Chapter 271: A Father's Love, A Daughter's Filial Piety

Ten minutes had passed.

The battle was over.

Surveying the scene, the forest lay in ruins, only countless bald stumps remaining. The ground was littered with gaping holes, still smoking and smoldering.

Unsurprisingly, Naruto had defeated Jiraiya with his overwhelming power.

"Heh heh…"

Jiraiya, on one knee, was gasping for breath, his sweat mixed with blood steadily dripping onto the ground.

Facing Naruto, who wielded both the Rinnegan and the might of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, Jiraiya's hurried engagement without time to prepare Sage Mode proved overly ambitious.

Could it be that his life, the renowned Pervy Sage, was to end here today?

Thud, thud, thud.

Naruto approached Jiraiya, gazing down at him with an indifferent expression:

"Out of respect for the fact that you once taught Teacher Konan and my father, I'll spare your life – but only this once. Make wise choices and don't seek us out again."

Without waiting for Jiraiya's response, Naruto turned, calling Konan and Karen to leave the area with him.

As Jiraiya watched their retreating figures, his face showed no joy for his narrow escape, only a deep sense of defeat.

From decades ago, when he accidentally used the Reverse Summoning Technique and was transported to Mount Myoboku, Jiraiya's life mission became to find and guide the prophesied Child of Prophecy, to usher in a new era for the ninja world.

This was his reason for being.

But now, Jiraiya had failed.

No, he couldn't just give up easily; he had to muster his strength.

Veins bulging on his forehead, Jiraiya stood up, enduring his pain, his eyes regaining their former determination.

There had to be a way.

The next day.

At another Akatsuki hideout.

Summoning Jutsu!

With a slam of Naruto's hand on the ground, the earth trembled, and a grotesque face with "King" inscribed on its forehead emerged from below.

The King of Hell.

Standing across from this fearsome entity, Karen appeared tense, facing her imminent interrogation.

Konan observed coldly from the side, her voice icy:

"Naruto, begin."

Naruto nodded, then turned to Karen. After a moment of contemplation, he unexpectedly asked:

"Karen, do you have feelings for that Uchiha Sasuke?"

What?

This query instantly surprised Konan.

What was Naruto up to?

Karen, the one being interrogated, was equally stunned, as she had never anticipated such a question from Naruto.

Seeing Karen's astonishment, Naruto shook his head, reminding her seriously:

"It's in your best interest to be truthful. This King of Hell can discern the heart's truths and determine lies. If you lie, your tongue will automatically stretch out, only to be devoured and digested by the King of Hell. In other words, lying means losing your ability to speak."

Karen, hearing this, warily eyed the King of Hell's gaping maw, shivering with fear.

After a few seconds of silence.

"Yes, I have feelings for Sasuke," she confessed, teeth clenched.

As she spoke, the King of Hell opened its mouth as if to devour her, but then remained motionless for a while.

Meaning, Karen had not lied.

"So… the next question."

Unmoved by Karen's feelings for Sasuke, Naruto continued, "Have you betrayed the Akatsuki and allied yourself with Konoha?"

"No."

This time, Karen answered without hesitation, her expression resolute.

The King of Hell remained still.

Relieved, Naruto turned to Konan:

"Teacher Konan, it seems Karen is not guilty."

Really?

Konan furrowed her brow, looking sternly at Naruto:

"Naruto, are you putting on this act in front of me to cover for Karen? Stop using such pointless tactics, and just read her memories directly."

Before Naruto could respond, Konan sighed:

"Never mind, I almost forgot. Dan Uchiha also possesses the Rinnegan and can easily manipulate memories. Even if you access Karen's memories, it's unlikely you'll find anything incriminating if he tampered with them."

Seeing Konan's persistent disbelief, Karen felt doubly wronged, tears brimming in her eyes as she spoke:

"Teacher Konan, I have never betrayed you or Naruto, nor the organization... Yes, I once had feelings for Uchiha Sasuke, but I recognize my mistake. I'll forever forget him; please give me another chance."

"No need for further words."

Konan cut Karen off, turning away, refusing to look at her any longer.

Turning a spy into a double agent was a common occurrence in the ninja world.

Even if there was only a one percent chance of Karen's betrayal, Konan couldn't take the risk, as falling into Dan Uchiha's trap would spell doom for the Akatsuki.

So… was she going to eliminate Karen right there?

Naruto, sensing Konan's determination, finally addressed Karen:

"Leave."

What?

Karen shuddered, then imploringly looked at Naruto.

But to no avail.

"From today, you are no longer a member of the Akatsuki. I'm sorry, Karen, but you must leave," Naruto said without expression.

"But, Naruto…"

Karen tried to plead her case, but was met with a stern reply.

