Chapter 220: Grudges and Resentments Bureau, Haori

"Long time no see, Sasuke."

Itachi Uchiha spoke indifferently, and his words made Sasuke's gaze instantly turn cold.

Sasuke's life had always been good, whether it was the care from members of the clan, his mother's love, or everything that Yuzhi, as a father, gave him.

All this filled his heart with contentment and happiness, yet there was still a barrier within him, which had been quietly buried by his blissful life.

But he never forgot it, and that barrier was his brother, the one who had been expelled by his father, the one who betrayed the entire clan.

"You have no right to call me that, Itachi Uchiha."

Sasuke's hand tightly gripped the Ninja Sword at his waist, his scarlet eyes constantly shifting.

"Oh, also that's not correct; your surname has already been stripped away. If you weren't fast, your eyes would have been gouged out."

"You brute still dare to return to Leaf Village; back then your mother shouldn't have been merciful, she should have let your father kill you outright!"

Sasuke's words made Itachi Uchiha's complexion turn sour; he had never expected his younger brother to treat him so harshly.

But the severity reaching this level truly surprised him, especially when he saw Sasuke's gaze.

That gaze, filled with murderous intent, treating him as an evil enemy, made his heart ache immensely.

Nevertheless, he endured the disappointment and despair, knowing Sasuke was unaware of the "truth", and now was not the time to explain.

"Sooner or later, you will know, Sasuke."

Itachi Uchiha murmured to himself, yet outwardly remained ice‑cold, silently watching Sasuke before speaking.

"Uchiha Haori didn't kill me; his failure is destined, and you, your eyes are quite impressive."

"But your eyes are no more than that; you have not yet grasped the power of the Mangekyou Sharingan, and only when you experience such power will you understand the meaning of the Uchiha."

"Alright, is the nonsense over?"

【9】 Obito was not pleased with the brotherly chatter of Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke, tilting his head and whispering to the two.

Obito wasn't very pleased with the nonsense of the brother pair Itachi Uchiha and Sasuke; he tilted his head, looked at the two, and said softly.

"Although they are not our target, encountering them and doing nothing would be undesirable."

Naruto is the son of Kushina; capturing him could be used to coerce Kushina into exchanging the Nine‑Tails, and although Sasuke Uchiha is your brother, he is also the adopted son of Uchiha Haori.

"If we capture or kill him, Uchiha Haori's side would likely suffer, making it a decent target choice."

Obito's words made Itachi Uchiha's gaze darken, and Sasuke and Naruto became extremely alert, both preparing for battle.

Although they knew those two opponents had been severely taught a lesson by their own father, it did not mean they were now capable of handling them.

But to say they're afraid, they aren't.

Upholding their fathers' will, they both hoped to strike these Leaf Village adversaries with a heavy blow!

"Oh, not bad, still having such fighting spirit?"

Obito looked disdainful of Sasuke and Naruto's attitude, chuckling as an iron chain appeared from his sleeve, which he casually fastened to his wrist.

"Fine, then let me see what abilities you actually have!"

"Is that so? Actually I'm also curious about what abilities you truly possess."

Just as Obito finished speaking, another voice suddenly emerged, instantly turning Obito's and Itachi Uchiha's faces pale.

Looking up, they saw a man with his arms crossed over his chest, standing on a utility pole, calmly watching them.

His eyes glowed scarlet as he indifferently stared at the people below, and Sasuke and Naruto became instantly excited upon seeing him.

"Uncle Shisui!"

"Uncle Shisui!"

Shisui nodded, then dropped directly from the pole. He looked at Obito and Itachi Uchiha, and after a moment, he suddenly sneered.

"I truly didn't expect you to still dare to come to Leaf Village; it seems the lessons you received aren't enough, but that doesn't matter."

Shisui gently closed his eyes and calmly spoke.

"Sasuke, Naruto, that traitor is yours, and as for this Obito Uchiha, I will deal with him personally."

As he spoke, when he opened his eyes again, they had already transformed into the Eternal Mangekyou Sharingan!

"This time, I'll keep you!"

