Chapter 221

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"Natural energy crystals? I'm not sure, but I'll ask Katsuyu for you," Tsunade said. This was the first time she had seen such a thing, but she used the Summoning Jutsu to inquire on Yoichi's behalf.

Bang!

A puff of smoke appeared, and a slug about half a meter long materialized in front of Yoichi.

The slug spoke to Tsunade, "Tsunade-sama, what can I do for you?"

"Katsuyu, do you recognize this? Or is there something similar in Shikkotsu Forest?"

Upon hearing Tsunade's question, Katsuyu moved its eyestalks closer to examine the object before responding, "A stone containing natural energy? Shikkotsu Forest used to have many, but I threw them all into the pool."

"The pool? The one used for training Sage Mode?" Tsunade asked.

"That's quite disrespectful, Lady Tsunade. That pool is for contract holders to train in Sage Mode; it's the Sage Pool where my mucus is combined," Katsuyu immediately retorted but then wiggled its eyestalks again and added, "Although we periodically toss a batch of these stones into the pool, another batch should have accumulated by now. Do you need some, Lady Tsunade?"

"This type of stone is easy to preserve when it's still a stone, but once it's turned into a Sage Pool, it can't be taken out of Shikkotsu Forest."

Tsunade then looked at Yoichi, but she didn't say anything.

"I need them," Yoichi said. "I want to use these stones to refine medicinal pills."

"Pills? I didn't realize the pills made by the Uchiha clan were crafted by you. Let me see them sometime," Tsunade said. She was quite skilled in pharmacology and had seen some of the secret medicines of the Uchiha clan since returning. She didn't expect that Yoichi was the one refining them.

Although the three basic medicinal mixtures used to require the help of other medical ninjas to produce, now Yoichi could create potent secret medicines on his own.

"Thank you, Katsuyu. If it's not too much trouble, could you give us some of those stones?"

"Understood. Summon me again tomorrow, Lady Tsunade, and I'll bring some for you. These stones are primarily for contract holders, but since you're the only contract holder in Shikkotsu Forest right now, the Sage Pool isn't being used much anyway."

Katsuyu's voice was sweet, but Yoichi couldn't figure out how it was speaking as he looked around.

Fortunately, they had secured a batch of natural stones. After Katsuyu left, Yoichi, as a gesture of thanks, gave Tsunade a massage.

However, Tsunade didn't appreciate the gesture. After a short while, she started grumbling, calling Yoichi a "perverted brat" repeatedly. Despite Yoichi's hard work, she dressed herself and then promptly kicked him out.

"That bratty pervert," Tsunade muttered as she lay on the sofa for a while, gradually recovering. She checked the time and saw that over two hours had passed. She made a mental note not to let him go unchecked during busy times in the future.

"Ugh..." Tsunade suddenly felt a bit nauseous but quickly recovered. She didn't think much of it, just cursing Yoichi in her mind again for what he had done earlier. If he dared to do it again, she'd bite down hard next time!

After leaving the hospital, Yoichi contentedly returned to the Uchiha clan's laboratory.

This place contained nearly every medicinal herb the Uchiha clan could collect, and the storage facilities were top-notch. Since there were no pressing matters, Yoichi decided to start by attempting to improve some grade-four pills, to see how different the natural energy crystals were from magic cores.

"I'll start by refining healing and support pills. Pills that boost power or chakra don't seem to work well for ninjas; they're only temporary," Yoichi mused. The ninja world was different from the Dou Qi continent, where fighters had Dou Qi vortices to refine and retain the medicinal power as stored strength.

Ninjas lacked that ability, but he might still be able to refine some pills for Tsunade. Her Yin Seal could store all the excess chakra, while other ninjas would have to treat chakra-boosting pills like soldier pills.

Support pills were simpler than healing pills, and healing pills were simpler than those that enhanced training.

So Yoichi selected two relatively simple pills to refine: Beast Strength Pill and Minor Restoration Pill.

The former could greatly increase the user's strength, nearly giving them power second only to monstrous strength, and the latter was exceptional at healing injuries.

The Minor Restoration Pill's effects were comparable to continuous medical ninjutsu and were better than healing jutsu in treating both internal and external injuries. It was like carrying two medical-nin on your back during battle.

With Yoichi's deep knowledge of alchemy, he quickly identified the necessary ingredients for the two pills. The medicinal properties were similar, and after extraction, they would be easy to combine, giving him a good chance of successfully improving them.

After selecting the ingredients, Yoichi quickly got to work.

...

Meanwhile, Konoha's development continued unabated.

