Chapter 225: Chapter 225: Running In Both Directions
Impure World Reincarnation—a forbidden technique. Naruto might not be capable of using it, but Orochimaru definitely can!
The Fourth Hokage, Naruto's father, had actually brought back his own father from the dead. That's some next-level insanity.
The sound of clogs echoed in the hallway as Jiraiya walked in.
"I heard there's some information about Naruto!"
Jiraiya stepped forward, and Mabui handed him the intel for review. Over the past few days, she had come to understand one thing—when it came to Konoha's decisions, Jiraiya's opinion was essentially Tsunade's.
In truth, given Jiraiya's strength, he was more suited for the Hokage position. But he cherished his freedom and detested politics. Tsunade only became Hokage because she lost a bet with Jiraiya and was inspired by Naruto's unwavering spirit. That's what brought her back to the village and led her to shoulder such a heavy burden.
After reviewing the scroll, Jiraiya furrowed his brow. "I didn't expect the Third Hokage would actually show up on the battlefield. This reeks of Orochimaru's doing."
Tsunade's expression turned solemn. "Jiraiya, you should know how Minato died."
Jiraiya nodded slowly. Tsunade thought for a moment before continuing, "If Naruto allowed Orochimaru to resurrect the Fourth, then I'm worried…"
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. Yes, Hiruzen was sealed by the Dead Demon Consuming Seal, just like the old man from the Third.
If the Fourth was brought back simply to reconnect with his son, it wouldn't feel like Naruto's style. But if you looked at it from a tactical point of view—seeking a powerful ally—it actually made perfect sense.
Realizing this, Jiraiya said, "Tsunade, I want to head to the battlefield."
Tsunade frowned. "Is that necessary?"
Jiraiya nodded firmly. "Yeah. I've already fully adapted to my new arm. My strength is back to ninety percent. Don't worry about me."
Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya's arm, still wrapped in gauze. She felt slightly reassured. This arm had been regenerated using a combination of Naruto's scrolls, Shizune's enhancements to Hashirama's cells, and Jiraiya's own DNA. It had successfully fused, and he had resumed training immediately after.
"Alright… But be careful. If something goes wrong, retreat immediately. Got it?"
"I got it," Jiraiya said with a reassuring smile. He turned to Mabui and requested the Teleportation Technique coordinates.
Meanwhile, the Fourth Raikage, A, sat silently for a moment, then sighed deeply.
Tsunade looked at him. "Raikage-sama, is something troubling you?"
A responded, "Even though I know I can't protect Killer Bee from here, and only Naruto can handle it for now... Still, letting my brother go directly to the battlefield without me worries me. That guy's unreliable when it matters most. He might mess up without me watching his back!"
Tsunade smiled knowingly. "Don't worry. With Naruto around, Bee will be fine. Honestly, it's a good thing both Naruto and Killer Bee have entered the battlefield. The enemy controls seven Tailed Beasts—this is no small matter.
Without the Nine-Tails and the Eight-Tails, the Shinobi Alliance might face devastating losses. I'm sure Naruto considered that when he made his move."
A could only sigh again. For now, all he could do was wait and observe.
On Kakashi's Frontline
After a brief reunion with Kakashi, Sakura, Rock Lee, and Sai, Naruto prepared to leave with Killer Bee, Orochimaru, and Minato.
Just as they were about to depart, Kakashi called out, "Minato-sensei!"
Minato turned around. "What is it, Kakashi?"
Taking a deep breath, Kakashi's tone turned heavy. "Obito... Obito's not dead. He's the masked man—the one who attacked Konoha and kidnapped Kushina-sensei back then!"
Darkness clouded Kakashi's expression.
Ever since discovering that Obito was behind it all, the guilt had never left his heart. He had failed to protect Rin, and worse—his failure had pushed his best friend into darkness.
Many nights, Kakashi couldn't sleep. He would wander to Rin's grave, sit in silence until dawn, and return only after the sun rose.
Minato looked at his student with gentle eyes, then placed a hand on his shoulder. "I already know. Naruto told me everything."
Kakashi blinked, surprised, and gave a soft nod.
Minato continued, "Kakashi, you've done enough. You did everything you could back then. No one wanted things to turn out like this. Don't shoulder all the blame—it will only eat away at you."
"Sensei…" Kakashi choked, tears brimming in his eyes.
No one else's words could reach him. But Minato—his teacher, and now, a man returned from the dead—his words were like salvation.
Minato offered a few more comforting words before walking toward Naruto.
Kakashi turned to Naruto. "Naruto, where are you heading next?"
Naruto gave a small smile. "To be exact… I'm going to look for someone. Someone you also know, Kakashi-sensei."
Kakashi's eyes widened slightly. He instantly knew who Naruto was referring to.
Sakura also caught on. "Naruto, can you take me with you?"
She desperately wanted to find Sasuke.
But Naruto shook his head. "I'm sorry, Sakura. It's too dangerous. I might not be able to protect you."
He wasn't being dismissive—he was being honest.
Sasuke, in his current state, wouldn't hesitate. Even if it was Naruto, Sasuke would attack. Sakura? She would just get herself killed.
In Naruto's previous life, to prevent Sakura from following him, Sasuke had used a Genjutsu and punched her straight in the chest to knock her unconscious. Naruto had been at full strength at the time—and even he hadn't reacted in time.
Even Kakashi hadn't seen it coming.
So for her own safety, Naruto rejected her request.
Sakura looked devastated. She had hoped to follow him, to find her beloved Sasuke-kun.
With a flash of the Flying Thunder God Technique, Naruto and his team disappeared.
Lee watched them vanish, then ran to Sakura and comforted her gently. "Don't worry, Sakura. Naruto will bring Sasuke back. I'll protect you in the meantime—I won't let the war hurt you!"
Sakura smiled at his kind words. "Thank you, Lee."
Lee grinned with pride.
Sai watched Lee for a moment and furrowed his brow. He wanted to ask if Lee was being too much of a simp, but then recalled Naruto's teachings on social cues and decided to stay silent.
Mid-Travel
After teleporting, Naruto broke into a run, leaping from treetop to treetop.
Killer Bee called out, "Yo, Naruto! We heading for Obito now?"
Naruto nodded. "Yeah. It's along this path—no doubt about it."
A clone had recently sensed Obito's chakra. Naruto knew it—this was the same route Obito used in his previous life.
Orochimaru smirked. "How rare. We'll be seeing Sasuke soon. Pity Itachi isn't with us."
Minato remained silent, heart heavy. Obito… it really is you. What kind of person have you become now?
Suddenly, Naruto narrowed his eyes. Even from thousands of meters away, despite changes in chakra—he recognized it instantly.
Sasuke.
Far away, Sasuke Uchiha felt it too. His lips curled into a smirk, and his Sharingan flickered with anticipation.
"It's finally here," he murmured.
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