Chapter 332: 332. Chapter 327: The Nine-Tails' Lost Chakra

332. Chapter 327: The Nine-Tails' Lost Chakra

Early morning, Nozakama.

Following the turmoil a few nights ago, the town had returned to its usual tranquility. News that the "ghost" plaguing the residents for years had been exterminated spread like wildfire, and the streets were noticeably more crowded than before, the previous atmosphere of oppression having largely dissipated.

The mission squad from the Leaf Village remained in the temporary quarters provided by the town mayor to recuperate, owing to the injuries sustained by their captain, Sarutobi Sasuke.

After several days of rest, Sarutobi Sasuke had mostly recovered and went alone to see the mayor to understand the aftermath of the mission.

His primary goal, however, was to inquire about the bounty hunter who claimed to have eliminated the ghost.

"Sigh... failing a mission on my first time out, how will I ever face anyone back home?"

After Sarutobi Sasuke left, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat dejectedly on the threshold, wallowing in self-pity, while the other youngsters around him wore equally devastated expressions.

"Hiruzen, don't blame yourself so much. No one could have predicted that a B-rank mission would involve so many hidden complications."

Seeing his teammate's morale plummet, Uchiha Kagami patted Sarutobi Hiruzen on the shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

Hearing this, the expressions of the others softened slightly. As self-proclaimed rising stars of the Leaf, they had been full of confidence for this mission, only to end up with a failure.

The group led by Koharu Utatane had fared better; their exit had been peaceful, and the three of them had slept soundly until they were awakened by the battered Sarutobi Hiruzen and his team, only then learning of the terrifying events that had transpired while they slept.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's team had it much worse, having faced an enemy on a completely different level. If not for Uchiha Kagami's "money-no-jutsu" saving the day, the three of them would have long since been buried in the ghost's maw.

"Thank you, Kagami."

"Don't be so formal, Hiruzen. Aren't we partners?"

Looking at the gentle and refined Uchiha Kagami, Sarutobi Hiruzen rubbed his nose, expressing his gratitude with sincere tone.

Meanwhile, little Danzo, watching the deepening friendship between the two, gritted his teeth in frustration.

I was the one who went first!

I was the one who used the "Butt-Style" to stall for time!

I am the one who is Monkey's best friend!

"Danzo! Why aren't you saying thank you? If Kagami hadn't sacrificed his New Year's money, we never would have escaped."

Having finished thanking Uchiha Kagami, Sarutobi Hiruzen noticed Danzo sulking to the side and frowned instantly.

How could Danzo lack even a shred of gratitude?

"Hiruzen, don't say that. Didn't Danzo contribute a great deal as well?"

Uchiha Kagami waved his hands, signaling that thanks were unnecessary—it was simply what a partner should do. He then looked at Danzo and said quite earnestly,

"Danzo, that secret technique of yours was truly incredible. If not for you, we would have died at the hands of that rogue ninja."

"Haha, it wasn't *that* incredible..."

Danzo was stunned for a moment. Seeing that Uchiha Kagami's respectful expression didn't seem fake, he scratched his head in triumph and let out a silly, goofy grin.

"Huh? What secret technique?"

"Danzo, you were hiding a big one!"

"Show us a demonstration!"

Koharu Utatane and the others gathered around, clamoring for Danzo to perform.

"Hmph! I said it was a secret technique; how could I just show it off whenever I want?"

Danzo was flattered by the attention, but thinking of his status as a talented youth with dignity, he forcibly suppressed the urge to drop his pants and perform the "Butt-Style," waving his hand in a deep, mysterious refusal.

"Boo!"

This clumsy attempt at posturing was met with a chorus of boos, leaving Danzo feeling embarrassed, a faint flush rising on his face.

Just then, Sarutobi Sasuke returned. Seeing the youngsters—who had been dejected moments ago, now full of spirit—he raised a hand to signal them.

"Everyone, come here. I have something to say."

The group immediately adopted serious expressions and lined up efficiently.

"I bear primary responsibility for the failure of this mission. Don't be discouraged; this was an enemy beyond your current capabilities. It is already a feat that you survived."

"Father—I mean, Captain Sarutobi, did the Hunter Knight Sword really eliminate the ghost?"

Hearing Sarutobi Sasuke's words of comfort, Sarutobi Hiruzen pursed his lips and asked.

"It did."

Sarutobi Sasuke nodded. The three of them breathed a sigh of relief. They had been eyewitnesses to the confrontation between Kakuzu and Shinka.

Although they hadn't seen the end, they hoped the Hunter Knight Sword that had saved them was safe.