Compared to other ninja villages, Konoha's progress was likely the fastest. Even the economically strong Land of Lightning and Kumogakure were still relying on the daimyo's funding to continue developing their military and training ninjas, following the old routines.

In Iwagakure, anti-war sentiments were rising. When Onoki learned that Kumogakure was preparing for war, he wanted to do the same in Iwagakure, but the other high-ranking Iwa officials opposed it, and the lower and middle ranks of Iwa ninjas were already tense.

So, Onoki had to abandon the idea, opting instead to hire rogue ninjas to complete high-risk missions while Iwagakure focused on training its own ninjas.

Kirigakure and Sunagakure, on the other hand, were struggling to develop at all. Although they were still counted among the Five Great Shinobi Villages, they could easily be removed if one were to nitpick.

Konoha, however, was completely different from Iwagakure and Kumogakure. While training ninjas, they were also developing military technology, the economy, and social cohesion.

As long as Yoichi was around, Konoha wasn't afraid of war, so they didn't need to focus solely on ninja strength.

And now, with a little bit of exposure, the village's ninjas had become incredibly powerful. Windrun Pill, Beast Strength Pill, Protect Meridian Pill, and Minor Restoration Pill—if a chunin took all four, they could probably kill a jonin by trading their life.

Not to mention the ninja combat uniforms, which offered protection that even regular kunai and shuriken couldn't penetrate.

But Konoha's true strength lay in human experimentation. Once Orochimaru and Tsunade's research could be widely applied, Konoha's elite ninja numbers would increase by three to four times.

Iwa and Kumo were unaware of this. They believed Konoha was only focused on economic development and secretly rejoiced, thinking Konoha was making a foolish mistake.

While Konoha and Suna were preparing for the chunin exams, Iwagakure was organizing a team to explore the unknown regions north of the Land of Earth.

They wanted to locate the rebirth sites of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails in advance. Although they had some information from decades ago that indicated Hashirama had been there, the exact location needed to be confirmed.

Since Iwagakure hadn't sent people there before, the initial scouting teams suffered heavy casualties.

In some of the remote areas, there were terrifying beasts, some of which were enormous, with thick hides that even chunin couldn't handle.

So, Iwagakure hired some rogue ninjas, including members of the Akatsuki.

"Bansho Ten'in!"

"Shinra Tensei!"

Deva Path Pain raised his hand toward the massive beast, and powerful gravitational forces knocked the twenty-meter-tall saber-toothed tiger unconscious.

Then Animal Path leaped onto the saber-toothed tiger, a few black rods appearing in hand, which were promptly inserted into the beast's body.

In the next moment, Animal Path formed hand seals, and the massive saber-toothed tiger's eyes transformed into the Rinnegan.

Konan stepped forward and asked, "Did it work, Nagato?"

"Yes, the environment here is good. If we can capture a few more of these summoning beasts, Animal Path's strength will be among the top."

Deva Path Pain replied. Controlling summoned beasts with the Rinnegan didn't consume much chakra once they were prepared in advance. They functioned like puppets.

This saber-toothed tiger was about as strong as a special jonin. Now that it had been made into a puppet-like summoning beast, it no longer feared pain and would be a significant threat to lower- and mid-level ninjas in battle.

Konan then said, "In that case, let's head back."

"Alright, let's go collect our payment from the Iwa-nin."

Deva Path Pain turned and left, with Nagato's true body and the other four Pains following closely behind.

The closer the Pain bodies were to Nagato, the stronger they became. If they got too far away, even transmitting chakra became difficult.

Upon returning to the Iwagakure's temporary camp, some Iwa-nin instinctively reached for their kunai upon seeing Deva Path Pain but stopped themselves after realizing who it was.

"The mission is complete. Let's settle the payment."

"No problem, but Lord Kitsuchi is looking for you. Please see him after this," an Iwa-nin said as they handed over the payment. Nagato and Konan assumed it was for a new mission and headed to Kitsuchi's tent.

After announcing their presence, the two walked in.

"Every time I see your puppet body, I can't help but want to attack. But let's get down to business," Kitsuchi said. The sight of the golden flash face stirred up memories of Konoha, but thinking of the intel from his father, Kitsuchi quickly turned serious.

"You must be from the Akatsuki. And you," he said, pointing at Deva Path, "must be Nagato, the Rinnegan wielder. Is controlling these puppet bodies one of the Rinnegan's abilities?"

Konan tensed up, immediately gathering chakra to prepare her Paper Jutsu upon realizing their identities had been exposed.

"Don't be alarmed. We investigate the backgrounds of all ninjas we hire. But you were too bold—didn't even change your appearance or disguise your identity," Kitsuchi remarked. These two were strong but inexperienced in the ninja world. They were both probably under twenty.

