Chapter 35 » The Power of Love? Kushina Escapes from Konoha!
There was no help in it. Mei was indeed growing stronger by the day. It seemed the golden physical-enhancing potion he'd bought earlier would need restocking.
'Would the Uzumaki constitution last three hours with me? Well, she's quite strong, so I somehow don't doubt it.' Yusuke was eagerly anticipating the challenge.
He wasn't in a hurry. The ones in a rush were Konoha and Kushina!
He doubted she hadn't heard even a whisper of news. Given her personality, she must be causing quite an uproar in Konoha.
He returned to the Kaguya clan's territory.
By this time, the clan leader had already respectfully presented Kimimaro before him.
"Your clan should start preparing too." Yusuke instructed.
Then he promptly left the Kaguya clan with Kimimaro. Meanwhile, the entire clan began busily preparing for the migration.
Regarding the sudden appearance of a young boy beside Yusuke, Mei was only briefly surprised and didn't inquire further.
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After returning to Kirigakure, Yusuke made arrangements for Kimimaro and handed him directly to Kisame.
Though the shark man appeared fierce, he was actually the most honest person in the entire ninja world. Entrusting Kimimaro to him for conditioning and training, Yusuke felt at ease.
Moreover, he used up all his remaining Villain Points to purchase medicines that could treat the boy's hidden illness.
What he wanted was a powerful Kimimaro! A Kimimaro with the strongest compatibility with the Shikotsumyaku Kekkei Genkai!
With this, Kirigakure's strength grew once again!
The Kaguya clan's reputation for ferocity was well-known among Kiri's major clans. However, their fame hadn't spread widely in the ninja world yet.
After all, in the original timeline, the entire clan had directly waged war against Kirigakure and was annihilated. Only Kimimaro survived, taken away by Orochimaru.
This also led to the Kaguya clan being just a flash in the pan. Even their clan's abilities hadn't been fully developed.
At Kiri ANBU headquarters, Yusuke calculated the time.
The deadline of the last ultimatum given to Konoha had arrived. They still hadn't responded. It seemed they didn't intend to hand over Kushina.
"Report!"
Just then, a gentle knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
Mangetsu Hozuki pushed open the door and swiftly approached Yusuke.
"Reporting, Captain! Our Kiri spies infiltrated in Konoha have uncovered crucial intelligence! In the early hours of this morning, a red-haired woman escaped from Konoha through the east gate! Based on her observed route, she appears to be heading towards our Kirigakure! Moreover, an hour later, Konoha secretly dispatched a large number of ANBU ninjas in pursuit!"
Mangetsu quickly relayed the freshly obtained intelligence.
"Is this the power of love?" Yusuke gazed through the window at the somewhat gloomy sky outside. After a moment's thought, he said, "We can now confirm that red-haired woman is Kushina Uzumaki. Take two squads of ANBU ninjas to the border to prepare for her arrival. I'll go too."
After all, if Kushina had indeed secretly fled, the pursuit team dispatched by Konoha would undoubtedly be formidable! His presence would minimize unnecessary losses on their side.
"Yes, sir!" Mangetsu immediately obeyed the order!
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Konoha Village, Hokage Office Building.
Hiruzen's angry voice echoed throughout the entire building.
"What good are you all?! You couldn't even watch over one person? And you let her escape! You'll be the death of me!"
An hour ago, upon hearing the ANBU's report, Hiruzen's blood pressure had skyrocketed, nearly causing him to die on the spot.
"Lord Hokage, there was nothing we could do." The lead ANBU ninja said in a low voice, "She told us she was going to take a bath. Were we supposed to watch her then too? So we just —"
"Enough." Hiruzen waved his hand dismissively. He hadn't expected to overlook this detail, "If I had known, I would have dispatched more female ANBU to keep watch. Now... we can only place our hopes on the Ino-Shika-Cho team."
Over forty minutes ago, he had already summoned the Ino-Shika-Cho team: Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Choza Akimichi. He had also equipped them with nearly a hundred elite ANBU ninjas.
This capture mission had only one requirement: no matter how many people were sacrificed, they must bring Kushina Uzumaki back.
Her significance to Konohagakure was paramount. Even though they had lost Minato, they couldn't afford to lose Kushina as well.
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In the border forest valley of the Land of Fire, a red silhouette dashed swiftly through the trees.
Merely three kilometers behind her, the Ino-Shika-Cho team had already tracked her to this location.
Kushina's keen sensory abilities had helped her evade the pursuing Konoha ninjas thus far. She raised her head, using the moonlight to guide her way.
After discerning the path ahead, Kushina gritted her teeth and said, "Minato! Wait for me!"
"I'm coming to save you!"
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