——

"Teacher Sarutobi, long time no see."

In the Leaf Village training ground, Orochimaru looked at the Third Hokage before lightly licking his tongue and saying with a smile.

At this moment, Orochimaru still appeared youthful, his golden eyes, like a snake's, scanning his teacher, seemingly brewing a different emotion.

"Long time no see, Orochimaru, that 'teacher' title—it's been a long time since I heard it."

The Third Hokage also showed a smile, his gaze looking very pure.

"These years after leaving Leaf Village, has everything been fine?"

"Hmm, everything's fine; I owe it to you, teacher, for sparing me back then, allowing me to leave smoothly."

Orochimaru lightly licked his lips, appearing as if he held little grudge against his teacher; their exchange seemed more like a normal conversation.

In fact, that's roughly the case; Orochimaru doesn't hate his teacher, or rather, this current teacher.

In the original work, he returned and devised the 'Leaf Collapse Plan', which actually seemed more like giving his teacher a 'dignified' outcome.

Otherwise, why would he brazenly expose himself in the second Chunin Exam, or why let Luo Sha take the lunch box early instead of acting together?

Although he was ultimately sealed by the Third Hokage with the Dead Soul Sealing, leaving him in a terrible mess and cursing him harshly.

Nonetheless, it is undeniable that his 'Leaf Collapse' operation truly allowed the Third Hokage to exit in a dignified manner.

It gave his teacher, regardless of any faults or merits, a positive image, because the Third Hokage died protecting Leaf Village.

Now, the Third Hokage's self‑perceived excessive power, and Leaf Village's development, both continue to grow stronger.

Even Orochimaru himself actually has some unclear relationship with the current Hokage Yuzhi.

Besides that, his two friends Ziraiye and Tsunade are also in Leaf Village, so his view of the Third Hokage has changed somewhat.

Although during his time in Leaf Village, his teacher still had all sorts of flaws, such as indulging Danzo, etc., overall it was still acceptable.

And this time, the only reason he came over was simply to complete the mission.

"Alright, teacher, I think we should get moving as well."

Orochimaru smiled, then took off the Akatsuki Organization's clothes, revealing his own attire.

"Last time was too hasty, but I also learned your brilliant technique; after many years apart I've grown, I wonder if you would be willing to guide me again."

"That is naturally no problem."

The Third Hokage smiled and nodded, and he also removed his white robe, exposing the armor beneath.

"Then, Orochimaru, for today's lesson let me, the teacher, see just how far my disciple has progressed!"

——

"So it's two brats coming to challenge me."

On the opposite side of the training ground, Da Ye Mu floated in the air; the ground beneath him had long been shattered, and the power of Earth Release and Dust Release is never a joke.

On that broken ground, Ziraiye and Tsunade exchanged glances and then nodded at each other.

Da Ye Mu is an extremely tough opponent, but there is still a way to deal with such a foe, especially since their current strength is far from weak!

Ziraiye's growth ceiling may be lower than Tsunade's, but his combat style has never been "overwhelm with force"; he excels at gathering intelligence, combining it with his own power, and then seeking opportunities.

As for Tsunade, the current Tsunade has already changed dramatically.

The appearance of Senju FeiJian, the infusion of White Absolute Cells, and the awakening of Senju ZhuZhang all gave her more instruction at the moment of transformation.

Especially with the data and power development obtained from the Moon, she is indeed one of Leaf Village's fastest‑advancing individuals in recent years!

"Whether they're brats is hard to say, but dealing with an old man like you is still no problem."

Ziraiye looked at Da Ye Mu in the sky, gave a hearty laugh, and then shouted loudly.

"Ready, Tsunade, let's begin!"

Fire Release·Flame Bullet!

"Ignorant."

A massive fireball surged straight toward Da Ye Mu in the sky; Da Ye Mu sneered with a cold snort, not even considering using Earth Release to block it.

His body simply flew to the side, evading the attack outright.

But Ziraiye did not stop; he continuously unleashed Fire Release assaults, which truly irritated Da Ye Mu.

"And that woman, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, she's waiting for her chance."

