[{"data":1,"prerenderedAt":-1},["ShallowReactive",2],{"origin-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch":3,"chapter-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-441":6},{"origin":4,"title":5},"english","Naruto: Strongest Shinobi System With a Glitch",{"chapter":7,"nextChapterSlug":19,"prevChapterSlug":20,"totalChapters":21,"novelImage":22},{"id":8,"novel_id":9,"title":10,"slug":11,"index":12,"content":13,"wordcount":14,"created_at":15,"updated_at":15,"volume":16,"translator":17,"content_hash":18},1819298,2309,"Chapter 441 441: 441 - Kakuzu vs Sasuke!!!","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-441",441,"\u003Cp>AN : There are limited time discounts running on my Patreon page. Check it out and enjoy the story further!! - CODE - 4D172!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There is also an Early bird offer for first 5 buyers of the whole story!!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>--------------------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Release: Chidori.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke appeared behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Crack!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Water Release mask on Kakuzu's back suddenly split apart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heart hidden behind the Water Release mask was destroyed by Sasuke's Lightning Release: Chidori.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu didn't even have time to process the loss of his Water Release heart; he was far more shaken by Sasuke's Mangekyō Sharingan dōjutsu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>So this was actually a highly troublesome space–time ninjutsu?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a roar, Kakuzu sent his black threads lashing out, seizing Sasuke's right hand and racing up toward his heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's expression sharpened. He swung the Thunder God Sword at once, severing the black threads and springing back to gain distance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Release: False Darkness.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Lightning Release mask snapped its jaws and spat out a spear of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The bolt's speed was terrifying, but just as it was about to hit Sasuke, his figure vanished again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It really is space–time ninjutsu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu felt his scalp prickle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just how troublesome space–time ninjutsu could be—one only had to look at Namikaze Minato.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth Release: Earth Spear.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu didn't know where Sasuke would appear next, but at least Earth Spear protected his entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The shrill cry of a thousand birds rang out once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke appeared at Kakuzu's left.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning wrapped his right hand, turning it into a sharpened blade that slashed toward the Fire Release mask on Kakuzu's shoulder.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's not that easy!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In a flash, Kakuzu shifted the Fire Release mask out of the way and lunged, both hands reaching to grab Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Release: Chidori Nagashi!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke instantly altered the shape of his Chidori.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A surge of lightning exploded outward, cloaking his entire body in crackling electricity.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu's body jolted the moment his hands plunged into the lightning. His movements slowed, his speed sharply reduced.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Mangekyo Sharingan: Genjutsu!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deep crimson light flashed across Sasuke's eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even though Kakuzu had been on guard against Uchiha genjutsu from the start, his gaze went blank as he was pulled into the illusion.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had never forgotten that Sasuke was an Uchiha, even if his Sharingan was a little… unusual.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>More importantly, Kakuzu possessed five hearts.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>That meant he was essentially five people in one, with five different Chakra natures, allowing him to break free from genjutsu far more quickly than normal.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although now, only four hearts remained.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even so, dispelling genjutsu still required a sliver of time. Less than a second—but more than enough for Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke tightened his grip on the thunder god sword and slashed toward the nearest Lightning Release mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu snapped out of the illusion just in time to hear the crack of the Lightning Release mask shattering.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He immediately realized things were going south, but he had no time to worry about the lost mask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Tentacle Fist!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His fists shot forward as a mass of black tendrils erupted from the severed ends of his arms.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's vision darkened. The black tentacles surged toward him in a wave, blotting out the light.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Forced into a corner, Sasuke invoked his Mangekyo Sharingan dōjutsu once more.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Although he could teleport infinitely as long as he had placed a Yin Release mark, each teleportation was equivalent to casting the jutsu again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In other words, the Chakra cost was enormous.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If not for the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan and Amanoiwato, he would have collapsed after using that teleportation four or five times in a single battle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant Sasuke vanished, Kakuzu withdrew his fists.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But contrary to his expectations, Sasuke didn't appear behind him for another surprise attack.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Instead, he stood in plain sight beneath a nearby tree.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu narrowed his eyes, then felt a surge of delight.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's shoulders were heaving, his breathing ragged. He looked like he'd burned through far too much Chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Only then did Kakuzu remember: this was an eleven-year-old child.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His body and Chakra reserves hadn't reached their prime.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The fact that he'd been able to fight Kakuzu to this extent was already terrifying.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Your space-time Ninjutsu eats away at your chakra.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu sneered. \"Looks like this fight is already decided.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is that so?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke let out a slow breath, his tone calm. \"I haven't even used my full strength yet. How can you say the outcome's decided?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu's heart gave an involuntary jolt.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He still hasn't used his full strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His first reaction was simple disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The boy was too young. Kakuzu himself was nearly ninety.