Chapter 231: Tsunade: I'm Taking Command Now!
The Body Flicker Shunshin Technique was even more terrifying with the boost from the Mangekyō Sharingan.
Hoshikawa's thoughts had just begun when he sensed intense heat from above.
Shisui Uchiha, who had somehow gotten into the air, formed hand seals, leaned back, and spat out a massive fireball.
Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique !
A large fireball, over three meters in diameter, descended from the sky. Boom! It crashed directly onto Hoshikawa. Scorching flames engulfed his figure, and the blast wave swept outwards.
Shisui Uchiha landed softly on the ground. Just then, he felt his legs being grabbed, and his body uncontrollably dropped downward. But Shisui Uchiha's body subtly flickered, turning into an afterimage again.
Hoshikawa could only retract the Earth Release: Inner Decapitation Technique.
Shisui Uchiha's eyes narrowed. He formed hand seals, and seven clones instantly appeared around him.
Eight Shisui Uchihas, armed with ninja blades, attacked Hoshikawa from all directions.
With blades bearing down on him, Hoshikawa calmly clapped his hands.
Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!
A swamp formed around him, creating a ten-meter-diameter mire. Shisui Uchiha, thanks to his Mangekyō Sharingan, reacted in time. He lightly stepped back, stopping his momentum and retreating. However, his afterimages were not so quick, sinking into the swamp, unable to move.
"This is the first time my Body Flicker Shunshin Technique has been countered by an Earth Release jutsu," Shisui Uchiha looked at Hoshikawa, finding him difficult to deal with. He could indeed see Hoshikawa's movements clearly after activating the Mangekyō Sharingan, but that didn't mean his speed increased accordingly.
Shisui Uchiha took a deep breath, leaped, and attacked again.
Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique – Claw ! He threw several kunai wrapped in flames, scattering them like phoenix flower seeds.
Compound Release: Earth Dragon Flame Flow ! Hoshikawa formed hand seals and looked up, breathing out flames. Simultaneously, a large dragon head emerged at his feet. The flames and the mud projectiles spat out by the earth dragon merged, striking the flame-wrapped kunai.
Rumble!
Upon contact, the flames caused a violent explosion. Shisui Uchiha's pupils contracted. The sphere of flaming mud, though reduced in size, withstood the explosion and instantly arrived before him.
"Is this... Compound Release?" The thought flashed through Shisui Uchiha's mind, but his actions were swift. He drew his ninja blade and slashed at the flaming mud.
Uchiha Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu – Blade Dance! The flame blade sliced through the flaming mud. Dirt and sparks flew everywhere, blooming like fireworks around him.
Water Release: Water Shockwave ! Hoshikawa clapped his hands together, forming a water-composed tornado. Under his control, it surged out like a waterfall, transforming into a mighty river. Wave after wave of water continuously surged towards Shisui Uchiha.
Body Flicker Technique! Shisui Uchiha's body became an afterimage. He suddenly realized he had no effective means to deal with the Water Release. Especially since his specialty, Fire Release, was naturally countered. Although fire can evaporate water, the fire needed to be greater than the water. The problem now was that water was everywhere.
Shisui Uchiha dodged the waves and stepped onto the river's surface. Just then, three water needles appeared before him without warning. Shisui Uchiha's hairs stood on end, and he narrowly avoided Hoshikawa's attack.
"The Mangekyō Sharingan is indeed remarkable," Hoshikawa praised. With the help of the Mangekyō Sharingan, Shisui Uchiha achieved a degree of stalemate against him. Of course, if the fight continued, Hoshikawa could win simply by relying on his chakra reserves and Water Release. That is, provided Shisui Uchiha didn't use his dōjutsu.
"Besides seeing through my movements, what else can it do?" Hoshikawa asked with a smile.
"It can do more." Shisui Uchiha understood Hoshikawa's implication. The spar had reached the point where it was time to get serious.
Susanoo!
Shisui Uchiha's eyes flared, and a terrifying aura shot into the sky. A giant, green, skeletal torso appeared.
Hoshikawa glanced at it. It was the first stage of Susanoo. It had no special weapons or jutsu; its method of attack was the simplest physical force.