"Go!"

Naruto's sharp command unleashed a powerful repulsive force, propelling Karen against the wall with a thud.

Shinra Tensei.

"Ah."

Karen fell to the ground, coughing up blood, her face rapidly paling.

Naruto didn't even glance at Karen, turning to Konan: "Let's go, Teacher Konan. Dan Uchiha could find us at any moment."

But in his heart, he silently spoke to Karen:

Karen, let me shoulder all this. The mission and responsibilities of the Akatsuki, and all the sins to be stained with, leave them to me.

I'll stay by Teacher Konan's side and walk with her to the end.

And you, go and seek the life you desire!

I wish you happiness, Karen.

Konan noticed Naruto's tenderness.

His exterior might be as cold as ice, but deep down, he was still that kind-hearted boy.

Not that being kind-hearted was bad.

But as the leader of the Akatsuki, being too kind-hearted and soft-hearted wouldn't suffice against an enemy like Dan Uchiha.

Konan sighed internally, saying nothing more.

The two soon left, disappearing from Karen's view.

"Ugh…"

Karen wiped the blood from her mouth, struggling to rise from the ground.

Although struck by Naruto's Shinra Tensei, she wasn't severely hurt, knowing Naruto had staged it for Konan to see.

"Thank you, Naruto."

Karen murmured, standing still, her thoughts churning.

Where should she go next? Back to Konoha?

But she had just chosen to betray Tsunade, and now, expelled from the Akatsuki, she couldn't shamelessly return to Konoha, hoping for acceptance.

She couldn't bring herself to do that.

Karen had no place to return to in Konoha.

So, where should Karen go now?

Lost in unprecedented confusion, she pondered.

Might as well leave here first.

Regaining her composure, Karen also left alone, her heart heavy with loneliness.

In Konoha, at the Hokage's castle tower.

In the Hokage's office, Dan stood before the large floor-to-ceiling window, overlooking Konoha, musing to himself:

"The rats hiding all over must be getting restless."

He had released a smoke screen, claiming his ambition was to gather the nine Tailed Beasts to become the Ten-Tails Jinchuriki, attaining invincible power and immortality.

This news, once out, would certainly agitate some, like Black Zetsu, Naruto, and Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As a result.

The First, the Second, Uchiha Dan… these legendary figures from history were likely to be revived soon and might converge in Konoha before long.

It would indeed be a bustling scene.

Dan had already informed Kakashi and Hiashi Hyuga, ordering the Anbu and Police Force to join forces, enhancing the village's defenses.

Now, it was a matter of waiting for the prey to come to them.

Oh, right.

Dan suddenly remembered, today was his son's birthday.

After his daughter Marisa, Dan and Samui had worked hard, and a few years later, they had a son, named Uchiha Hagoromo.

Yes.

Dan's son shared his name with the Sage of the Six Paths, Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki.

Naming his son after the Sage of the Six Paths wasn't a whim but a hope for his son.

Just like Fugaku once used the name of the Third's father, Sasuke Sarutobi, for his younger son, Dan simply followed suit.

Half an hour later.

Dan arrived at the Uchiha district, greeted by the clan members' eager smiles and bows, reaching his house.

Creak.

Pushing the gate open, he heard a loud "bang."

Marisa, in a white tank top and black shorts, drenched in sweat, single-handedly lifted a barbell weighing hundreds of kilograms, throwing it to the ground, shaking the entire yard.

Compared to the towering Marisa, over 1.8 meters tall and muscular.

Beside Marisa stood a little boy, not reaching her waist, with blonde hair and fair skin, struggling with a few kilograms of dumbbells, sweating profusely.

That was her younger brother, Uchiha Hagoromo.

Thump.

Unable to continue, Hagoromo put down the dumbbell, then breathlessly asked Marisa:

"Sis, can I become as strong as you through training?"

Admiring Marisa's muscular build, the little boy's eyes shone with admiration and envy.

"Hahaha, of course."

Marisa laughed heartily, then patted Hagoromo's hair, promising her brother, "Little Hagoromo, even if you can't become strong enough, I'll always protect you and won't let anyone bully you."

After speaking, she handed him a towel to wipe his sweat.

"You're the best, sis." Hagoromo hugged Marisa's leg like a giant tree, acting coquettishly.

If Marisa, with her black hair and towering presence, exuded confidence and dominance like a female version of Uchiha Dan.

Then Hagoromo, blonde and fair-skinned, shy and introverted, preferring books, bore more of Samui's traits.

A daughter like her father, a son like his mother.

Yet, the Uchiha clan's ancestral "sibling" bond continued in these two siblings.

Marisa was very fond of her younger brother, and Hagoromo admired his sister. The two had a great relationship and never fought.

