Chapter 97

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Following that, Masahito temporarily paused his patrol to observe alongside others.

Apart from Wind Release, they even tested Fire Release. Originally, the spider silk was highly susceptible to high temperatures, but after being processed through a special technique, its heat resistance significantly improved, making it unaffected by explosive tags.

A fireball lasting four or five seconds failed to scorch the ninja combat uniform.

It also had an impressive energy absorption capability, reducing the force of general heavy blows by sixty percent when they hit the uniform.

"Next month, we will have seventeen sets of combat uniforms. Reserve two for me, and distribute the rest to clan members undertaking dangerous missions first."

Yōichi said, "After fulfilling the needs of our clan members, we can consider external affairs. However, even if production increases, it will take more than a year."

Tokugawa added, "Even with non-stop production, it would take about eighteen months to provide one for every clan member."

Kenji remarked, "Yōichi, such combat uniforms are treasures. As for the clan leader..."

"I know, the good stuff should naturally go to our people first. Those who oppose me definitely won't get it."

Yōichi stated that money wasn't the issue, but ninja combat uniforms were different.

If Tsunade's brother had worn one, stepping on an explosive tag would at most result in serious injuries, not death.

A life-saving treasure like this couldn't be easily given away.

"Tokugawa-san, ensure the key machinery, crucial for the process, is destroyed rather than falling into the wrong hands."

"Don't worry, Lord Yōichi. The machinery will explode if it leaves the sealed area, ensuring no one can steal it."

Tokugawa confirmed, with the sealing technique set up by Mina involving explosive tags, acting as a trap.

Kenji had no part in distributing the combat uniforms, leaving Yōichi to handle it entirely. With the plan to support Yōichi as the next clan leader, Kenji was thorough in his support, offering help and advice but rarely interfering in Yōichi's decisions.

Now, members of the hawk faction respected Yōichi immensely. Those around his age, or even older, referred to him as "Lord Yōichi."

Having established a reputation as Konoha's "Lightning Blade" and creating the Uchiha Welfare System, Yōichi became the leader of the hardliner faction, despite being only sixteen.

Next month, Yōichi decided to keep two of the newly made ninja combat uniforms for himself, distribute ten to the security team members like Masahito, and give the remaining five to hardliner clan members who had been deployed to the battlefield.

After discussing this matter, Yōichi left.

With no missions and needing to be on standby in the village, Yōichi's shadow clones trained Kurenai and others, while his real body practiced nearby.

His swordsmanship had improved significantly over the year, having sparred with Kakashi solely on swordsmanship skills.

Although Yōichi was at a disadvantage, his occasional counterattacks were taken seriously by Kakashi.

According to Kakashi, Yōichi's swordsmanship was about speed and ferocity. His strikes were lightning-fast, aiming for vital points, and he often ignored non-lethal injuries due to his sturdy body.

No other swordsmen had a body as durable as Yōichi's, nor did any similarly durable ninja focus so much on swordsmanship.

If Yōichi went all out, Kakashi would struggle to win, barely gaining an upper hand without an easy victory.

This assessment didn't consider Yōichi's knowledge of the Flying Thunder God Technique, which would change Kakashi opinion if he knew.

Yōichi planned to further refine the Reanimation Jutsu, a technique capable of summoning the dead back to life and controlling them, offering infinite chakra without understanding its source.

With increasing business demands and the need for guards, especially with the war and Uchiha clan's involvement, it was impractical to spare many clan members for business protection.

Using reanimated bodies as guards would increase security without needing Yōichi's direct control, as wiping their consciousness allows others like Tokugawa, Yūto, and Kenji to manage them, simplifying Yōichi's responsibilities.

While heading home, Yōichi encountered two people, one of whom he recognized but shouldn't be there.

Using sensory jutsu, Yōichi detected four hidden ninja monitoring the red-haired girl, prompting him to intervene and suggest she leave Uchiha territory.

