For Mei Terumi, this kind of idea was indeed tempting.
If it succeeded, it would be beneficial for everyone, and for her personally, it would be a huge honor.
However, being older than both Deidara and Kitagawa Minamoto, she naturally considered things more thoroughly when handling such matters.
For instance, if they were to launch a raid, how many soldier pills, explosive tags, and ninja tools would they need to ensure success?
Which routes would be safest for retreat? What was the environment of Kumogakure like? Where were their key targets located?
Even after the attack, how could they maximize Kumogakure's losses while ensuring they would surrender?
And later, how should the benefits be distributed? These were all questions she had to think about.
"Well, there's still time. I'll figure out these issues first."
Mei Terumi wasn't in a rush, nor was Kitagawa Minamoto. The only one eager to act was Deidara.
But now that he had a goal, Deidara seemed full of energy. At least he had something to focus on.
Of course, most of his thoughts revolved around how to enjoy himself, with little concern for anything else.
"At least he won't be pestering me every day!"
Kitagawa Minamoto was in a good mood. Deidara was quite entertaining and fun to be around.
But when he got too talkative, it could be a headache—especially since Minamoto needed time to study the new abilities he had acquired.
"Like Storm Release."
Hiruko had used Storm Release before, but only once.
That guy had been defeated so quickly that Kitagawa Minamoto hadn't had a chance to fully experience it.
So now, he needed to carefully study and understand it. Beyond that, there was one thing he regretted.
"Hiruko's Chimera Technique didn't drop as a reward..."
The Chimera Technique was a unique and unexpected path toward Kekkei Mōra!
"However, this technique has a lot of issues."
Kitagawa Minamoto recalled how strange Hiruko had seemed when he saw him.
Just like with Summoning: Impure World Reincarnation, the compatibility between the soul and body, as well as the precision of Chakra control, determined the strength of the summoned individual.
Hiruko had absorbed others, which made his own imbalance quite obvious.
But there was no denying that his technique was fascinating!
"I'm almost done collecting the Kekkei Genkai I need. It's time to start considering Kekkei Mōra.
Hiruko's technique, though crude, could serve as a useful reference."
If Kitagawa Minamoto were an ordinary person, the Chimera Technique would undoubtedly be his best option.
Even with its flaws, he would have tried to make it work.
But as an Ōtsutsuki...
This technique was at best a reference for him. He could extract its essence while discarding its flaws, using it to inspire new ideas.
There was no need for him to absorb others. Many things could be achieved through his own "sweat and effort."
Day by day, Kitagawa Minamoto continued learning.
After all, there was a lot for him to study—whether it was Storm Release, the Sage Arts of Mount Myōboku, or Wood Release.
Additionally, he occasionally trained with Kakashi and the others or joined Naruto and the other "rookies" for meals. Life was going quite well.
But soon, Kakashi came looking for him.
"Has the deal with Sunagakure been finalized?"
As they walked toward Konohagakure's prison, Kitagawa Minamoto couldn't help but ask curiously.
"They're releasing the prisoners so soon?"
"Clearly, you weren't paying attention during the meetings."
Kakashi replied nonchalantly, his eyes still glued to his book.
"Sunagakure has already sent representatives. They'll be negotiating with Konohagakure and Iwagakure about the current situation, so we can't keep holding their people in prison."
"I see."
Kitagawa Minamoto nodded, then asked curiously,
"It's not Chiyo, is it?"
"Correct, it is her."
"As expected, Sunagakure really doesn't have anyone left."
Hearing this, Kakashi nodded.
Sunagakure's lack of talent was well-known. Otherwise, Kitagawa Minamoto wouldn't have made such an outrageous proposal.
Of course, what was even more outrageous was that the Second Hokage, upon being revived, had almost the exact same idea.
"You've really caused us some trouble, you know. The Second Hokage is very supportive of your suggestion, which has also influenced the Third Hokage."
Kakashi rubbed his white hair, looking somewhat exasperated.
"They're seriously considering who to choose now."
"Really? Are you serious?"
Kitagawa Minamoto was a bit taken aback, while Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"What else did you expect? You need to have a clear understanding of your position, Minamoto."
"I'm your student, Kakashi-sensei."
Kitagawa Minamoto blinked innocently. He knew what Kakashi meant, but he was adept at navigating such conversations.
