Chapter 125: Chapter 125: Shin the World Savior
Danzo Shimura wore an indifferent expression in an underground base, instructing a teenage ninja around 14 or 15 years old.
"Shisui, are you truly prepared?"
"Yes, Elder Danzo. The Kurogami is too much of a threat to Konoha. I believe that only by using Kotoamatsukami can we counter him."
At the mention of Kotoamatsukami, a glint of desire flickered in Danzo's eyes.
'This situation is incredibly fortunate,' he thought. 'The pressure from that Kurogami actually led to an Uchiha awakening another pair of Mangekyō Sharingan, and with it, the terrifying ability of Kotoamatsukami.'
'No need to act hastily... I'll let Shisui try it first. After all, that Kurogami has a Mangekyō Sharingan as well. Even if Shisui succeeds, it will likely drain a considerable amount of his ocular power, leaving both of them severely weakened.'
As for why he hadn't already attempted to seize Shisui's eyes himself to control Shin, Danzo was cautious. He knew the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan would be diminished in his own hands, likely even weaker than in those of the original user. Besides, against the Kurogami, a single misstep would mean certain death. He needed to preserve his life and strength to revitalize Konoha, not risk it in a reckless gamble.
Naturally, this was a task suited for the 'evil' Uchiha clan. If they succeeded, he would claim credit; if they failed, it would be a personal misstep on the Uchiha's part. Either way, he emerged the winner.
Elsewhere, in a Konoha tavern, Tsunade and Jiraiya, two old friends, reunited and were sharing drinks.
Sitting next to Jiraiya was Naruto Uzumaki, Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. The blond boy wore a scowl, muttering, "Darn it, beaten by a girl! I'll definitely win next time!"
Tsunade glanced at him with mild interest. "Is this your new disciple, Jiraiya? And I thought you were off searching for the so-called Child of Prophecy."
Jiraiya took a sip of sake. "Prophecies are meaningless. If they're inevitable, they'll happen whether I'm there or not. And if they can be changed, then I'd rather focus on what I can do right now."
Tsunade paused, giving him an impressed look. "That's surprising. Last time, you couldn't stop raving about the Great Toad Sage's prophecy. Did that Kurogami, Shin, put some sense into you?"
Jiraiya averted his gaze, embarrassed to admit that Shin's insights had indeed shaped his views. His discussion with the Great Toad Sage afterward further deepened his understanding of ancient history.
As a result, he had abandoned his quest for the Child of Prophecy. As Shin said, the world's peace had to come from within the people of the world, not from some predestined prophecy. Relying on such an idea was foolish.
Though Jiraiya said nothing, Tsunade saw through him and couldn't help but laugh. "You're getting schooled by a kid—at your age! That's absurd!"
Still embarrassed, Jiraiya glanced at Tsunade as she laughed, her shoulders shaking, and swallowed hard. "Uh... really big... I mean, really absurd…"
With a loud thud, Tsunade's fist fell on his head, leaving a large bump. "You're in your forties, and you are still a pervert!" she scolded.
Jiraiya rubbed his aching head, muttering, "Aren't you still the same grumpy gambler?"
Noticing Tsunade's raised fist, he fell silent, not eager to risk another trip to the hospital.
"But what brings you back to the village? Don't tell me your hemophobia's cured?" he asked.
Tsunade paused, her cup mid-air. "You could say it's... resolved. I've gained some perspective."
Jiraiya gave her a curious look but refrained from asking further.
In truth, Tsunade's recent acceptance had come from an unexpected place. Following Shin's suggestions, Orochimaru had been researching the Reanimation Jutsu, even reviving Tsunade's younger brother, Nawaki.
In the past, Nawaki had been not only her brother, but also one of Orochimaru's students, and the two had shared a close bond. His death had been a significant factor in Orochimaru's obsession with immortality. Now, after a heartfelt conversation with Nawaki's reanimated spirit, Tsunade had found closure.
"By the way, any news from that kid, Shin, lately? Just how powerful has he become, and what exactly is he planning?" Jiraiya asked after another sip of sake.
Tsunade's face turned serious. "How powerful? Put it this way: even if my grandfather were reborn, he wouldn't be a match for him."
Jiraiya's eyes widened. "I knew he was strong, but to think he's already…"
Reflecting on Shin's earlier words about becoming a "Peacemaker" Jiraiya thought, 'If this keeps up, Shin may really be able to usher in a new era. Perhaps his actions in the Hidden Mist Village are just the beginning.'
"And as for his plans," Tsunade added, "whatever they may be, they can hardly be worse than the world we have now."
"Um... Tsunade, that's a bit…"
With a cold snort, Tsunade turned her attention to Naruto Uzumaki. "I've heard villagers call him the 'demon fox.' Really, Jiraiya, can't you address this?"
Jiraiya gave a resigned sigh. "Those are ignorant villagers; there's little I can do."
"Maybe the villagers are ignorant, but the higher-ups aren't fools! If rumors keep spreading... if the Fourth Hokage could see this, he'd be furious."
Jiraiya was silent, then sighed. "You sound like you're supporting Shin's views. You know he's an enemy of Konoha, right?"
"Does that even matter? Which of the five great villages doesn't have blood feuds with the others? What's important is that he has the power to end this chaotic world."
"When Konoha was founded, the various clans of the Land of Fire were all fighting tooth and nail—especially our Senju and the Uchiha!"
"But when everyone witnessed the combined might of my grandfather and Madara Uchiha, they willingly formed the Hidden Leaf Village. Whether they truly wanted to or not didn't matter. The power of those two made unity the only option."
*******************************
For each power stones milestone—25, 50, 100, 150, and beyond—I will release a bonus chapter.
If you would like to gain early access, you can join me at www.patre on.com/bookbattalion