Chapter 113: Chapter 113: Uzumaki Mito Passes Away

"Tsunade, you all did very well this time, far exceeding our expectations."

Sarutobi Hiruzen stepped forward and said with a chuckle.

This wasn’t just a polite remark.

He truly didn’t expect Tsunade and her team to capture Rasa and Pakura alive.

He thought repelling Sunagakure would already be very good. No one anticipated that Tsunade and her team could achieve this level of success.

"Indeed."

Mitokado Homura smiled and said. "When I first received the news, I thought it was fake."

"Sunagakure sent a letter the day before yesterday, hoping to cease hostilities and negotiate."

Utatane Koharu reminded. "In the war against Sunagakure, our Konoha has already achieved ultimate victory."

"Rasa, Pakura, and Sareki have all been captured by us."

Mitokado Homura said with an expectant tone. "This time, we must make them pay a sufficient price."

"The specific details of the negotiation will be discussed later."

Sarutobi Hiruzen ordered. "Tsunade, have the Sunagakure ninjas sent to the Konoha Maximum Security Prison first. We have already prepared the cells in advance."

The Konoha Maximum Security Prison was a prison set up by Konoha to hold serious offenders.

Normally, ninjas from other villages wouldn’t be held in the Konoha Maximum Security Prison but sent to the Anbu for interrogation.

But this time, there were simply too many captured Sunagakure ninjas, and the Anbu didn’t have enough cells.

Left with no choice, they had to be sent to the Konoha Maximum Security Prison.

"Sakumo."

Tsunade thought for a moment and said. "I’ll have to trouble you to make the trip."

Hatake Sakumo nodded and agreed.

He immediately led a group of people to escort the Sunagakure ninjas toward the Konoha Maximum Security Prison.

"I will have Anbu and Root ninjas guard them."

Sarutobi Hiruzen added.

"It would be best to have Uzumaki clan ninjas help, using sealing jutsu on the important figures to prevent them from escaping."

Tsunade reminded him.

"That’s a good suggestion. I’ll arrange it later."

Sarutobi Hiruzen changed the subject and said. "Now, quickly get the wounded to the Konoha Hospital. We cannot delay their treatment."

"The critically injured have all drunk the Red Healing Potion, so their condition won’t deteriorate in the short term."

After Tsunade finished speaking, she immediately ordered Hyuga Hizashi to handle it.

Sarutobi Hiruzen walked in front of the remaining Konoha ninjas.

Meeting the many gazes, a smile appeared on his face.

"Everyone, you’ve worked hard!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen shouted loudly. "You have not let down the Will of Fire and have made outstanding contributions to the village!"

The ninjas immediately cheered in response.

"This unprecedented great victory is entirely due to everyone’s efforts. Konoha will reward you according to your contributions!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen paused and said. "Go home and rest first. The specific rewards will be implemented within two weeks!"

The number of Konoha ninjas participating in the war against Sunagakure this time reached five thousand.

It would be very difficult to distribute the rewards in a short time.

Besides that, rewards and pensions also needed to be distributed to the Konoha ninjas who died in battle.

Being able to implement it within two weeks was already highly efficient.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage!"

The ninjas shouted in unison.

Then, they headed toward their relatives and friends in the crowd.

Before long, the massive crowd had dispersed by more than half.

Seeing the discussion was over, Uzumaki Kushina ran up.

"I heard you calling Natsuki’s name from far away."

Tsunade joked. "Did you not see anyone else?"

Uzumaki Kushina’s face instantly turned bright red, and she embarrassedly lowered her head.

Seeing this, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn’t help but smile.

"You guys go back first."

Tsunade waved her hand and said. "Leave the rest to us."

"You three made great contributions in this war. You can think about what rewards you want."

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Natsuki, Nawaki, and Yakushi Nonou and said. "Come find me when you’ve decided."

"Natsuki told me earlier that he wanted the Water Release chakra crystal."

Tsunade reminded him.

"The Water Release chakra crystal?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen was slightly taken aback and said. "That was left by Teacher. Since you’ve already agreed, I naturally have no objections."

Hearing this, Natsuki couldn’t help but be somewhat surprised.

But thinking about it carefully, it made sense.

Chakra crystals could only be created by ninjas with massive amounts of chakra.

When it came to Water Release, Senju Tobirama could be considered the best.

In the entire ninja world, probably only Hoshigaki Kisame could rival him.

Hoshigaki Kisame was one of the second generation of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist.

