Chapter 110: We Want a Child (Ten‑Thousand‑Word Chapter)

Time flies, and in the blink of an eye, the remaining month has passed.

The snow covering Leaf Village has slowly melted away, and the green of life gradually spreads over the ninja world's earth.

"Blazing Style: Great Fire Dragon Technique!"

In a Uchiha training ground, Yuzhi swiftly forms hand seals, and in an instant a roaring, pale‑golden fire dragon bursts forth.

The dragon slams hard into the ground, instantly igniting a massive blaze.

The faint, dazzling golden flames keep burning, leaving the on‑looking Zhisui staring in amazement.

The only thought in his mind is, "Is this damn Fire Style?"

A ninja cannot shout out his jutsu while performing it; even in the original works, they basically chant it silently in their mind.

From Zhisui's perspective, Yuzhi's hand‑seal method and the resulting effect are unmistakably Fire Style.

Although in color and power it seems far stronger than ordinary Fire Style, that only proves Yuzhi's greatness!

Yuzhi shrugged, laughed, and said, raising an eyebrow at Hikari.

But the issue isn't particularly big for him; after all, from the start of the fusion to now has been only a few months.

"It's not showing off, just testing the results of the past few months; it doesn't seem bad now, does it?"

"By the way, senpai, Quan recently approached me; she said Junmaro and Bai seem to want to start ninja training."

Yuzhi thought silently, noting that although the technique's power is great, he clearly felt it fractured at the end.

At this level, even another injection probably won't have much effect.

The two's oblivious demeanor made Zhisui chuckle dryly twice; he's long since gotten used to it, so it doesn't bother him.

His current dosage is also increasing, but that isn't a major issue for Yuzhi and Hikari.

She's a bit puzzled, though; she's worked hard on fusing chakra, yet she still isn't as fast as Yuzhi.

"And I won't forget the bet I made with someone; it looks like I'm really going to win now."

Yuzhi touched his chin; he's curious about it too, but after thinking it over he decides to just take a look first.

"Besides, Hikari and I are basically saturated now."

Yuzhi nodded; over these past months, Zhisui, just like them originally, has been injecting the White Absolute Solvent at set intervals.

Junmaro and Bai are only three or four years old now; despite their youth, they can indeed undergo ninja training.

Reaching this level would make countless people spit blood; after all, others may spend a lifetime without ever achieving it!

"You guy, you really are good at showing off."

Both of them can feel it too; their bodies have approached a saturated state.

"I understand, senpai."

"Hm?"

Fortunately, though the two are over the top, they're not reckless; after a brief joke with Hikari, Yuzhi looks toward Zhisui beside him.

In the past few months, both Yuzhi and Hikari have undergone the necessary injections.

"What a miraculous medicine; I can feel my pupil power not only restored but also strengthened, and even my body is the same way."

Zhisui hears this, immediately smiles and nods.

Compared to the still‑stunned Zhisui, Hikari remains very calm, though she can't help a slight smirk as she speaks.

With more than a decade left before the immortal clash, he still has plenty of time for adjustments and experiments.

Yuzhi froze for a moment and asked oddly,

"The fusion still isn't perfect; achieving a flawless Bloodline Limit is truly a painstaking process."

"They thought that themselves?"

Zhisui nods seriously, then after a moment speaks.

Otherwise this fusion wouldn't affect their combat power, and the process is inevitable; even Madara Uchiha went through it.

This makes him realize the trouble of the Bloodline Limit is far greater than he imagined.

When Yuzhi stops, Hikari and Zhisui walk toward him.

Yuzhi merely shakes his head slightly, because he clearly feels the technique isn't as smooth as he imagined.

After transplanting ZhuZhang's cells, Madara initially showed no reaction.

"By the way, Zhisui, how's your body now?"

But as time passed, only when his life neared its end did he finally complete the fusion and awaken the Reincarnation Eye!

"I have no problem, but do Hikari and Zhisui have that opportunity?"

"That's not bad, but you'll still need to keep injecting for a while; after all, some things aren't achieved in one go."

What they now must do is fully absorb these powers, merging them completely with themselves!

Injecting those cells doesn't mean full integration; it merely lets the body use and possess a certain amount of power.

