(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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After learning the details, Tsunade marveled at the world's strange twists of fate.
What Colt had originally done to Yugito was merely to check and balance Kumogakure in case they decided to do anything, but it had become her last lifeline instead.
"Was it the same with Gaara too?" Tsunade asked, observing Yugito's recovering face and studying Colt's healing ninjutsu with curiosity.
This immense vitality was completely formed by his chakra, yet it had no apparent effect on Colt himself, even when he had used so much of Gaara and this girl.
Even with her medical expertise, she couldn't understand why.
At that moment, Shizune entered with someone.
"Tsunade-sama, the Kazekage has sent Temari to deliver a message."
"Temari's here?" Colt looked up in surprise.
Five minutes later...
"You actually placed a Summoning Jutsu on the Two-Tails Jinchūriki? There has to be some ulterior motive for that…" Temari eyed Colt warily, her mind conjuring various scandalous scenarios.
In her imagination, Colt lay alone in bed at night, unable to sleep, tossing and turning.
Finally, overcome by unbearable loneliness, he used the Summoning Jutsu to call forth the Two-Tails Jinchūriki.
"Oh Yugito, don't let aanyone know you're my Summoning beast," she imagined Colt saying.
Then...
Temari's face flushed red, unable to continue that line of thought.
Colt looked at Temari, hurt and indignant.
"Is that the kind of person you think I am? It was an insurance card against the Cloud"
Temari smirked, realizing that she had let her imagination run wild.
What she didn't know was that Colt inwardly felt extremely regretful.
How could he have forgotten such a great opportunity? He was still too honest, he lamented to himself.
After a basic treatment, Yugito's life was out of danger.
Colt didn't wake her as he had with Gaara; Tsunade still needed to decide her fate.
After a moment's thought, Tsunade came to a decision.
"Let's keep Yugito in Konoha for now. If we return her to Kumogakure, that old Raikage might think we're in cahoots with the Akatsuki."
Colt opened his mouth but decided against speaking.
In truth, the relationship between Akatsuki and Konoha ran deep.
The current leader was Jiraiya's student, and the mastermind behind it all was also Jiraiya's student.
Goodness... Did this mean that Jiraiya was the biggest mastermind in the ninja world?
Yugito was handed over to the ANBU for safekeeping, and Temari delivered her letter to Tsunade.
After explaining her request to stay in Konoha, Tsunade readily agreed.
Colt was pleased about this.
The Land of Wind's environment was too harsh; Konoha would be far more comfortable for her.
His brother-in-law was truly clever!
Just as he was about to take Temari home for some quality time together, Tsunade stopped him again.
"There's another task I need your help with," Tsunade said, a bit embarrassed about interrupting the couple's plans.
"Something's happened in the Land of Demons. The monster they've kept sealed for generations is showing signs of breaking free."
"It's said that this monster nearly destroyed the continent in ancient times. Fortunately, a priestess in the Land of Demons cast a seal to end the catastrophe."
"The Land of Fire and the Land of Demons have been allies for generations. I need you to protect their priestess and reinforce the seal."
Colt frowned.
"Is it urgent?"
Tsunade nodded.
"If you hadn't come, I would have sent someone to find you. You can call on any ninja in the village you need."
Colt was the village's most powerful fighter, and the only one Tsunade could be certain would succeed in this mission. Moreover, Tsunade had some thoughts of helping Colt earn some merits. After all, becoming Hokage required not just strength, but also outstanding achievements.
The monster seemed to be called Mōryō.
Colt tried hard to recall the related plot points, but he only remembered the main villain called Yomi and the priestess named Shion.
The rest was a blank.
'Oh yes, that Shion was also pretty, with eyes very similar to Hinata's. Their figures were alike too'
He could remember her a bit.
"No need, I'm enough on my own. I'll go quickly and return soon," Colt said, ready for a swift battle.
He had enough points now and had originally planned to exchange for the Gedo Statue in the next couple of days.
It seemed that would have to wait until he returned from the Land of Demons.
The next day, early morning.
Colt was neatly dressed, without any luggage, traveling light.
Before leaving, he also went to the Hokage building.
He hoped Tsunade would call Jiraiya back.
Naruto's progress in mastering the Rasenshuriken had reached 50%.
At this level, he could release it smoothly, but since he couldn't throw it, it would also damage the nerves in his hand.
A couple more uses and even Naruto with the Nine-Tails would be rendered useless.
It was time for him to learn Sage Mode too.
Also, with the in-depth investigation of the Akatsuki, Jiraiya would soon travel to Amegakure.
He was ready to go.
This time, the hero should not fall there.
The Land of Demons was located at the junction of Takigakure and the Land of Earth.
There was a huge canyon, and there were nearly ten small countries, large and small in between. The Land of Demons was one of them.
Colt first reached the border of the Land of Fire using his Flying Thunder God mark, then headed towards Takigakure.
When he arrived at the border of the Land of Demons half a day later, he found it had become a purgatory on earth.
Thousands of ghost warriors in armor, like organized soldiers, were marching firmly towards the marshlands.
The soldiers of the Land of Demons fought hard to resist, but the armor of these warriors was very strong, making it difficult for ordinary people to even breach their defenses.
Even if a powerful samurai desperately destroyed a warrior, it would quickly repair itself automatically.
Colt activated Sage Mode and floated in the air; his eyebrows raised in interest.
Under his perception, these puppets exuded natural energy. From an unknown source, a stream of energy was constantly flowing, repairing the broken puppets.
Was this the power of Mōryō?
Suppressing his curiosity, Colt's first task was to save these soldiers.
The sky was covered with dark clouds as if the world itself was worried about the future of this land.
However, it also saved him a lot of trouble.
Colt raised his right hand high, and a strong electric light shone from it, creating a connection with the dark clouds. Muffled thunder rumbled inside the clouds.
Since ancient times, thunder and lightning have represented the glory of the skies, with the power to vanquish evil and exorcise demons.
"Roar!"
An otherworldly beast composed entirely of thunder and lightning stuck its head out of the thundercloud, its crimson eyes instantly locking onto the target.
"[Lightning Style: Kirin]!"
Colt lowered his right hand, and the beast from across the sky slammed down!