"What jutsu is that?" Asuma Sarutobi's eyes widened. This was the first time he had seen Shisui Uchiha use Susanoo.
"It feels very ominous," Shizune said, feeling the unsettling aura.
"This is Susanoo," Shisui Uchiha paused and said, "Be careful, Hoshikawa-senpai."
The skeletal torso immediately clenched its fist and slammed it toward Hoshikawa.
Body Flicker Technique! Hoshikawa retreated. Boom! Where he had just stood, there was now a giant fist-shaped crater.
Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique! Hoshikawa leaned back, and a water dragon roared out from his mouth.
Shisui Uchiha stayed put. The skeletal torso opened its arms, shielding him. The water dragon slammed into the arms, splashing water everywhere. The skeletal torso shuddered but successfully blocked the Water Release jutsu. Shisui Uchiha breathed a sigh of relief. Hoshikawa's Water Release was incredibly powerful; he had been worried that it wouldn't hold up.
Uchiha Style: Phoenix Flower Jutsu – Blade Dance! Shisui Uchiha grasped his ninja blade with both hands and slashed forcefully. A blade of flame flew out amid the roar of the wind. At the same time, the skeletal torso clenched its fists and swung punches on both sides of the flame blade. Its arms appeared to be escorting the flame blade.
Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique! Hoshikawa formed hand seals, using the Lava Release he learned from Mei Terumī for the first time. A large stream of acid spewed out, opening up like a morning glory flower.
The skeletal torso's arms accelerated violently, then opened their hands, catching the acid. However, the moment of contact, the acid's strong corrosive property immediately melted and pierced through its palms. Furthermore, the acid continued unabated, engulfing the flame blade as well.
"How is that possible?" Shisui Uchiha was utterly shocked. After activating Susanoo, he had tested its offensive and defensive capabilities. It should at least be able to defend against most jutsu. Even if it couldn't, it shouldn't just dissolve instantly.
"What jutsu is this now?" Asuma Sarutobi twitched his mouth. He felt like he was back in the Ninja Academy, knowing nothing. He had never seen either Susanoo or Lava Release.
"No wonder Hoshikawa asked us to keep it a secret," Shizune sighed. "Their enemies must be so unlucky." In ninja warfare, information is key. Without information, Susanoo and Lava Release could inflict devastating effects on the enemy.
"Being their teammate isn't much better," Asuma Sarutobi grumbled. "We can't keep up with them at all."
"This is a Kekkei Genkai, Lava Release," Hoshikawa said with a smile. In the original story, Mei Terumī's Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique could melt Madara Uchiha's Susanoo. It was perfectly normal for him to melt Shisui Uchiha's Susanoo, especially since it was only the first stage, far from its Perfect Form.
"The power of a Kekkei Genkai is truly impressive," Shisui Uchiha realized.
"Aren't Kekkei Genkai passed down through bloodlines?" Asuma Sarutobi asked, surprised. "Hoshikawa, are you from a major ninja clan?"
"There are two ways to obtain a Kekkei Genkai," Hoshikawa glanced at him. "I learned this one myself."
"Huh?" Asuma Sarutobi was stunned. What kind of monstrous talent is that? He recalled that Hiruzen Sarutobi had also attempted to synthesize Kekkei Genkai but had failed every time.
"Truly... truly amazing!" Shizune was dumbfounded. "Though I've heard it's possible to synthesize Kekkei Genkai, I never thought anyone could actually do it."
"Shall we continue fighting?" Hoshikawa asked, looking at the skeletal torso that had lost its hands.
"No, let's stop," Shisui Uchiha thought for a moment. "Unless I use my dōjutsu, I can't beat you." His strongest assets were his Mangekyō Sharingan dōjutsu and Susanoo. But his dōjutsu was Kotoamatsukami, which had a very long cooldown. Furthermore, since Hoshikawa was an ally, he couldn't use it on him. Shisui Uchiha originally thought he could win with Susanoo, but who knew Hoshikawa had learned Lava Release?
