Ch-212 Ino-Shika-Cho pride.

Choza, with a sense of pride swelling within him, took measured steps until he stood shoulder to shoulder with Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji. With a gentle yet firm hand, he reached out and rested it on Choji's broad shoulder, a silent gesture conveying a father's deep affection and admiration. "With the remarkable display of strength you've shown, you have truly made me proud," Choza spoke, his voice resonating with genuine joy. "I am elated to witness my son ascend to such formidable heights, surpassing even my own prowess in strength."

The trio of Choji, Ino, and Shikamaru exchanged warm smiles, their hearts uplifted by Choza's words. They understood the depth of his pride and felt a sense of accomplishment in earning it. While the fame of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio reverberated across the world, they had never dared to envision themselves standing toe-to-toe with the legendary Kages. Yet here they stood, the proud torchbearers of the 16th generation of Ino-Shika-Cho, having not only faced but triumphed over adversaries of Kage-level might.

Amidst the warmth of Choza's praise, Darui's thoughts were interrupted by a voice echoing in his mind, a stark reminder of the pressing matters at hand. "What is the current situation?" the voice inquired urgently. "The Chakra signatures of Kinkaku have vanished. Has the sealing process of Kinkaku been successfully completed?"

This voice belonged to Shikaku, as he inquired of Darui regarding the situation unfolding on the battlefield.

"Indeed, we have achieved success in sealing Lord Kinkaku within the pot, and we owe it all to the efforts of Ino-Shika-Cho," Darui responded, his grip firm upon the pot. A palpable sense of relief washed over him; finally, the menacing presence of Kinkaku had been contained.

Upon hearing Darui's response, Shikaku exhibited little surprise. Given his keen intellect, he discerned that there existed but one plausible scenario in which Kinkaku would communicate with Darui: if Ino had seized control of Kinkaku's body, speaking on his behalf while Darui maintained hold of the pot.

"It is indeed fortuitous that Kinkaku has been sealed away. However, we must now direct our focus towards eradicating all remaining threats scattered across the battlefield," Shikaku advised Darui. Despite the resolution of major adversaries like Kinkaku, Asuma, and Kato, there still lingered numerous minor foes requiring attention.

"I will most certainly do that," Darui replied with unwavering conviction in his voice. After carefully considering Darui's response, Shikaku gracefully terminated their communication. Darui then entrusted the pot to a safe location before embarking towards the battlefield, where he faced the daunting task of dealing with numerous 'White Zetsu' and other 'Edo Tensei' manifestations of individuals of lesser power.

Following his conversation with Darui, Shikaku seamlessly established a connection with Choza, seeking to gain a comprehensive understanding of the battle's unfolding dynamics and the remarkable progression of Ino, Shikamaru, and Choji's prowess.

"Choza, as you were an eyewitness to the entirety of the battle, I implore you to vividly recount the events," Shikaku requested, his tone reflecting both urgency and anticipation.

Upon hearing Shikaku's telepathic inquiry, Choza promptly and meticulously described how Jiryoku's interventions had bolstered the abilities of Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, elucidating the tangible manifestations of their newfound strength. As Choza concluded his detailed explanation, a sense of contentment washed over both Inoichi and Shikaku, their countenances adorned with gratified smiles.

"It seems that Jiryoku has indeed rewarded us handsomely for our investment in him. I am genuinely pleased that Shikamaru has found such a formidable ally in Jiryoku," Shikaku remarked with a hint of satisfaction.

Although this expression of gratitude was initially articulated by Shikaku alone, the sentiment resonated deeply with both Choza and Inoichi, fostering a shared sense of appreciation.

Recognizing that the present moment was not conducive to sentimentality or emotional reflection, Shikaku asserted, "Very well, we can certainly delve deeper into this matter at a later, more opportune time. However, for now, our primary focus must remain steadfastly on the ongoing war and its exigencies."

With that, Shikaku gracefully terminated his connection with Choza. Subsequently, Choza, along with Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji, swiftly departed to confront their remaining adversaries, their resolve fortified by the camaraderie and support they shared.

----

"While Kinkaku was successfully dealt with, the same cannot be said for 'Edo Tensei' Mu, Third Raikage, Rasa, and Second Mizukage, who still persist as significant threats and nuisances to the 4th division.

Onoki and Gaara found themselves grappling with the formidable challenge posed by all four of the resurrected Kages. Eventually, Gaara managed to overcome Rasa, who then humbly apologized to his son for the multitude of wrongdoings he had committed. Just as Rasa was on the verge of being sealed, the body of the Third Raikage fell under the manipulative control of Kabuto. With a surge of lightning-infused chakra, the Third Raikage shattered the sand barrier encasing him, thwarting his imminent sealing. Not content with merely his own liberation, he proceeded to dismantle the enclosures holding the other 'Edo Tensei' Kages, granting them freedom from the sealing process.

"What in the world are you doing, Third Raikage?" Rasa demanded angrily, now liberated from the sealing ritual. He had been on the brink of being sealed away, relieved at the prospect of no longer having to confront his own son, only to have the Third Raikage disrupt the proceedings.

"It's futile, Third Kazekage. Can't you see? His eyes betray the fact that he's under external control," Second Mizukage remarked, gesturing toward the Third Raikage's eyes.

This revelation didn't come as a shock to many present; it was evident that Kabuto had assumed manual control over the Third Raikage's body."

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