Naruto: Uchiha is not Raikage!

Chapter 412 Forging the Dragon Vein Armor, Naruto's Ideals in the Akatsuki (Seeking monthly votes and continued reading)

The next day.

The sky was just beginning to brighten.

Yecang felt physically exhausted.

Perhaps it's a consequence of yesterday's long battle.

Yecang got out of bed, threw off the covers, took a shower, and changed into clean clothes.

hiss...

The curtains were drawn back.

Sunlight streamed in from outside, falling on Yekura's beautiful face.

"All that happened yesterday is in the past."

Yecang let out a breath.

She also had the idea of ​​becoming the Fifth Kazekage.

Only in this way can she better protect her comrades who support her in Sunagakure.

Of course, this would inevitably put her under Qing Si's control.

Ye Cang subconsciously glanced back, but the place was now empty.

Kiyoshi has already left.

He left a long time ago.

Yecang knew that Kiyoshi was going back to the village.

"It's time to embrace my new life."

Yecang stretched and subconsciously touched the cursed mark pattern on his body.

Her first task was to run for the fifth Kazekage, and then eliminate some of Rasa's old subordinates.

Yesterday's events happened so suddenly that the ninjas who were loyal to Rasa had no time to do anything.

……

the other side.

"This is a scroll containing the secret techniques of Sand Release."

Galuro opened his mouth.

Kiyoshi reached out and took it, then put it into his ninja tool pouch.

He plans to learn this secret technique in his spare time and develop the bloodline limit of "Sand Release".

Gaara, Temari, and Kankuro seemed a little down because of what happened with Rasa yesterday.

Kiyoshi, on the other hand, was stroking his chin.

"Afterwards, take Gaara and the other two to Konoha to attend school."

"!"

Galuro was startled by what he heard.

"How can that be possible?"

Karura isn't stupid. If he takes these kids, whose values ​​haven't even formed yet, to Konoha to teach them, they'll develop a sense of belonging to Konoha in just a few years.

So, do they belong to Konoha or Sunagakure?
"This is a notification."

Kiyoshi gestured to Karura not to rush, as her anxiety wouldn't change anything.

Once Yekura successfully becomes the Fifth Kazekage, it won't be difficult for Kiyoshi to get a few more people.

Gaara was tested and found to be very suitable to be a Jinchuriki of a Tailed Beast, but they did not test his specific talents. Staying in Sunagakure would only bury his talents.

Given Kiyoshi's status, arranging for a few exchange students at the Ninja Academy wouldn't be a problem.

"But……"

Karura looked at Gaara and Kankuro with reluctance.

What mother would willingly be separated from her child?
"You can come anytime you want."

Qingsi smiled.

He left many Flying Thunder God marks in Sunagakure.

After Yekura takes over, Kiyoshi will no longer need to worry too much and can travel freely between the two places.

noon.

After leaving Sunagakure, Kiyoshi did not immediately embark on his return journey.

He returned to the ancient kingdom of Loulan.

Kiyoshi came here to sense the dragon vein chakra and learn how to control it from Queen Sara.

Qingsi is now highly talented in this area, and the hardware is fully upgraded. What he needs is software—how to start it up and avoid a black screen.

After acquiring all of these, Kiyoshi returned to the village satisfied.

……

As the sun began to set, dust swirled across the training grounds of the Uchiha settlement.

"call……"

Itachi exhaled a deep breath, sweat trickling down his temples.

A month has passed since he returned to the village with Kiyoshi.

Compared to the outside world, Itachi still felt more comfortable staying in Konoha; the climate in Sunagakure was too dry.

Shisui, who was standing to the side, put away his stance, a slight smile playing on his lips, and said:

"Cultivating with you really helps me concentrate."

Itachi turned his head to look at him, a sense of agreement rising in his heart.

Although his clothes were soaked with sweat, the sense of fulfillment made him feel as if he had been completely reshaped.

Shisui is Itachi's only true friend.

He is Itachi's closest person besides his family.

The match between the two lasted three hours, consisting of fifteen exchanges.