He excelled in Water Release, possessed an astonishing amount of chakra, and was known as the Tailless Tailed Beast.

How should he put it?

Natsuki felt that just his appearance didn’t look human, more like some kind of fish-man.

"Let’s go to the Hokage’s office to discuss the details."

Although Sarutobi Hiruzen already knew the general process, many details needed Tsunade’s explanation.

Especially how to use the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe against Hanzo needed to be discussed.

"Are you guys planning to go straight home now?"

After Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others left, Uzumaki Kushina asked.

Although she really wanted to stay with Natsuki, she also had a sense of propriety, knowing they had traveled for five days and were already very tired.

Nawaki and Yakushi Nonou instinctively looked at Natsuki.

During this time, Natsuki had always been their teammate, and they were used to following his orders.

"It’s almost lunchtime. How about we go to Lady Mito’s place first?"

Natsuki pondered for a moment and asked.

A smile instantly bloomed on Uzumaki Kushina’s face, and she nodded hurriedly.

"Mhm."

Yakushi Nonou responded softly.

Nawaki had even less of an objection.

After all, Uzumaki Mito lived in the Senju clan compound.

"Let’s go!"

Uzumaki Kushina waved her small hand and said very happily.

Natsuki smiled and followed behind her.

After taking two steps, Uzumaki Kushina suddenly turned around.

Walking backward, she said. "Quickly tell me the specific details of this war!"

"I’ll tell you!"

Nawaki’s eyes lit up, and he asked. "Which part do you want to hear?"

"I’d rather hear it from the person involved."

Uzumaki Kushina stared at Natsuki with her bright, watery eyes and asked. "I heard you defeated Rasa?"

"..."

Nawaki realized what was happening.

He shook his head in depression.

Not letting him talk about such a great opportunity to show off was truly uncomfortable.

"You know Rasa?"

Natsuki asked curiously.

"I didn’t know before."

Uzumaki Kushina explained. "I only found out after you became famous."

"I see."

Natsuki nodded and recounted his battle with Rasa to her.

"You actually created three such powerful taijutsu techniques in such a short time?"

Uzumaki Kushina asked with a face full of surprise.

Natsuki had mentioned before that he wanted to create taijutsu.

At the time, Nawaki expressed doubt, but she and Yakushi Nonou chose to believe him.

However, believing was one thing. Creating three so quickly was truly beyond her expectations.

Most importantly, the power of these three taijutsu techniques was extraordinary, playing a huge role in his battle with Rasa. 𝚏𝐫𝚎𝗲𝕨𝐞𝐛𝕟𝚘𝐯𝚎𝗹.𝕔𝐨𝗺

Especially Shigan injuring Rasa, which could be considered the turning point of their battle.

"For the next period of time, we won’t be going to the Land of Rain for now. I’ll teach you starting tomorrow."

Natsuki said with a smile.

He had already taught Soru to Yakushi Nonou and Nawaki.

Now that he had free time, he could teach Uzumaki Kushina and Tsunade.

Of course, he also had a lot of things to do himself.

Meanwhile, in the Hokage’s office.

"Natsuki’s growth rate is truly astonishing."

After hearing Tsunade’s report, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn’t help but sigh emotionally.

"Natsuki is definitely the primary contributor to Konoha’s victory this time."

Mitokado Homura nodded and said. "He helped decipher Chiyo’s poison and also defeated Rasa."

Hearing this, the muscles on Shimura Danzo’s face couldn’t help but twitch.

The better Natsuki performed, the more his heart ached.

Such talent clearly belonged in Root.

But he couldn’t blame the Root ninja who conducted the test at the Konoha Orphanage back then.

He didn’t even understand why Natsuki had no talent for learning ninjutsu but had the talent to create it.

"Most importantly, the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe can not only decipher Chiyo’s poison but also Hanzo’s poison."

Tsunade said in a deep voice. "We can use the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe to catch Hanzo off guard."

"We can give the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe to Root, and Root will send people to assassinate Hanzo."

Shimura Danzo said immediately.

"Inappropriate."

Sarutobi Hiruzen refused. "Although Hanzo is confident, he is also very cautious. He has many guards and never appears alone."

Shimura Danzo’s face stiffened, but he didn’t dare say anything more.

"Tsunade, are you sure the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe can decipher Hanzo’s poison?"

Utatane Koharu interjected and asked.

"I have already tested it."

Tsunade replied.

Previously, when she took Natsuki to escort logistical supplies to the Land of Rain, she attempted to decipher Hanzo’s poison.