Da Ye Mu knew Ziraiye was now drawing his attention to create an opening for Tsunade; he had seen such tactics many times.

However, the next moment his expression changed instantly, because he saw Tsunade forming a hand seal.

"Isn't she a taijutsu ninja who excels at medical ninjutsu?"

Without time to think further, Tsunade quickly formed a seal beneath him, and the ground began to tremble.

Wood Release·Tree Realm Birth!

"What?"

Da Ye Mu's face changed drastically; his mind stalled for a moment, unable to comprehend how Tsunade could use Wood Release.

But he quickly recovered; Uchiha Haori can use Wood Release, so what's so surprising about Tsunade?

Moreover, Tsunade is the First Hokage's granddaughter; strictly speaking, her using Wood Release is even more normal!

"What a hassle!"

Da Ye Mu instantly accelerated upward, and at the same time formed hand seals with both hands, preparing to unleash Dust Release.

The trouble of Wood Release needs no further explanation; he must give his all to cope!

"Alright, now!"

Meanwhile on the other side, Ziraiye suddenly shouted, and a surge of natural aura burst from him.

At that moment, Ziraiye's face bore mottled patterns; his growth over the years has been limited, yet he has reinforced himself according to the "prophecy" he saw.

And Sage Mode, being his trump card, naturally draws his greater focus.

After some effort, he can now activate Sage Mode more conveniently and swiftly; he formed hand seals again and shouted loudly.

"Tsunade, dodge!"

Sage Art·Great Flame Bullet!

A torrent of raging flames erupted instantly, then slammed hard onto Tsunade's Wood Release, instantly igniting it.

The massive flames wildly surged with the spreading Wood Release, careening furiously toward Da Ye Mu!

After completing all that, the two exchanged another glance and formed seals again.

Ninja Art·Summoning Technique!

Two mountain‑sized monsters appeared in an instant within the training ground, and they quickly stood atop their respective summoned beasts.

Such vigor seemed worthy of the title of the Legendary Sannin, even though they are already the "Old Three Sannin".

"Da Ye Mu, the battle only begins now!"

——

"Surrender, you have no chance."

At the roof atop the training ground, Shui Men looked at the Fourth Raikage before speaking calmly.

"You are not our opponents; your fate is already sealed, stop struggling."

"Shameless bragging, on what basis do you think you have a guaranteed win!"

The Fourth Raikage actually feels a bit uneasy about everything before him, but now he must be firm.

His troops are already preparing, his subordinates have resolved to fight desperately; he absolutely cannot retreat!

"Alright, it seems I have nothing more to say."

Shui Men shook his head, sighed, and said.

"Over ten years ago, you and Chirabi left a deep impression on me; now I think we can try again."

"It's just a pity that Chirabi has to face Yuzhi; I only hope he can survive."

"You."

The Fourth Raikage's complexion changed, and just as he was about to speak, Minato interrupted again.

"From now on I will show no mercy, and I hope you will take care of yourself."

As soon as the words fell, Minato's figure vanished in an instant, and the next moment, in three directions around the Fourth Raikage, Minato's figures appeared almost simultaneously!

The Rasengans in Minato's hands spun at high speed, and under the bright blue chakra aura, they were thrust directly at the Fourth Raikage.

In the original work, Minato died in the Nine‑Tails Incident, in his twenties, and his room for improvement was still huge.

But now, the thirty‑something Minato is at his peak in combat power, ninjutsu, stamina, physical strength, and chakra in every aspect.

Moreover, without the Hokage's pressure, he has more time to be with his family and also more time to improve himself!

Adding to that, the evil "Senju Little Demon" Qian Shou Feijian exists, giving him a huge breakthrough in developing the Flying Thunder God.

"A troublesome guy!"

The Fourth Raikage roared angrily, and a Lightning Release Chakra Mode instantly manifested on his body.

After hard resisting one Rasengan, his remaining left hand swung out fiercely.

"Lightning Abuse Level!"

He doesn't know which one is the true Minato, but to him each one appears to be him.