"Alright, pack up. We'll eat lunch and then head back to the village to report."

Since his injuries had recovered, there was no need for the Leaf squad to linger. It was time to return and report the mission details.

"Understood!"

"Hunter Knight Sword... the Ninja World truly hides many crouching tigers and hidden dragons."

Watching the children pack their bags, Sarutobi Sasuke touched his still-aching wounds, his eyes filled with complexity.

Sarutobi Sasuke had just learned from the mayor that after the great battle that night, a mysterious ninja in a hood had approached him, presented the personal belongings of those kidnapped by the ghost, and stated that the ghost had been eliminated.

Shocked, the mayor had summoned the families of the missing, and only after confirming the items did he begin to believe the mysterious ninja.

Still cautious, the mayor had asked with hesitation,

"But even the Leaf ninja weren't a match for the ghost, you..."

The implication was clear: even an elite Jonin like Sarutobi Sasuke had been severely wounded; did this random nobody really have the strength?

"You should go ask around. I, Hunter Knight Sword, make millions every minute. Do you think I'd waste time here for a mission worth less than a hundred thousand ryo?"

Kakuzu shook his head in disdain. If not for wanting to provide a conclusion to the story of Shinka and his partner, he wouldn't have bothered to claim a reward for a measly eighty thousand ryo.

It definitely wasn't for the eighty thousand ryo!

"Are you the legendary Hunter Knight Sword?"

The mayor was a well-traveled man and had heard of this rising bounty hunter in recent years. It was said that Hunter Knight Sword was powerful, having killed several powerful ninjas with bounties in the tens of millions.

"Hmph!"

Kakuzu snorted, leaking a sliver of his aura, which turned the mayor's face pale. The mayor hurriedly took a stack of bills from his drawer and handed them over respectfully.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

In front of the mayor, Kakuzu counted the eighty thousand ryo several times before tucking it into his bag with satisfaction and walking away without looking back.

"Phew... I hope what he said is true."

After Kakuzu left, the mayor felt a sense of relief, his eyes filled with anticipation. If the ghost was truly gone, Nozakama could return to its former prosperity and regain its status as a vital transportation hub.

"Sigh... I should hire a night watchman..."

Sighing, the mayor muttered to himself, then spread out a sheet of paper and wrote a generous recruitment notice.

"I'll treat you to a good meal before we leave. Order whatever you want, eat until you're full!"

When the sun was high, Sarutobi Sasuke led the youngsters, who had packed their bags, to the largest restaurant in town, intending to have a hearty meal before returning to the Leaf.

"That person..."

As soon as they entered, his gaze was drawn to a girl devouring her food. It wasn't because of her beauty, but because of her terrifyingly voracious appetite; the table was piled high with empty plates, as if she were a starving ghost reincarnated.

Beside the girl sat a somewhat disheveled young man, watching her with a smile, his eyes narrowed in deep affection.

"Wow! Torifu, that sister has an even bigger appetite than you!"

Koharu Utatane looked at the girl in surprise and nudged Akimichi Torifu, who was drooling.

"Hmph! I won't lose to her!"

The Akimichi clan hated being told they had small appetites. Torifu glared at the girl, huffing in defiance.

"Cough, cough, cough... Torifu, moderation, moderation. We still have to travel..."

Regretting his offer to pay, Sarutobi Sasuke coughed a few times and urged them earnestly.

"Boss! Give us one of everything on the menu!"

What kind of mischief could children have? Driven by his competitive spirit, Torifu ignored Sarutobi Sasuke and shouted to the restaurant owner.

"Uh... sorry, the shop is out of stock. We only have enough ingredients left for two vegetable dishes."

The owner emerged from the kitchen, rubbing his hands in embarrassment.

"Ah!"

The youngsters were devastated. Opportunities to fleece their captain were rare. They exchanged glances and looked at the relieved Sarutobi Sasuke.

"Captain Sarutobi, let's go somewhere else..."

"There's no time. We'll eat here. If you're not full, we'll buy some dry rations on the road."

Sarutobi Sasuke, secretly delighted, pulled out a chair and sat down.

"Mmm..."

The dejected youngsters had no choice but to sit down. Seeing this, the owner urged the kitchen to hurry, and soon brought out two plates of vegetables.

"Eat, eat!"

Sarutobi Sasuke picked up his chopsticks first and urged the children to hurry.

"So plain... Dad, I'm still growing!"

Seeing how shameless Sarutobi Sasuke was, Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't even call him "Captain," but complained as a son.

"Hiruzen, I don't remember raising you to be such an extravagant child. Where is your ninja discipline?"