Exiting a Uchiha household, Kushina and Mikoto had just left when Kushina couldn't help but question the feasibility of a proposed amusement park, wondering if the Uchiha clan seriously considered building it.

"I'm not sure, it's not my decision," Mikoto replied, explaining her role was merely to gather information, with the decision-making left to others.

Kushina envied Yōichi's authority to make such significant decisions at a young age, feeling restricted in her movements, despite her freedom being a result of hard training.

Spotting Yōichi approaching, Kushina pointed him out to Mikoto, and the two women paused their walk to greet him.

Before they could speak, Yōichi inquired about Kushina's presence in Uchiha territory, leading to an awkward exchange where Kushina felt like a chastised child.

"I don't understand. Why are you so against me? Did I do something wrong?"

Kushina had intended to just walk away, but her pride wouldn't allow it. If she didn't get a clear answer, it would bother her.

"You didn't do anything wrong; it's just that I find it troublesome. I know it has nothing to do with you. But I don't want many people watching near my home, you understand?"

After Yōichi explained, glancing around, Kushina realized he was referring to the ANBU monitoring her.

With this realization, her resentment eased. No one likes being watched, and she particularly despised it. If she went to his home, the ANBU would follow.

"I'm sorry, I didn't think about that."

"It's fine. If you want to see Mina, you can go to the Konoha Hospital where she usually is, once she returns."

As Yōichi prepared to leave, Kushina suddenly called out, "Wait, wait a moment."

When Yōichi turned back, Kushina took out a box from her bag and offered it to him, "I didn't know Mina had gone to the front lines. I really wanted to thank you. It turns out the inconvenience was my fault. Please accept this as a token of my gratitude."

"There's no need for that."

"Please, take it!"

Kushina stubbornly insisted, somewhat forcefully pushing the box into Yōichi's hands, "Consider it an apology for the trouble caused. Wait for Mina. kyah~"

As she handed over the gift box, Kushina accidentally touched Yōichi's hand, feeling a jolt of electricity through her body.

Kushina's breath caught.

'Don't just touch someone else like that.'

Yōichi inwardly sighed, and soon, four ANBU appeared around Kushina, two checking her condition, and two facing Yōichi as if ready to confront him.

After quickly assessing Kushina, the ANBU noted no loosened seals; her flushed face and trembling body weren't due to a genjutsu, as there were no signs of chakra disturbance.

"What's wrong, Kushina?"

"I...I don't know. It seems like nothing's wrong!"

After pausing, Kushina, feeling embarrassed, responded; she hadn't experienced such a thing but had sneaked peeks at Jiraiya's books for Minato, quickly realizing what had just happened.

It must have been Yōichi's doing.

"Nothing wrong, then. But we need to report this to Lord Hokage."

The ANBU stated, observing no signs of genjutsu or seal disruption, suggesting Kushina suddenly felt unwell, "Perhaps you should have a check-up at the hospital."

"No, there's no need for the hospital. I'm fine now! It was just...sudden stomach pain, but it's much better."

Kushina panicked at the mention of the hospital; undergoing a check-up and finding out it was just a sudden sensation would be too embarrassing.

The other two ANBU then addressed Yōichi, "Yōichi, come with us to explain the situation to Lord Hokage."

"Go with you?"

Hearing the command-like tone, Yōichi scoffed, "What right do you have to order me around?"

"Yōichi, we are directly under Lord Hokage."

"Keep talking, and you'll be leaving here on all fours today."

Yōichi's response was harsh. His pupils turned blood red as three tomoe began to spin, putting pressure on the ANBU, who averted their gaze.

Known as Konoha's "Lightning Blade," Yōichi had made a name for himself within a year by accomplishing numerous difficult tasks.

Facing such a formidable opponent put a significant strain on the ANBU.

"We will inform Lord Hokage about this."

The ANBU didn't dare to take Yōichi by force, only leaving a threat before escorting Kushina away.

Yōichi, uninterested in the ANBU's threats, simply turned and left.

(End of chapter)