Chapter 317: Dividing Forces
After a brief internal struggle, Kyosuke made his decision: he would stay in Konoha to confront the impending Cloud delegation.
Having personally fought the three mysterious figures, Kyosuke knew that without him, only Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Might Duy, and Hyuga Saori stood a chance against them. Secondary powerhouses like Uchiha Fugaku could offer support, but they would struggle in a direct confrontation.
Moreover, Kyosuke was unsure of the relationship between the Cloud and the three strangers. While the probability was low, if the Raikage was truly colluding with them, the combined might of the Third Raikage, the A-B brothers, and the ever-strengthening Yugito Nii would be overwhelming. With the Legendary Sannin absent, Konoha's high-end combat power was dangerously lacking.
Kyosuke feared that by the time he returned from the Rain Village, Konoha might already be reduced to ruins. That would be... problematic.
So, he decided to personally guard Konoha. However, he wasn't going to give up on the Rain Village either.
Uchiha Compound, Meeting Hall.
Kyosuke sat in silence, lost in thought. Beside him sat Shisui, who had fully recovered from his injuries, equally silent.
Since their return, Kyosuke had arranged for Kabuto to perform Hashirama cell transplants on all three of his students.
Anko's transplant was a necessity; without the potent life force of the Hashirama cells, her injuries would have required Tsunade's intervention. To avoid trouble and reward her bravery, Kyosuke had made the decision.
Yamato was a given. Kyosuke couldn't let his student become a one-armed swordsman, so a Hashirama cell arm transplant was only natural.
As for Shisui, having awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan, his proficiency was the only thing holding Kyosuke back from administering the "fusion serum" to attempt awakening the Eternal Mangekyo.
After the transplants, all three students saw varying degrees of improvement. Yamato's growth was the most significant. Already possessing a Sage Body, the injection of Kyosuke's refined cell solution boosted his Sage Body level considerably, officially pushing his strength to Jonin level.
Shisui, having awakened a Sage Body, saw his base strength reach Elite Jonin level. Once he fully adapted to the enhancements, he would soon step into the realm of Kage-level powerhouses.
More importantly, the nourishment from the Sage Body virtually eliminated the risk of blindness from his Mangekyo Sharingan. If he mastered Susanoo, a fully powered Shisui would undeniably be a Kage-level threat.
Interestingly, in the original timeline, Itachi Uchiha also awakened his Mangekyo at the age of eleven. If these two prodigies could work together, the Uchiha clan would certainly not face the same tragic end.
Shisui and Yamato had both improved significantly. As for Anko... Kyosuke had other plans for her, but they would have to wait until the current crises were resolved.
As the master and disciple sat in contemplation, Uchiha Fugaku, Uchiha Ukyo, Uchiha Genbo, and Hyuga Saori arrived one after another.
Looking around curiously, Ukyo asked in surprise, "Hey, Kyosuke, what's this about? Are we finally..."
Rolling his eyes, Kyosuke ignored Ukyo's constant hints at rebellion. He scanned the faces present and then truthfully recounted Danzo's journey to the Rain Village.
When terms like "Eyes of the Sage" and "Uchiha Madara" were mentioned, the room fell silent. After a long pause, Fugaku spoke slowly, "I understand. You want us to go and disrupt the enemy's plot, and bring those eyes back."
"Yes," Kyosuke nodded. "This matter is extraordinary. The boy named Nagato is not to be underestimated, and the enemy who attacked Konoha last time will likely be involved. Only with all of you going can I be at ease."
Fugaku glanced at the silent Shisui and pondered. "Since this is so important, why don't you go yourself? If you were there, surely they would be no match for you."
"Sigh." Kyosuke sighed and explained the situation regarding the three powerful enemies hidden within the Cloud delegation. Hearing about their terrifying strength, even Saori frowned.
Just as Kyosuke feared, if the enemy colluded with the Cloud to attack Konoha, the consequences would be dire. His decision to stay was correct.
However, Saori was worried about him. Based on his description, she could imagine how powerful the woman suspected to be a Hyuga was. She feared Kyosuke might struggle alone against so many enemies.
Just as she was about to speak, Kyosuke gave her a subtle look. Understanding his intent, Saori remained silent.
She knew Kyosuke wanted her to go to the Rain Village not just for her strength, but also to bring back the girl known as Dark Owl.
After all, Dark Owl had attacked Konoha. To "redeem" her, her identity as Dark Owl had to remain secret... at least until Kyosuke controlled the entire village.
So, no matter how much Saori might want to argue, Kyosuke would insist on her going. Realizing this, Saori kept her mouth shut.
Fine. Then let me meet you again, Dark Owl. Touching her eyes, which had been completely transformed, a faint smile appeared on Saori's lips... a smile filled with killing intent. If she refuses to listen and insists on opposing Konoha, then 'accidentally' killing her would be understandable, wouldn't it?
"Since everyone understands, let's not waste time. We leave tonight. I'll use the Flying Thunder God to send you out of the village," Kyosuke said.
Exchanging glances, Fugaku pointed at Shisui. "Wait, you intend for Shisui to participate in something this dangerous? You know..."
Before Fugaku could finish, the Mangekyo Sharingan suddenly flared in Shisui's eyes, silencing the room.
After a long pause, Uchiha Ukyo stammered, "Since when... did the Mangekyo become so common?"
❃❃❃
⤑ Show your support with Power Stones!
⤑ Unlock a Bonus Chapter every time we hit 100 Power Stones!
❃❃❃
♕ Get early access to 30+ advanced chapters on Patreon!
🔗 https://www.pat-reon.co-m/c/Hollowborn
(Just remove the hyphen (-) to open the link!)
💬 Enjoying the story? Drop a review!
Your support really helps the series grow—thank you!