Although she didn’t succeed, she preserved a certain amount of the poison.

"Very good."

Sarutobi Hiruzen let out a breath and said. "With the Curse-Breaking Poison Recipe, our chances of winning against Amegakure will be much higher."

"Tsunade, when do you plan to use it?"

Utatane Koharu asked again.

Tsunade recounted her previous conversation with Natsuki.

"The most critical battle?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen pondered for a moment and said very decisively. "Then I’ll leave it to the three of you to resolve."

Currently, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru already had considerable fame.

If they could defeat Amegakure and Hanzo, ending the Second Shinobi World War, their fame would most likely be enough to compete for the position of the next Hokage.

Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Shimura Danzo could hear the underlying meaning in Sarutobi Hiruzen’s words.

The two Hokage advisors didn’t really care who became Hokage, as long as their status was preserved.

Shimura Danzo cared very much who became Hokage, but right now he didn’t dare defy Sarutobi Hiruzen, so he could only remain silent.

"There’s one more thing."

Sarutobi Hiruzen added. "The negotiations with Sunagakure are scheduled for next month. I think you are the most suitable person to represent Konoha in the negotiations."

"Don’t look for me."

Tsunade refused without hesitation. "Such troublesome matters don’t suit me. They suit Shikatsu."

"You were the one who captured Rasa, Pakura, and Sareki."

Sarutobi Hiruzen reminded her with a helpless smile.

"I already captured them, and you still want me to negotiate? Didn’t I capture them for nothing?"

Tsunade curled her lips and asked.

"..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen was instantly speechless.

However, he once again confirmed that Tsunade had absolutely no interest in becoming Hokage.

Because handling such negotiations could increase her prestige, and concluding them successfully would also be a merit.

"If there’s nothing else, I’ll be going. Oh right, I’ll take the Water Release chakra crystal with me."

Tsunade waved her hand, turned, and left the Hokage’s office.

Senju clan compound.

Natsuki saw Uzumaki Mito.

At first glance, he noticed she was in a state of exhaustion, her life force nearing its end.

Despite possessing the Yin Seal, she actually looked old.

Besides storing chakra, the Yin Seal could also be used to maintain a youthful appearance through subtle chakra adjustments.

The only reason Uzumaki Mito aged was because she could no longer, or had given up on, making those extremely subtle chakra adjustments.

After greeting her, Natsuki went to the kitchen to cook.

"It seems I came back at just the right time."

Tsunade walked into the living room and smelled a faint aroma.

She looked at the dining table and found three dishes already laid out.

"Sister, we were just waiting for you!"

Nawaki waved and said. "Come quick!"

"Grandma Mito."

Tsunade walked over and sat beside Uzumaki Mito.

"You’ve worked hard during this time. Get some good rest now that you’re back."

A smile appeared on Uzumaki Mito’s face as she said.

"It wasn’t particularly hard."

Tsunade shook her head and added. "Defeating Sunagakure makes any hardship worth it."

"Grandma Mito!"

Nawaki suddenly said excitedly. "After we eat, I’ll tell you about my performance this time. It truly didn’t lose out to Grandfather!"

"Natsuki’s performance is more like it."

Tsunade raised her hand, knocked Nawaki on the forehead, and said.

Right at that moment, Natsuki, Yakushi Nonou, and Uzumaki Kushina walked out of the kitchen.

Each of the three carried a dish.

"The dishes are all served. We can start eating."

Natsuki said with a smile.

"Itadakimasu!"

Nawaki and the others clapped their hands together and said happily.

After the meal, Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou returned to the Konoha Orphanage.

But before leaving, he received the Water Release chakra crystal from Tsunade.

Early the next morning.

After some thought, Natsuki decided to ask Granny Cat to forge the Sorcery Clima-Tact for him.

Granny Cat had been providing ninja tools to the Uchiha clan for years. Her ninja tool manufacturing skills were naturally unquestionable.

Most importantly, her reputation and character were both very good.

Besides, with Natsuki’s current status and position, Granny Cat wouldn’t dare covet his blueprint.

Although Granny Cat was mysterious, she wasn’t a powerhouse, just a ninja tool and intelligence merchant.

After breakfast, Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou arrived at the empty area where the Ninja Cat clan resided.

Because he was the contractor of the Ninja Cat Shirayuki, he met Granny Cat very smoothly.

"Natsuki, meeting again, you are already a super genius famous throughout the ninja world."

Granny Cat said with a chuckle.

