Naruto: Bloodline Limit

"I see." Ryoha recalled that both Manda and Gamabunta belonged to the troublesome category of summoning animals, which could potentially disobey orders at any time. Gamabunta was a bit better, but Manda was quite a headache. Killing it would be a waste of a summoning animal with such strong combat abilities, and not killing it would result in constant bickering and disobedience.

That's why slugs were the most trustworthy, not only were they powerful in combat, but their auxiliary abilities were also outstanding. Even though Tsunade's slug leaned towards supportive role, she explained that the previous generation's Slug clan leader, just like Great Slug Sage, was skilled in combat and had excellent auxiliary abilities. They surpassed the leaders of the Snake and Toad clans.

While this generation of slugs may not be as strong in combat, they were still formidable, standing on par with Gamabunta and Manda, but their practical uses were even more significant. Slugs were obedient and their combined abilities, amplified by Tsunade, made them the most reliable summoning animals.

"Why do you look displeased instead?" Natsuhi asked, wondering why Ryoha was seemingly unhappy. Since they had broken through the last barrier in their relationship, their dynamic had become somewhat peculiar. At times they seemed like a couple, other times like close friends, and more often than not, Ryoha played the role of a mother or older sister, taking care of the others.

"Do you even need to ask? Someone wants to have more challenging fights in the upcoming battle. If the Great Slug Sage were on the opposing side, the battle would be even more spectacular. This way, I'd enjoy it more. Currently, with Great Slug Sage on Tsunade's side, it's not the same level of fun." Byakko grumbled, annoyed at being taken away before he had the chance to have a satisfying battle during the Five Kage Summit.

"You do know that in three weeks, there will be an unprecedented and magnificent battle, right? I even suspect that Orochimaru will change the way he uses Edo Tensei. This time, the resurrected individuals may not be distinguishable from living ones. However, this will make it easier for Edo Tensei individuals to escape, especially if they know the seals or can find a way to undo the technique. But the advantage is that they will be able to fight with the same strength as in their prime. So, many deceased powerful characters will be revived, and they will be just as strong as they were in life. You think you won't have any opponents then? I'm afraid you'll end up shouting for help when that happens." Ryoha intentionally provoked Byakko.

"Ha... Don't make me laugh. With my strength, I'd make them shout for help, not the other way around. I'd make them beg for mercy." Byakko said with pride. 

As Ryoha was about to continue teasing Byakko, a sudden scream came from the garden, startling everyone. Ryoha immediately teleported with the Hiraishin no Jutsu, taking everyone with him. In the garden, they found Konan had fainted.

"What happened?" Shizune, who was Tsunade's assistant and in charge of taking care of everyone's health, immediately rushed over. After a quick examination, she figured it out.

"It's not a physical issue; she's likely been mentally disturbed." Shizune assessed.

"Mentally disturbed? Could it be a genjutsu? That's impossible. Within the 25-kilometer area around me, I should be aware of everything." Ryoha doubted. He had set up a space-like barrier around the Land of Snow's palace, and he could instantly sense anyone entering, even if they used space-time jutsu. Currently, in the entire ninja world, no one could outperform Ryoha in space-time jutsu, not even Minato, who learned the Hiraishin's third stage. The only one who could potentially match Ryoha was Tsunade.

Ryoha's mastery of the Hiraishin no Jutsu had significantly improved with his growing strength, especially his understanding of space. The technique had surpassed the capabilities of the third stage. On the other side, Tsunade had also reached a similar level. No one could use space-time jutsu in their presence without being detected.

"No, it should be that she suddenly learned something that deeply disturbed her." Shizune observed and saw that Konan was clutching a piece of paper with a crushed origami crane.

"What's this? Chakra fluctuations!" Tsunade immediately detected very faint and dissipating chakra fluctuations on the paper. Without her powerful perception and sensitivity to such matters, no one would have noticed them, as they were nearly invisible.

"I understand. This seems to be some kind of life-sensing jutsu, with a seal placed on it along with the person's chakra. This paper crane can connect to that person's life. Although I'm not sure of their exact condition, I can tell their life has come to an end. Since this paper crane is now broken, it's clear that the person linked to it has died." Yugao explained. This type of jutsu wasn't particularly advanced; even in the Anbu, similar techniques were used for monitoring the movements and lives of other members.

"Someone has died? It must have deeply affected her. Only Nagato and Yahiko come to mind, but if Yahiko died, it's impossible. And with just three weeks until the great battle, who would be foolish enough to kill him, especially when he possesses the Rinnegan? Even with Nagato's power, not just anyone can kill him. Even the Five Kage would have trouble killing him, and if they tried to escape, it would be difficult." Ryoha wondered.

"She's awake." With Shizune's treatment, Konan finally regained consciousness, although her eyes were hollow and lifeless, as if her soul had already departed.

"Hey, Konan, what happened? Did Nagato die?" Ryoha's question finally sparked some life in Konan's eyes. As if she had found a lifeline, Konan's tone was urgent and even borderline hysterical:

"Nagato's dead! Who killed him? Was it you? Tell me, did you kill him?"

"Hey, hey, if I wanted to kill him, I would have done it the last time. Was it really necessary to go behind his back to kill him? Besides, I'm planning to send him to the afterlife in three weeks during the big battle. Do I look like such a bored person to you?" Ryoha said, unamused. While he did want to kill Nagato, he intended to do it during the final battle, making it more spectacular.