Hikari places both hands around her chest, purses her lips, and says.

"Damn, we still haven't decided what the bet is."

After restocking from Obito last year, they have plenty of reserves, more than enough for their consumption.

"I've already recovered, senpai."

Itachi Uchiha went to the battlefield at four or five years old, and even took down a Rock Ninja there.

But in Yuzhi's memory, those two little brats have some issues.

Bai's personality is really unsuited for a ninja, and Junmaro is an extreme little brat; he's even turned himself into a Bloodline‑Limit afflicted being.

"Hmm, Quan told me they requested it themselves."

Zhisui nods; he doesn't find it strange, since they started at this age.

"And she also told me those two kids seem much more cheerful now, daring to move around within the Uchiha Clan."

"So you already have a sense of belonging that quickly?"

Yuzhi was somewhat surprised to hear that, but considering the two kids' experiences and ages, he nodded.

They are still young, and their own experiences are rather grim.

Now the whole Uchiha Quan family treats them as their own, and Quan even regards them as younger brothers, which will indeed accelerate the two's mental shift.

"If they want it, just agree to them; after all, it's only basic training."

Thinking that, Yuzhi simply smiled and nodded.

"Also, Quan's talent shouldn't be lacking, and I recall she has known Itachi Uchiha since childhood, right?"

"Starting tomorrow, I'll personally teach Quan."

Zhisui, having spent a long time with Yuzhi, grasped things instantly and immediately nodded.

"As for Itachi Uchiha, he now barely interacts with anyone in the clan, and I even heard he scarcely pays attention to his mother.

Except for his younger brother, it seems no one matters to him, that guy."

Speaking of Itachi Uchiha, Zhisui couldn't help but shake his head; the kid has completely lost any sense of family.

Even his motives might not be for the village; after all, Zhisui also knows Danzo.

"Is that so?"

Yuzhi stroked his chin; to him now, Itachi Uchiha is a trivial side character.

At most he'll mention him in passing when remembered; normally he lacks the energy to bother.

Unless when the kid approaches thirteen, Yuzhi will pay close attention, but for now—

"Who are you?"

But Itachi Uchiha has now isolated himself from the clan to this extent; Danzo's brainwashing must be exceptionally strong.

"Since he doesn't even acknowledge Uchiha Meiqin, leaving only a brother‑obsessed mind, what if I do something to Sasuke…"

Thinking that, Yuzhi's eyes flashed slightly, a gaze that made Zhisui somewhat uneasy.

Meanwhile, Hikari, who hadn't spoken, rolled his eyes at the scene.

"Are you thinking up some strange thing again?"

"Not strange—just something very interesting."

Yuzhi stroked his chin, and after pondering for a while, suddenly blurted out a sentence.

"What do you think, how about us having a son?"

"??!!"

Hikari was stunned by the words, then his complexion changed dramatically.

Beside him, Zhisui blushed, quickly lowered his head and pretended not to have heard, though inside he was barely holding back.

Can I even hear these words—

Tick—tick—tick.

The sound of dripping water echoed in the dim passage as Itachi Uchiha glanced around, yet calmly proceeded inward.

He doesn't like this setting; the cold gloom easily reminds him of the person he despises most.

Because that person's chakra is equally cold; even though he used that chilling power to save the village, the guy is merely a snake adept at disguise!

To expose the true face of that snake, some things he must endure, and likewise he needs to act this way.

He walked slowly forward until the end of the passage, then gently knocked on the rust‑spotted iron door.

"It's Itachi, come in."

Soon, a hoarse voice came from beyond the door, and Itachi Uchiha's gaze flicked to a viper spitting out a seed beside him.

He pushed open the great door; the scene behind it was completely different from the sewer.

Here is a fully equipped, well‑maintained laboratory, and within stands a silhouette of someone conducting an experiment.

"Lord Orochimaru."

Seeing the figure, Itachi Uchiha bowed slightly, showing clear respect for the person before him.

"Looks like it's that time again?"

The person turned around, revealing his face—it was Orochimaru!

"Yes, Lord Orochimaru."

Itachi Uchiha nodded and said softly.