Sarutobi Sasuke, feeling smug inside, looked at the pouting Hiruzen with a stern, heartbroken expression.

"I was wrong, Captain. I'll eat!"

Labeled with such a heavy accusation by his own father, Sarutobi Hiruzen conceded, picking up the greens and stuffing them into his mouth. The bland food made him weep silently inside.

"You all eat quickly, too, or the food will get cold."

"Yes..."

The other youngsters looked at each other and picked up their chopsticks, saying listlessly.

"Shinka, what are you smiling at?"

At another table, Shinka, who had returned to human form, had just finished enjoying a rare human meal and noticed the transformed Shinka watching the dejected children with a smile.

"Nothing, just thinking that children are quite cute."

Shinka shook his head with a smile.

Confused, Shinka glanced at the children eating their vegetables, her gaze lingering on the magnificent backside of a black-haired boy. For some reason, she swallowed hard, then looked at her own empty plate.

"Phew... finally eighty percent full. Shinka, what shall we do next?"

"Hmm... let's find a job first. My savings have been mostly eaten by you."

Shinka rubbed his chin, recalling his empty wallet, and decided to find work to support their home.

"I'm sorry... but I was just so hungry..."

Although Shinka was joking, Shinka clearly took it to heart. Her face filled with guilt, she tugged at the corner of his clothes and apologized softly.

"Mmm... Shinka, eat as much as you want. I'll support you for the rest of our lives!"

Looking at the delicate girl, Shinka's heart raced uncontrollably, and he patted his chest to promise her.

"Heehee!"

Shinka closed her eyes happily. She had finally reached the beautiful ending she wanted.

After the meal, the two left first. Walking down the street, Shinka suddenly noticed a crowd gathered and, driven by curiosity, took Shinka over, only to find a newly posted job notice.

"The benefits are good! The pay is high, and they even provide housing."

Reading it, Shinka, who had been worrying about their livelihood, felt his eyes light up. It was exactly what they needed. To the surprise of the onlookers, he tore down the notice and tucked it into his clothes.

"Young man! You're not from around here, are you?"

An elderly man with white hair in the crowd grabbed Shinka.

"Uh... we are indeed a couple who just arrived and are planning to settle down long-term."

Shinka looked at the familiar-looking old man and nodded slightly.

"Oh dear, no wonder. You don't know, but our town has a ghost..."

Although some said the ghost had been eliminated, the former mayor, still skeptical, couldn't bear to watch the young man walk to his death and intended to warn him.

"Thank you, elder, but I'm not good at much else, except for having a lot of courage. Gods or ghosts, none of them are a match for me!"

Shinka interrupted the former mayor, bowed, and took Shinka to apply for the job.

From that day on, Nozakama had a new night watchman. Every night, when the sound of his gong rang out, the townspeople slept even more soundly.

"Kagami, did you find those two people familiar?"

The Leaf squad, following the humming Sarutobi Sasuke through the woods, recalled the couple they had met at the restaurant. Sarutobi Hiruzen felt they looked familiar.

"Now that you mention it, I do feel like I've seen them somewhere..."

Uchiha Kagami frowned, thinking carefully, and realized their figures were indeed familiar.

"Pah! That town isn't big. Maybe you just bumped into them while walking around."

Danzo, following behind Sarutobi Hiruzen, cut in to change the subject.

"Uh... that's possible."

Sarutobi Hiruzen and Uchiha Kagami exchanged glances, dismissed their doubts, and sped toward home.

Elsewhere, a massive, fiery red figure was also traveling at full speed. Not wanting to expose his tracks, Uchiha Madara chose a route rarely traveled, which was much longer than the main road.

Sitting securely on the Nine-Tails' head, Uchiha Madara toyed with the warm Nine-Tails card in his hand, his arched eyebrows furrowed into a "chuan" shape.

"Human, I want to eat!"

Suddenly, a sharp, suppressed roar interrupted Madara's thoughts. The source was the Nine-Tails, his mount. Looking down at the grievance in its scarlet eyes, he shook his head lightly.

"I have no money."

Madara said it righteously, making the Nine-Tails want to bite this hateful human to death, but its strength didn't allow it!

"You went to the human town a few days ago, how did you come back empty-handed? Could it be..."

The starving Nine-Tails, remembering Madara's promise to bring it food, felt a surge of frustration and used its immense malice to speculate about this human.

"Could it be what?"

Madara raised an eyebrow curiously, wanting to hear what high-level insight the Nine-Tails had.

"Could it be that you ate it all yourself?"

