"Sensei, here is the list of Hyūga clan members, and now all tasks will be assigned by you."
Rumi smiled as she handed Yōichi a list. This was a detailed record of all the Hyūga clan's ninja, except for a few from the main branch.
The rest were all included.
"There are a total of 831 members, Yōichi-sensei."
"That many? That guy, Hiashi, always pushed back when I asked for more people last time. But it seems the clan was hiding quite a few. Rumi, what do these clan members usually do?"
Yōichi knew about the commotion Rumi had stirred up within the Hyūga clan, but he didn't interfere, waiting to see the results instead.
Konoha was severely lacking in manpower. All the Uchiha clan's ninjas had already been deployed, and now the Uchiha Trading Company was heavily recruiting people from all over the Land of Fire.
Some of the armed protection forces were even composed of reanimated shinobi.
Previously, Yōichi had pressured the Ino-Shika-Chō trio to surrender some of their clan members as well, but the village still lacked enough ninjas. For example, just establishing security forces in different locations required nearly four times the current number of shinobi.
And this was only for the most basic security forces, tasked only with maintaining local order.
"They mostly train, manage clan businesses, or do nothing at all. Even if some of the branch family members want to become ninjas, the elders of the main family often oppose the idea under the guise of clan loyalty and duty," Rumi said, her tone filled with resentment toward the elders of the main family. These were the same people who once wanted her to retire from being a ninja and return to the clan to marry.
Had it not been for the fact that these elders didn't face her directly and only had Hiashi speak with her, Rumi might have seriously considered using her Tenseigan Chakra Mode on them.
"This should be all the branch family's ninjas. I initially wanted to model the clan after the policies you implemented with the Uchiha, Yōichi-sensei, but I found that it wasn't feasible. In the end, after some suggestions from the branch family elders, I made a few adjustments," Rumi added.
Yōichi chuckled and said, "The Uchiha clan is not that easy to imitate. The difficulty of awakening the Byakugan compared to the Sharingan is quite different."
While the Uchiha clan distributed more funds, much of the money ended up returning to the clan's own businesses, and the benefits for those with the three-tomoe Sharingan were significant.
However, there were very few such clan members.
In contrast, there was no clear standard for the Byakugan within the Hyūga clan. After a certain amount of training, nearly anyone could awaken the Byakugan. If the Hyūga were to implement similar policies to the Uchiha, their system would collapse in a few years.
"Go ahead and assign the ninjas. Start with the security teams in the Suna District and the Ame District. You and Kurenai should meet with Uchiha Masato and discuss the plans with the security forces."
Yōichi handed the responsibility over to Rumi and Kurenai. Their years of experience in village governance had made them highly skilled in handling the village's affairs, and they were well aware of what Konoha needed most at the moment.
All they had to do was follow the plan.
"Now, only the Five-Tails remains."
Madara glanced at the lifeless bodies lying on the ground without a hint of emotion. These people no longer stirred any excitement for him in battle.
At this moment, the Gedo Statue had opened eight of its eyes. Aside from the remaining Nine-Tails chakra in the Gold and Silver Brothers, only the Five-Tails was left to be captured.
"Black Zetsu, where is the Five-Tails?"
"In another forest, also within the Land of Earth, but it's a bit farther from here, Madara-sama. It seems that some of them are still alive?"
"Let them be. They're insignificant."
After dismissing the Gedo Statue, Madara began walking away. He had no interest in returning to finish off those who might still be alive. While ninjas typically made sure their enemies were dead, Madara didn't care whether they lived or died.
"Very well."
Black Zetsu didn't contradict Madara's will. After all, their "mother" was nearly ready to be resurrected. Though Black Zetsu didn't fully understand why her consciousness had suddenly awakened, once the Five-Tails and Nine-Tails chakra were sealed into the Gedo Statue, Madara would no longer be needed.
Even the Infinite Tsukuyomi wouldn't require Madara's involvement; their mother's will would directly resurrect through the Gedo Statue.
It wasn't until long after Madara left that the Iwa-nin outside of Flower and Fruit Mountain noticed something was wrong.