"I also have to thank Lord Orochimaru's support; otherwise I couldn't have held out until now."

Itachi Uchiha's current strength has increased dramatically; he was a prodigy, having fought on battlefields at four, giving him an especially solid foundation.

Moreover, he received considerable stimulus, already unlocking the dual tomoe, and with his relentless training, his power naturally far surpasses peers.

But he is still very young; now he's only six, and his body hasn't developed enough.

His training volume is extreme; without Orochimaru's medicinal aid, he couldn't have persisted.

"Here you go."

Orochimaru smiled, then produced a bottle and handed it to Itachi Uchiha, looking at the child and saying meaningfully.

"No need to thank me; after all, without talent you couldn't reach this level, but I want you to remember one thing."

"Lord Orochimaru, please speak."

"The effects of the medicine sometimes seem good, but more often they drain the user; after all, medicine is three parts poison. Remember that principle."

After Orochimaru finished speaking, Itachi Uchiha lowered his head and stared at the medicine bottle in his hand.

After a while, he gently shook his head.

Poison, so what? He's already found his life's purpose and knows what to do.

Then, as long as he can obtain enough power, how does it matter if it's poison?

"I understand Orochimaru's kindness, but I also have my own convictions."

Itachi Uchiha opened the medicine and then poured all the contents into his mouth.

After swallowing all the medicine in one gulp, he looked at Orochimaru and said in a low voice.

"I once asked Orochimaru what the meaning of life truly is; at that time I was confused and had no answer.

But now I have it, and I will give everything for this goal of mine, even if—"

He paused there.

In his mind appeared his father, his brother, and the entire Leaf Village.

Although his relationship with his father was relatively thin, perhaps because his contact wasn't as deep as in the original work, Fugaku Uchiha still had a great influence on him.

Moreover, having witnessed his father being killed with his own eyes, he naturally wanted to avenge his father.

But revenge is only a short‑term goal; his greater aim and what his heart truly longs for are the village and his brother.

He has been on the battlefield, seen ninjas who fought desperately for the village, and has also witnessed the village's grandeur.

After following Danzo, he became even clearer about the village's importance.

As for his brother Sasuke, the moment Sasuke was born, he felt a sense of life's inheritance and continuation.

He knows that is the person he must protect, the most important person to him!

His heart is already filled with the village and his brother; he will avenge his father, cleanse the village of its tumors, and protect his brother.

This is the meaning of his life; even if his current situation is terrible, he will not complain or speak of it.

Because he has come to understand, perhaps this is the true meaning of a ninja.

"You little brat, are you moving yourself?"

Seeing Itachi Uchiha's expression and recalling his earlier words, Orochimaru couldn't help but shake his head.

If he didn't know the details, he might still think Itachi Uchiha was magnanimous.

But he knows what kind of person Danzo is; this kid has no possibility other than being constantly deceived.

Thinking of that, Orochimaru felt this youngster's fate was likely fraught with misfortune.

But anyway, he must do something, especially since he has confirmed that this year he will leave the Leaf Village.

In the Field Country, his village is almost finished; even if he leaves the Leaf Village now, it's no problem at all.

However, he also faces a moderate problem: there are hardly any people in his village in the Field Country.

In the Leaf Village he has a large group of followers, and many of them are likely willing to leave with him.

But he cannot take everyone; he will only take someone valuable.

A goal too large is easy to expose; he isn't stupid.

He plans to recruit some people outside the village, regardless of their value, at least a group that can work.

If someone can't work, can't continue, or lacks ability, they'll be replaced outright.

After all, the newly built village has many important positions to give them; there should also be people willing to work!

Moreover, Danzo's value hasn't been fully drained; he still needs to extract more.

Whether it's money or people.

And Itachi Uchiha, naturally, is also one of his targets.

"I understand your point, but if I were you, I would be more cautious."

Orochimaru pondered for a moment, then suddenly laughed.

"Lord Orochimaru, what you say is—"

Itachi Uchiha frowned, thought for a moment, then asked curiously.

"You have understood the meaning of your own life; that is something to rejoice about, but sometimes certain matters are probably not as simple as you think."