It's only because the speed is too great, causing a clear "splitting" phenomenon; the one who can achieve this is also "Shunshin Shisui"!

The only difference is that Shisui uses the Instant Body Technique, which is pure speed, while Minato uses a Space Technique.

It's hard to say who is stronger, but the Fourth Raikage has no idle time; he can only launch attacks at will!

Bzz—

However, his hand slash also missed at that moment, because the instant the third Rasengan hit him, Minato had already left the spot.

At that speed, even the Fourth Raikage couldn't react!

Bang!

Everything happened in an instant; when the Fourth Raikage struck, the power of the body hit by the Rasengan burst forth instantly.

"Hmph!"

Under the massive impact, the Fourth Raikage couldn't help but let out a muffled hum, and his body was knocked far away with a booming sound.

However, he quickly rose from the rubble, clutching his stomach and gasping repeatedly.

The afterglow glanced at his Lightning Release Armor and was stunned to find that the armor had already cracked!

"Three attacks, all at the same spot? How did he manage that?"

The Fourth Raikage was full of confusion, but now he had no chance to ask.

Because he didn't see any kunai flying at all, yet Minato's figure split into three parts and appeared around him again.

"I told you, you will inevitably lose!"

——

"Who on earth are you?"

On the other side, Luo Sha's face turned sour as he looked at the ANBU‑clad person before him.

For a moment, he wondered if this person was the Leaf Village ANBU leader Kakashi Hatake.

After all, the same white hair, the same extreme skill with swords; the only difference is probably that this guy lacks the Sharingan, right?

Moreover, Kakashi is currently outside the barrier dealing with ninjas from various villages, so he couldn't possibly be here!

"You have too many questions."

The ANBU replied coldly, and the next instant his figure charged at Luo Sha again, making Luo Sha's face grow even more displeased.

This guy before him had top‑tier speed and strength, and his swordsmanship was especially sharp.

Although Luo Sha wasn't as worried about close combat as a puppeteer, a person like this isn't afraid of his Magnet Release and can keep finding openings even under Magnet Release attacks.

Such a rich way of countering their Sand Hidden tactics really left Luo Sha puzzled.

"Who exactly is this guy?"

However, even with his mind full of doubt, Luo Sha didn't pause; he manipulated a massive amount of sand and stone instantly toward the ANBU.

Yet, the ANBU, while dodging to one side, pulled out several kunai and immediately fired them.

Boom— Boom— Boom—

As the kunai pierced the sand and stone, the attached detonator exploded instantly, sending a massive blast of heat and explosion that, although blocked by Luo Sha's sand shield, still raised huge plumes of smoke.

"To win, you must first break his turtle shell; now is the chance!"

Using the cover of the smoke, the ANBU's movement paused briefly, and the next moment his speed surged instantly!

Moreover, on his short blade, a bright blue arc of electricity began to sizzle, and his blade at that instant pierced through the veil of smoke.

"How is that so fast?"

Seeing the Leaf Village ANBU suddenly appear before him, Luo Sha's face grew even more sour.

He immediately summoned a massive amount of sand and stone for protection, but unfortunately, the ANBU's sword speed seemed even faster.

Moreover, that dragon‑like yet incredibly precise blade also triggered Luo Sha's memories!

Pfft—

The sand and stone were a step too slow; the silver‑haired ANBU's slash pierced Luo Sha's body, but the sand still served its purpose, making the cut shallow.

Only Luo Sha's face had become extremely sour, and he shouted in disbelief.

"Impossible! How could this be! Y‑you are Kakashi Shuo Mao?!"

"Oh, got discovered?"

The silver-haired Anbu, Flagwood Suomo, raised an eyebrow, but soon he lightly shook his head.

Though it doesn't matter anymore, besides, your Magnet Release seems inferior to that of the Third Kazekage.

——

The fight is really intense, especially those two guys.

As battles raged all around Leaf Village, Yuzhi's figure silently appeared in a forest outside the village.

He glanced left and right, then chuckled and shook his head, but his gaze still turned toward another direction in Leaf Village, where the two people were fighting madly.