"Very well." Hoshikawa nodded slightly and stopped the spar. It was just a spar, not a fight to the death. His main goal was to determine the extent of Shisui Uchiha's strength. Now, he saw that Shisui was indeed very strong, elite even among Jōnin, and could contend with the Fourth Raikage and Killer B for a bit. Shisui Uchiha also possessed Kotoamatsukami. Although its long cooldown made it a one-time use dōjutsu, its deterrent was immense. In a real life-or-death situation, Shisui Uchiha wouldn't hesitate to use it against the Fourth Raikage or Killer B.
"When did you learn Lava Release?" Asuma Sarutobi couldn't help but ask.
"Lava Release comes from Kirigakure," Hoshikawa explained. "I got it during the negotiations with Kirigakure."
"Wait a minute!" Asuma Sarutobi noticed a blind spot. "Did you also get a corresponding Kekkei Genkai during the negotiations with Iwagakure?"
"Correct," Hoshikawa extended his hand and said, "This is Scorch Release." Chakra surged out, heat rolled off it, and a spinning sphere of magma appeared.
"No, is Kekkei Genkai really that easy to learn?" Asuma Sarutobi scratched his head and asked.
"Hoshikawa-senpai has extraordinary talent," Shisui Uchiha sighed. "We can't learn it."
Asuma Sarutobi let out a wail. He felt he would never be able to catch up with Hoshikawa in this lifetime. Thinking back, the smallest gap between them was actually in the Ninja Academy. Now, the gap only grew wider as they got older.
"I have one more Kekkei Genkai," Hoshikawa winked. "You'll find out about it in a couple of days."
"..." Asuma Sarutobi, Shisui Uchiha, and Shizune exchanged glances, all feeling speechless. When did Kekkei Genkai start being sold in bulk? It was simply absurd for one person to master three Kekkei Genkai.
"Alright, I'm buying you dinner now," Hoshikawa clapped his hands.
"Let's go!" Asuma Sarutobi's spirits lifted. "I haven't had your cooking in ages. I wonder if your culinary skills have deteriorated."
"I guarantee you'll be satisfied," Hoshikawa said with a smile.
An hour later, inside Sakumo Hatake's tent. Five people sat at the dining table.
"Damn it!" Asuma Sarutobi took a bite of chicken and looked utterly incredulous.
"Is it that exaggerated?" Sakumo Hatake asked, confused.
"You'll know once you eat it!" Asuma Sarutobi was momentarily speechless. "I don't even know how to describe it!"
Sakumo Hatake, Shisui Uchiha, and Shizune each picked up a piece of chicken. A few seconds later, they all had the same expression as Asuma Sarutobi.
"How... how did you make this?" Shizune couldn't help but ask.
"Just like that," Hoshikawa said, spreading his hands.
"..." Shizune fell silent.
"Eat up if you like it," Hoshikawa said with a smile.
A new day dawned. Hoshikawa and Tsunade both woke up early. The Jōnin meeting was scheduled for today.
Due to the war, Jōnin meetings were frequent, held once every week or two. The content mainly covered summarizing recent battle conditions and assigning new missions. However, today's Jōnin meeting would be different, as Tsunade planned to seize command.
"Master." Hoshikawa walked into Tsunade's tent, looked around, and spotted the rose she had placed in a vase.
"Let's go." Tsunade stretched, put on her shoes, and headed toward the main tent. Hoshikawa followed closely behind her.
"Lady Tsunade." The Jōnin in the main tent greeted Tsunade one after another.
"What a grand display of authority!" Danzō Shimura couldn't help but remark upon seeing this.
"Normal," Orochimaru, who was standing beside him, said calmly.
"It's been so long, what are you still waiting for?" Danzō Shimura asked in a low voice.
"Waiting for the right opportunity," Orochimaru said nonchalantly. "No need to rush; we have plenty of time." Based on the current situation, Konoha and Kumogakure would not achieve a decisive victory anytime soon.
Danzō Shimura wanted to speak but ultimately held back. Without Orochimaru, he could only command his eight Root ninja.
At nine o'clock in the morning, everyone was present. In addition to Konoha's Jōnin, there were also Suna's Rasa and Pakura, among others.
"I will report on the recent battle situation," Shikaku Nara, acting as the strategist, spoke first.
Hoshikawa listened for a moment and roughly grasped the current situation. Konoha and Sunagakure had a slight advantage, but overall, it was a back-and-forth stalemate.
