The Five Kage Summit concluded smoothly without any interference from the Akatsuki.
Konoha essentially achieved its goals, solidifying its leadership and dominance.
As for annexing other ninja villages? That could wait for now.
At this stage, Shūichi didn't have much to do with the preparation and groundwork. His top priority remained the continuous improvement of his own strength.
However, training was only part of his daily routine—cultivating and watering a few acres of land was also non-negotiable.
Tsunade, in particular, became notably proactive after their first encounter. She insisted on being fully "watered" daily before giving Shūichi any semblance of a pleasant attitude.
Unfortunately, even the strongest physical contenders like Asuka and Tsunade couldn't match him.
Shūichi declared smugly, "There's not a single worthy opponent. Even if you all come at me together, it's still the same outcome."
---
Time passed steadily.
Three days later, the headquarters of the Allied Shinobi Forces was established in the mountains behind Konoha.
A day after that, sensory ninjas, led by Shūichi, finished deploying the sensory technique. Under the guidance of Yamanaka Inoichi and Ao, a sensory and communications team was formed. This allowed the Konoha base to remain in constant contact with scouting teams in the field while utilizing their immense sensory abilities to detect large, distant chakra signatures.
For instance, they could now pinpoint the chakras of Uchiha Madara and Nagato.
Simultaneously, Shūichi's clones worked tirelessly to set up space-time teleportation arrays in Kumogakure, Iwagakure, and Sunagakure, ensuring these villages could travel to and from Konoha as efficiently as Kirigakure.
---
Time continued to flow.
One by one, scouting teams were dispatched, with Kakashi, Yamato, and others playing pivotal roles.
Meanwhile, several hidden Orochimaru bases were discovered and dismantled.
Unfortunately, the results yielded little in terms of crucial leads, though Shūichi stumbled upon a variety of interesting finds, enough to make him feel it was worth keeping the answers hidden for now.
The Byakugan's penetrating sight managed to detect White Zetsu's subterranean activities. However, their lone, rapid movements left the Konoha teams with little to capture.
In the blink of an eye, a month passed.
---
Inside the experimental facility, Shūichi was momentarily stunned as he watched Tsunade suddenly cover her mouth and rush to the restroom, seemingly nauseous.
Then, his expression turned to delight.
"Could it be...?"
"After all, we haven't stopped for a month—it should've happened by now."
Shūichi instantly teleported beside Tsunade. "Tsunade, are you…?"
Feeling slightly better, Tsunade glared at Shūichi before nodding reluctantly, her brows furrowed. "I didn't expect it to happen so soon. Who knows how long this war will last?"
Shūichi puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course! Do you even know who I am?"
"As for the war, don't worry. Once it starts, it'll end quickly!"
He then wrapped his arms around Tsunade, his gaze falling on her abdomen with a warm smile. "Alright, stop overthinking. The most important thing now is this little one."
Tsunade pushed him away with a cold snort. "This has nothing to do with you anymore."
Hiss!
Such cold indifference!
Of course, Shūichi wasn't bothered by Tsunade's tough exterior—after all, that was all she had left.
---
Upon leaving the experimental facility, Shūichi received memories from one of his clones.
Everything was ready for the next step: the Jinchūriki transfer plan.
"It's showtime again."
With a grin, Shūichi summoned multiple Wood Clone Jutsu copies. One by one, the clones activated the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode.
"Inoichi-senpai, please send me the coordinates of the search teams."
Shūichi connected with the sensory unit at Konoha headquarters.
"Understood!"
After double-checking the locations of the various search teams, Yamanaka Inoichi relayed the coordinates.
Each time a set of coordinates was shared, one of Shūichi's Wood Clones disappeared instantly.
---
Land of Frost
Hyūga Hizashi's scouting team wasn't surprised to see Shūichi suddenly appear—they had already been notified of his arrival.
"Lord Shūichi!" x3
The team members greeted him respectfully, though Hizashi, being both a senior and fellow villager, referred to him simply as "Shūichi."
After exchanging pleasantries, Shūichi asked, "What's the situation?"
Hizashi reported, "We've managed to locate several White Zetsu, but they're too fast and elusive, burrowing deep underground."
A stone ninja, responsible for Earth Release techniques, added apologetically, "Lord Shūichi, my Earth Release skills aren't refined enough to force them to the surface."
Shūichi chuckled. "No need to worry. As long as they leave traces, we'll eventually find them."
"If all else fails, we'll just search the entire continent."
The group nodded in agreement.
Shūichi then commanded, "Let's move on and keep searching. I'll be accompanying you from now on."
The team resumed their operations, continuing to comb through the area for any clues.
---
Elsewhere, other search teams also welcomed the addition of a Wood Clone equipped with Nine-Tails Chakra Mode. Their security levels soared instantly.
Naturally, such actions didn't escape White Zetsu's underground intelligence network.
