The sudden emergence of the massive hand startled Jiraiya and the others. Satoru, who had been locked in a prolonged struggle with them, was subdued with such ease. Just how formidable was the shinobi responsible for this unseen technique?
Could it be the work of Iwagakure's elite? However, for an Earth Release of this magnitude, even among the ranks of the famed Tsuchikage's forces, few could wield such power.
After a moment of contemplation, Jiraiya's thoughts shifted to Naruto. Only he possessed chakra reserves vast enough to sustain a technique of this scale. But when had Naruto mastered Doton?
Just then, Jiraiya sensed traces of Senjutsu emanating from the earth. In that instant, everything clicked.
Turning to Tsunade, Jiraiya spoke with certainty: "Tsunade, it's Naruto. Only he could execute a technique of this caliber."
Tsunade's expression darkened. She had assumed Konoha had tolerated Naruto's independence due to Minato's legacy, granting him leniency. But now, it was clear—Naruto's power wasn't just on par with the Sannin; he had surpassed even the average Kage.
Jiraiya, caught off guard by the inquiry, pondered before answering, "Perhaps because Naruto is a perfect jinchūriki. Even Killer B of Kumogakure wields immense strength…"
Yet, as he spoke, Jiraiya realized his explanation was lacking. Even he couldn't fully comprehend Naruto's growth.
---
Near the Scarlet Altar
After dragging Mu's lifeless form toward the Box of Ultimate Bliss, the surrounding undead creatures stirred once more. Naruto barely glanced at them before conjuring a dozen adamantine chains, subduing them instantly.
Though their strength was unimpressive, merely touching them carried an eerie sensation, as if they tainted chakra itself.
Yet, neither Naruto nor Kurama were susceptible to such corruption. Their bodies had long harbored dark chakra, making them immune. Instead, the Senjutsu chakra coursing through Naruto actively burned away the creatures.
With a casual motion, Naruto tore off Mu's arm, intrigued by the extent of his regenerative ability. However, upon seeing the limb fail to regrow, a flicker of disappointment crossed his face. Without hesitation, he manipulated Five-Tails' chakra to unleash Katon: Prison of Eternal Flame.
As the jutsu took form, an enormous sphere of fire engulfed Mu completely. Simultaneously, the Bliss Box creaked open, generating an immense suction akin to a black hole, swallowing both Mu and the undead creatures within its maw.
Peering into the gap before it sealed, Naruto caught sight of something glowing inside.
A tongue.
Naruto narrowed his eyes. Could this be the secret behind the Bliss Box's unnatural abilities?
Was it the appendage of a native deity? Or something even more ancient—perhaps an artifact of the Ōtsutsuki?
Even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki herself, with all her godlike powers, shouldn't be capable of such a bizarre phenomenon. Could it be that the origins of this anomaly stemmed not from the Ōtsutsuki Clan, but from an even higher plane of existence?
Naruto exhaled, shaking off the thought. This was not the time to dwell on mysteries beyond his reach.
With a swift hand sign, he summoned the great serpent Manda II, ordering it to swallow the Bliss Box and transport it to Ryūchi Cave. Then, with a single leap, he shot toward the battlefield above.
Upon emerging on the surface, Naruto's gaze locked onto Uchiha Itachi, Hoshigaki Kisame, and the remnants of Akatsuki.
Receiving their retreat signal, the Akatsuki duo vanished without hesitation, making their way toward Amegakure.
As the dust settled, only Konoha, Kusagakure, and Naruto remained.
The leader of Kusagakure cautiously stepped forward, offering a sycophantic smile. But upon seeing Karin rushing toward Naruto, his expression stiffened.
The very thing he feared had come to pass.
As Kusagakure's leader, he knew all too well how his village had mistreated Karin. Now, with both Iwagakure and Akatsuki as looming threats, Kusagakure had to reckon with the vengeance of Uzumaki as well.
Swallowing his pride, he stepped forward. "Lady Karin, the past wrongs of Kusagakure were inexcusable. I assure you, those responsible will be punished accordingly. They will be imprisoned in Hōzuki Castle..."
Karin remained silent, ignoring him completely. Desperate, the leader turned to Naruto. "Lord Uzushio, Kusagakure is willing to cooperate with your village and provide resources. Please, forgive our past offenses."
Naruto gave him an indifferent glance. "No need. Keep your resources for yourselves."
With that, Naruto turned and left, leading Karin away without so much as a backward glance.
Left standing alone, the Kusagakure leader turned toward Jiraiya and Tsunade. "Lord Jiraiya, Lady Tsunade, surely Konoha values its alliance with Kusagakure…"
Jiraiya gave a polite yet dismissive smile. "The Hokage handles diplomatic matters. We have no say in this."
With that, Jiraiya brushed past him, hurrying after Naruto.
---
Deep in the forest
Naruto hadn't gone far, sitting atop a boulder, waiting.
Moments later, Jiraiya and Tsunade arrived.
Without looking at them, Naruto spoke calmly: "If you're here to convince me to return to Konoha, don't bother. Do you want to fight, or just talk?"
Tsunade scowled but was held back by Jiraiya, who urged patience. Taking a deep breath, she asked, "Naruto, why did you leave Konoha? With your talent, becoming Hokage would be easy."
"I have no interest in being Hokage," Naruto replied. "But if Konoha is willing to become part of Uzushiogakure, I'll consider it."
Tsunade clenched her fists. "You—!"
Barely restraining her anger, she stepped forward, intent on knocking some sense into Naruto.
Naruto didn't flinch. Without warning, he raised a kunai and drove it into his own palm.
Splurt!
Blood splattered.
Tsunade staggered, her breath hitching, her knees weakening. Even standing upright was a struggle, but her eyes remained locked on Naruto.
How had he learned about her hemophobia?
Naruto smirked. Lifting his palm, he licked it nonchalantly. "Relax. It's just ketchup."
Tsunade's eyes widened.
Naruto continued in a low voice, "But given your condition, you should avoid reckless fights. You wouldn't want to let the world lose a brilliant healer, would you?"
Then, his tone shifted. "I despise shinobi who sacrifice others to glorify themselves. But I respect people like you, Tsunade-senpai. That's why I don't want unnecessary conflict with you."
After a pause, Naruto turned his gaze to Jiraiya. "Are you still searching for the Child of Prophecy, Jiraiya-senpai? Or have you decided to become the prophecy yourself—and started looking for a puppet to be the next Hokage?"
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