However, Hatake Kusuo wasn't too bothered. It wasn't like the Four-Tails' chakra was of any use to him anyway.
Kusuo picked up the jar and glanced toward the distant Sunagakure. The village seemed to be fine for the time being. Everything was being restored in an orderly fashion after Orochimaru's attack.
"Kusuo-kun," a soft voice called out from the forest.
Hearing the voice, Kusuo's expression softened considerably. "Hinata, what are you doing here?"
Kusuo pulled Hinata into his arms with a smile and gently tapped her nose. Hinata's fair cheeks flushed red. Fortunately, it was nighttime, so no one saw.
"I... I was worried about you, Kusuo-kun," Hinata said, looking down and fidgeting with her fingers.
"The people from Konoha have arrived in Sunagakure," Shion's voice came from the forest. Seeing the sweat on her forehead, Kusuo knew that the two of them must have expended a lot of effort to get here.
Kusuo reached out again, pulling Shion over and gently pinching her cheek. "Let's go. I'll take you to find a place to stay and rest in Sunagakure."
Kusuo had already promised Kakashi he would be here to oversee this Chunin Exam. The presence of Hinata and Shion would be enough of a deterrent. Besides, Kusuo had other things to do in the next few days.
Carrying the jar, Kusuo walked between the two girls towards Sunagakure. When they arrived, the Konoha contingent was just heading toward the candidate area. The chosen candidates from Konoha had arrived safely in Sunagakure under the protection of the Konoha jonin.
"Kusuo, you're here early," a familiar voice called out from behind Kusuo as he walked.
"Came to find a place to stay first," Kusuo replied, turning to smile at Kakashi as a greeting.
Kakashi was about to say more, but when he saw the two lovely ladies on either side of Kusuo, he swallowed his words. The last time, Kusuo had been embracing them just like this, and even kissing them. The memory made Kakashi shake his head helplessly.
"Well then, I'll get back to it," Kakashi said, quickly finding an excuse to turn and flee.
Watching Kakashi's retreating back, Kusuo continued walking into the village with Hinata and Shion. Suddenly, his gaze fixed on a dark area on the outskirts of the village.
"Kusuo-kun, what's wrong with that place?" Hinata's voice suddenly pulled Kusuo back from his thoughts.
Kusuo shook his head and said, "It's nothing. The person I was waiting for has arrived."
Hinata blinked. Although she didn't understand what Kusuo was saying, she trusted that what he was doing was right.
"Let's stay at that inn up ahead," Hinata said, pointing to a nearby inn. The three of them quickly went to check in. After finishing the procedures, Kusuo left with the sealed jar.
...
The moon hung high in the sky; it was now the latter half of the night. After the earlier turmoil, Sunagakure had more than doubled its guard presence, even though it was late. Suna ninja could be seen patrolling everywhere.
Kusuo flickered and appeared at the entrance of a dark cave on the outskirts of the village.
Thud.
He casually dropped the jar he had brought onto the ground. "Come out."
Kusuo sat down cross-legged and called out coldly.
There was no response.
"Obito. I know you're here," Kusuo said again, his tone noticeably colder this time.
The darkness remained still.
After a long moment, the space gradually distorted, and a figure appeared. It was Obito Uchiha.
The arm that Kusuo had cut off had already recovered, but Obito's eyes were fixed deadly on him. Kusuo's sword was not drawn but lay beside him.
"Kusuo," Obito said warily, not making a move.
From his last experience, Obito already knew Kusuo's speed. A speed that he, with his abilities, simply could not dodge. If he hadn't escaped in time last time, he might have lost his life.
"A gift for you," Kusuo said, picking up his sword and gesturing toward the sealed jar.
But Obito Uchiha remained where he was, watching Kusuo warily. He didn't believe Kusuo would be so kind as to give him anything.
"The Four-Tails' chakra. If you don't want it, fine." Kusuo stood up, picked up his sword, and left.
Only after Kusuo was gone did Obito Uchiha look down at the sealed jar. Although he couldn't see through the jar, the power emanating from within was unmistakably the chakra of a Tailed Beast.
Obito thought for a moment, then pulled the entire jar into his dimension. Looking at the complicated sealing jutsu on it, Obito formed a series of hand seals. "Break!"
A puff of black smoke rose from the sides of the sealed jar. Seeing this abnormal scene, Obito took two steps back. In an instant, a powerful explosion swept through the entire dimension.
ROAR!
BOOM!
Along with a powerful surge of chakra, the roar of a Tailed Beast instantly echoed throughout the space. Seeing this, even Obito stared intently.
As the white smoke cleared, a massive body appeared before Obito.
"The Four-Tails!" A flash of surprise crossed Obito's eyes. Fighting a rampaging Tailed Beast in this dimension was clearly not a good idea.
"ROAR..."
The Four-Tails roared at Obito and charged toward him. Although Obito quickly dodged, a tear was still left in his clothes.
"Damn it." Obito looked at the hole in his clothes. "Kusuo, you bastard..."
Obito muttered resentfully and then disappeared. He quickly reappeared in front of the Gedo Statue and released the Four-Tails. With the Gedo Statue present, the Four-Tails struggled for a bit before being successfully absorbed.
"Hatake Kusuo." Obito clenched his fists tightly. He found that he was understanding Hatake Kusuo less and less.
...
"Lord Orochimaru, the Four-Tails' presence has disappeared," Kabuto said, turning to look at Orochimaru.
"I know," Orochimaru replied, turning his head to look at his desk. On the desk in front of him was a jar, clearly sealing the chakra of the Four-Tails.
-------
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