I, who just wanted to be lazy, was forced to become the Hokage.

Chapter 252 The Next Stage of Self-Developed Bloodline Goals!

"An S-rank technique, the Water Mirror Technique?"

Nara Rinka's eyes lit up as he looked at the contents of the second secret scroll on the panel.

"Isn't this the signature ninjutsu of the future Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi?"

"Given the power displayed by this water-style technique, it's only natural that it deserves an S-rank rating."

Looking at the successive generations of "Kage" from the five great villages of the ninja world.

The core abilities and techniques of the Tsuchikage, Raikage, and Kazekage are basically passed down from the same lineage: Dust Release, Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and Sand Control.

In contrast, aside from the First and Third Mizukage whose abilities are currently unclear, the other Kage of Konoha and Kirigakure each have their own signature characteristics.

Let's not talk about the Hokage from Konoha.

Over at Kirigakure Village.

The Second Mizukage, Hozuki Gengetsu, is known for his signature techniques, "Water Transformation Technique" and "Oil Transformation Technique."

The Fourth Mizukage, Yagura Karatachi, possessed the core abilities of "Tailed Beast Transformation" and "Water Mirror Technique."

Mei Terumi, the Fifth Mizukage, is best known for possessing two bloodline limits: "Lava Release" and "Boiling Release."

Leaving aside the bloody traditions of Kirigakure.

The three Mizukage of Kirigakure have truly developed their respective abilities into very distinctive characteristics.

Although Yagura Karatachi's [Water Release: Water Mirror Technique] only made a brief appearance in the early stages of the Fourth Shinobi World War.

However, Nara Rankei still had a very deep impression of this S-rank water-style ninjutsu.

When facing Naruto Uzumaki (Gold Naruto) in Nine-Tails Chakra Mode and Killer Bee.

In his Edo Tensei state, Yagura Karatachi used the Water Release: Water Mirror Technique to simultaneously replicate Naruto Uzumaki and Killer Bee, even including their attack methods!

The fake clone ninja, while waving his flowery hands with the enemy, stood still and formed forty-four hand seals for the Water Dragon Bullet Technique;

A true copy ninja not only copies the opponent's ninjutsu, but also the opponent's physical body!

"Compared to the techniques developed by Tobirama Senju, such as the Water Severing Wave, Hard Vortex Water Blade, and Water Dragon Bite Explosion, the Water Transformation Technique and the Water Mirror Technique are clearly more mysterious and ingenious."

Nara Ranka compared the Second Mizukage of Konoha with the two Mizukage of Kirigakure.

"Tobirama Senju was like a more traditional turret-style ninja. Not only him, but also Hiruzen Sarutobi and Jiraiya followed this path, using a sufficient amount of chakra combined with certain form changes to release high-power ninjutsu."

"As for Hozuki Gengetsu and Yagura Karatachi from Kirigakure, they can't compare to the overpowered guys from Konoha in terms of physical talent, so they can only rely on their ingenuity regarding the nature and mechanics of ninjutsu..."

"If you ask me, if we're only talking about Water Release ninjutsu, then Kirigakure is definitely stronger."

Nara Rinkei shifted his attention from the [Water Mirror Technique] to the [Water Transformation Technique].

He was indeed very happy to have acquired the [Water Mirror Technique].

However, it must be acknowledged that the significance and value of the [Water Transformation Technique] for Nara Ranka far surpasses that of the [Water Mirror Technique]!

Previously, Nara Rinka valued Hozuki Zangetsu, the captured head of the Kirigakure ANBU.

This is not because the latter's status or position within Kirigakure is particularly special.

It was simply because Hozuki Zangetsu was a ninja of the Hozuki clan.

Nara Rinka can use the opponent to deduce the Hozuki clan's core ability—[Water Transformation Technique].

The reason Nara Ranke wanted to study the "Water Transformation Technique" was because he believed that the "Water Transformation Technique" and the "Water Release" it symbolized could serve as a guide for the next self-developed bloodline limit!

Since obtaining his first bloodline limit, "Burning Release," from Yekura, Nara Rinkei has been dedicated to researching his own unique bloodline limit ability—a bloodline limit ability primarily based on Yin Release.

Nara Rinka has now successfully combined Yin Release and Earth Release to create the self-created bloodline limit, 【Kai Release】.

The next stage of research will require choosing one of the three elements: "Yin + Fire", "Yin + Wind", or "Yin + Water".

Considering the numerous Water Release and Earth Release ninjutsu he had previously acquired from Tsunade, Nara Rinka had originally planned to focus on the fusion of Yin Release and Water Release.

At this time, he also obtained the core secret technique of the Hozuki clan - the [Water Transformation Technique].

This undoubtedly solidified Nara Rinka's determination to continue his research plan.

"The next stage goal is the fusion of Yin Release and Water Release!"

"As for the next stage of research, should we continue to study other bloodline limits, or consider researching more advanced bloodline elimination techniques? The fusion of Yin Release, Water Release, and Earth Release?"

Nara Rinkazu suppressed the inspiration that kept surging in his mind.

The relevant issues inside the underground cave have been resolved.

Nara Rinka looked around, checked briefly, and finding nothing missing, then vanished from the spot.

Flying Thunder God Technique!

In the blink of an eye, Nara Rinka returned to the Konoha camp using the Flying Thunder God Technique.

