Naruto: Echoes of a Distant Home

After a brief compliment on Obito's eyes, Ye Zi's shadow clone stood silently like an icy figure before Kushina and the others, simply waiting for the ten minutes to pass.

As time ticked down, there were only about two minutes left.

"Kushina-sensei, what should we do about these Mist ninja?" With the agreed time nearly up, Kakashi glanced at the restrained Mist ninjas, still held by Kushina's golden chains.

The golden chains were a unique technique of the Uzumaki clan, a form of sealing that could restrain even the Nine Tails. Mei and the others stood no chance of breaking free; in their weakened state, it was impossible, even if they were at full strength.

Kushina released the chains binding their mouths, an action that Kakashi took as her response to his question.

"You let such a dangerous man walk away," Mei glared angrily at Kushina, fury evident in her sharp gaze. Were it not for the current situation, she would likely have shouted in frustration.

"Kushina Uzumaki, one day you will regret this choice," Ao added with barely veiled contempt, though less outwardly than Mei. He couldn't believe the Leaf shinobi had chosen to let an S-class rogue ninja go, all for the sake of a girl who barely ranked as a Genin.

Letting an S-class threat escape, even treating his ally's injuries, all for an insignificant Genin—potentially just a low-ranked shinobi. Ao found this unforgivably foolish. For him, the choice between an S-class rogue and a Genin was obvious: a Genin could be easily replaced, but the threat of an S-class rogue was far greater.

His comment carried a sense of bitterness, almost like a curse, as he watched Kushina release Ye Zi, internally hoping Konoha would suffer someday for this choice.

Sometimes, people's differences are revealed through the choices they make.

For the Mist ninja, abandoning a Genin would be a simple decision, but Kushina chose to save one, missing a valuable opportunity in the process.

"I won't regret it," Kushina replied, looking calmly at the Mist ninjas, even as her golden chains unwound from their restraints.

This wasn't wartime; there was no need to start a conflict in this moment.

As the chains slowly loosened around them, the three Mist ninjas remained silent, watching Kushina. They knew her by reputation—Jinchuriki of the Nine Tails, a formidable warrior.

But today, seeing her in action, they all shared a new impression of her: a foolish idealist.

To let a dangerous rogue ninja go for a mere Genin and then release potential enemies? However, they could not deny that Kushina was indeed powerful. Even without restraints, in their current condition, they would hardly stand a chance against her.

Despite the slim odds, they felt compelled to act and would grasp any chance to recover the Mizukage.

As soon as their restraints were removed, the Mist ninjas made a break for it, aiming to pursue Ye Zi rather than wasting time attacking Kushina. To them, catching Ye Zi was the priority.

However, the golden chains flared again like a ghostly apparition, instantly binding them once more.

The scene quickly turned awkward.

With less than thirty seconds remaining of the agreed ten minutes, the three Mist ninjas remained restrained, silently fuming at Kushina. They had mentally noted this grudge.

"If you can't stay put, I'll have to handle it this way," Kushina said coolly, refusing to allow any more risky moves.

Under the surprised stares of Ye Zi's clone, Obito, and Kakashi, she delivered a single punch to each Mist ninja's head, knocking them out and leaving each with a sizable bump.

Dusting off her hands, she finally released the chains, leaving the unconscious Mist ninjas sprawled on the ground.

In the final moments before passing out, each Mist ninja was left with a feeling of deep frustration.

With a sudden puff of smoke, Ye Zi's shadow clone dispersed.

The time was up…

Kushina swiftly recalled her chains, exchanged glances with Obito and Kakashi, and then sprinted in the direction Ye Zi had gone.

At the same time, Ye Zi, who had just received the memories of his clone, raised an eyebrow in surprise at Kushina's decision to knock out each Mist ninja with a punch—a reminder of her unmatched strength and fiery nature.

Pulling his focus back, he led Kotoe and Shin toward the island's edge. With the target captured, it was time to leave this dangerous area.

Honoring his promise to Kushina, Ye Zi placed the bound and gagged Rin on a large tree at the edge of the forest, leaving her restrained but otherwise unharmed. He saw no need to set traps or take further action, as she held no significance to him.

The three of them sprinted across the open ground, leaving the forest far behind.

The capture of the Three-Tails Jinchuriki had gone surprisingly smoothly. Encountering Kushina had even saved Kotoe's life.

Now they needed to exit the Land of Water, possibly stopping in the Land of Whirlpools to rest until Nagato summoned them to commence the sealing process.

About eight or nine minutes after Ye Zi and his team had left, Obito arrived, calling out urgently, with Kakashi and Kushina close behind.

"Rin? Are you here?"

He must have called her name countless times on the way over.

Seeing Obito's distress, Kakashi restrained himself from making a sarcastic comment. He was worried about Rin, too.

The three approached the forest's edge. Hearing Obito's voice, Rin called out in response, "I'm here!"

Relief washed over Obito's face as he traced her voice to where she was bound to the tree.

"Wait," Kakashi warned Obito cautiously, "there could be traps."

Obito halted abruptly. He wasn't worried for himself, as his Sharingan could detect traps, but he feared any traps could harm Rin.

"Kakashi is right." For safety, Kushina agreed with this assessment.

Rin, bound to the tree, appeared unharmed. Ye Zi had kept his word.

Kushina relaxed, relieved that Rin was safe.

After carefully scanning for traps, the three confirmed there were none.

Obito scaled the tree quickly, reaching Rin and eagerly untying her restraints.

"Thanks, Obito," Rin said with a warm smile. At that moment, finally free of danger, she felt her legs nearly give way.

Obito blushed, rubbing his nose bashfully. Saying nothing, he was simply grateful she was safe.

"Kushina-sensei, I'm sorry for causing trouble." Rin looked at Kushina with guilt.

"Don't be silly," Kushina replied, placing a reassuring hand on her head. "As long as you're safe, that's all that matters."

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin all smiled at her words.

"Kushina-sensei, should we continue the pursuit?" Kakashi asked.

Kushina gazed off in the direction Ye Zi had gone, her eyes shadowed with something unspoken. She shook her head. "We'll return to the Leaf Village and report to Minato with what we know."

Kakashi's eyes brightened. He nodded, agreeing that Kushina's change of heart was for the best; it meant she wouldn't be chasing Ye Zi all over again.

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Currently on Chapter 333 - The Best Human Puppet Material