It wasn't that the Nine-Tails was maliciously slandering him; Madara hadn't eaten or drunk anything since returning from town, which naturally led it to think he had eaten his fill and forgotten his "brother."

"Hmph!"

Seeing that this big fox thought so little of him, Madara snorted, and the pressure instantly shifted to the Nine-Tails.

"Oh, why are you getting angry? We're acquaintances after all, let's not make things so awkward..."

Having been beaten by the Susanoo, the Nine-Tails immediately became obedient, its massive fox face showing a hint of fawning. It spoke of "human relationships," making Madara look at it a few more times.

If not for the sake of the Old Man, I would have swallowed you in one bite!

The Nine-Tails, smiling on the outside but cursing on the inside, could only use the Sage of Six Paths as an excuse to cover up its cowardly behavior.

"Hey, Nine-Tails, do you recognize this?"

Madara, who had been studying the Beast Card on an empty stomach for days, thought for a moment and showed the card to the Nine-Tails.

"Hiss!!!"

The Nine-Tails, mid-run, glanced at the card in Madara's hand and suddenly realized it contained its own aura. It was so shocked that it slammed on the brakes, nearly throwing the man off its head.

"Do you want a beating?"

Madara, with a dark face, steadied himself and jumped in front of the Nine-Tails, glaring with scarlet eyes, ready to loosen its bones.

"Wait!"

The Nine-Tails immediately bowed in submission, but its two eyes remained fixed on the card in Madara's hand, unable to look away.

"Human, where did you get this card?"

Feeling the familiar yet strange aura on the card, the Nine-Tails' small brain couldn't quite process it. After sniffing, it asked cautiously.

"Don't ask what you shouldn't."

Madara was the one asking the questions, yet this guy dared to ask back. It seemed it hadn't been beaten enough.

"I recognize it! But I also feel like I don't..."

Intimidated by Madara's gaze, the Nine-Tails clenched its legs, but the empty space between them gave it no sense of security. It tucked its nine tails between its legs for a sense of fullness, and only then did it dare to answer.

"If you can't speak properly, shut up."

Madara, standing before the Nine-Tails, was turned a sickly pale by the fishy breath. He was not satisfied with the Nine-Tails' ambiguous answer, and the blue phantom behind him was about to solidify.

"Oh, why are you doing this! I recognize it, I recognize it! That's my chakra inside..."

Its small body couldn't withstand the torture of the Susanoo. The Nine-Tails immediately admitted it recognized the chakra in the card.

"Then do you remember who might have 'plucked' your chakra?"

"Plucked?"

Asked by Madara, the Nine-Tails fell into deep thought, tracing back a thousand years. But checking all the way back, it had no record of being "plucked."

"It seems I haven't been plucked..."

The Nine-Tails shook its head, its expression not appearing fake. Madara was not satisfied with this answer. If the Nine-Tails hadn't been plucked, how could the Emperor Knight have made this card?

"Think carefully!"

Suspecting the Nine-Tails was lying, Madara looked threatening.

"Wait! I remember! Wuwuwu..."

The Nine-Tails, tail tucked, suddenly lowered its head, and tears the size of human heads suddenly dripped from its beastly eyes. This scene left Madara completely baffled.

"What are you crying for? I haven't even moved yet."

He hadn't even activated his Susanoo, yet this big fox was already crying. Madara, who had never encountered such a situation, was momentarily flustered.

"Wuwuwu... I'm so miserable! My 'Kun-Kun' is gone, my belly is thundering, Old Man, how could you be so cruel!"

The Nine-Tails, seemingly having a mental breakdown, rolled on the ground. The dust it kicked up blotted out the sky. Madara rubbed his temples in a headache, and finally, having no other choice, shouted at the rolling Nine-Tails,

"Alright, alright! When we reach the next town, I'll bring you something good to eat. Stop making a scene and tell me what happened."

Perhaps it was Madara's promise that worked; the Nine-Tails immediately stopped rolling, stared straight at Madara, licked its lips, and asked,

"Is that true?"

"It's true..."

"Then I want to eat chicken, a big roasted chicken!"

The Nine-Tails rolled its eyes and stated its long-awaited delicacy.

"Fine, fine, I'll buy you whatever you want to eat!"

Madara thought about it; he hadn't opened the storage scroll from his cousin yet, but it should contain money, enough to buy this fox a meal. He nodded in agreement.

For the sake of the Sage of Six Paths, the Nine-Tails decided to trust the descendant of Indra once more. It stood up straight and said to the waiting Madara in a slightly sentimental tone,

"I lost my dignity as a male beast in the Land of Lightning." (End of chapter)