Chapter 155: Acquiring the B-Rank Talent Title
"Minato, I need you to go out and check the situation at the other outposts."
Tsunade said, considering the situation.
Kumogakure's behavior today was baffling, and to be on the safe side, she needed to be more cautious.
"Understood."
Minato Namikaze nodded slightly, and his body instantly vanished.
"Hoshikawa , tend to the wounded."
Tsunade turned and walked into the outpost.
"Yes, ma'am."
Hoshikawa began treating the injured Leaf ninja.
Two hours later, Minato reappeared.
"What's the situation?"
Seeing him, Tsunade immediately opened her mouth to ask.
"Everyone is fine."
Minato sounded puzzled. "The Cloud ninja acted as if they'd received a direct order—they've all retreated back to their main camp."
"An order?"
Tsunade mused, deep in thought. "Could this simply be an act of pure revenge?"
She recalled her recent skirmish with Ay, when he had mentioned Kumogakure's disastrous defeat in the Land of Rain.
"Knowing Ay, that's certainly a possibility," Minato mused. "His personality tends to be somewhat reckless."
"Regardless, send out more people to keep an eye on their movements."
Since Tsunade couldn't figure it out, she stopped dwelling on it.
"Understood."
Minato nodded in response.
"Let's go. We're heading back to the main camp."
Tsunade stood up and announced.
The injured at the outpost had all been treated, and with the Cloud ninja temporarily withdrawn, there was no need to remain.
Back at the main camp, Hoshikawa , as usual, busied himself making poisons before heading to a nearby river to practice his Water Release jutsu.
He closed his eyes, and upon confirming no one was nearby, he split off a Shadow Clone Jutsu (Kage Bunshin no Jutsu).
Hoshikawa watched his clone depart.
The main reason he was sending a clone instead of going himself—beyond the excuse he'd given Samui—was to avoid being leveraged by Kumogakure.
Even if the relationship fractured, it would only cost him one clone, which was inconsequential.
He had no intention of returning to the Village Hidden in the Clouds until he had absolute strength.
Hoshikawa shifted his gaze back and continued practicing Water Release.
Half an hour later, several lines of text appeared before his eyes.
[B-Rank Talent Title: Water Release Special Jonin]
[Trigger Condition: Proficiency in nine Water Release jutsu titles has reached Mastery.]
[Effect: All Water Release ninjutsu power is increased by 100%.]
[Note: Learning and mastering more Water Release ninjutsu can be developed to advance to the A-Rank title, Water Release Jonin.]
Hoshikawa let out a breath.
While the effects were similar to his previous Lightning Release Special Jonin title, a 100% boost to Water Release power was significant—those who knew, knew.
He could now easily use powerful Water Release jutsu even in dry environments.
"Next up, Earth Release."
Hoshikawa performed the necessary hand signs and began practicing Earth Release.
…
After Ay, Killer B, and the others returned to the Kumogakure camp, they immediately convened a meeting.
However, contrary to tradition, the meeting today was presided over by Mabui.
She had arrived the previous night, bringing the shocking news that the Third Raikage had been poisoned.
The actions taken by Ay and Killer B that day had been orchestrated entirely by her.
"Where is Hoshikawa ?"
Mabui glanced around and asked. "Did he not return with you?"
"About that,"
Samui recounted Hoshikawa 's words verbatim.
"Is he trying to betray Kumogakure?"
Ay's brow shot up as he demanded.
"Not exactly betrayal," Mabui said contemplatively. "Only that his perspective has shifted."
"What do you mean?" Ay asked, confused.
"Simply put, Hoshikawa wishes to transition from a subordinate-superior relationship to one of equal transaction."
Mabui analyzed the situation.
"How dare he?" Ay asked, his annoyance showing. "Has he forgotten that he is a ninja of the Hidden Cloud?"
"To be fair, he certainly has the qualifications now," Mabui said, remaining calm. "A genius like him would be welcomed anywhere."
"Then what about the seal on him?" Ay frowned, pressing the issue.
"Only the weak worry about seals," Mabui countered, shaking her head.
"So, will he come?"
Samui paused for a few seconds before asking.
For some reason, she genuinely didn't want Hoshikawa to completely sever ties with the village.
"He will come," Mabui stated with certainty. "Since he asked you if he could state his conditions, it means there is something he wants from Kumogakure."
"Should we give it to him?" Samui asked again.
"We are the ones seeking his help right now," Mabui replied, utterly composed. "The priority is detoxifying the Raikage-sama."
"I'll settle this debt with him later!" Ay snorted, his voice laced with indignation.
He hated being threatened more than anything.
"Samui, go meet him outside the camp," Mabui instructed. "The fewer people who know his identity, the better."
"Understood."
Samui turned and left the command tent.
"Hoshikawa is extremely valuable to Kumogakure, so there's no need to escalate this to a fatal rupture," Mabui said, turning to Ay. "He previously provided us with the intelligence regarding the Third Kazekage's disappearance."
"He might be the one who leaked the information about the Land of Rain!" Ay said, infuriated. "That information cost Kumogakure a heavy price!"
"It was not Hoshikawa ," Mabui explained. "He is far away in Konoha; it would be impossible for him to know our marching route."
"…"
Ay clenched his fist and declared, "Konoha must pay for this!"
"But not now," Mabui said softly. "The Raikage-sama's orders are for you to return to Kumogakure with me."
"And what about this camp?" Ay couldn't help but ask. "If I leave, there will be no one capable of stopping Tsunade and Minato Namikaze."
"We will temporarily withdraw from the Land of Frost," Mabui responded after a brief contemplation.
"Isn't that showing weakness?" Ay refused instantly. "I disagree!"
"With the Raikage-sama poisoned and gravely injured, and Sunagakure declaring war on us, you are needed back home to take charge of the greater situation," Mabui patiently persuaded him.
"…"
Ay wanted to argue but couldn't, and finally agreed.
Half an hour later, the Shadow Clone, or rather Hoshikawa , arrived near the Kumogakure camp.
He immediately spotted Samui sitting on a tree not far away.
Shunshin no Jutsu!
Hoshikawa appeared directly in front of her.
The alertness that had flashed across Samui's face faded once she saw him.
Hoshikawa was wearing a trench coat and a hood, making it impossible for her to distinguish if he was the clone or the main body.
"Follow me."
Samui leaped down and landed on the ground.
Hoshikawa followed closely behind her and successfully entered the main tent.
He immediately noticed the Fourth Raikage-to-be's distinctly unfriendly gaze.
Hoshikawa glanced at the dark-skinned woman beside Ay and roughly guessed the reason.
Most likely, Mabui had seen right through his intentions.
"Hoshikawa , I am Mabui. It's a pleasure to finally meet you."
Mabui offered a genuine smile.
Hoshikawa curiously observed her for a moment.
He had never seen such dark skin in person, neither in his past life nor this one.
He'd heard that dark skin had a nice texture—he wondered if he'd ever get the chance to feel it.
"Likewise."
Hoshikawa replied naturally.
Regardless of how Kumogakure intended to treat him, he held all the cards.
"The Raikage-sama is currently back in Kumogakure, so we will need you to return with us."
Mabui looked him in the eye, her gaze deep.
"No trouble at all."
Hoshikawa smiled, unconcerned. "It's what I should do."
"Let's go then." Mabui was decisive.
Hoshikawa was surprised to find that they were dismantling the camp.
Were they aiming for a temporary ceasefire?
He didn't ask any questions and followed them out of the Land of Frost.
......
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