeing someone who looks similar will just evoke memories."
After discussing for a while, they agreed on how to handle Rin's situation. Yoichi left a wood clone to handle village matters and then exited the Hokage building.
"Yoichi-senpai, thank you for saving Rin," Kakashi said, bowing deeply. Without Yoichi, he might have truly killed Rin. Although he did it for the village, the burden of killing a comrade was immense.
"Sorry, Kakashi, it was my rash decision," Rin said, trying to comfort him.
"Think nothing of it. Now you have no psychological burden. Train hard. Your potential surpasses your father's. You might even become the Sixth or Seventh Hokage," Yoichi encouraged. "Also, it's been a while since you visited. Feel free to come by. I've taken on some promising students, including Itachi, who's about your age."
"I'll visit in a few days," Kakashi agreed. "Rin, what will you do next?"
"I'll visit home first. Then I'll either continue studying medical ninjutsu with Mina-sensei or train with Yoichi-sensei," Rin replied, smiling.
"That's great. Yoichi-senpai, please take care of her," Kakashi said, relieved. "Rin, let me know if you need any help."
"I will," Rin responded.
After Kakashi left, he thought about celebrating with a meal of magical lamb, even bringing some for his father.
Rin and Yoichi walked together for a while before Rin shyly asked, "Yoichi-sensei, can I still come to your place to create medicine?"
"Of course. I've prepared tools for you. You can even take them home if you want."
Rin quickly shook her head. "It's better to use it at your place, Yoichi-sensei. My home isn't big enough. Plus, if I get tired, I can give you a 'massage'."
Remembering her boldness in the underground lab, Rin blushed but didn't mind the memory. She even found herself looking forward to it.
Reaching a crossroads, Rin and Yoichi parted ways. ANBU members followed Rin to explain her new identity to anyone who recognized her.
Upon returning to the Uchiha compound, Yoichi found Jiraiya and several others gathered, attracting attention from the clan members.
"What's going on?" Yoichi asked, surprised to see so many people.
"Yoichi-san, we're here with Kushina," Jiraiya explained, still bearing traces of sadness. "Kushina followed Mina here, and the sealing team, barrier team, and ANBU needed to accompany her. We waited for you before entering."
"Why is Kushina here instead of resting at home? Did Mina invite her?" Yoichi asked, puzzled.
"It seems Kushina suggested it," Jiraiya replied.
Yoichi still didn't understand Kushina's intentions but decided, "Jiraiya and two ANBU can accompany us. The sealing and barrier teams aren't needed. Mina can handle the Nine-Tails with her sealing techniques."
As they entered the compound, they found Kushina, Mina, and Mikoto sitting in the courtyard, with a sleeping Daichi the Bear nearby. Mina waved them over. (Changed the name of the bear. This one feels a lot better.)
"Yoichi-sama, you're back. And Jiraiya-sama, why didn't you come in earlier?" Mina asked.
"It wasn't convenient earlier, so I waited for Yoichi-san," Jiraiya explained, feeling somewhat awkward.
"Kushina, why are you here?" Yoichi asked directly.
"Jiraiya-sensei, you'll find out soon," Kushina replied, her expression calm.
"Yoichi-kun, I want to control the Nine-Tails' power. Please help me," Kushina pleaded.
Hearing Kushina's request, Yoichi, Mina, and Mikoto realized her intent. Jiraiya had guessed half correctly—Kushina wanted revenge, but she wanted to do it herself.
"Kushina, you shouldn't focus on revenge. Think about your child with Minato," Jiraiya advised. "Leave avenging Minato to the village. He wouldn't want you consumed by hatred."
Kushina shook her head. "Jiraiya-sensei, I want to avenge Minato myself. I have this immense power inside me, but I can't use it. Next time, it could be my child. Without power, I can't even protect Naruto."
"But Minato wouldn't want—" Jiraiya began, but Yoichi interrupted.
"Revenge is justified, and I support you. This world isn't about forgiveness; forgiveness disrespects the victims. No one can forgive on someone else's behalf," Yoichi said firmly. "But take your time. We can deal with it once you're settled. My ocular power needs years to recover anyway."
Mina was surprised. "I can help too, Yoichi-sama?"
"Yes, your Adamantine Sealing Chains can control the Nine-Tails. Don't underestimate yourself," Yoichi encouraged her.
After discussing further, Mina invited Kushina to stay for dinner. Yoichi stepped outside to send Jiraiya and the ANBU away, not wanting them lingering around his home.
Before leaving, Jiraiya said, "Yoichi, you shouldn't encourage Kushina's revenge. It's unhealthy for her. She has Naruto to think about."
"Don't decide for others or impose your beliefs on them. If you can convince the Hidden Cloud to abandon their grudges, I'll accept your perspective," Yoichi retorted. "This could have been avoided by eliminating the Rinnegan earlier or not competing with me over how many ninjas must die. Does it satisfy you, Jiraiya? Is Nagato more important than the others?"
"You—" Jiraiya's face turned pale with anger, but he couldn't challenge Yoichi, who was far stronger.
As Yoichi walked back, Jiraiya left, consumed by guilt and sorrow. "Minato, I'm sorry. It's all my fault."
(End of Chapter)