"You little rascal."
Kakashi chuckled, patting Minamoto on the shoulder. After a moment of thought, he asked,
"Although I personally don't like this approach, if we were to go through with it, who do you think would be suitable?"
"I don't know much about Sunagakure, so asking me doesn't seem quite right."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged. In truth, he thought Pakura would have been the best choice.
She had been betrayed by Rasa and the entirety of Sunagakure. If she were still alive, she'd undoubtedly be the ideal candidate.
But unfortunately, she had been killed by Kirigakure. Among the living...
"Well, if I had to choose, I think there's someone who might work."
"Who?"
"Rasa's son, Gaara."
"That One-Tail Jinchūriki?"
Kakashi looked at Kitagawa Minamoto with a peculiar expression. Was it really appropriate to make a Jinchūriki a Kage?
"Well, it might not be a bad idea..."
"Right, Kakashi-sensei?"
Kitagawa Minamoto grinned and continued in a low voice as they walked,
"Although he's the son of the Kazekage, his relationship with the Kazekage doesn't seem great.
And right now, he's probably Sunagakure's most important combat asset. So..."
"You really are full of ideas, aren't you?"
Kakashi nodded but soon shook his head.
"How did I not realize before how devious you are?"
"How am I devious? Kakashi-sensei, don't slander me."
Kitagawa Minamoto rolled his eyes in mock annoyance, while Kakashi simply spread his hands.
"Not devious? Who else could come up with all these crazy ideas?"
"But didn't the Second Hokage have similar ideas?"
"..."
"So, are you saying the Second Hokage was devious too?"
"..."
"And by the way, Kakashi-sensei, you still haven't fulfilled your promise about the hot springs."
"..."
Kakashi was at a loss for words. It seemed he had inadvertently insulted the Second Hokage as well.
And now, Kitagawa Minamoto was even bringing up the hot springs—was this another "Kado" situation?
The two continued chatting and laughing as they made their way to the prison.
Under the guidance of the ANBU, they soon arrived at the cell where Gaara and the others were being held.
"You..."
The moment Temari saw Kitagawa Minamoto, her expression changed drastically.
Kankurō also stood up immediately.
During the chaos of the earlier battles, they had been present.
They had personally witnessed Kitagawa Minamoto defeat the One-Tail and kill their father, as well as the Fourth Raikage!
Only Gaara glanced up briefly before lowering his head again, remaining silent.
"Congratulations. You're about to regain your freedom."
Kakashi didn't waste words, speaking calmly.
"Your negotiation team is arriving soon, so we're here to release you."
"Freedom..."
Temari looked incredulous, but Kitagawa Minamoto nodded.
"You're lucky. At least you're still alive to wait for the negotiations."
"What's the point?"
Unexpectedly, it was Gaara who spoke up at this moment.
"There's no meaning in living. Everything is pointless. I might as well be dead."
"Hmm?"
Gaara's demeanor made Kakashi raise an eyebrow, though he didn't seem entirely surprised.
Gaara was, in many ways, the quintessential Jinchūriki. Naruto and Killer B were exceptions.
And because of Rasa's actions, Gaara likely suffered even more.
While Rasa had undoubtedly worked hard for Sunagakure, his abilities were always questionable.
"Kakashi-sensei, should I have a talk with him?"
Kitagawa Minamoto thought for a moment before turning to Kakashi. His expression became somewhat peculiar.
"There's no rush. Besides, some things haven't been decided yet."
"Just a chat. He seems a lot like Naruto."
Kitagawa Minamoto shrugged, smiling. Kakashi rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
"Although it's a bit unconventional, I don't think the Hokage would oppose it. Do as you see fit."
Although he didn't specify which Hokage, it didn't seem like there would be any issues.
As for whether being alone with Gaara would be dangerous...
With all the seals placed on Gaara, and considering Kitagawa Minamoto's strength, Kakashi felt the real danger was to Gaara!
"What are you planning to do?"
Kankurō didn't understand what was happening, and Temari looked equally worried.
But neither Kakashi nor the ANBU were inclined to explain.
After all, they were invaders. The fact that they were alive to negotiate was already a blessing.
Otherwise, they'd have joined their Kazekage and others in being eliminated.
(To be continued...)
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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