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He was already close to going all out, and yet this eleven-year-old claimed he hadn't?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How was that supposed to make sense?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, Kakuzu felt like his ninety years of cultivation had been completely pointless.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Amanoiwato!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's body trembled slightly—and then his Chakra erupted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu's eyes widened.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, Sasuke's Chakra output had tripled, far surpassing his expectations.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of Secret Technique was this?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Again.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's figure disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth Release: Earth Spear!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu reacted instantly, hardening his entire body.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Yin Release: Rasengan!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke reappeared behind him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chilling aura spread out as a spinning, green sphere of Chakra slammed into Kakuzu's back.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A scorching pain tore through him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Even with Earth Release reinforcing his body, he couldn't completely neutralize the Yin Release: Rasengan.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The black threads binding his body snapped one after another under the crushing rotation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Gritting his teeth, Kakuzu used the Body Flicker.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After putting some distance between them, he immediately formed hand seals.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Compound Ninja Art: Flame Wind Wild Wave!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Wind Release mask and Fire Release mask opened their mouths at the same time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind fed flame, and in an instant, a vast sea of fire roared to life.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To guard against Sasuke's sudden teleportation and ambushes, Kakuzu unleashed flames in every direction, keeping himself at the very center.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke frowned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hesitated briefly, then raised the thunder god sword.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Release: Kirin!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A massive fire dragon shot into the sky, followed an instant later by a thunderous bolt of lightning.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The heavens rumbled.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The gloomy sky lit up as countless bolts of lightning converged, taking on the form of a mighty Kirin.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Kirin descended, plunging straight into the blazing sea of fire.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Earth Release: Earth Spear!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Staring at the oncoming cataclysm of lightning, Kakuzu retreated without a second's hesitation, reinforcing his body again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A deafening roar shook heaven and earth.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning and fire twisted together, erupting into countless, devastating shockwaves.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu swallowed hard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the first time he had ever witnessed a Lightning Release Ninjutsu of such overwhelming power.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fortunately, with Earth Release: Earth Spear, he managed to avoid being torn apart by the aftershocks of the lightning storm.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this your full strength? To push me this far at your age—you should be proud.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu said, eyes fixed on Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had seen many prodigies in his long life, but compared to Sasuke, they all seemed mediocre.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's still not my full strength.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke drew in a deep breath, then spoke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"...?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu couldn't help but stare at him in disbelief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What kind of monster are you?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>How is this still not your full strength?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Is this really an eleven-year-old?\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke slowly raised his hand.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>bi\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A crushing, oppressive aura erupted outward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A gigantic, spectral hand materialized out of nowhere and grabbed toward Kakuzu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa's brow twitched.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>This was the initial manifestation of Susanoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But it wasn't exactly surprising—Sasuke possessed the Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, after all.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The only question was how far he could push it.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given his age, a Perfect Susanoo was likely out of reach. He was probably limited to the first or second stage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"What is this…?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For the first time in a long while, Kakuzu felt that his nearly ninety years of experience and insight were useless in the face of Uchiha Sasuke.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Again and again, the boy revealed Ninjutsu—or rather, Secret Techniques—that Kakuzu simply could not comprehend.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Wind Release: Pressure Damage!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu spat out a compressed sphere of wind.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The instant it struck the ground, it exploded into a howling storm, tearing up the battlefield.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The enormous hand was blocked at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's Sharingan flickered, and a bony, translucent torso formed around him, ribs locking into place.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The first stage of Susanoo.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A heartbeat later, a massive shadow fell over Kakuzu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The skeletal giant's fists clenched and hammered down on him again and again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A chill shot through Kakuzu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He hurriedly activated Earth Release: Earth Spear, his body turning as hard as stone.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But in that same moment, Sasuke's figure vanished.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Lightning Release: Chidori Blade!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Using teleportation, Sasuke reappeared behind Kakuzu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He sprang upward and, while Kakuzu was still focused on Susanoo's assault, drove his sword forward.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a sharp crack, the Fire Release mask on Kakuzu's body was pierced clean through.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke pressed the attack, twisting his wrist as the blade redirected, stabbing straight toward Kakuzu's main heart.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I surrender!