In early April, the Kumogakure finally stopped their suicidal offensive, Fourth Raikage A, finally faced reality. "Unless Shu Furukawa and Minato Namikaze leave, the Kumogakure will have no chance."
Even when the Third Raikage died in the Land of Earth, the number of Kumogakure didn't reach this level. In less than a month, under the leadership of the Fourth Raikage, the village suffered heavy losses.
Calls for a ceasefire erupted again within the Kumogakure, forcing the Fourth Raikage A, to temporarily leave the front lines.
Young Ai was too shy to declare his victory like Ōnoki did. Soon after returning to the village, he didn't hide his injuries and even praised his opponent, saying, " Shu Furukawa's Lightning Release Ninjutsu is no less than mine!"
"He's the only one in the Shinobi World capable of injuring me..."
These words were spread by the Kumogakure, infuriating the conservative faction within the village and severely damaging the Kumogakure's prestige.
During the internal meeting, after Ai smashed several tables, both sides reached a temporary consensus that the battlefront needed to be pushed forward further, at least to the Land of Frost.
Compared to a month ago, this was already a significant concession, but Konoha didn't agree. The Konoha Ninja on the front lines once again cried out, "Lord Shu, lead us in one more charge!"
" Konoha Ninja fear no death!"
" Kumogakure must get out of Land of Frost!"
Faced with Konoha's tough stance, Kumogakure did not cower and return home like Iwagakure did. A battle was imminent, and Shu Furukawa continued to lead the Konoha Ninja to encircle and annihilate the enemy.
The " Death Supplement " accelerated the catalysis of Indra and Ashura Chakra, and Furukawa Osamu, obsessed with [ Collection ], only hoped that the Shu Furukawa Kumogakure could continue indefinitely.
With frequent reports of victories coming from the front lines, the Konoha Ninja who remained in the village spent most of their time either volunteering for battle or diligently carrying out missions.
With the war nearing its end, trade routes were more efficient than ever, leading to increased demand. The Konoha Ninja successfully secured this portion of the orders.
With the time for Tsunade to succeed as the Fourth Hokage Tsunade ever closer, the two high-ranking advisors are steadily losing power.
In contrast, Danzo, who recognized reality early on, successfully preserved his power.
The Root beneath the Kage Rock remained shrouded in darkness. In the deep room, Danzo's face, Danzo by candlelight, was somewhat distorted. " Kakashi, you want to completely break away from Root? Haven't you realized what the true Will of Fire really is?"
"Where there is light, there is shadow; it is because of the existence of roots that the village can prosper."
Kakashi, kneeling on the floor, didn't offer much explanation. He was still grateful for Danzo and the Root ninja's guidance, and his improved strength was inseparable from their help. "I'm sorry, Danzo, I choose to inherit my father's will."
"The ninja's self-utilization is a free choice; I cannot change this situation, nor do I want to control these tools."
" The Root may also undergo changes in the future, Danzo. You may want to make plans in advance."
"Given the opportunity, I would like to serve under your leadership again."
Finally, Kakashi slowly stood up, looking calmly at the senior who had had a significant impact on him.
If he hadn't met his father in the Pure Land, Kakashi felt he would eventually have accepted the father's beliefs and chosen to control those "tools."
Three Root ninjas suddenly appeared behind Kakashi, their murderous aura revealing their intentions.
"So that's how it is, Kakashi. You don't have high hopes for Root's future either?"
"Remember, not everyone can inherit this darkness. You will return here."
Danzo regained his composure, tapped the table, and the Root ninjas immediately disappeared. Kakashi bowed again, then decisively turned and left.
Watching Kakashi's disappearing figure, Danzo felt a surge of anger welling up from the bottom of his heart. Even a junior like him didn't have any faith in him.
"How interesting, you didn't choose to take action."
Orochimaru chuckled softly, slowly emerging from the darkness. Looking at Danzo's still-empty right arm, he offered his advice again. "Most of the Root ninjas have already had Hashirama Cells transplanted, albeit modified ones, but you've seen their improvement."
"If you believe in your own will, you can make the same choice as me."
"An arm can further enhance your strength and even repair damage to your body."
Danzo somewhat tempted, but he remained wary of Orochimaru and also harbored suspicions about Shu Furukawa's skills. After a moment's thought, he didn't agree but instead changed the subject, " Orochimaru, Jiraiya has already discovered your plan."
" The Wood Release and Rinnegan do need to be retrieved, but you probably don't want Tsunade to know about it."
Orochimaru didn't deny it. Thinking of the information he had gathered about the Sage of Six Paths, he subconsciously stuck out his long tongue and licked it, revealing a fanatical expression as he mocked, " Jiraiya wouldn't tell Tsunade either. He still clings to illusions, trying to save his disciple."
"We've gathered the basic intelligence, and besides the Summoning Jutsu, I also have a way to counter the Black Rods."
" Hanzo's purge of Amegakure is a big problem. If I'm not mistaken, he has already secretly taken control of the village."