So far, Zhishui has been winning most of the time.

Even if Shisui were to hold back after awakening the Mangekyou Sharingan, he wouldn't be someone Itachi could handle in his current state.

He looked up at his hands.

My father possesses numerous bloodline limits, so theoretically he should also be able to awaken some of them.

Wood Release, Sharingan, Lava Release, Boil Release...

There are too many to list; any one of them is complex.

"What kind of bloodline limit will I awaken? Surely I won't have none at all."

As the weasel pondered, the trees behind him swayed slightly, and the buds on the ground seemed to grow faster.

Shisui glanced over subconsciously, and his excellent perception made him realize in an instant that no one was there.

But there was no wind, nor any small animals.

How can a tree move?

Zhi Shui touched his head.

"Come on, let's continue."

After resting for a while, Shisui spoke to Itachi.

"it is good."

Itachi nodded.

The two were ready to practice.

The sharp sound of shuriken cutting through the air rang out.

"Qiang!"

The two shuriken collided in mid-air, sparks flying, before bouncing off to a distant rock.

No one looked at the landing point; Itachi and Shisui's figures overlapped in an instant, their fist winds and breaths intertwined.

"Tsk!"

"drink!"

A short, sharp sound accompanied the impact of their bodies as the two wrestled and tumbled to the ground, kicking up dust.

Shisui was the first to prop himself up, took a sudden step, and swept his leg across Itachi, who was kneeling on one knee.

Itachi reacted quickly, raising his right arm to block.

The impact traveled through his arms and throughout his body. In the instant his vision shook violently, he saw Shisui's hands begin to rapidly form hand seals.

"Art fire escape ho fireball!"

The flames ignited the air, and a wave of scorching heat swept over us.

A smile flashed in Itachi's eyes.

As expected of still water.

He's so skilled in Fire Release ninjutsu.

That ball of flame, which almost engulfed the entire field of vision, could only be unleashed by Father and Shisui.

Itachi was secretly pleased with himself; being able to fight against such an opponent was the best form of training.

The flames engulfed him.

"No way!"

Zhi Shui's voice changed abruptly, clearly not expecting this outcome.

Amidst the flames, the weasel's body suddenly shattered into countless feathers, transforming into a swarm of crows that blanketed the sky.

With a flapping sound of wings, the flock of crows flew straight towards the still water.

"substitute……"

Zhi Shui raised an eyebrow slightly.

He had never seen a raven double before.

"This technique is called the 'Crow Clone Technique,' but calling it a clone isn't entirely accurate."

Itachi appeared from elsewhere and explained the ninjutsu to Shisui.

"Crow Clone Technique" is only a C-rank technique, and it is a unique ninjutsu he created.

A ninjutsu that projects one's chakra onto dozens of crows, creating clones.

Because the clone technique uses crows as a medium, it consumes less chakra than the "Shadow Clone Technique".

"Was it your clone from the very beginning?"

Zhi Shui gave a bitter laugh.

Even if there were reasons why he hadn't awakened the Sharingan, as expected, that person's descendant was extraordinary.

This stirred within Shisui a subtle urge to challenge Kiyoshi.

He had seen Kiyoshi make a move before, but had never fought Kiyoshi himself, so he couldn't really feel the oppressive aura.

"You win this time."

Zhi Shui wiped away his sweat.

After that, they played another twenty games.

The dusty training ground was battered and bruised, and in the end, Shisui won by a large margin.

After all, given his overall qualities, Shisui had never used his true strength.

The two sat side by side on the rock, their clothes soaked through, their hair plastered to their foreheads with sweat.

Shisui tilted his head back and drank the water in the kettle in one gulp, then let out a long breath: "Your strength is already on par with a genin."

Itachi took the water bottle, took a sip, and the icy water flowed down his throat.

He didn't answer, he just nodded slightly.

Suddenly remembering something, Shisui turned her head and asked:

"Do you plan to graduate normally, or graduate early?"

"Graduating early".

Itachi gave a brief response.

Upon hearing this, Shisui smiled and asked:

"So, what's the progress between you and Uchiha Izumi...?"