Orochimaru lightly licked his lips, turned around to resume his experiment, and spoke as if nonchalantly.

"The medicine I gave you can restore your stamina and quickly heal your injuries, but as I said, the medicine is three‑percent poison."

"Do you think the effects are so good that there's absolutely no negative side, and if there is, when will that side manifest?"

"Moreover, at your current age, is such high‑intensity training really suitable? Even if you're eager, your future is still long."

"Do you really need to sacrifice your entire future for short‑term gains?"

He paused there, his peripheral glance flicking at Itachi Uchiha behind him.

Seeing this, he seemed to freeze, and a smile appeared at the corner of his mouth.

"Think it over carefully; don't think you're that special, and don't forget you're also a member of the Uchiha Clan."

"For great figures, anyone can be a pawn, and anyone may become a discarded piece in the next moment."

"You as well as I, we are all the same."

Having said that, Orochimaru knew he could stop.

"When it comes to manipulating hearts, he is indeed many times stronger than Danzo; he can grasp the balance well."

"He neither makes people feel he's overstepping nor makes it hard for them to grasp his meaning."

"Moreover, whatever he says is naturally prepared by himself; he only needs others to watch quietly, and they will gradually come to trust him completely."

"After all, since I'm leaving the Leaf Village, not taking advantage of this would be indefensible."

Orochimaru lightly licked his lips; after all, anyone can be a pawn, and can become a discarded piece the next moment.

"To him, Danzo is…, and to Danzo, he is no less."

"Everyone merely uses each other, so they should use each other more thoroughly."

"As for what Itachi Uchiha will think after seeing him 'forced to leave the Leaf Village', that is the youngster's own problem—"

"Shisui, do you think I explained clearly?"

"Probably, that counts as explained clearly."

Leaf Village, inside Ichiraku Ramen, Yuzhi and Shisui sat together, but their expressions were worlds apart.

Shisui seemed to be holding back a smile, his face looking both comical and awkward, while Yuzhi wore a look of sheer misfortune.

However, thinking carefully, Yuzhi knew his remark hadn't been very thoughtful, but he had already explained it.

Unfortunately, Hikari seemed still thin‑skinned, not as thick‑skinned as he was, so in this situation he could only step out to lie low.

Yet Shisui was pondering Yuzhi's earlier words, namely to have Sasuke take him as a godfather.

"Doing it that way seems not bad."

The Uchiha Mikoto family is actually rather awkward within the clan; Shisui perhaps didn't understand before, but after a year studying in the Police Department he grasped many things.

Even without considering "family fire merger, Clan Leader's sudden death," the Clan Leader's position remains undecided, and their family is still alive, which says a lot.

Even though everyone knows who is speaking and has tacitly accepted it, some matters are still hard to bypass.

"If we take Sasuke as an adopted son, wouldn't everything then be perfectly legitimate?"

Shisui couldn't help but think silently that he had long hoped Yuzhi would become the Clan Leader.

Although it's just a title, who in the clan wouldn't want to "clothe" Yuzhi with a great mantle?

Of course, what they most desire is to drape Yuzhi in a white one.

But things must proceed slowly; they also wonder if Yuzhi is holding back some concerns, such as the Mikoto family.

If Yuzhi now takes Sasuke as an adopted son, wouldn't the problem be solved outright!

"Looks like after we return, I need to discuss this with Senior Shin and Senior Yu."

Shisui thought to himself that Yuzhi probably didn't know about his current frustration, yet Shisui had backstabbed him, and clearly misinterpreted his meaning.

After all, Itachi Uchiha isolates himself and mixes with Danzo; wouldn't it be better to keep this little Byakugan wolf even more isolated?

"So he won't be corrupted by that kid."

Yuzhi thought silently, but by now the hand‑made ramen was already ready.

"Here you go, two of you: one large bowl of spicy pork‑flavored char‑siu ramen, and one non‑spicy portion. Enjoy."

"Thank you."

Yuzhi nodded, and Shisui immediately took the ramen.

Ichiraku Ramen is a historic ramen shop in Leaf Village; in the original work, Naruto, Yun Lǔkǎ and Kakashi often visited it.

Yuzhi naturally came to try it, and of course he was curious about a meme.

