Chapter 66: Chapter 67: Influence (Part 1)
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Upon receiving the news, various powers launched thorough investigations and discovered that Yuta had not only defeated the Third Raikage in a one-on-one battle but had also sealed Gyūki.
Combined with Yuta's previous capture of the demigod Hanzō, the title of the foremost master in the shinobi world was now firmly attributed to Yuta.
"The young are truly formidable!" At the front lines of the Grass Country, the Third Hokage, having received Koharu's battle report, remained deeply impressed. He couldn't easily regain his composure.
As a contemporary of the Third Raikage, he was acutely aware of that barbarian's fighting prowess.
Although the shinobi academy had begun propagating the notion of him being the strongest Hokage, he knew that facing the Raikage alone would only lead to his demise.
Yet, Yuta had managed to leave the Raikage with only one arm and subsequently sealed Gyūki. Now, the Third Hokage was uncertain how to approach Yuta.
"Forget it, don't dwell on it. Yuta's immense strength is beneficial for Konohagakure at this time."
The Third Hokage set down his pipe and called out from his tent,
"Someone, disseminate this battle report. We have achieved victory against Kumogakure, and they have conceded defeat."
"Yes!" An Anbu operative appeared instantly and departed with the battle report.
Not far from the Third Hokage's camp, a loud exclamation erupted from the Tsuchikage's tent.
"What?! Kumogakure admitted defeat and withdrew from the war?!"
"Yes!" Facing the diminutive Tsuchikage, the Anbu could only maintain his kneeling posture.
"According to surviving Kumogakure shinobi, corroborated by reports from our spies within Konohagakure, the Konoha Silver Fox, Yuta, defeated the Raikage in single combat, severing one of his arms. Furthermore, he swiftly sealed Gyūki, causing Kumogakure's morale to plummet. Additionally, the Konohagakure Hokage advisor Mitokado Homura led his team in a surprise attack from behind the Kumogakure forces, completely shattering their hopes of breaking through. Kumogakure had no choice but to accept defeat and has now retreated to the Land of Lightning's territory, deploying a significant number of troops along the border."
"Konohagakure is truly a land of exceptional individuals and talents!" Ōnoki mused, recalling Yuta's unconventional demeanor, and a familiar feeling of despair washed over him once more.
"Alright! I understand; you may leave." He waved his hand at the Anbu below. However, the constant shifting of his eyes indicated he was already formulating another scheme.
"Yes!" Hearing Ōnoki's dismissal, the Anbu sighed in relief and immediately vanished. Maintaining a kneeling position for extended periods was, after all, quite taxing.
…
In the Land of Rain, when the news of Kumogakure's surrender reached him, Orochimaru excitedly licked his face with his tongue.
"Electromagnetic Release! Yuta-kun has been remarkably discreet! But he is exposed now. Is he prepared? This is truly exhilarating!" With that, he continued to peruse the battle report. After all, they couldn't always rely on Tsunade and Jiraiya.
"That damn Yuta, he kept this hidden from us despite our close relationship. It's truly outrageous!" Tsunade complained after reviewing the detailed battle report.
She wasn't genuinely angry but struggled to comprehend the current dynamics within Konohagakure.
"Tsunade, please try to remain calm, alright? I don't believe Yuta concealed this intentionally." Jiraiya happened to be present and, noticing Tsunade's apparent anger, quickly attempted to soothe her.
However, his gaze couldn't help but drift towards her prominent features.
Tsunade vented her frustration, turned her head, and caught Jiraiya's wandering eyes.
"Jiraiya! Where do you think you're looking? Take this punch!"
"Bang!"
"Swish!"
A large tear appeared in the tent in an instant, and Jiraiya was sent flying out.
"Aaaah…!"
The shinobi in the camp glanced at Jiraiya screaming through the air. How many times had this occurred? Everyone was quite accustomed to it.
They then disregarded him and resumed their discussions with their companions about Yuta's victory over the Raikage.
"Let me tell you, the neighbor of my second cousin's wife's aunt went there this time, and he was actually at the scene…" He then proceeded to embellish the story.
For these lower-ranking shinobi, survival was the primary concern. By the time his companions discovered the truth, he might not even be around. For now, he basked in their admiration.
The Kazekage handed the information in his hand to Ebizō beside him, his expression grim.
"Take a look as well; tell me your thoughts."
Ebizō took the information and examined it carefully for a while, then said seriously, "If the Electromagnetic Release of the Konoha Silver Fox is utilized in the desert, its power should surpass that of Magnetic Release. My only uncertainty is whether it's a kekkei genkai or a kekkei tōta. If it's a kekkei tōta, it's manageable, but if it's a kekkei genkai, it could be problematic."
"Oh! What do you mean?" The Kazekage was somewhat perplexed by Ebizō's statement.
He too sensed that Yuta's Electromagnetic Release was more potent than his own Magnetic Release, though he was slightly unwilling to admit it. But how could Ebizō suggest that a kekkei genkai was more troublesome than a kekkei tōta?
"As we all know, while kekkei tōta are generally more powerful than kekkei genkai, they cannot be inherited through blood. For instance, Ōnoki's Dust Release is passed down from master to apprentice and demands significant aptitude. However, if it's a kekkei genkai, it possesses the potential for hereditary transmission, which is the most concerning aspect."
As expected of the Sand Village's wise elder, he immediately identified the crucial point.
The Kazekage, setting aside his internal unease, immediately stood up and called out towards the tent's entrance, "Someone, come here!"
"Swoosh!" An Anbu operative half-knelt on the ground, bowing his head and awaiting the Kazekage's instructions.
"Order our spies lurking within Konohagakure to closely monitor Yuta's offspring and report any unusual activity immediately."
"Yes!"
Watching the Anbu vanish, Ebizō raised his hand, hesitating to speak.
"What is it? What's wrong?" The Kazekage, noticing Ebizō's hesitation, asked with a hint of doubt.
"The immediate concern isn't determining whether the Konoha Silver Fox's ability is hereditary, but finding a way to prevent him from reaching the Wind Country's border. If he goes there, no one can withstand him. Konohagakure will then directly attack our nation, and our rear will be vulnerable," Ebizō said anxiously.
In truth, he also harbored personal motives. After all, the individual in charge there was his sister's family, his relatives. If Yuta were to go there, his sister's family would be in danger.
"Then what course of action do you suggest?" The Kazekage grew slightly anxious upon hearing Ebizō's analysis. If such a scenario unfolded, they would likely have no choice but to surrender.
"Whirlpool Country! As long as the Land of Water can completely occupy the Land of Whirlpools before Konohagakure transfers Yuta to the Wind Country's border, Konohagakure's rear will be threatened. They won't dare to gamble on whether the Land of Water will attack them. Therefore, it's time for our spies who were positioned in the Land of Whirlpools to act."
The Kazekage considered this and, finding no better alternative, could only nod in agreement with Ebizō's suggestion.