When they sent people inside to investigate, they found Killer B, Kurotsuchi, and the others lying on the ground. Startled, they rushed over to check, discovering that everyone was dead except for Kurotsuchi, who was barely alive.
"Quick, get a medical ninja in here to save them!"
Soon, the Iwa-nin managed to save the lone survivor, Kurotsuchi. After receiving medical treatment, she finally regained consciousness.
As soon as Kurotsuchi woke, Ōnoki immediately asked for an account of what happened. The Kumo-nin also stood by, looking grim, as Killer B was not only their village's perfect Jinchūriki but also the younger brother of the Fourth Raikage.
Now, with Killer B dead in the Land of Earth, how could they possibly explain this to the Raikage?
"...It was Uchiha Madara. He's collecting the tailed beasts, and counting the Four-Tails and Eight-Tails, he's already captured seven of them. Father, Uchiha Madara is now heading for the Five-Tails. Contact our ninjas there immediately!"
"Uchiha Madara!?"
The mention of Madara's name instantly brought back unpleasant memories for Ōnoki. He recalled how he and his teacher, the Second Tsuchikage, had been easily defeated by Madara, who hadn't even bothered to take them seriously.
"What's he planning by capturing the tailed beasts?"
Kurotsuchi coughed weakly and replied, "I'm not sure, but before the Eight-Tails was captured, it told us to protect the Five-Tails at all costs and not let Madara collect all of the tailed beasts."
After Kurotsuchi explained the situation, Ōnoki understood the gravity of the matter, though his expression darkened further.
The alliance between the four nations hadn't even formed yet, Amegakure had been nearly wiped out, and though Kirigakure had just agreed to join, relations between Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin were now shaky.
Ōnoki knew how important Killer B was to Kumo-nin, but now he was dead, in the Land of Earth no less.
"Dodai, that's the situation. I understand how important Killer B was to your village, but there's a greater threat now. I hope you can talk to the Fourth Raikage and make sure he doesn't do anything that will play into the enemy's hands!"
Dodai's heart sank after hearing Ōnoki's words. He replied, "I'll do my best to persuade Raikage-sama."
The enemy was clear, and even their motives were known. Ideally, Kumo-nin and Iwa-nin should be strengthening their alliance to fight Madara and Konoha.
But Dodaicouldn't be sure what the Fourth Raikage would decide, given that his brother had died. Furthermore, the circumstances surrounding the Third Raikage's death in the Land of Earth had been suspicious as well.
"Third Tsuchikage, I'd like to accompany you to the Five-Tails' revival site."
Ōnoki replied, "Naturally. We'll set off immediately. If we're lucky, I hope the Fourth Raikage will bring Kumo-nin here too. After all, the enemy is Uchiha Madara."
Dodai, considering the situation, asked, "How much longer until the Five-Tails revives?"
"Hmm, about a month. The Five-Tails hadn't shown any signs of movement when the Four-Tails began gathering chakra, so it should be about a month behind."
Dodainodded thoughtfully and then said, "In that case, Third Tsuchikage, I hope your village will allow Raikage-sama to bring Kumo-nin here. Only by letting him personally investigate will he be convinced."
Ōnoki immediately understood Dodai's intention. He wanted the Fourth Raikage to see Uchiha Madara with his own eyes, focusing the Raikage's hatred on Madara so that the alliance between Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin could be strengthened.
Dodaialso didn't want relations between Iwa-nin and Kumo-nin to fracture at such a crucial moment, so he came up with this suggestion.
Ōnoki responded, "Let him come. Even if he brings a thousand Kumo-nin, Iwa-nin will make all the necessary arrangements. But make sure he brings strong shinobi, because our enemy is Uchiha Madara!"
"I understand. I'll report this to the Fourth Raikage immediately."
Dodai left the infirmary, preparing to inform the Fourth Raikage of what had transpired.
...
Konoha was no longer recognizable as its former self. The village had expanded to nearly 100 kilometers, and numerous tram tracks and public transportation systems had been built throughout.
Without these, it would be nearly impossible for ordinary people to get around, as it took hours just to walk from one side of the village to the other.
"Naruto, hurry up!"
Kushina sighed as she called out to Naruto. Today, Naruto was going to train with Sasuke and Karin, and Kushina planned to tag along to chat with Minako.