The meme is whether the shop's owner hand‑makes the noodles, truly a "Ōtsutsuki hand‑made"?

After all, those squinty‑eyed ones are monsters; even if Nagato flattened all of Leaf Village, Ichiraku Ramen would still be fine.

Of course, Yuzhi knew it was just a meme, but the taste of Ichiraku Ramen was genuinely good.

What amused Yuzhi was that a five‑ or six‑year‑old little Xiao Changpu was watching him with curiosity.

"What's up, little guy, why are you staring at me?"

Yuzhi blinked at Xiao Changpu, causing the little girl to blush and lower her head.

This scene made Yuzhi purse his lips; back in school he'd seen plenty of such, since his grades were poor and he survived on looks.

"Senior is still so popular."

Shisui smiled nearby, but after glancing at Yuzhi's bowl he was momentarily speechless.

"Senior, you can handle that much spiciness?"

"Of course no problem; if it weren't for Hikari, who never likes to add chili when cooking, I could eat even spicier."

Yuzhi shrugged indifferently, recalling that back then he could eat a whole pickled pepper in one bite; that level of spiciness was nothing to him.

But thinking of Hikari, Yuzhi gave a little chuckle, realizing he should now prepare to act.

These past months he had been consolidating, not only to better fuse his bloodline limit, but also to infuse White Absolute Cells to saturate his body.

More importantly, he hadn't forgotten to visit Kushina, to learn more Seal Techniques!

Kushina warmly welcomed his visit, and also expressed support for Yuzhi's desire to further study Seal Techniques.

"You already have great talent; although your fighting style doesn't head that way, it would be a waste to let it go unused."

Those were Kushina's exact words, which made Yuzhi rather embarrassed, since his talent was mostly picked up.

If you truly count his own talent, he probably has nothing left.

And after Minato learned of this, he raised both hands in approval, having long been pondering what reward to give Yuzhi.

Yuzhi's achievements were truly massive, and his own strength was great; as a clan ninja, this guy lacked nothing.

Now that he showed his interests, Minato naturally gave full support, and he also remembered to bring out the Seal Book again.

Although this time it was still a "custom version," it contained an unknown amount of additional content, such as Seal Techniques.

"This time, it's truly not ordinary generosity."

Seeing this "custom version," Yuzhi couldn't help but find it somewhat amusing.

Although it still lacked the Shinigami Seal, which would let Yuzhi try a Kakashi BUG, at least the Uzumaki Seal Technique had been presented.

At the same time, more techniques and usages concerning the Flying Thunder God were also brought out.

In response, Yuzhi was unapologetic; he and Hikari could each choose five jutsus, while Shisui and Kakashi could choose three.

Thus he selected two secret arts for crafting seal tools, two arts related to the Flying Thunder God, and then deliberately chose a Water Release.

This Water Release includes a Hard Vortex Water Blade.

"Flying Thunder God, Water Release: Hard Vortex Water Blade, plus the extended use of Flying Thunder God—my hair could almost disguise me as Senju Fuma."

Yuzhi sometimes wonders whether to use Transformation Jutsu to disguise himself as Senju Fuma and then talk with Danzo.

After pondering, he decided to put it off, since his Water Release isn't just a weak move.

He naturally lacks that attribute; to acquire it he needs more cultivation, or perhaps complete some Side Quest to gain the talent.

After months of training, he has basically completed the task of crafting seal tools.

"Combining again the 'Four Symbols Seal' and the 'Bagua Seal' I learned from Kushina, I think the problem won't be big anymore."

After waiting so long, since Yuzhi has already prepared almost everything, he naturally began to think about moving.

"Choosing an auspicious day is no better than striking now; the tools are ready, and Hikari's side is also awkward, so..."

Yuzhi slurped a mouthful of noodles and made up his mind.

He had always been curious about the power of the Dragon Vein and always wanted to see what it truly belongs to.

Moreover, his journey to Loulan might not have his goal fixed on the Dragon Vein.

After all, Loulan belongs to the Wind Country, and within the Wind Country there is also the One-Tail, and there is Self-Life Reincarnation.

"The biggest problem now is not knowing whether Self-Life Reincarnation has been developed yet."