That was Madara Uchiha and Senju ZhuZhang, the two of them fighting again, and their movements seemed larger than imagined.

But this is normal; although Madara Uchiha hasn't been fully resurrected, strictly speaking his strength isn't bad, after all his body is the result of 'careful selection'.

Even if he cannot unleash the full power of the Rinnegan, the resulting might is certainly not weak.

As for ZhuZhang,

Maybe we can give Madara a surprise, but before that.

Yuzhi gazed at the open space ahead, but the next moment a summoning circle suddenly appeared, and with its emergence a chaotic surge of chakra also rose.

Really reckless; such spatial tearing probably isn't just ordinary pain.

Yuzhi calmly watched everything unfold; the 'Heaven-Send Technique' is considered a major asset for Cloud Village to transfer strong fighters into war.

But the problem is that this technique has a huge flaw; its stability has never been excellent, and unstable spatial transmission inevitably causes certain problems.

That is the tearing of space on the body; if one's bodily strength is insufficient, they likely die during the transfer.

There's a high probability that only part is transmitted over, while another part remains behind.

Moreover, even if the transfer succeeds, insufficient bodily strength likely leaves the whole body covered in wounds; without strong healing power, it's all for naught.

In the original story, Tsunade was like that, and she restored herself using her own medical ninjutsu.

However, jinchuriki seem not to need to worry so much; their tailed beasts will help them recover.

Everyone's here; hurry up and recover so we can move.

Just as Yuzhi was pondering, five figures silently appeared on that open space.

Because the One-Tail is inside Gaara, Mist Village may join the operation but is essentially an insider; their jinchuriki naturally won't cooperate, while the Nine-Tails is in Leaf Village.

Thus only five people are present here: they are the jinchuriki of Cloud Village, Rock Village, and Waterfall Village.

Yuzhi is actually curious what's gotten into Takigakure, Angol's home village, to cooperate with these people, but he doesn't care what they think.

Because no matter how many they have, to Yuzhi right now it's all the same!

The operation is called off; you don't need to go anywhere.

Thinking this, Yuzhi also couldn't be bothered to pretend; he simply walked out slowly, looked at the crowd before him, gave a light chuckle, and spoke.

The sudden appearance of Yuzhi's voice immediately put the six on high alert; but when they saw his figure, their hairs stood on end!

Although few of them have crossed blades with Yuzhi, his reputation has long been renowned among ninjas, and his strength is universally acknowledged.

This guy suddenly appearing here—how could they not feel troubled and worried?

Uchiha Haori

Killer Bee's expression was somewhat complex; he hadn't expected to meet Yuzhi here, but he can't dwell on it now.

Even if he doesn't agree with this operation, things have come to this point; he can't think too much, he must rally morale and make a decision!

Fifth Hokage, you showing up alone here—aren't you being a bit overconfident?

Overconfident?

Yuzhi tilted his head, curiously scanned the five people on high alert, then chuckled and asked.

You mean facing you five trashy fish? I don't think so.

Ninjas care about face, especially strong ninjas; Yuzhi looking down on them instantly ignited their inner anger.

Perhaps Yuzhi is indeed strong, but looking down on people like that—especially when they're all jinchuriki—how could they tolerate it?

Alright, I won't waste more words with you.

Yuzhi clearly had no interest in saying more; he merely waited with a smile, looked at these people, then gave a light chuckle and spoke.

Give you a chance; come at me together, using whatever power you have, but.

Having said that, Yuzhi paused slightly, then broke into a smirk and continued.

You only get one chance; whether you seize it is up to you—if you do, you win; if you don't.

I'll put collars on you and those little beasts inside you, one by one!

Yuzhi's words were spoken plainly, yet that plainness was filled with a superior's arrogance.

Killer Bee and the other jinchuriki inexplicably felt chills all over, as if some terrifying lifeform had locked its gaze on them!

More terrifying than before.

Killer Bee and those who have fought Yuzhi before silently muttered; that silent pressure really made them barely able to breathe.

But now isn't the time to think about that; Yuzhi has spoken, so they must seize the opportunity!