Even if the real White Zetsu didn't dare approach, the White Zetsu controlled by Shūichi ensured that Black Zetsu was informed of every development.
So, in less than ten minutes after…
At the Mountain Graveyard, the Akatsuki's temporary headquarters:
A White Zetsu emerged from the ground and reported to Uchiha Madara and Black Zetsu, "There's some very troubling news. One of Shūichi's clones has appeared alongside the search teams."
Madara replied indifferently, "Isn't that within expectations?"
White Zetsu nodded, "That's true, but the problem is… he has the Nine-Tails' chakra."
"Hmm?"
Madara raised an eyebrow. "Are you suggesting he extracted the Nine-Tails and sealed it within himself?"
White Zetsu nodded again. "Exactly as expected of you, Lord Madara!"
"It seems that's the case. The state of those clones cannot be achieved by merely borrowing a bit of the Nine-Tails' chakra."
Black Zetsu added, "He has already saved the former Jinchūriki from whom the Tailed Beasts were extracted. It's not surprising that he would take this step."
"After all, the previous Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was the Fourth Hokage's wife. Whether to ensure her safety or protect the Nine-Tails, Shūichi was the most suitable candidate."
"And he can easily control the Nine-Tails' chakra."
"That said, this does make things troublesome. Seizing the Nine-Tails from him is virtually impossible now."
The reporting White Zetsu nodded repeatedly in agreement.
Madara frowned momentarily but soon dismissed the concern. "Didn't we prepare a second plan?"
"Once we secure the Six-Tails, we'll implement it."
Black Zetsu nodded. "That's our only choice now."
"However, at their current search speed, they'll soon discover the White Zetsu army."
Madara remained unbothered. "Don't worry. The opportunity will come soon enough."
"They know we need both the Six-Tails and the Nine-Tails. With the Nine-Tails now sealed in Shūichi Hoshita, they'll undoubtedly transfer the Six-Tails' Jinchūriki out of Konoha."
"They wouldn't want Konoha to become a battlefield."
Madara smirked. "Additionally, they might even use the Six-Tails' Jinchūriki as bait to lure us out."
"Shūichi is an extremely confident individual."
"And his ambition… is also the Ten-Tails."
From their previous encounters, Madara was certain that Shūichi had the power to seal him but not in a conventional manner.
Uniting the ninja world through the Allied Shinobi Forces was likely only one of Shūichi's objectives.
The other was the Ten-Tails.
Madara concluded that Shūichi was subtly manipulating events to ensure the Ten-Tails' revival without letting it spiral out of control.
His goal was undoubtedly the Ten-Tails itself! He intended to revive it through their efforts, only to seize control of it afterward.
"What a perfect plan," Madara mused, "but when the time comes, I'll show you the true power of the Rinnegan."
Madara's admiration for Shūichi grew, as did his anticipation for their inevitable battle. When that day arrived, he resolved to face Shūichi with his full strength as a sign of respect.
---
In Konoha…
After dispatching his Wood Clones, Shūichi immersed himself in training, continuing his development of a forbidden taijutsu technique.
The technique's development had reached a critical phase.
Following Flame Breathing and Lightning Breathing, Shūichi had successfully completed Earth Breathing, Wind Breathing, and Water Breathing.
With all five phases complete, the abilities they provided were now on par with him fully opening the Seventh Gate. In terms of defense, they were even more formidable.
But it still wasn't enough.
In Shūichi's vision and plans, this level of power fell short.
He didn't need something akin to the Eighth Gate—a technique reliant on self-sacrifice.
Thus, his development progressed further beyond Water Breathing, culminating in the creation of Spirit Breathing—or, as he also called it, Yin Breathing.
This technique was born from a deeper mastery of Yin Release and the soul itself.
---
Two days passed in the blink of an eye.
After confirming that Madara and his allies had received the information, the next phase of the plan began.
Shūichi transferred the Six-Tails into an immortal White Zetsu, using a spiritual clone to control its body. This transformed the Zetsu into a replica of the Six-Tails' Jinchūriki, Utakata.
On the rooftop of the Hokage building, Onoki and other leaders watched the transformation unfold, stunned by what they witnessed.
Shūichi, now in Utakata's form, explained, "White Zetsu possesses the ability to mimic chakra signatures, which is why Akatsuki's intelligence network is so formidable."
"Before the war begins, we must use malice detection to thoroughly screen our ranks. Otherwise, spies might infiltrate."
Onoki frowned. "Are you saying the enemy has already infiltrated our forces?"
Shūichi shook his head. "Not here."
"Alright, Lord Tsuchikage, it's time for us to move out."
The team escorting the Six-Tails' Jinchūriki was led by Onoki and included Suna's rising star Maki, Kumo's Dodai, Konoha's Hayate Gekko, and Kiri's Kisame Hoshigaki.