Self-Life Reincarnation can, via chakra, pull a soul that has already entered the Pure Land back out; this technique is simply unimaginable.

Although the drawback of this technique is obvious—that the revived person cannot have been dead too long, otherwise facing white bones makes resurrection unlikely.

Otherwise, according to the old woman Chiyo's thinking, she would rather die herself to bring back her son and daughter-in-law.

But she never did so, which reveals many problems.

"But Leaf Village also has a forbidden technique, the Impure Earth Reincarnation; Samsara Reincarnation can revive targets awakened by Impure Earth Reincarnation.

So, as another resurrection art, if Self-Life Reincarnation is used to counter Impure Earth Reincarnation, would that also be feasible?"

Yuzhi ate ramen in big bites while silently muttering to himself.

But soon, he stopped overthinking, because whether it's feasible still requires a trial to know.

For example, whether he can use Self-Life Reincarnation with Izanagi to glitch, that's also a question needing thorough investigation.

Of course, the most crucial point is that he doesn't have the Impure Earth Reincarnation technique in his hands, which makes his speculation hard to verify.

Fortunately, Yuzhi's goal is the Hokage, so he will inevitably encounter some techniques in the future.

"Moreover, even if I don't wait until the Hokage stage, there are some techniques I can obtain in advance."

Suddenly, Yuzhi seemed to think of something.

If I recall correctly, Orochimaru must have left Leaf Village within the past year or two—

"I think I'm almost ready; I believe I can set out now."

In Mist Village, inside the Mizukage's office, space suddenly warped, and Obito's figure emerged from the distortion.

He looked at Hei Jue, who was reading a document, and said softly; his aura appeared especially calm.

"Are you sure?"

Hei Jue lifted his head and glanced at Obito; although the kid now looks fine, he still harbors some worry about Obito.

This guy has never been associated with the word 'trustworthy'…

Even if he has indeed been honest for a few months, is that few months really enough for him to master the method of controlling Nature's Power?

Regarding this, Hei Jue maintains a skeptical attitude.

"Of course I'm sure; the difficulty of this technique isn't as high as imagined."

Obito said in a deep voice, confident about himself, or rather confident about the power of the Six Paths Technique and his own learning ability.

The Six Paths Technique covers an extremely broad scope, and its learning difficulty is also high, but for some reason Obito learns these things very quickly.

He often only glanced at many things once before trying, and then he could succeed!

Perhaps this is also a talent, just as his learning of the Eye Technique to control a Tailed Beast took little time, without even a practice target.

Yet he could, while in the Three Tomoe state, seize control of the Nine-Tails in one go, then launch an attack on Leaf Village!

Although it was ultimately of little use, it at least proved some of his talents.

"Alright, if you're sure."

Hei Jue, though, hopes Obito won't be too hasty, because such matters have never been easy.

But after a little thought, he thinks it's better to let Obito try it himself, especially if he takes a loss, even better!

"However, I must warn you, Dragon Vein chakra is immensely massive; you may find it hard to control yourself.

Acting within one's limits is most crucial; besides that, you must be mentally prepared.

If you notice something wrong, have Bai Jue notify me immediately; otherwise your fate may be very grim, understand?"

"Hmph, I know where I stand."

Obito let out a light hum; he'd been hearing these words all along and was already quite annoyed.

Even though he knows Hei Jue worries about him, isn't that also a lack of trust?

With that thought, Obito grew increasingly upset; he didn't understand why everyone acted like that.

Is he that bad?

Uchiha Haori wasn't great at first either; now isn't he the so-called Leaf Village hero?

He was once just lagging behind, and now has grown to a height ordinary people can't reach.

"I'll handle it, so you won't have to worry."

"I understand; I trust you."

As a millennia-old fox, Hei Jue could not possibly fail to see Obito's little thoughts.

Although he internally scoffs that the guy is a lunatic, aren't there many things he messes up?

But he also knows that Obito now needs comfort, so even though he's also upset, he can only pinch his nose and offer a comforting word.

Sure enough, after hearing that, Obito's mood seemed to improve a bit.

