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Chapter 317: Recovering the Two-Tails
🕑 Added 2025-01-29 13:45:02 +0000 UTCChapter 317: Recovering the Two-Tails
As Hyuga Fuji stepped into the space where the virtual Divine Tree stood, Uchiha Hikari, who had been stationed there, immediately sensed his presence. Her expression changed drastically, and without hesitation, she vanished in an instant.
She had no desire to face the monster that even Madara and Obito were wary of.
Nearby, witnessing this reaction, Tamako raised an eyebrow and chuckled with interest before making her way toward Hyuga Fuji.
Hyuga Fuji was gazing at the Divine Tree when Tamako appeared beside him. He acknowledged her with a slight nod. "Good work."
"It's nothing." Tamako waved off the remark casually. "You sent a clone here. Are you planning to start now? I wouldn't recommend it. Though the gathered chakra inside has accumulated considerably, it's still far from its limit."
"I'm in no rush. I'll wait for my real body to arrive."
Hyuga Fuji shook his head indifferently and took a step forward, reaching the top of the virtual Divine Tree. "I'll handle things here from now on."
"Hmm..."
Just as she was about to agree, Tamako's eyes narrowed slightly before she suddenly smirked. "Someone is sneaking around in various sections of the virtual space. It’s someone you know—Namikaze Minato."
"He took advantage of the disturbance caused by the Ten-Tails' emergence and Hyuga Miyuki’s disruption of the virtual space to plant Flying Thunder God markers in multiple locations, including this one. If he continues his search, he'll eventually find this place. Do you want to see him?"
Hyuga Fuji didn't answer directly. Instead, he asked, "What about Kushina? The Nine-Tails wouldn’t just sit by and do nothing."
"...Fugaku has already sent her away. The Nine-Tails replenished his chakra, allowing him to send out more people. Priority was given to the Kage-level figures and the tailed beasts."
"Then there's no need to concern ourselves with Minato. If he tries to enter, just send him away."
"I understand."
Tamako nodded while making a mental note:
‘Since he’s personally guarding this place, that means his real body is no longer stationed outside. Hikari, just wait—I’m coming for you.’
…
The Fourth Raikage awoke from his unconscious state, holding his forehead as he sat up weakly.
The shinobi guarding him tensed up immediately, a flicker of fear crossing their eyes.
When shinobi awaken from forced sleep, they often go berserk, attacking indiscriminately. If the Raikage lost control, even with the suppressing agents injected into him, they wouldn’t stand a chance against him.
Fortunately, the worst-case scenario didn’t occur. When the Raikage opened his eyes, his gaze was clear, indicating that he had retained his consciousness. The guards collectively sighed in relief.
"Raikage-sama, you’re finally awake!"
One of the shinobi spoke with excitement. "To prevent enemy control, we injected you with muscle relaxants and chakra suppressants. I’ll summon a medical-nin to check on you immediately."
The Fourth Raikage nodded calmly, not rejecting the suggestion.
Once the shinobi left, he turned to a nearby jōnin. "I’ve already gathered the gist of what happened. It was Akatsuki’s doing. What’s the current status of the village and the Land of Lightning? Who's in charge? How well are we handling the situation?"
"Raikage-sama, Mabui-sama has been overseeing all affairs. Since she was particularly interested in Ideal City's virtual space technology, she wasn’t affected by the enemy’s technique like the rest of us. She quickly organized defensive and rescue efforts to ensure the safety of the villagers. The rest of the Land of Lightning is also being secured by shinobi who remain unaffected."
The Raikage nodded slightly, signaling for him to continue.
"All unconscious shinobi in the village have been injected with suppressants. Those high-ranking officials who remained unaffected have stationed trusted personnel to guard them. Additionally, we've already dispatched teams to Ideal City to investigate the enemy’s whereabouts."
"So far, everything remains under control. Mabui-sama has mobilized forces to secure critical locations, closely monitoring enemy movements, and is prepared to respond to any emergencies."
The Raikage's tense expression eased slightly upon hearing this. His earlier concerns dissipated somewhat.
Thankfully, Akatsuki hadn’t attacked yet. His secretary had handled things well, preventing the village from descending into chaos after losing its leadership.
"Maintain the defenses. Akatsuki is after the Ten-Tails and the tailed beasts. Right now, the Land of Lightning is at its weakest—they won’t pass up this opportunity. We cannot afford to be careless for even a moment!"
The jōnin immediately nodded. "Understood, Raikage-sama!"
The Raikage waved his hand, dismissing them, then allowed the medical-nin to examine him. After taking the antidote for the suppressants and confirming that Fugaku's dojutsu hadn’t left any lingering effects, he headed to his office.
The Uchiha had given him quite a scare this time.
Who knew what other hidden abilities Fugaku’s Mangekyō Sharingan had? It was better to be cautious.
"Raikage-sama."
Mabui’s exhausted expression visibly brightened upon seeing the Raikage. "How did you manage to escape?"
"Uchiha Fugaku helped me out—it’s not something easily replicated."
"I see…" Mabui sighed regretfully. "The Mangekyō Sharingan has strict limitations. He likely wasn’t able to send out many people."
"As long as he got B and Yugito out, that's enough." The Raikage's tone was cold. "The priority now is protecting the tailed beasts. If the Ten-Tails fully revives, the consequences will be catastrophic!"
Mabui hesitated. "The Ten-Tails?"
The Raikage briefly shared what little information he had.
Since the death of the First Hokage, all major villages—including even the strongest, Konoha—had struggled to maintain control over the tailed beasts. Research on them was even more challenging. As a result, their knowledge of the Ten-Tails was extremely limited.
While they were exchanging information and formulating a strategy, a shinobi suddenly burst into the room, panting heavily.
"Mabui-sama! Raikage-sama! Bad news! Our patrol units outside the village have reported an emergency—an enemy in a black cloak with red clouds is approaching!"
The Raikage and Mabui’s expressions changed.
"How many?" the Raikage demanded. "Is it Uchiha Madara?"
"Just one—not Madara. It’s Nagato, the one who took Iwagakure’s two tailed beasts!"
"Not Madara, huh…"
The Raikage exhaled in relief before his expression darkened. "Sending just one person? They’re seriously underestimating us!"
Even if Kumogakure was currently at its weakest, sending a lone attacker was beyond arrogant.
This was nothing like the overwhelming force Akatsuki had used against Iwagakure.
"If they’re that confident, let’s make sure they don’t leave alive! Prepare the chakra cannon!"
His firm command steadied the hearts of the shinobi. "Yes, Raikage-sama!"
Mabui, however, couldn’t shake the growing unease in her chest.
But given the village’s current situation, she couldn’t afford to voice her concerns—it would only demoralize the shinobi.
And so, three minutes later, in the now-devastated Kumogakure, Nagato placed his hand atop the Two-Tails’ head, draining its chakra.
The Ten-Tails’ power surged once more.
(Chapter End)
