Chapter 66

"Kazekage-sama, Bunpuku-sama, I have news. It's confirmed that Hatake Sakumo and Jiraiya are involved. They have both reached Kage Level and Jiraiya has even learned Sage Mode," Pakura reported to Hitoshi.

"This changes things. Senjutsu, which should have been learned around the time of the Third Shinōbi World War, can now be barely used. It's a terrifying aptitude. Konoha's fate rests on it," Hitoshi sighed after hearing Pakura's report.

When he considered Jiraiya's progress, he couldn't help but think of Orochimaru and Tsunade. In the original work, the three of them rose to prominence during the Third Shinōbi World War. Their presence limited Sarutobi Hiruzen's battle and military strength, allowing the younger generation to take the stage.

"However, this is not insurmountable. I still have a chance, and Sunagakure also has a chance. I just wonder how far these Konoha geniuses can go," Hitoshi clenched his fist tightly and began to contemplate.

During this period in Konoha, talent was abundant, rivaling the era of the Twelve Youngest Strong. The older generation included Sarutobi Hiruzen and others, followed by Hatake Sakumo and the Sannin, then Namikaze Minato and the parents of the next generation, and finally Hatake Kakashi, Uchiha Obito, and their peers. According to projections, these individuals would continue to shape history.

But when Hitoshi considered the talents that would emerge in Sunagakure, his expression darkened, as if he was the punchline of a joke. The claims made by fans of Naruto regarding Konoha Shinōbi were mostly nonsense. The peak Shinōbi had never wavered.

The Eight Inner Gates, belonging to the Maito Gai lineage in the original work, could be considered Konoha's trump card. Furthermore, the Eternal Genin Kosuke and the Ino–Shika–Cho combination could also contend with Kage Level opponents.

The more Hitoshi pondered, the darker his expression became. His mind shifted to the development of Chakra science. If quality was lacking, he would make up for it with quantity. That was Hitoshi's philosophy. If all else failed, he would resort to artillery and develop moon cannons and space-based weapons. Whoever dared to challenge them would be blown away.

Taking a deep breath, Hitoshi issued an order, "Send word to Rasa and Karura to take charge of the Science Shinōbi Force and coordinate with Shamon-sama. They will also be responsible for guarding the Research & Development Department."

"Rasa will lead, with Karura as the deputy, and they must work in harmony," Hitoshi commanded sternly.

"Yes, Kazekage-sama," Pakura responded immediately and with conviction. She then asked, "Kazekage-sama, what is the Science Shinōbi Force?"

"I just realized that I need to assemble the necessary personnel for it. I will let Rasa handle that on his own. I've given him the authority, and we'll start with a tentative number of five hundred. Their primary role will be to protect the Research & Development Department and familiarize themselves with the weapons developed there. This force will answer directly to me, and no one else has the authority to command them," Hitoshi answered Pakura's question with determination.

No one knew what Hitoshi was thinking, and he had no intention of sharing his thoughts with outsiders.

"Understood," Pakura replied, her face shrinking, aware that Hitoshi had his own agenda.

The order was swiftly passed down, causing a frenzy among Sunagakure's renowned Shinōbi. The Science Shinōbi Force, an exclusive unit under Kazekage's command, became the coveted position for many. It belonged to the direct line of the Kazekage lineage.

The Kazekage lineage now comprised Yasuke and Bunpuku, the direct line, as well as the Anbu. And now, there was Rasa and the Science Shinōbi Force. It was becoming increasingly perplexing.

Rasa and Karura were also puzzled, but they found solace in the fact that they were originally part of the Kazekage lineage. Since this was the case, they would follow Kazekage-sama's orders.

In Konoha Shinōbi Village, Hatake Sakumo and Jiraiya, accompanied by Anbu, returned after enduring countless hardships. Along the way, they feared that Hitoshi would pursue them.

Sarutobi Hiruzen listened attentively to the tired footsteps of Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo, who had worked tirelessly for their mission. He felt they were worthy of being part of his team. Although he favored Orochimaru among the next generation, their hard work had earned them a place among the council of elders.

"So, did you succeed? Did you find the authentic ones? Did you encounter any problems?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, in high spirits. He led the two to the Kazekage's Office upon their return to Konoha.

Hatake Sakumo wore a serious expression as he presented five Sealing Scrolls. The scrolls were small and exquisite, with gilt borders, giving them a high-end appearance.

Sarutobi Hiruzen eagerly accepted them and opened one of the scrolls, causing twenty large boxes to materialize in the room. Opening one of the boxes, he took out a handful of kunai, infused them with Chakra, and activated them. As he observed the flaming rays of light, he knew they were genuine.

"These are excellent, Sakumo. You have accomplished your mission admirably. Did you encounter anyone during your journey?" Sarutobi Hiruzen was in high spirits, believing he now had the upper hand against Kumogakure and Iwagakure.

"We encountered Bunpuku and fought against him. Jiraiya and I joined forces with Anbu, but we were still suppressed. He has become a perfect Jinchuriki. Shukaku can control Bunpuku's body with great flexibility," Hatake Sakumo calmly replied, sharing his observations and suspicions.

As the saying goes, one should not underestimate the educated hooligan. The same applied to Bijū—if one underestimated them, it was because they possessed powerful Ninjutsu. Jinchuriki's strength and deterrence didn't solely rely on Bijūdama.

Jinchuriki possessed the ability to freely use Bijū Chakra, gaining approval from the Bijū. No matter how knowledgeable they were in Ninjutsu, they could create their own Bijū Ninjutsu. Just like the later Rasengan series developed by Naruto, adding Bijū Chakra enhanced the quality of the technique.

The Four-Tails had its old purple lava Ninjutsu, the Five-Tails had steam, and the One-Tails had sand, among other unique abilities. Jinchuriki were incredibly formidable, possessing a nuclear-level technique like Bijūdama. They were simply difficult to deal with.

"Sakumo, focus on improving your strength as soon as possible. We need a Peak Kage Level presence right now. I alone am not enough to deter our enemies," Sarutobi Hiruzen said after listening to Hatake Sakumo. He had gained a new understanding of Bunpuku's power level and exhaled a smoke ring, speaking with great seriousness.

"Hey, old fogey, don't forget about me. I possess the same Sage Mode as the First Hokage. As the Toad Sage Jiraiya, I have no reason to fear a mere One-Tails," Jiraiya chimed in, unable to resist interjecting.

Sarutobi Hiruzen ignored Jiraiya and focused his gaze on Hatake Sakumo, his expression serious.