He had barely finished speaking when he saw Itachi visibly startled.

"Haha, I can never tell what you're thinking normally, but now that her name is mentioned, your reaction is very obvious."

"What do you mean?"

Itachi frowned, but looked away.

Why don't you look in the mirror and see your expression?

Shisui teased with a mischievous grin.

Itachi remained silent for a long time before whispering:

"I don't have any particular feelings for her."

"But you were clearly feeling guilty just now."

Zhi Shui continued to joke.

The image of Izumi secretly appeared in Itachi's mind.

She was indeed one of his few friends, but as for whether he had feelings for her, he couldn't say for sure.

Perhaps that's why he was slightly flustered.

He quickly changed the subject:
"Putting that aside for now, how is your father doing?"

Shisui paused for a moment, then his smile turned somewhat serious, and he said:

"You're cheating, trying to change the subject, Itachi."

However, his expression quickly darkened:
"It's the same as before."

His bright smile was obscured by shadows, and his voice grew deeper as he said:
“He lost a leg after that war and is now bedridden. Lately... I almost didn’t recognize him.”

Zhi Shui noticed that her father was getting thinner and thinner.

This is precisely a sign that a person is about to die.

The mother spent her days in tears. Itachi remained silent for a moment, simply watching Shisui, a complex mix of emotions welling up within him.

"Anyway, everyone has to die eventually. I've been mentally prepared for it for a long time."

Shisui said in a low voice, as if trying to comfort herself.

This is the fate of ninjas. In any case, his father also dedicated his life to the "Will of Fire" and was a great hero.

The setting sun cast its last rays upon him, yet his smiling face appeared all the more lonely.

Itachi's heart tightened, but he couldn't find the right words to respond, so he could only sit silently beside him.

……

The night breeze carried the chill of early autumn, and the moonlight, like water, quietly spilled onto the streets of Konoha Village.

Gekko Hayate and Uzuki Yugao walked side by side.

Compared to the past, Moonlight Gale's mental state is completely different; his energy is far from a little better.

With long-term medication, Moonlight Gale's dark circles have faded considerably, his steps are no longer unsteady, and he even walks with a long-lost sense of vigor.

His physical recovery also awakened some of his primal desires.

Occasionally, when he turned around, he could always catch a glimpse of Uzuki Yugao's figure, which was more plump and full than he remembered.

Although she is dressed in a simple and capable ninja outfit, you can still see that she has a mature and elegant charm.

Under the moonlight, her long purple hair swayed slightly, falling to her waist.

Moonlight Gale's throat tightened, his lips were a little chapped, and an urge to get closer and kiss him welled up in his heart.

He couldn't help but lower his voice, and with a hint of anticipation, he spoke:

"Xi Yan, we..."

He instinctively moved closer, and they were now only a step apart.

However, Uzuki Yugao's body trembled slightly, and then she gently turned to the side, leaving half a space between them.

The movement was small, yet it seemed to draw an insurmountable line.

"Xi Yan?"

Moonlight Gale paused, his eyes filled with doubt.

"I'm not feeling well today."

Her voice was soft and gentle, revealing no emotional fluctuations.

Moonlight Gale paused, then could only stammer:
"Is...is that so?"

He didn't press him further.

Perhaps I acted too hastily.

After all, Xi Yan has always been gentle and considerate, so he shouldn't be too abrupt.

However, a faint sense of loneliness arose in my heart.

There always seemed to be an invisible barrier between them, one that was difficult to cross.

He said no more and continued walking forward to continue his patrol.

Once the gust of wind had gone a little further, Uzuki Yugao gently raised her head and watched his receding figure.

Bathed in moonlight, her profile was flawless and fair, her jawline calm and beautiful, yet covered with an undeniable sorrow.

"I'm sorry, Gale."

She whispered to herself, her eyes suddenly welling up with tears.

Clear tears slid down her face, glistening in the moonlight.

Qingsi's kindness was as heavy as a mountain; she could not ignore it, nor could she easily repay it.