"Next is the mission assignment." Orochimaru said unhurriedly. "First, regarding the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B, they will still be handled by Danzō and myself..."
"I have a different idea," Tsunade interrupted him.
"What idea?" Orochimaru looked at her and asked.
"Hoshikawa and I will be responsible for the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer B," Tsunade stated firmly. "It's time for a change!"
"What do you mean?" Danzō Shimura asked in irritation. "Are you implying that Orochimaru and I can't deal with them?"
Orochimaru also frowned slightly. Tsunade's sudden challenge felt highly unusual to him.
"We've been fighting Kumogakure for so long; you know whether you can deal with them or not," Tsunade scoffed, speaking without reservation.
"You... you are only the Deputy Commander!" Danzō Shimura, unable to refute her, brought up her title.
"Indeed," Tsunade said expressionlessly. "The Commander should assign the missions."
"Then why aren't you stepping down?" Danzō Shimura was briefly taken aback, then became smug.
"However, Konoha is not a dictatorship, and the Commander cannot act unilaterally," Tsunade shook her head. "Whom to send should be decided by asking everyone's opinion."
"You..." Danzō Shimura had a premonition of trouble.
"I think Lady Tsunade is right," Hizashi Hyūga spoke up.
"This war has been deadlocked for so long. Perhaps command by Lady Tsunade will bring new opportunities for victory," Fugaku Uchiha quickly followed suit. The Uchiha Clan had suffered heavy losses under Orochimaru's leadership, and he had long harbored resentment.
"I also agree," Sakumo Hatake nodded.
One by one, the Jōnin spoke, and soon, more than half of the Jōnin supported Tsunade.
"Are you planning a rebellion?" Danzō Shimura took half a step back, his face ashen.
Orochimaru subconsciously licked the corner of his mouth. He truly hadn't expected Tsunade to pull a move like this. His teammate today felt like a stranger.
Rasa and Pakura exchanged glances. Although it was a good show, neither of them dared to interfere. However, for them, there wasn't much difference between Orochimaru and Tsunade in command.
"Very well." Orochimaru chuckled lightly. "Since everyone agrees, let it be as Tsunade suggests." He couldn't possibly fight Tsunade right there and then. Given the current situation, temporary compromise was the only option.
"Orochimaru!" Danzō Shimura looked incredulous. Are you just going to let Tsunade seize command so easily?
"What other ideas do you have?" Orochimaru glanced at him and asked.
"Tsunade, you will regret this!" Danzō Shimura said in a fit of rage.
"I am not my Master," Tsunade said calmly, clenching her fist. "If you disagree, we can fight."
"You!" Danzō Shimura trembled with anger.
A rush of wind sounded. He turned and swept aside the curtain, leaving the main tent.
"The meeting continues," Orochimaru said, his expression unchanged. Compared to Danzō Shimura, he was much calmer. Of course, another reason was that he already had a counter-measure in mind.
After the meeting ended, Orochimaru went to Danzō Shimura's tent.
"Is this what you meant by an opportunity?" Danzō Shimura asked, highly displeased, upon seeing him.
"This is indeed an opportunity," Orochimaru replied without anger.
"What opportunity is there now?" Danzō Shimura's face sank as he asked.
"Her decision to confront the Fourth Raikage and Killer B is exactly part of our plan, isn't it?" Orochimaru countered.
"While that's true, it feels too humiliating!" Danzō Shimura had wanted to take action earlier, but he still maintained his rationality. Of course, the most important factor was that he wasn't confident he could defeat Tsunade and Hoshikawa.
"Tsunade's actions today do not match her character," Orochimaru revealed a thoughtful look. "Is it because of Hoshikawa?" He had been Tsunade's teammate for so many years and naturally understood her. She wouldn't do something like seize command because she had no interest in power. If it was because of Hoshikawa, it would indeed be surprising. Does Tsunade value her student that highly?
"Regardless of her reasons, we absolutely cannot allow her to be so arrogant!" Danzō Shimura's face showed a malicious look. "She wants to deal with the Fourth Raikage and Killer B? I'll grant her wish!"
"How do you plan to do that?" Orochimaru narrowed his eyes and asked.
"Leak the intelligence to Kumogakure," Danzō Shimura said coldly.
.................
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