Just then.

Hmm?

Marisa sensed something, turned to the gate, and saw her father standing there.

Crack, crack.

She clenched her fists, her gaze burning with fiery determination, ready to battle Dan.

"Sis, don't."

Hagoromo sensed something amiss and cried out, but it was too late.

Whoosh.

Marisa, like an arrow released from a bow, charged at Dan.

Ten meters, five meters, three meters.

Dan stood expressionlessly in place, watching his daughter's assault as if accustomed to such situations.

Finally.

As the distance between father and daughter narrowed to one meter, Marisa, with a fierce look in her eyes, shouted:

"Za Warudo!"

At that moment.

Buzz.

The world instantly lost its color. The clouds above, the leaves in the yard, and even Dad across from her froze.

Simultaneously, the towering Star Platinum appeared behind Marisa, its face exuding arrogance.

In this world where time stood still.

"Take my punch, Ora!"

Marisa, without hesitation, raised her fist, aiming at Dan's face, and threw a swift, precise, and ferocious punch.

But.

Just as her fist was about to hit Dan's face.

Snap.

Dan's hand suddenly rose, grabbing Marisa's wrist, stopping her punch mere centimeters from his face.

Then, to Marisa's astonishment, Dan said indifferently:

"You can stop time for two seconds now, huh? Not bad, worthy of being my daughter."

As he spoke.

The World, over six meters tall and at least three times bigger than Star Platinum, appeared behind Dan.

A terrifying aura of oppression.

Breathtaking.

"Dad…"

Marisa's expression changed, and her Star Platinum looked horrified. Both instinctively tried to retreat but found themselves immobilized.

That's because her two seconds of stopped time had passed, and now it was Dan's turn.

"Also."

Dan smiled slightly, tapping his daughter's forehead with two fingers, reminding her, "Next time you use time stop, don't shout out the move's name. It might seem cool, but it's actually quite foolish."

As he acted, The World did too.

Muda!

It raised a fist and slammed it down onto the "diminutive" Star Platinum like a meteor, creating a deep crater in the yard.

The Stand, being the physical manifestation of the user's mental strength, also impacted the user.

Thus, thud.

Marisa couldn't hold on and knelt before Dan, her mouth and nose bleeding.

"My daughter is so filial, rushing to kneel before me as soon as she sees me. It really moves this old father."

Dan smiled warmly, patting Marisa's shoulder, "Stand up."

Whoo.

A gentle breeze passed through the yard. There, under the large tree, the kneeling daughter and the smiling father presented a picture of harmony and beauty.

Such a scene of fatherly love and a daughter's filial piety.

Marisa, gripping her wounded face, slowly rose to her feet, locking eyes with Dan. Despite the clash, there was an unspoken understanding between them – a deep bond that transcended their physical battles.

"Father, I..." Marisa began, but Dan raised his hand to stop her.

"No need for words, Marisa. Your actions speak louder than any apology or declaration. You've grown strong, and that's enough for me," Dan said, his voice tinged with pride.

Marisa's eyes softened, a mixture of respect and a hint of defiance still lingering. "One day, I'll surpass you," she declared, her tone firm yet affectionate.

Dan chuckled, "I look forward to that day. But remember, strength isn't just about physical prowess. It's also about understanding and wisdom."

The moment was interrupted by the excited yells of Hagoromo, who ran towards them, his face beaming with innocence. "Dad, Marisa! Is it time for the birthday celebration?" he asked, his youthful enthusiasm breaking the solemn atmosphere.

Dan nodded, his stern expression melting into a gentle smile as he looked at his son. "Yes, Hagoromo. Let's celebrate your birthday. Your sister and I have a special gift for you."

As they walked towards their home, Dan's gaze lingered on the setting sun, reflecting on the path he had chosen. In this complex world of ninja and Stands, he strived to balance his duties as the Hokage, a father, and a man with immense power.

Inside, the family gathered around a modest but lovingly prepared birthday table. Laughter and chatter filled the air, a stark contrast to the battlefield they had left behind. It was these moments, Dan realized, that made all the struggles and battles worthwhile.

In this small, intimate circle, they were not just powerful ninjas or warriors with Stands – they were a family, bound by love, respect, and a shared journey through the trials of life.

As the night drew on, Dan watched his children, his heart filled with a complex mix of emotions – pride, hope, and an unyielding determination to protect this peace and happiness, no matter the cost.

The world of ninja was ever-changing, fraught with dangers and challenges, but within the walls of their home, they found strength in each other, a sanctuary amidst the chaos.

This was the life of Uchiha Dan – a man of power, a leader, a protector, and above all, a father who cherished the precious moments with his family, holding onto them as tightly as he held onto his dreams for a better world.