https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-238-When-Did-Konoha-Start-Having-Such-Bad-Luck-/12553580/
https://novelcool.info/chapter/Chapter-240-Naruto-s-Decision-Stands-Firm-Unchangeable-/12553582/
Chapter 239: Something's Off with the Big Boss
Chapter 239: Something's Off with the Big Boss
Despite its massive size, the three-tailed beast paled in comparison to the formidable Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
With each of his fingers, Yuiyi Xuan Yue summoned one after another of the Akatsuki members: Kakuzu, Hidan, Sasori, Itachi Uchiha, Izuna Uchiha, and this time, Sasuke Uchiha, who had been absent before.
Including Yuiyi Xuan Yue himself, as well as Deidara and Kisame, who were present in their true forms, there were nine people in total, each standing on one of the ten fingers of the Demonic Statue.
After obtaining the Rinnegan, Yuiyi Xuan Yue had returned to the village and used its power to create several Akatsuki rings, which he then gave to the three Uchiha clan members, enabling their projection here.
Sasuke, standing where Itachi had once stood, curiously surveyed the people present before his attention was drawn to the Demonic Statue.
It was only when the crashing sound of the three-tailed beast hitting the ground rang out that he turned his head to fully take in the sight of the beast in all its glory for the first time.
At that moment, Deidara, standing on the opposite finger, noticed Sasuke and asked with interest, "Itachi Uchiha's little brother? I wonder how your strength compares to his?"
Sasuke turned to glance at Deidara and replied nonchalantly, "You can try me if you want."
Deidara's lips twisted in annoyance.
As expected of brothers, their tone and demeanor were equally unpleasant.
"I hope my new partner isn't going to be this guy," Deidara thought to himself, his face rapidly changing expressions.
"Or maybe one of the other two Uchiha here?" he continued to ponder. "If so, the journey ahead is going to be a real drag."
Hidan's voice interrupted Deidara's train of thoughts. "So, we're already on to the next one? I thought there were no leads on the three-tailed beast. How did we find it so suddenly?"
Hidan had been preoccupied with contemplating a new religious doctrine and had no idea how many hairs he had pulled out from frustration.
If given a choice, he would much rather continue pulling out his hair than be here, performing the tedious task of extracting the tailed beasts.
But one glance at Yuiyi Xuan Yue, who was even more formidable than a dark god, was enough to shut him up.
He muttered a habitual complaint before closing his mouth.
"Are we almost ready to begin the capture of the other tailed beasts as well?" Kakuzu asked, his attitude a stark contrast to Hidan's as he eagerly anticipated the opportunity to line his pockets during the tailed beast capture missions.
"Indeed, the tailed beast capture plan is entering its final stage," Yuiyi Xuan Yue nodded in agreement. "I will inform you of the relevant tasks afterward."
"Now, let's begin the extraction of the three-tailed beast."
At Yuiyi Xuan Yue's command, everyone present tensed up. As they formed hand seals, the Demonic Statue opened its massive mouth, and the three-tailed beast's chakra flowed relentlessly into it. The enormous three-tailed beast slowly began to rise.
Compared to the previous extraction, with more personnel present and Yuiyi Xuan Yue's physical body overseeing the process, the procedure was much faster.
Yuiyi Xuan Yue calculated the time; it would take about an hour to complete the extraction. He slowly closed his eyes.
In the ensuing time, the only sound that broke the silence within the base where the Demonic Statue was hidden was the flow of the three-tailed beast's chakra.
When the Fifth Hokage's new orders reached Kakashi, the group from Konoha, having gained nothing, could only trudge back dejectedly.
"I wish Naruto were here," Sakura suddenly sighed on the journey back.
Sai, feeling the obligation to respond as a teammate, said, "Indeed, Naruto is strong."
But he had misinterpreted Sakura's words.
"It's not because Naruto is strong," Sakura shook her head. "It's because he always brings us unexpected surprises. Additionally, having him around boosts our morale. No matter how difficult or challenging things get, we never give up."
"I see," Sai said, glancing at the somewhat gloomy team and beginning to understand what Sakura was trying to convey.
Sai, feeling the need to contribute as a teammate, said, "I hope Naruto returns soon."
"Yeah!" Sakura looked into the distance. "I hope he comes back soon."
"Ah!!! Why can't I go back yet? How much longer do I have to drink this green, slimy nutrient soup?!" Naruto, the subject of Sakura's thoughts, was currently pulling at his ears and scratching his cheeks as he looked at the greenish soup in front of him, which even had some caterpillars in it.
No matter how many times he drank it, he still couldn't get used to it!
"Hey, Master Jiraiya! I've already mastered the Mystic Arts, so why won't you let me leave? My village and my friends need me!" Naruto asked in confusion, hugging his head with both hands and trying to move away from the so-called nutrient soup.
Jiraiya, wearing an apron and still in the kitchen, showcasing his best culinary skills, didn't even turn his head as he replied:
"Mastered the Mystic Arts? You mean the technique where you gather your energy like you're constipated, and can only maintain it for five minutes after release? While it's indeed much stronger than Young Jiraiya's, it pales in comparison to your village's First Hokage, who also possessed mystic powers, and that young man named Huyi Xuan Yue I saw the other day."
Hearing Jiraiya mention Huyi Xuan Yue, Naruto fell silent.
"Sasuke..."
Having already learned about what happened that day from the former, he regretted not being there.
His eagerness to return to the village stemmed from not wanting to miss out on any more significant events.
However, Jiraiya's words made sense.
Naruto looked at his hands.
Even though he had learned the Mystic Arts, he was still far inferior to Huyi Xuan Yue.
How could he bring back Sasuke like this?
Since he couldn't go back now, he might as well continue to train hard.
Naruto, looking like he was on his way to the execution ground, drank all the nutrient soup in front of him in one go. Then, he immediately rushed out of the house, performed the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, and continued his training.
"Naruto! I've recently developed a new nutrient soup... Hey! Don't run so fast!"
Jiraiya was about to bring a bowl of greener nutrient soup when he saw that Naruto had already run off without looking back.
He could only bring it to Deep Work Sage and ask, "Grandpa, how does it taste?"
"It's delicious!"
Deep Work Sage praised.
Jiraiya was very satisfied. "It's so delicious, yet Naruto still drinks it reluctantly. He doesn't know how to appreciate good food."
"Naruto..."
Deep Work Sage looked at Naruto, who was continuing his training by the waterfall, and suddenly said, "Now that Naruto has mastered the mystic arts, we could let him leave."
"I know." Jiraiya, only half paying attention as he thought about his next creation, casually replied, "But didn't the Big Boss say he wanted Naruto to stay?"
"Big Boss..." Deep Work Sage hesitated but continued, "I feel like something is off with the Big Boss recently."
Hearing this, Jiraiya's eyes lit up. "Grandpa, do you also think the Big Boss has gone senile?"
"It's not that. It's just a feeling I can't explain."
Deep Work Sage shook his head solemnly. "It seems... the Big Boss doesn't have the same freedom he used to."
(End of Chapter)
Chapter end
Report