"Granny Cat, you flatter me. I’d like to ask you to forge a ninja tool for me."

Natsuki got straight to the point.

"What kind of ninja tool?"

Granny Cat paused and asked. "A sword? Or a bow?"

Besides providing ninja tools, she also provided intelligence.

Natsuki had been incredibly active in the Land of Rain recently, so she naturally knew about it.

And what he was most famous for was archery and kenjutsu.

"It’s a staff."

Natsuki took out the Sorcery Clima-Tact blueprint and handed it to her.

Granny Cat took a subconscious glance and couldn’t help but feel slightly shocked.

This was her first time seeing such a peculiar ninja tool.

Granny Cat hurriedly took the blueprint and examined it carefully.

The more she looked, the more surprised she became.

Ninja tools in the ninja world were actually not complicated.

Essentially, they were standardized ninja tools, like kunai, shuriken, and senbon, which all followed unified standards.

But the Sorcery Clima-Tact was different. It had multiple functions and was much more complex.

"I will try my best."

Granny Cat said in a deep voice. "It is the most complex ninja tool I have ever seen. I don’t have absolute certainty."

"Then I’ll leave it to you, Granny Cat."

Natsuki then took out the Water Release and Lightning Release chakra crystals and said. "You provide the remaining materials. I will pay for them."

"No problem."

Granny Cat nodded and said. "Besides the Water Release and Lightning Release chakra crystals, I can find all the other materials."

"About how long will it take?"

Natsuki handed the two chakra crystals to her.

The Lightning Release chakra crystal was extracted from the Sword of the Thunder God.

Without the Lightning Release chakra crystal, the Sword of the Thunder God had become an ordinary sword.

Fortunately, he had Projection Magecraft, so losing the original Sword of the Thunder God didn’t matter much.

If he found a second Lightning Release chakra crystal in the future, he could install it again.

"It’s hard to say."

Granny Cat pondered for a moment and said. "At least three months. I will notify Shirayuki when it’s done."

Natsuki nodded slightly.

He wondered if it would be ready in time for the war between Konoha and Amegakure.

With his business concluded, Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou hurried to the Senju clan compound.

But upon entering the courtyard, he noticed something was wrong.

Nawaki and Uzumaki Kushina were both absent.

"You’re here?"

Tsunade said with a solemn face. "Follow me."

Natsuki suppressed the confusion in his heart, and he and Yakushi Nonou followed her into the living room.

Upon reaching the living room, Tsunade didn’t stop but headed upstairs.

Natsuki’s heart jolted, vaguely having a guess.

So sudden?

No, perhaps it wasn’t sudden.

Uzumaki Mito had most likely been holding on, waiting for Tsunade and Nawaki to return to see them one last time.

Now that her wish was fulfilled, she could rest in peace.

Going upstairs, Natsuki saw an unexpected figure: Sarutobi Hiruzen.

His guess was confirmed once again.

After all, under normal circumstances, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn’t appear here.

Unless it was to replace the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki.

"Lord Hokage."

Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou hurriedly greeted him.

"Go inside."

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said.

Natsuki and Yakushi Nonou walked into the room.

Inside the room, Uzumaki Mito was lying in bed.

Nawaki and Uzumaki Kushina crouched by the bed, their eyes red and filled with tears.

"Na... Natsuki."

Uzumaki Mito called out.

Her tone revealed a severe sense of weakness.

"Lady Mito."

Natsuki immediately stepped forward.

"It’s rare for Nawaki and Kushina to have friends. I hope you can take care of them more in the future."

Uzumaki Mito grasped Natsuki’s hand and said. "Especially Nawaki. His personality is rather impulsive."

"I will."

Natsuki nodded solemnly and said.

"Thank you."

After Uzumaki Mito finished speaking, she looked at Tsunade.

"Nawaki, Natsuki, and Nonou, you guys step out first."

Tsunade rubbed Nawaki’s head and said.

"Grandma Mito, see you later."

Nawaki wiped his eyes hard and said.

Natsuki grabbed Uzumaki Kushina’s hand, squeezed it, and then left the room.

"Wait in the living room."

Sarutobi Hiruzen gave an instruction and then walked into the room.

"Let’s begin."

Uzumaki Mito looked at Uzumaki Kushina.

Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.

Uzumaki Kushina bit her lip, feeling lost.

She instinctively clenched her fists, thought of Natsuki, and felt a bit more at ease in her heart.

No matter what, she wasn’t alone.

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