Danzo, pondering the intelligence he had gathered, trying to recall Hanzo's injuries at the time. He squinted again and nodded in agreement. "In that case, we can test the waters again to confirm the information."
"This power must be controlled by us; as for the right arm, I'm counting on you."
"You can use the letter; his body can perfectly resolve the rejection reaction."
Orochimaru's eyes flashed with mockery, but he quickly concealed his gaze. To obtain the power of the Rinnegan, he needed to rely on the tools of the Root: "At most, you'll be able to experience the power of Hashirama Cells in a week."
17
Danzo slightly, thinking of Kabuto's Wood Release, and subconsciously compared it with the Wood Release he had encountered that day. He finally concluded with disappointment, "That was the Wood Release power that was close to that of the First Hokage."
Kakashi felt a sense of relief as he left Root with his short sword on his back; he had always kept his father's instructions in mind.
Upon arriving at the Memorial Stone site, Kakashi offered his usual flowers and then went to Obito's grave. Noticing the Uchiha Clan mark on the gift, he murmured to himself, " Obito, your clan hasn't forgotten you either."
"That genius named Shisui held you in high esteem. You were able to resist the temptation of drugs; you seem to be the only one among the younger generation of the Uchiha Clan to have done so."
"If only you could have survived. You'd probably be in the Police Force by now."
"I will tell Lin about your genius. If you also remain in the Pure Land like your father, then keep watching over us."
A gentle breeze brushed against his face, Kakashi subconsciously looked up at the azure sky, eagerly anticipating Obito's arrival in the Pure Land to witness his and Rin's happy life.
When Namiashi Raidō arrived at the grave, he was still somewhat taken aback to see Kakashi, whose demeanor was completely different from before. "I never expected that you, Captain, would become like this. Come to think of it, you do look a bit like Minato-sensei!"
" Obito will be happy to see your change. That guy isn't very honest; he's actually always wanted to change your mind."
" The Fourth Hokage will soon be taking over the reins, Kakashi, what are your plans?"
As a renowned Jonin in the village, Kakashi was qualified to choose which department he wanted to work for after leaving Root.
"Just like Kai, focus on the mission!"
"If I had more time, I would stay by Rin's side. I promised Obito I would take good care of Rin."
"Being a ninja isn't everything, Lei. Which department would you like to work in?"
Kakashi responded with a smile, his eyes no longer as sharp as before. Namiashi Raidō and finally stated his plan. "I'll go to the Intelligence Department. Without war, the work should be easier."
"No problem, Lady Tsunade will promote a group of young ninjas. With Xiu's help, everyone will definitely be able to get into their desired department."
Kakashi responded confidently, Namiashi Raidō, thinking of the recent news from the front lines, nodded subconsciously. Thinking of the village's flourishing development, he looked at the tombstone and whispered, "You would definitely have liked the village led by the Fourth Hokage. I really want to see you again."
As evening fell, the Konoha Ninja returning to their camp on the front lines of the Land of Frost felt they hadn't had enough.
"Lord Shu's Lightning Release must be the strongest in the Shinobi World!"
"That Fourth Raikage was too scared to fight, so he could only send these guys to their deaths."
"If Lord Xiu had continued to lead us, there wouldn't have been so many casualties."
"Are you an idiot? Keep your voice down, there are Lord Orochimaru's subordinates here too..."
Even the injured Konoha Ninja enthusiastically joined the discussion. They might not be able to "charge," but with Lord Xiu by their side, they regained their confidence.
Minato Namikaze, who mostly fought alone, finally understood why Shu Furukawa was so highly regarded; getting Konoha Ninja involved in battle was no easy feat.
At dinner time, the Konoha Ninja fawned over Shu Furukawa, turning the cold meal into a delicious feast.
Several young Jonin from various Ninja Clans surrounded Shu Furukawa, chatting incessantly until dinner was over, at which point Minato finally approached him.
"Xiu, the Water Dragon Bullet Technique seems to contain lightning. Perhaps it's a bit presumptuous, but it might be Kekkei Genkai!"
Minato Namikaze asked in a low voice, but Shu Furukawa looked indifferent and replied with a smile, "I saw the Kumogakure using it, so I tried it out myself. I think it's called Storm Release. The effect is similar to a composite ninjutsu."
Minato was suddenly speechless. He couldn't even comment on such talent—it was something he had succeeded with just a casual try.
" Kekkei Genkai aren't that strong, at least not for things like escape techniques; they don't offer as much of an improvement as Senjutsu."
"With the war over, Minato- kun can try out Senjutsu more often. Its power has no limits, and it's worth studying it in depth."
Hearing Shu Furukawa's words, Minato Namikaze nodded, but thinking about the end of the war, he looked forward to a happy life by Kushina's side.
Shu Furukawa also discovered another side of Minato; the other seemed quite "nerdy," but he needed to be prepared, since Uchiha often had some mental issues. "With two close friends around, and without medication, the symptoms shouldn't be too serious..."