Before she had fully experienced happiness, she dared not reach out to touch it, nor could she respond to the swift moonlight.

……

Another few days passed.

Everything returned to calm, and Kiyoshi continued to study the power of the Dragon Vein Chakra.

He designed a "Chakra Armor" adapted to new energy sources, the core source of which is Dragon Vein Chakra.

This is part of Kiyoshi's planned deployment of the "Chakra Armor: Dragon" series.

The overall lines are smoother than the traditional armor of the Snow Country, eliminating the heavy patchwork feel and replacing it with layered textures like dragon scales.

The chest plate is inlaid with the core channel of the dragon vein chakra, shaped like a vertical crystal. As long as the dragon vein chakra is input, the channel will light up with a light pink glow, like the beating of a heart.

Along the spine on its back, metallic dragon scales interlock, with the overall color scheme being predominantly cool black and gold, complemented by silver-gray patterns.

However, it is still in the research and development stage, and only a model drawing has been made. Then, Kiyoshi handed over the task of further improvement to the research department.

"You have mastered the entry: [Armor Design Master (Purple)]".

[Entry: Armor Design Master (Purple)]

[Requirement achieved: Design a completely new set of armor.]

【Progress: (Completed).】

【Effect:
Your speed in developing new armor will increase by 100% from the original speed.

When you personally wield the armor, your physical resistance will increase by 100%.

When you personally pilot the armor, the armor's compatibility with your human body will increase by 100%.

【Note: You can continue to advance later. 】

"Compatibility... bio-armor?"

Kiyoshi stroked his chin, looking at the newly appeared entry.

It can also improve the armor's compatibility with itself, and perhaps in the future, we can also research bio-armor.

The current main frame is a modified version of the "Chakra Armor" from the Land of Snow, and it is made entirely of metal.

"With this, future ninjas should suffer far fewer casualties."

Tsunade leaned against the desk in the Hokage's office, her pert buttocks deforming against the corner of the desk.

"That's exactly what I designed it for."

Qingsi nodded.

Ordinary people do not have bloodline limits, so their chakra reserves are naturally capped.

No matter how much you train and cultivate, you can never compare to those cheaters. In the later stages, you won't even be qualified to be a grunt.

Once you have the "Chakra Armor: Dragon", your combat power will be further enhanced.

Even strong individuals will find this armor useful, as it can provide a certain level of assistance.

"This is the data for this month."

Tsunade handed the report she was holding in front of Toyojin to Kiyoshi.

Rin Nohara is currently the head of Konoha Hospital, while Tsunade is only the second-in-command because she only goes there occasionally and doesn't want to do much work.

Nohara Rin did most of the work.

"It's troublesome."

Qing Si took them and examined them one by one.

The above shows the progress of some medical experiments.

"Lord Hokage, members of the former Akatsuki have arrived outside the village."

Uzuki Yugao knelt on one knee and appeared in the Hokage's office.

The Akatsuki organization is now divided into the Old Akatsuki organization and the New Akatsuki organization.

The old Akatsuki was the legitimate official force that managed the Land of Rain, while the new Akatsuki was a mercenary group that roamed the ninja world and posed a threat level of S.

Its members are mostly rogue ninja, so they have always been wanted by the authorities.

However, some ninja villages still secretly hire them.

"I see."

Kiyoshi nodded, indicating that Uzuki Yugao could leave.

The former Akatsuki organization is now considered an ally of Konoha, so it's normal for them to come back and visit.

Kiyoshi guessed that they were probably there because of Nagato's matter.

"Jiraiya's apprentice has gone astray."

Tsunade's bright red lips parted slightly, her voice clear and crisp.

Back then, Jiraiya stayed in the Land of Rain for three years specifically to teach Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan, which infuriated the old man.

As a result, Nagato, who possessed the "Rinnegan," went astray and associated with a group of S-rank rogue ninjas, causing trouble everywhere in the ninja world.

"People are going to change."

Qingsi said.

Nagato already had a complicated family background, and the fact that his parents died in front of him inevitably twisted his mind, making him prone to extremes.