"The Hidden Rain is aggressively hunting down Akatsuki members. Most of your core members have been captured, so naturally, some information has been exposed. Although Hanzo is a demigod, after we intercepted this intel, he didn't dare start a war."

Iwagakure's intel came from the Rain, and it also exposed several spies, leading to the deaths of some Rain-nin.

But it didn't matter. The information was too valuable to worry about a few spies being exposed.

Deva Path Pain responded, "What are you trying to say?"

"Join Iwagakure. We'll provide you with protection. Right now, the Rain is hunting you, and Konoha surely harbors a deep grudge against you."

Kitsuchi pointed at Deva Path. This was also Onoki's decision. They had tried countless ways to kill the Golden Flash but failed, only for him to die at the hands of the Akatsuki.

Who knew if it was the Golden Flash being careless or the Rinnegan being too powerful?

"The Akatsuki has its own goals."

"No matter how noble your goals, it doesn't change the fact that you're being hunted by the Rain and Konoha. Join Iwagakure, and we won't take your Rinnegan. If you go to Kumogakure, you'll see the benefits of staying with us. Do you have anywhere else to go besides Iwagakure?"

Kitsuchi paused, then continued, "Even if you want to go back to the Rain to deal with Hanzo, we'll support you. But you have to help Iwagakure, and after taking down the Rain, you'll have to ally with us."

His offer was both a threat and a temptation, and it made Nagato pause. After a moment, he said, "I need to think about it."

"Fine. This mission will last a while longer. Take your time to consider it. Iwagakure is sincere in its offer."

With that, Kitsuchi dismissed them.

Iwagakure would continue exploring for another month, clearing out the beasts around the suspected locations of the Four-Tails and Five-Tails. After that, they would leave behind a few ninjas to monitor the area and return.

Moreover, Iwagakure's camp didn't allow outsiders to stay. Although some rogue ninjas had followed them, they could only enter the camp to collect payment and supplies. At other times, they had to camp outside.

On the way back, Konan couldn't help but ask, "Nagato, are we going to accept Iwagakure's offer?"

"I need to think about it, Konan. There are advantages to accepting. At least we'll have support. We'll also be closer to the two Tailed Beasts and can take revenge on Hanzo."

Nagato was shaken by the news that most of the Akatsuki members had been captured, especially since some of the older members had been with them for a long time.

"Should we consult Fugaku and Madara?"

"No need. Fugaku should just focus on completing his missions. As for Madara, Konan, don't trust him."

Nagato always remembered Yahiko's words, and he was suspicious of Obito's intentions. If Obito truly cared, why hadn't he left that possession-capable creature with him?

"I need to think about this."

Though he said that, Nagato was already leaning toward Kitsuchi's offer. Joining or allying with Iwagakure, aside from temporarily delaying Akatsuki's goals, had no real downsides. They were short on manpower and couldn't carry out their plans anyway.

"Konan, after this mission is over, you and Fugaku should start recruiting more Akatsuki members. Start with the one White Zetsu mentioned."

"I understand, Nagato."

"Oh, Kushina's here? Welcome, Mina. Today seems to be the day of the chunin exams. Don't you want to go watch?" Yoichi asked as he returned home, noticing Mina and Kushina chatting over snacks on the couch. Three children were sleeping nearby.

"Yoichi-sama, you're back," Mina greeted with a smile as she approached Yoichi. "The second exam isn't that interesting. I'll wait for the third exam. But Itachi and the others have already gone to the square to watch."

"By the way, Yoichi-sama, Kushina has something she wants to discuss with you."

"What is it?" Yoichi asked as he moved closer to the couch, but before addressing Kushina, he picked up Naruto from the crib.

'Spirit Transformation Technique.'

Yoichi's soul clone entered Naruto's body, sensing the powerful Yang Release chakra within. With his refined spiritual powers, Yoichi's perception had become increasingly sharp.

He could clearly sense the Yang Release chakra within Naruto growing stronger by the day.

"Yoichi-kun, is something wrong with Naruto?"

"No, nothing's wrong. What did you want to discuss with me?"

Yoichi shook his head, deciding not to mention the matter of Asura.

Seeing that Yoichi didn't want to elaborate, Kushina's expression turned more serious as she made her request, "Naruto is growing up, and I want to ask you, Yoichi-kun, to help me control the Nine-Tails' chakra."

"Is that all? No problem. If I hadn't neglected it recently, I should have helped you with this a long time ago. But to do so, we'll need to temporarily release the seal on you. The key should be with you, right?"