He nodded, and the surrounding space suddenly twisted; the next moment his figure vanished into the distortion!

Hei Jue calmly watched all this; after a while he tilted his head, and Bai Jue, at his waist, immediately spoke knowingly.

"Don't worry, he's already gone."

"What an idiot."

Hearing that, He Jue let out a displeased cold hum.

"If he can handle this matter, that would truly be… strange!"

"Do you really not trust Obito that much?"

Bai Jue, half in the shadows, was a bit curious and asked, puzzled.

"Although Obito is a bit dull, a bit stupid, and a bit crazy, he shouldn't be that incompetent, right?"

"Even you, a single‑celled, brainless creature, describe him like that; can I still trust him?"

He Jue's mouth twitched, and in the end those words never left his lips.

He shook his head, then sighed and said.

"Report his location and his condition to me at any time; I need to know everything about him."

"Yes, yes, yes, haven't I been doing that all along?"

Bai Jue, half in the shadows, didn't mind He Jue's silence and casually agreed.

"I don't know, what expression will Obito make after learning his situation?"

"Whatever his expression, as long as he doesn't cause me big trouble."

He Jue said irritably that ever since he followed Obito, he's been in a constant state of anxiety.

He's even already searching for the next Yin Tu Luo, so one can imagine how great the despair Obito gave him.

However, finding a new Yin Tu Luo isn't simple, because the hidden chakra hasn't manifested, and for now he can't determine who the person is.

At most, he has only narrowed down a few possible targets and will observe them slowly.

"Hope, I won't need this new Yin Tu Luo."

He Jue muttered speechlessly, and then thinking of Obito made him angry.

"This time, it'd be best if you fail, best if natural chakra gives you a harsh lesson."

Obito needs to be beaten to be obedient, but given his current state, the beating he's received is far from enough.

He truly wishes Obito gets badly beaten this time, beaten to ruin.

Then perhaps he'll finally become obedient—

In the Wind Country, endless yellow sand constantly danced in the gale.

Amid this desert, a lone silhouette walked calmly forward.

"What a desolate country."

The sand scattered, and Xie's youthful figure appeared in the desert.

"In this place, there's almost nothing that can be used as material."

"Hope the next village finds something valuable, otherwise it's a waste of time."

As he walked, he silently pondered, but then suddenly furrowed his brows.

The gale howled, raising a massive dust cloud, and at that moment a voice sounded.

"I've heard rumors of villages scattered across the Wind Country being slaughtered overnight."

The voice was cold, a woman's voice, which made him raise an eyebrow.

He looked up, and under the sun saw a woman in black with red clouds, blue hair, and wings hovering in the air.

"If nothing unexpected, those are your masterpieces, aren't they, Red Sand Xie."

"Who are you?"

Xie looked up, frowned, and asked coldly.

"My sole purpose in seeking you is to invite you into the Akatsuki Organization."

Xiao Nan remained relatively calm, and spoke slowly to Xie.

Yet her lofty demeanor seemed to disgust Xie.

"Akatsuki Organization? Never heard of it."

"Its absence now doesn't mean it won't appear in the future; we hope your power can lend us a hand later."

"Hmph, the tone of your words looks condescending; who do you think you are?"

"You can think of the Akatsuki Organization as a refuge for rogue ninjas."

Xiao Nan seemed to notice Xie's disdain; she slowly descended from the sky, and her wings turned into sheets of paper spreading out.

Yet she wasn't a simple person; the papers quickly surrounded Xie.

After doing all that, she continued.

"As long as you complete the mission successfully, no one will stop whatever you want to do."

"Is that so? Sounds good."

Xie let out a light laugh, and in that instant drew a scroll.

"Even if it sounds good, I never like protecting myself by borrowing others' hands, let alone you may not even have the right to speak to me like that!"

"Shall we act?"

Xiao Nan, seeing this scene, couldn't help but shake her head.

The scattered papers danced in the wind, and her chakra infused into them.

Yet at that critical moment, the space before them suddenly warped.

"Is it here?"

Immediately, a figure wearing a vortex mask stepped forward.

The figure was clearly taken aback by the sight, while Xiao Nan and Xie stared intently at him.

For a moment, everyone fell silent.