After all... even the psychological treatment in the Land of Fire was started by Sakura two years after the end of the Fourth Shinobi World War.

The ninja world is still a chaotic and fragmented place like the Land of Rain, so where would anyone come from to mediate Nagato's mindset?

By the time Jiraiya arrived, the three of them had already formed their own beliefs.

"So you'll change too?"

Tsunade turned to look at Kiyoshi.

Her feelings were also complicated; her relationship with this apprentice was unclear.

Unfortunately, Tsunade was unable to extricate herself from this situation and could only drift along, taking things one step at a time.

The age difference between her and Kiyoshi was too great, and every time Tsunade thought about this, she could feel the heavy burden of worldly affairs.

"How could that be? Tsunade-sensei has always been the most beautiful woman in my heart..."

one.

The final qualifier remained only in Kiyoshi's mind.

To be honest, they each have their own charm and unique strengths, making it difficult to directly choose one as superior or inferior.

"Humph……"

Tsunade gave a soft hum.

"I have some things to attend to at Konoha Hospital, so I'll be going now."

After saying that, Tsunade strode out.

The ninja shoes with open toes reveal Tsunade's freshly applied nail polish, giving them a clean, fresh look.

Paired with white and pink toes, it's undeniably alluring.

……

Konoha streets.

Xiao Nan stopped in her tracks, her purple eyes widening slightly beneath the brim of her rain hat.

After many years, she returned to this place, and Konoha looked to her like a piece of polished amber.

Sunlight is so common here.

She saw dappled sunlight filtering through the dense canopy of trees, and several children chasing the light and shadow as they ran past, the water droplets splashing from their feet edged with gold.

The steamer baskets of the roadside meatball shop were steaming with white vapor, and the sweet aroma wafted into her nose.

The aroma reminded her of a long time ago when Yahiko used his savings to buy a string of three-colored dumplings, which the three of them shared, licking the syrup off their fingertips.

Yahiko looked up and saw ninjas leaping over the rooftops, their figures as light as swallows, causing the children on the street to look up and cheer.

The noise here is so loud.

The vendors' cries, the ninjas' laughter, the children's play, and even the meows of cats perched on the walls—all these sounds intertwine to form a vibrant tapestry.

In the land of rain, the clearest sound is always the monotonous echo of rain hitting the tin roof.

"Konoha is indeed the most prosperous place."

This was Yahiko's first time setting foot in Konoha, and he couldn't help but think of his perpetually damp hometown.

In this village, even shadows can lie on the ground with a clear conscience, warmed by the sun.

"It is indeed very prosperous..."

Xiao Nan's voice was so soft it sounded like she was talking to herself.

Yahiko did not respond.

One day, he will plant such light on that land that is forever weeping.

"Hey, where are you from?"

Naruto ate his popsicle while watching the two of them.

He looked at the two men, who were dressed in strange black robes embroidered with auspicious black clouds.

"We are the peace-loving Akatsuki, and we hope to bring peace and the light of dawn to the ninja world without relying on extreme force."

Even though there was a child in front of him, Yahiko still gave a serious introduction.

"Without relying on force?"

This was the first time Naruto had ever heard of these things.

Although he didn't quite understand what it meant, he instinctively became interested in peace.

"So, big brother and big sister, are you heroes?"

"No, if we're talking about heroes, only your Fourth Hokage deserves the title."

Yahiko said earnestly.

Mr. Kiyoshi is a model of both strength and character, which Yahiko greatly admires.

"hero……"

Xiao Nan, standing to the side, had a strange expression on her face.

She simply couldn't understand what Kiyoshi had that made him worthy of being called a hero.

That guy was completely following the principle of exchanging benefits.

To gain something, you must give up something else from him.

Although it seems fair, Xiao Nan still feels conflicted, which is why it doesn't quite make sense.

"I, Naruto Uzumaki, will not only become a hero who surpasses all previous Hokage, but I will also become the strongest Fifth Hokage!"

Naruto excitedly raised his popsicle and said.

(End of this chapter)