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the decisive instant, Kakuzu shouted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He had already been beaten down by Susanoo until he could barely move.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If the fight dragged on, all five of his hearts would be destroyed. He would die here.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's lightning-wreathed sword froze a breath away from its mark.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He curled his lip, clearly dissatisfied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But since Kakuzu had surrendered, there was no reason to continue.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Well done.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa smiled in praise.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With his vast experience and mastery of all five natures, Kakuzu was an opponent an ordinary Jōnin couldn't hope to handle.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Sasuke to defeat him meant his strength was already approaching Kage-level.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With a bit more real combat experience, he could have ended it even faster.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After all, his doujutsu were simply too overwhelming.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakuzu.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa turned to him. \"Admit your defeat.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I won't go back on my word,\" Kakuzu replied coolly. \"Not that I'm in any position to anyway.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I'll send you back to Konoha Village first.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa stepped forward and activated the Flying Thunder God.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In the blink of an eye, the three of them appeared inside the Uchiha clan compound.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Who's there?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fugaku immediately sensed their arrival.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Father!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke's expression lit up. \"I defeated Kakuzu!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakuzu from the Akatsuki Organization?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fugaku was momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>These days, every member of Akatsuki was infamous across the shinobi world, so he reacted at once.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Exactly!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sasuke said proudly, \"I beat him all by myself!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"As expected of my son!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A broad smile spread across Fugaku's face.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"You two talk.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hearing this all-too-familiar exchange, Kitazawa gave a brief farewell and took Kakuzu to the Anbu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>His plan was to have Kakuzu join the Anbu.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Since Kakuzu had been a member of Akatsuki, there was no way he could appear openly in Konoha. The anonymity of the Anbu was perfect for him.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Current Mission: Capture Kakuzu alive.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Mission Reward: Mastery of Earth Release Chakra nature transformation.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[Host has completed the mission; reward distributed.]\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa glanced at the three lines of text before him and gave a small nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, only Fire Release nature transformation remained before he mastered every chakra attribute.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He wondered what new abilities would awaken then.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakuzu, I've already planted a Flying Thunder God Mark on you. No matter where you go, I can find you.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa's tone was calm. \"Since you've joined the Anbu, then do your job properly.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kakuzu nodded silently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He understood the unspoken warning well enough: don't stir up trouble in Konoha, and don't even think about running.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After arranging things with Kakuzu, Kitazawa went to find Antelope.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Just as he had done for Naruto, he used the same method to build up Sasuke's fame.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>There was one difference this time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Sasuke's moniker, Kitazawa personally chose the title \"Konoha's Kirin.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Once the Anbu began their information campaign, they would spread this title along with the story of his victory.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>After finishing his instructions, Kitazawa returned to Takigakure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibuki and the others were waiting anxiously at the village entrance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The moment they saw him, they hurried over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Lord Kitazawa, how did it go?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibuki asked impatiently.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The two Akatsuki members were defeated by us.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa replied.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's a relief.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibuki let out a long breath. \"Takigakure has finally made it through this crisis.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"It's too soon to say the crisis is over.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa shook his head. \"The Akatsuki Organization won't just let this go. They will definitely send more people.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibuki's expression shifted sharply, tension tightening his features.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I have a plan.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kitazawa spoke calmly. \"Let Fū stay in Konoha for the time being and use her to draw the Akatsuki toward the village.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"But…\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibuki's hands clenched at his sides. He was torn.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"If you're worried, you can send people to Konoha to look after Fū,\" Kitazawa added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Shibuki fell silent, sinking into thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Keeping Fū in Takigakure would always be a hidden danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>First, Kitazawa and the others had to return to Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Second, Takigakure itself could be attacked at any time.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Third, Fū would never truly be safe.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"…I agree,\" Shibuki finally sighed.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"After I return, I'll announce to the entire ninja world that I personally brought the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki to Konoha,\" Kitazawa said with a nod.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Thank you for the trouble, Lord Kitazawa,\" Shibuki replied sincerely.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As long as Akatsuki knew Fū was no longer in Takigakure, they wouldn't come for the village again. In that sense, Konoha would be shouldering all the danger.