Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

We've reached 30 power stones, and an extra chapter, 265, was been released today!

For every 30 POWER STONES there will be an extra chapter!

........

With time running short, Ye Zi and his team traveled day and night. Their meeting point with White Zetsu was set along the coast of the Land of Hot Water.

Upon their arrival, White Zetsu was already there waiting, standing beside a ship crafted from Wood Release.

The salty sea breeze rushed in from the ocean, making their robes flutter, while in the distance, the horizon had turned dark.

"A storm, huh?" White Zetsu commented, glancing at the darkening horizon where the black line was thickening. "Really bad timing."

The black line was still far off, but the strong winds showed just how intense the brewing storm was.

Ye Zi turned to White Zetsu and said, "The intel."

Noting that Ye Zi didn't seem bothered by the storm and remembering his single-minded resolve, White Zetsu gave a slight grin, musing, "You… really are different."

Unfazed by White Zetsu's cryptic remark, Ye Zi simply repeated, "The intel."

White Zetsu shrugged, handing over the detailed intel. Ye Zi took it without delay and led Kotoe and Shin onto the boat, which then pushed off into the rough sea.

As the wooden boat became a small dot in the distance, White Zetsu's half-smiling face showed an odd mix of pity.

"Every time I see him so determined, I feel a pang of sympathy, though I don't actually have a heart."

Black Zetsu's eyes, devoid of pupils, opened slowly and coldly replied, "Hypocritical sympathy."

"What? You're calling me a hypocrite?" White Zetsu asked, sounding mildly offended.

Black Zetsu replied, "Until all the Tailed Beasts are collected, we can't let our guard down. Do you really think he'll be easy to control?"

White Zetsu shrugged again. "Whatever happens, collecting the Tailed Beasts will be up to him and Nagato."

"Simple-minded as always. Haven't you considered one key issue?" Black Zetsu sneered.

"What issue?" White Zetsu's brow twitched.

"Reviving Madara," Black Zetsu said slowly and deliberately.

That was the ultimate objective. Collecting all the Tailed Beasts was only part of it, but how would Madara be revived? What reason would Nagato have to use the Samsara of Heavenly Life Technique to bring Madara back? And how exactly would Ye Zi ensure that Nagato willingly performed the revival?

Although the goal of gathering the Tailed Beasts was shared, Nagato's aim was to create a weapon capable of bringing balance to the ninja world and achieving peace.

After all the Tailed Beasts were collected, the real purpose would begin.

"He'll figure out a way to revive Madara," White Zetsu said confidently.

As one of those in the know, Black Zetsu understood White Zetsu's confidence.

"Let's hope so," Black Zetsu replied coolly, but inside, a sinister smile lurked.

"Actually, I'm very interested," White Zetsu added with a grin. "I wonder what Little Ye Zi's face will look like if he puts in all that effort, only to find it was all for nothing."

"Oh, I'd especially love to see it when the 'seed' that Madara planted finally sprouts."

"Creep," Black Zetsu remarked bluntly.

"You're always so harsh," White Zetsu muttered.

Black Zetsu closed his eyes, ending the conversation.

White Zetsu watched the churning sea, his half-smiling mouth curving slightly. To himself, he thought, "But what I really want to see is how far he'll get."

....

Dark clouds blanketed the sky, hanging low over the sea. Wild winds whipped up towering waves, nearly close enough to touch the looming clouds.

The sky darkened, as if night had fallen, and lightning crackled, illuminating the horizon where sea and clouds met for brief instants.

The storm was nearing its peak.

The wooden ship forged ahead through the raging waves. Small and fragile by comparison, it refused to be turned back.

Heavy raindrops suddenly poured down.

Standing at the bow, Ye Zi faced the storm in silence, staring resolutely forward. His lower body fused with the boat using Wood Release, allowing him to remain steady amid the howling winds and crashing waves.

Kotoe and Shin had been sent to the cabin, secured by wooden branches that acted as safety harnesses.

Ye Zi then created several Wood Clones on the ship, their lower halves fused to the boat. Each clone held a wooden oar, rowing relentlessly.

While his clones rowed hard, Ye Zi himself stood heroically at the bow.

Fortunately, being clones, they had no complaints.

With only one day left until the Mizukage was set to depart, they had to press through the storm to reach the ambush point on time.

"The faster we get there, the sooner we'll have a chance to rest," Ye Zi thought as raindrops streamed down his face, forcing him to squint slightly.

To reach their ambush location in the Land of Water, he'd have to expend chakra on travel. Afterward, they'd need to rest and regain their strength.

Even if they missed the Mizukage's departure, they could ambush him on his return, but waiting only increased the risk of complications. It would be best to seize the opportunity now.

.....

Meanwhile, in the mist-covered Kirigakure.

In the Mizukage's office, the youthful Yagura rested his chin on one hand, glancing at the roster on his desk. He sighed, "It's just a trip to see the daimyo; it's not that far. Do I really need so many guards?"

In front of his desk stood a large man with a face patterned like prison bars, a massive sword slung across his back.

"Mizukage-sama, it's for precaution," the man replied solemnly.

Yagura tapped the roster with a finger, muttering, "Shiton, you're too serious. Instead of having so many people come along, wouldn't it be better to let them complete more missions?"

Shiton maintained his stern expression, insisting, "Your safety, Mizukage-sama, is more important than anything else."

At that, Yagura sighed, glancing over the roster names. Each one was a top elite, specially selected from the Anbu.

"Tsūu Etsu, Mei Terumi, Kisame Hoshigaki, Ao…"

Reading each name, he pictured their faces and recalled scenes of past battles. He was well-acquainted with each one.

"Ten elite shinobi… Imagine the value they could create on missions," Yagura murmured, tracing each name and photo with his finger.

"Mizukage-sama, if you manage to persuade the daimyo, the value created will be far greater."

"I know, but you're also aware it won't be easy."

"True, but please, do your best to convince the daimyo," Shiton responded earnestly.

Yagura's face fell, and he reluctantly agreed, "I'll do my best. The village will be in your care while I'm gone."

Shiton nodded firmly.

"There are still many who are restless…" Yagura's young face took on a steely expression, as cold as a winter's frost.

This journey was crucial to bringing about the changes he sought.

Yagura, and the entire Kirigakure, remained unaware that someone was approaching with deadly intent.

Yet, despite being oblivious to the looming danger, Yagura's meticulous assistant's serious and rigid planning was showing its worth—arranging for such a strong escort team during these uncertain times was a prudent move.

Check out the patreon and get 50 chapters in advance -> SaintXI

Currently on Chapter 315 - Fighting in Two Places At the Same Time