At almost the same time, Minato Namikaze returned to the camp with Killer Bee and A's bodies.

After imprisoning Killer Bee, who was sealed inside, and handing over A's body to the body disposal team at the camp, Minato Namikaze hurriedly headed to the main tent of the camp.

Having sensed Nara Rinka's chakra in advance, the master deduced that the other party should have already finished handling the "matter" mentioned earlier. At this moment, he arrived and raised another question.

"Lan Gui, how's the situation with the Hidden Mist Force? Should we send reinforcements?"

"The matter of Kirigakure has been resolved."

Nara Rinkazu looked at the visiting Minato Namikaze and informed him of the situation at the Hidden Mist battlefield.

"The Kirigakure forces that invaded the Land of Hot Water were completely wiped out, and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist have become history, just like the AB group."

"The Three-Tails Jinchuriki died, but the Three-Tails that he unsealed in advance is currently being held by Senior Uchiha Kagami."

Hidden Mist Army, Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, Jinchuriki of the Three-Tails...

Minato Namikaze stared at Nara Rinkazuki, momentarily speechless.

He thought he had acted quickly enough.

I didn't expect Nara Rinka to be even faster at getting things done than him!

Master Men finally managed to solve the problem of the acupuncture.

Nara Rinkachi had already dealt with almost all the remaining enemies...

"The Hidden Cloud Village lost the AB combination, and the Hidden Mist Village lost... lost the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist and the Three-Tails."

Based on the information he already knew, Minato Namikaze quickly made a judgment.

"Does that mean the battles in these two locations can be ended immediately?"

"That's about it."

Nara Lan Gui shrugged.

"So, Brother Minato, rest assured and get some rest."

"We'll discuss the specifics when Brother Lu Jiu returns."

Minato Namikaze nodded and left, relieved.

Meanwhile, news of Konoha's victory in repelling the enemy had already spread throughout the camp.

Looking at his fellow villagers inside the camp, each with a joyful smile on their face, Minato Namikaze felt both excited and disappointed.

Master Men was excited about Konoha's victory.

The one who felt disappointed was not him, but the one who led Konoha to victory.

For some reason, Minato suddenly remembered the hints given by the Third Hokage and Jiraiya before he went to the battlefield...

The village will most likely begin the selection process for the Fourth Hokage after the war ends.

Minato Namikaze was one of the ninjas qualified to become the Fourth Hokage.

But at this time.

"To embrace the laurel."

Minato Namikaze turned around and looked toward the main tent of the camp.

"What a formidable opponent, one that makes it hard to feel any competitive spirit..."

……

Compared to the bustling Konoha camp.

The atmosphere at the Cloud Hidden Camp was heavy and solemn.

Nara Raikage returned to the camp with Hozuki Zangetsu and Ishikawa as prisoners, and immediately sensed that something was wrong.

Tsuchida, looking uneasy, stepped forward. He didn't even care who the Raikage had brought back was. He simply knelt down on one knee and spoke with great difficulty.

"Third Hokage, our sensory unit can no longer sense... A's chakra."

I cannot sense Ai's chakra.

In other words, Ai is dead.

Tu Tai lowered his head deeply and said with deep remorse.

"Also, Bi... he was also taken away by the Konoha ninja."

The Hidden Cloud Village already knows about the AB duo's loss on the battlefield...

Nara Raikage dropped Hozuki Zangetsu and Ishikawa, the latter two falling to the ground of the Kumogakure camp like corpses.

Two "thump" sounds struck the hearts of the many Cloud Village ninja present like heavy hammer blows.

"Sandaime-sama!"

Tu Tai mustered his courage and raised his head.

"Previously, everyone wanted to take Bi back from the hands of the Dark Shadow and the Yellow Flash."

"I forcibly stopped everyone's idea."

"The Third Generation Lord wants to punish—"

"Tutai."

Nara Raikage interrupted the other person without expression and strode towards his private tent.

"Prepare to withdraw troops from the Land of Hot Springs. I'm entrusting this matter to you."

I want some peace and quiet right now.

……

At the same time, the border between the Land of Hot Water and the Land of Sound lies at this point.

After obtaining information from Ishikawa through torture, Onoki successfully reunited with the Lava Release unit that had remained in the area.

The Lava Release unit from Iwagakure also joined the battle.

Their tasks were twofold: first, to participate in the plan to attack the Dark Shadow; and second, to use the [Lava Release: Lime Condensation Technique] to restrict the Five-Tails Kokuoh's movements.

After the failure of the second mission, the Lava Release unit, under Onoki's orders, quickly withdrew from the Land of Hot Water and arrived at a pre-prepared temporary camp.

Upon seeing Nara Onoki descend from the sky, the ninjas of the Lava Release squad bowed and greeted him.

"Don't waste time! Let's take the route through the Land of Waterfalls and quickly return to the Land of Grass!"

Nara Onoki waved his hand impatiently.

"This mission has been a complete failure!"

"Lord Third Generation, um..."

"A Lava Release ninja said with some concern."

"Lord Ishikawa hasn't returned yet."

"He's not coming back! The so-called alliance between Kumogakure and Kirigakure was just a trap! They didn't hold off the Dark Shadow at all!"

Nara Onoki was even more impatient.

"Anyway, let's go back first! I need to go back to the village later!"

First update.

This is the first update of the 23rd...