Minato had been gone for three days now, and Kushina was slowly beginning to forget him.
Thinking about this made Kushina grit her teeth in anger. After what happened during those two days—nearly non-stop for hours—she couldn't even bear to mention Minato's name. She avoided thinking about him altogether, afraid that Yōichi would pin her against the wall and have his way with her again.
"Coming, Mom."
Naruto changed his clothes and, after putting on his shoes, left with Kushina.
As they walked, Naruto suddenly asked, "Mom, where's Dad? He hasn't shown up in three days, right?"
"He's gone far away. You'll understand when you're older."
Kushina didn't want to lie to Naruto, so she kept her answer vague.
A little while later, as they continued walking, they encountered an old acquaintance—Jiraiya.
"Kushina, good morning. Where are you two headed?"
Jiraiya greeted them before asking, "By the way, I haven't seen Minato the past couple of days. I had something I needed to discuss with him."
Hearing this, Kushina turned to Naruto and said, "Naruto, go ahead and find Sasuke. I'll catch up with you later."
After sending Naruto off, Kushina replied, "Minato... he's already returned, back to the Pure Land."
"So soon?"
Jiraiya's face showed surprise. He had known Minato's intentions, but he thought Minato would stay a bit longer before returning to the Pure Land.
"Why the rush? Well, what do you plan to do now, Kushina?"
"Live a good life, and raise Naruto," Kushina replied plainly. She didn't want to deal with anyone associated with Minato right now, especially since she was carrying another man's child. Every time she faced Jiraiya, she felt the urge to avoid him.
"I see. And Naruto?"
"I have some things to discuss with Mina, so I'll be going now, Jiraiya-sensei."
Kushina quickly cut off Jiraiya, knowing what he was about to say. Minato had discussed this with him before, but things had changed.
Naruto, now a Jinchūriki with a powerful beast sealed inside him, would benefit more from training with Yōichi.
Besides, Kushina wasn't worried. After all, Naruto was the older brother of the child she was carrying.
"Ah, Kushina..."
Jiraiya called out a couple more times as she walked away, but she ignored him. He sighed and muttered to himself, "Am I being avoided?"
Kushina quickly caught up to Naruto, and the two of them arrived at the Uchiha compound.
When Naruto got there, Sasuke, Haku, and the others had already begun training. Seeing this, Naruto shouted, "I'm here!" before jumping in to join them.
At this point, the three of them were almost like little monsters. Though they had only had the beasts sealed within them for a short time, they were already able to use the beasts' abilities.
Yōichi had erased the consciousness of the summoned beasts while preserving their powers, essentially turning them into batteries that allowed Sasuke, Haku, and Naruto to use the beasts' abilities at will.
With this power boost, Sasuke, Haku, and Naruto had each increased their strength by two levels. If they fully unleashed their abilities, even Kimimaro and Itachi wouldn't stand a chance against them.
Sasuke could now casually cast A-rank Lightning Release jutsu, releasing ten in a row with ease. Under such circumstances, most tactics seemed futile.
That's why Yōichi had them focus on training their genetic abilities.
By mastering their genetic abilities, they would be able to fully absorb the beasts' powers as their own and grow even stronger.
Yōichi, having finished refining the fire, was also training at home. He was now able to slowly refine the fire without affecting anyone else, though it did make his body feel slightly warm.
But for Yōichi, who had mastered Godzilla's power, this wasn't a significant issue.
By refining a little each day, he would fully absorb the Golden Emperor's Heavenly Flame within two months.
"Kushina, you finally made it! Look, I prepared some salted meat cakes just for you!"
Mina brought out some snacks and cheerfully placed them in front of Kushina.
However, unlike usual, Kushina wasn't too thrilled. In fact, seeing the salted meat cakes made her feel nauseous, so she pushed them away, saying, "No thanks, Mina. I don't feel like eating this today... ugh."
"Hmm?" Mina asked curiously, "You used to love these. Are you feeling unwell today?"
"Uh, yeah, maybe just a little," Kushina replied quickly, laughing it off. Still, she pushed the snacks a bit further away, not wanting to even smell them.
(End of Chapter)
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