After lightening everyone's weight with the Light-Weight Rock Technique, the group ascended into the sky under the watchful eyes of Minato Namikaze and others, heading north.
From atop a mountain outside Konoha, a White Zetsu's head emerged from the rock, just in time to catch sight of the six flying figures.
It quickly burrowed back underground to report the news.
---
At the Mountain Graveyard.
Aside from Orochimaru, Uchiha Madara, Black Zetsu, Nagato, and Uchiha Obito had all gathered.
After receiving White Zetsu's report, Black Zetsu remarked, "It seems certain this is a trap. Otherwise, they would have used space-time ninjutsu for greater secrecy."
Nagato asked, "Even if it's a trap, the Six-Tails' Jinchūriki isn't fake, right?"
Madara chuckled lightly. "We'll find out soon enough."
Standing up, he declared, "We'll send clones to harass Konoha. The three of us together will strike, and not even Shūichi will be able to protect the Six-Tails' Jinchūriki."
"In fact, this battle should be quite effortless."
Nagato and Obito stood up as well. Though each harbored their own thoughts, they moved in unison.
Moments later, the three split their clones to head toward Konoha while their true bodies moved to intercept Onoki's group.
---
In Konoha, at the Allied Shinobi Forces headquarters.
The sensory sphere suddenly fluctuated, and Ao's expression changed. "Such powerful chakra!"
"It's Uchiha Madara!"
"He's appeared… directly above Konoha!"
In the command center, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was overseeing operations, was visibly shocked. He immediately issued orders: "Inoichi, inform the First, Second, and Fourth Hokage immediately!"
"Understood!"
Yamanaka Inoichi sprang into action.
---
At a gambling hall, Senju Hashirama, who had been thoroughly enjoying himself, suddenly tensed. In the next instant, he vanished and reappeared on a rooftop.
"Madara!"
Hashirama looked skyward, his brows furrowing as he spotted the familiar figure above.
Moments later, Senju Tobirama appeared beside him. "Brother, it seems he intends to use that technique."
Hashirama nodded. "How are things on Monkey and the Fourth's end?"
Tobirama replied, "They're ready."
"Then let's go!"
---
High above Konoha.
Uchiha Madara gazed down at the bustling village below. "What a pity. Such prosperity is fleeting and narrow-minded."
"To establish true and lasting peace, everything must be torn down and rebuilt."
As his words fell, Madara activated his Susano'o, its massive form casting a shadow over the village. Both his hands and the Susano'o formed seals.
Heavenly Obstacle Quaking Star!
One after another, colossal meteors tore through the clouds, descending from the heavens.
Darkness engulfed Konoha as panic spread like wildfire. Ninja from both Konoha and the other villages scrambled onto rooftops, staring in disbelief at the giant meteors that threatened to crush the entire village.
---
At the Hokage Rock, Jiraiya stood beside Minato Namikaze, his expression grave. "Is this the power of the Rinnegan?"
Minato responded, "It's hard to say whether this is the Rinnegan's ability or the power of Madara's Mangekyō Sharingan."
"Jiraiya-sensei, the figure we see is likely only Madara's clone, so we must be extremely cautious."
Jiraiya nodded and formed hand seals. "If Nagato shows up, it'll likely be a clone as well."
Minato's eyes became adorned with the markings of Sage Mode. "Even clones are highly dangerous."
"Jiraiya-sensei, though Nagato shares some common goals with us, he won't hold back. So…"
Jiraiya smiled. "Don't worry, Minato. I'm not reckless."
Minato returned the smile. "Of course not!"
---
On the rooftops of the Uchiha district.
Uchiha Fugaku stood alongside Uchiha Shisui, both watching the sky with grim expressions.
Fugaku muttered, "Is this the power of Madara's Mangekyō Sharingan?"
Shisui shook his head. "I don't think so. According to the First Hokage's accounts, Madara never used this technique, not even during the Valley of the End battle. It's likely a Rinnegan ability."
"Clan leader, Shūichi has instructed that you continue to conceal the existence of your Mangekyō. Allow me to handle this."
Fugaku nodded. "Be careful. I'll focus on evacuating the clan."
With that, he turned and leaped into action.
Shisui, meanwhile, prepared to counter the descending meteors, his chakra surging.
However, just as he was about to summon his Susano'o, he abruptly vanished.
Uchiha Obito appeared, his strike missing its mark. He turned to see Shisui some distance away and smirked. "What sharp reflexes!"
Shisui narrowed his eyes. "Obito?"
Surveying his surroundings, Shisui immediately dashed toward the outskirts of Konoha.
Obito glanced at the meteors above before pursuing him.
Today, his opponent was Uchiha Shisui.
He was confident that these distractions wouldn't be enough to trouble Shūichi or Minato Namikaze.
(End of Chapter)
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