Chapter 106: True. A Beast Lurks in Her Heart
Chapter 106: True. A Beast Lurks in Her Heart
"Kushina-san?"
To Hei was surprised to see the vibrant young red-haired jonin standing before him. He hadn't expected Konoha's ace to be her this time.
After all, she had never been allowed to leave Konoha before.
There was only one reason for this.
True. A Beast Lurks in Her Heart
She was a Jinchuriki, with the Nine-Tails sealed inside her. She was Konoha's ultimate 'nuclear weapon.'
While she might not necessarily be called into action, her presence alone was a clear indication of Konoha's serious commitment to this battle.
They were willing to go to any lengths.
This was because the Kumogakure forces had already positioned themselves at the border of the Land of the Moon. Any weakness shown by Konoha would allow them to break through the buffer states of the Land of the Moon and the Land of Hot Water, and then directly attack the border of the Land of Fire.
The Kirigakure forces were also stirring, ready to intensify their efforts if Mount Kiko were to fall.
Given this situation, it was no wonder the Third Hokage had taken the risk of sending Uzumaki Kushina.
As for himself?
As the Hokage, he was the village's last line of defense. In a situation where enemies surrounded them on all sides, it was indeed unwise for him to move lightly. There was no denying this.
"Hmph, you haven't come to see me for so long. Have you forgotten about your big sister?"
Uzumaki Kushina, wearing a green vest, a forehead protector, and a high ponytail, wrapped her arms around To Hei's neck, nearly choking him.
"Cough, cough, I've been on missions the whole time!"
To Hei awkwardly pushed her away.
In a fight, he would have plenty of ways to break free. But in this playful familial interaction, he was at a loss.
She genuinely treated him like family, which he could clearly sense.
However, due to Minato Namikaze, he had to maintain a certain distance from her.
In Minato's heart, the village was paramount, more important than family or even himself.
To Hei, on the other hand, was a rebel at heart. If he ever came into conflict with Konoha, it would be too difficult for Kushina to be caught in the middle.
"Fine, you pass this time. The old man finally let me go into battle. If the Sand shinobi dare to show up, I'll send them flying. You can follow me, and I'll protect you!"
Kushina released him, satisfied with his explanation, and took on a protective stance.
To Hei's achievements were not widely publicized, so few people knew about them. Shinobi were secretive, and information didn't spread unless deliberately shared.
"Kushina-san, you're awesome!"
To Hei wouldn't say anything to dampen the mood, like "I already have Sage Mode, and I could easily beat you." Her strength was probably on par with a few-tailed state.
Though she was an Uzumaki, she wasn't 'Uzumaki Mito,' the sealing expert who could treat the Nine-Tails like a pet.
She wasn't a protagonist like his son, either. Being able to handle a few-tailed state was her limit.
For To Hei, a few-tailed state was no problem. Jinchuriki were strong because of their infinite chakra, which was useful for clearing out minor enemies. However, in battles between powerful opponents, the influence wasn't as overwhelming.
As long as she wasn't in the Nine-Tails state, To Hei was confident he could suppress her.
Did they really think his Sage Mode was a watered-down version of Jiraiya's?
To Hei also noticed the seal on Kushina's wrist.
'The Flying Thunder God technique?'
This explained why the village was willing to let this 'nuclear weapon' join the battle.
They chatted for a while, and then a squad of shinobi rushed toward the river.
"Kushina-sensei!"
The leading figure called out halfway.
The moment To Hei heard this voice, his 'Daoist heart' faltered. He couldn't help but recognize it immediately.
White Wolf! No, future White Wolf.
Uchiha Obito!
Despite sharing the same clan name, they weren't even acquaintances.
To Hei glanced at Kushina and thought to himself.
'Sis, you really dare to take on a student like this?'
He has a natural 'teacher-slayer' attribute. Are you not afraid of dying?
You must have several lives to be so reckless!
"Old man assigned me a team. What do you think? My choice is pretty good, right?"
Unaware of To Hei's thoughts, Kushina proudly introduced her three students.
This reinforcement mission included several ungraduated ninja, so it was only natural for the trio of Uchiha Obito, Yamanaka Rin, and a generic Genin to be sent to Mount Kikyo.
The problem was that they would be under the watchful eye of Uzumaki Kukune.
Given the future, Obito and Rin becoming Minato Namikaze's students was likely due to their mentors and the fact that both of their original teams had been wiped out, leading to the formation of a new team.
Anyone who dared to team up with such a 'main character' would be signing their own death warrant.
To Hei cast a pitying glance at the generic Genin, already writing them off as dead.
No hope, just wait to die. Goodbye!
"Obito, sensei told you not to shout so much, really..."
A girl with a black top, a knee-length light pink skirt, and dark red knee-high socks, with short brown hair that looked innocent and lively, caught up and began scolding Obito.
(Ninja mature quickly; a five-year-old prodigy can think like a Hokage, so don't judge their mental and physical maturity by real-world standards!)
Yes, this short brown-haired girl was the 'white moonlight' in Uchiha Obito's heart, the one who would eventually drive him to destroy the world.
Yamanaka Rin!
It's no wonder Obito became her devoted follower. Who could resist such a beautiful girl? (Reject the unhealthy beauty standards, starting with yourself!)
In novels and films, villains who destroy the world for their loved ones are often seen as sympathetic.
But in reality, that's a horror story.
That's why To Hei didn't like Uchiha Obito, even though he was currently a bright and cheerful young man.
Bang!
Uzumaki Kukune punched Obito on the head, interrupting his imminent 'adoring words.'
"I've told you not to shout so much!"
She blew on her fist as she spoke, clearly indicating that if he dared to argue, he should first consider her 'sandbag'-sized fist.
"Got it, Kukune-sensei!"
Obito looked utterly dejected.
At this moment, Rin greeted To Hei respectfully.
"To Hei-sama!"
Clearly, she had been informed about him.
Otherwise, she wouldn't have shown such deference.
"You're Kukune's student, so just call me by my name!"
To Hei said casually.
Given his relationship with Uzumaki Kukune, there was no need for such formality.
"Rin, he's just..."
Uchiha Obito, rubbing his head, walked over.
But he was cut off by Rin's gaze.
Others might not know, but Rin had an extensive network and had learned who Uchiha To Hei was.
Not to mention his legendary 'three-day captain' experience, his Jonin status alone set him apart from ordinary ninja.
"Alright!"
Obito finally shut up under Rin's gaze.
Seeing his meek and submissive demeanor, To Hei found it hard to imagine that this boy would one day become the traitor who would murder his teacher, slaughter his clan, and destroy the ninja world.
"Obito, let me give you a piece of advice," To Hei glanced at Rin, "When you step ashore, the first sword strike should be against your beloved."
He wasn't a saint or a pushover; if Obito turned dark in the future, he would have to be eliminated.
"What do you mean?"
Obito didn't understand To Hei's reference.
But Rin seemed to sense something, though she pressed her lips together and said nothing.
"By the way, why are you here?"
Kukune suddenly remembered that she had left the team at the fortress. Their visit must have a reason.
"Elder Shobu sent us to find you. She wants you to reinforce the sealing barrier!"
Rin explained their purpose.
Before the teams merged, she was the core of their team.
After all, Uchiha Obito was just a devoted follower, and the other generic Genin didn't even have a name.
"Is that so!" Kukune nodded and bid To Hei farewell, "I'll go take care of it. We'll talk later!"
As a master of sealing techniques, she could indeed significantly strengthen the fortress's barrier.
Once Kukune and her team left, To Hei received a new mission.
(End of Chapter)
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