Yoichi pointed to Kushina's abdomen, explaining that releasing the seal would speed up chakra extraction. He also planned to take a portion of the chakra for himself.

"I have the key."

Seeing Kushina's hesitation, Yoichi added, "Don't worry. Even with the seal released, the Nine-Tails won't be able to act. Besides, Mina will be here, and she can apply an additional Four Symbols Seal at any time!"

"That's right, Kushina. If you start showing any signs of transforming into the Nine-Tails, I'll seal you right away," Mina said with a sweet smile, flexing her arm to show her strength. "And I trust Yoichi-sama. He'll definitely control the Nine-Tails."

"Thank you, Yoichi-kun."

Kushina thought back to when Yoichi had previously subdued the Nine-Tails. He should be even stronger now, so she agreed without hesitation.

"Mina, create a clone to look after the children, and then let's head to the basement. But, Kushina, I should tell you upfront—I'll be taking half of the Nine-Tails' chakra this time."

"Only half? That's fine. I agree."

Kushina quickly accepted. Compared to the previous times when she could only get one-fifth, getting half this time was a significant improvement.

The three of them then headed to the basement, which was spacious enough for what they needed to do.

Once they were ready, Yoichi placed his hand on Kushina, and using his Eternal Mangekyo Sharingan, he entered her sealed space. After he arrived, Kushina followed him in.

"You two bastards again!"

Seeing Yoichi and Kushina, the Nine-Tails immediately recalled the humiliating experiences from before and roared in anger. The strongest Tailed Beast's fury shook the sealed space.

"No need to rush, Nine-Tails. We're here to let you out today."

Kushina said this, then glanced shyly at Yoichi. Seeing that he wasn't looking her way, she exposed her abdomen and used the key to the Four Symbols Seal.

Clink! Clink! Clink!

The seals on the Nine-Tails immediately fell away, and once the seal was fully undone, the massive Tailed Beast crashed to the ground.

"Die, humans!"

The Nine-Tails roared in fury, its violent chakra threatening to tear the entire sealed space apart. The force of the chakra was so overwhelming that Kushina could barely stand.

"Die, you"

Mangekyo Sharingan!

Just as the Nine-Tails raised its massive claw to attack, it caught sight of Yoichi's unique Mangekyo pattern. In an instant, the immense ocular power subdued the Nine-Tails, its beastly eyes transforming into the Sharingan's pattern.

"You...you..."

Soon, the Nine-Tails was completely subdued.

Yoichi assessed the situation and found that controlling the Nine-Tails was quite easy. He then turned to Kushina and said, "Go ahead and extract the Nine-Tails' chakra. It can't resist now, so take as much as you need!"

"Leave it to me!"

Kushina licked her lips and rolled up her sleeves. She formed hand seals and used the Adamantine Sealing Chains to bind the Nine-Tails and forcibly extract its chakra.

Soon, the vast Tailed Beast chakra flowed through the Adamantine Sealing Chains into Kushina, though it also carried the negative emotions of the Nine-Tails.

Hatred, curses, resentment, jealousy, and more—these negative emotions immediately triggered the darker thoughts hidden deep within Kushina's heart.

"Yoichi-kun, help me..."

Kushina called out just before she lost control. But Yoichi was prepared. He moved to her side and used his chakra to help her filter out the negative energy from the Nine-Tails' chakra, which was a type of special chakra.

Kushina had never been to the Hidden Cloud Village's Truth-Seeking Waterfall and hadn't faced the darkness within her heart. Having recently been widowed, no matter how much Mina and Mikoto comforted her, she undoubtedly harbored many negative emotions.

But with Yoichi's help, the Tailed Beast transformation symptoms on Kushina's body gradually subsided.

Together, they managed to drain the once mighty Nine-Tails into a state of skin and bones. Seeing this, Kushina began to feel a bit guilty and asked, "Yoichi-kun, is this enough?"

"Alright, this should be sufficient."

Yoichi checked the chakra. As expected of the strongest Tailed Beast, the chakra they extracted was four times as much as what they had taken from the Two-Tails.

This would last a long time.

After Kushina used the key to reseal the Nine-Tails, Yoichi released his control over it.

"You bastards! Damn humans, I'll kill you all! Kill you all!" The Nine-Tails, upon realizing how much of its power had been taken, went into a rage, roaring that it would kill Kushina and Yoichi, but it lacked the strength even to break free from the seal.

"Well, good luck with that. I'm almost at the level of the Rinnegan now. I hope you keep that same energy when you see the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path."

Yoichi chuckled softly before leaving Kushina's sealed space.

(End of Chapter)