They glanced at each other, then all nodded, and at that moment their bodies manifested the tailed beasts' chakra.

Ninjas have always left no stone unturned; Yuzhi giving them this chance, if they don't seize it, they truly have no hope!

Arrogant bastard, go die!

The Four-Tails jinchuriki has the most violent temperament; he originally didn't want to join this war, but Ohno Wood stopped him.

After frankly discussing the pros and cons and learning of Leaf Village's 'ambition,' he, even if unwilling, had to do something.

Right now the Leaf Village Hokage is here; if we could directly take down this guy, it would be good for all of us!

His body was completely covered in red-and-black chakra, the tailed beast's chakra spreading throughout the forest, his mouth opened as powerful chakra gathered.

Black specks of light quickly coalesced and compressed; soon a huge sphere appeared!

Oh, is this using the Tailed Beast Ball?

Yuzhi raised his eyebrows, but he seemed unfazed; in the next instant, this tailed beast ball came crashing towards him.

"What nonsense!"

Using a tailed beast ball at such close range also made the other jinchuriki frown, but they didn't say more, instead keeping their gaze fixed on Yuzhi.

"How arrogant."

Yuzhi still didn't move, merely watching as that tailed beast ball fiercely assaulted him; yet the next moment, all the jinchuriki witnessed a scene they would never forget.

Six deep, ink‑black spheres suddenly appeared, forming a circle behind Yuzhi.

In an instant, the six spheres scattered, with a soft pop turning into minuscule black‑speck dust that drifted in the air, undetectable even to those with keen senses.

Precisely as the black spheres turned to dust, the tailed beast ball abruptly halted before Yuzhi, unable to advance even an inch.

It seemed to strike an invisible barrier; even when it detonated the next moment, with blinding light and terrifying energy blasts disintegrating everything around, nothing could cross that line—not even a step.

Yuzhi stood at the very heart of the explosion, his expression calm and composed, calmly watching as everything around him turned to ash.

But at the peak of the blast, he suddenly flicked his wrist, and in that instant space seemed to stall, time itself slowing.

A massive black hole appeared before him, swiftly sucking in all the power from the tailed beast ball's explosion.

Before him, around him, and in the bewildered eyes of the other jinchuriki, everything returned to calm.

Only the shattered earth and the trees reduced to ash around them bore witness to the tailed beast ball's true existence!

"What... what is this?"

Qilabi stared blankly at the scene before him, but the next moment a fierce roar suddenly erupted in the distance.

Following the sound of the explosion, they saw a huge mushroom cloud appear in the distance, its violent shockwave already hitting them in an instant.

The terrifying blast instantly cleared everything in the forest, and flames surged up at that moment.

Gazing at the explosion's epicenter, all the jinchuriki fell silent; had they not been shrouded in tailed beast chakra, one might have seen the shock and fear on their faces.

"That direction."

There, it was the area where their troops had gathered; now it has been utterly destroyed, and those who had assembled there likely turned to ash as well!

"Blocking the tailed beast ball's attack while redirecting its explosive force—can humans really do that?"

The jinchuriki felt a deeper chill in their hearts, and they seemed to sense a change in the tailed beasts within them.

It was awe, it was fear!

Fear appeared on the tailed beasts—this was truly the first time they had encountered it!

"Alright, I've given you a chance—looks like you're not much good."

Just as they stood bewildered, Yuzhi spoke again.

"So, are you ready?"

Yuzhi's voice remained as calm as ever, yet this judgment‑like tone left every jinchuriki present unable to hold back.

They didn't need to communicate at all, nor did they need much conversation with the tailed beasts inside them.

In an instant, the tailed beasts' chakra surged wildly, and their figures swelled dramatically at that moment.

Grrr—

Accompanied by roar after roar, six massive beasts appeared in the devastated forest, their terrifying pressure spreading wildly in all directions.

Yuzhi, meanwhile, lifted his head to behold the six hill‑like giants before him, and after a while he lightly shook his head.

"Quite a hassle, but it doesn't matter anymore."

"It won't be long before it's over."