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"There's no time to waste. Send someone to accompany me to Konoha immediately,\" Kitazawa urged. He had already completed the corresponding system mission and had no intention of lingering in Takigakure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kogen, take a team and go with Lord Kitazawa,\" Shibuki ordered after a brief pause.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Yes, Leader.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kogen quickly chose three shinobi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Seeing that they were ready, Kitazawa formed the seal and used the Flying Thunder God Technique.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In an instant, the five of them appeared in the Forest of Death.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Two violent chakra auras immediately surged toward them.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Is this Fū's chakra?\" Kogen narrowed his eyes.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>He soon found the source of the clashing chakra.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>One was Fū's — the other belonged to Uzumaki Naruto.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Kogen stared, momentarily stunned.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The Fū who had always been practically invincible in Takigakure… was actually at a disadvantage.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But he relaxed a little once he took a closer look. After all, she was up against the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kogen?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fū noticed him right away and shouted, \"We'll fight more later!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She hurriedly ran over.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Takigakure is fine now, don't worry,\" Kagen said first, knowing exactly what she wanted to ask.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"That's great!\" Fū beamed, her smile bright.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I told you, with Kitazawa-sensei around, there wouldn't be any problems,\" he added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Naruto flashed a thumbs up. \"Kitazawa-sensei's power of youth is unmatched!\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Fū, the Leader has one more thing for you to do,\" Kogen continued, then relayed Shibuki's order for her to remain in Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Eh?\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Fū blinked, caught off guard.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But the surprise didn't last long. She quickly grew excited.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She had always wanted to leave Takigakure and see the outside world. Now, she finally had her chance.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"During this time, you can join the Genius Class,\" Kitazawa said, a satisfied smile tugging at his lips.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>With Fū joining, the Genius Class's overall strength rose yet again.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Meanwhile, news of Uchiha Sasuke defeating Kakuzu was spreading rapidly throughout Konoha.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>No one was more excited than the Uchiha clan—especially Fugaku and Itachi.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>They knew very well that to become Hokage, strength alone wasn't enough. The most crucial factor was reputation.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>The greater the renown, the brighter the Hokage prospects.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>When Uzumaki Naruto had started making a name for himself, they'd felt a faint sense of unease.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now, with Sasuke's fame soaring to rival Naruto's, that worry began to fade.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>—\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Hidden Rain Village, Land of Rain.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Sitting beside her bed, Konan suddenly heard a knock at the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She froze for an instant, then rose quickly, her face smooth and unreadable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She already knew the one knocking was certainly not Kitazawa.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan opened the door.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>A White Zetsu emerged from the corridor's shadows.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Kakuzu and Hidan's mission failed,\" White Zetsu reported. \"Kitazawa and Uchiha Sasuke appeared in Takigakure and captured them.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>At the mention of Kitazawa, Konan's heart gave a small tremor.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But if he had personally intervened, Kakuzu and Hidan's failure was only to be expected.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>As for Uchiha Sasuke, she dismissed him without a second thought.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"The Seven-Tails' jinchūriki was also taken to Konoha by Kitazawa,\" White Zetsu added.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"I understand. You may leave,\" Konan said coldly.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>White Zetsu sank into the floor and disappeared.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan stood there, listening to the endless rain, her mind drifting.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Now that the Seven-Tails' jinchūriki was in Konoha, Akatsuki's remaining targets were only Konoha and Kumogakure.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Given the strength of those two villages, there was no doubt that Nagato would personally move next.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan bit her lip unconsciously.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>What was destined to come would come.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>She didn't want to see Kitazawa and Nagato fight to the death, but she understood it was inevitable.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Snapping out of her daze, Konan turned and walked toward the tallest tower in the Hidden Rain Village.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Soon, she stood before the Deva Path of Pain and relayed White Zetsu's report.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>\"Two more members gone?\" Deva Path murmured. After a short pause, he said, \"Recruit new people first. I'll head to Kumogakure in a while.\"\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan instinctively let out a small breath of relief.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>If Konoha was being left for last, then Kitazawa and the others would still have some time to prepare.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>But she quickly forced that thought away.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>In front of Nagato, the wielder of the Rinnegan, preparation wouldn't mean much.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Konan's heart twisted.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For a moment, she didn't even know which side she wanted to win.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>AN: Check out my P@treon For +80 extra chapters.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>Thank You For your Support!!\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>[email protected]\u002Fnoviceauthor777\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>-----------------------\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>To keep the chapters coming - Support with POWER STONES.\u003C\u002Fp>\n\u003Cp>For Every 100 power stones - 1 BONUS chapter.\u003C\u002Fp>",2989,"2026-06-09T05:35:56.025Z",1,"novelbin.me","59280c63ed2ea4c96b0fa47b02067439b8f671f2a3bb62cf04f40dde98f57469","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-442","naruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-chapter-440",444,"https:\u002F\u002Fnovelzhen.com\u002Fimages\u002Fcovers\u002Fnaruto-strongest-shinobi-system-with-a-glitch-cover.jpg"]