Chapter 542
Runtu is Obito's clone, Tsunade's loneliness
In a parallel world, deep within the Land of Rain.
Abandoned underground drainage pipes were converted into a temporary base, with dim lights casting flickering shadows on the damp walls.
Water droplets dripped from the rusted pipe break, striking the puddles with hollow echoes.
Obito Uchiha sat on a broken concrete block, his crimson Sharingan slowly rotating through the single eye hole in his mask.
Black Zetsu stood before him.
"It's time for Konoha."
Obito's voice echoed in the empty space.
Black Zetsu let out a low laugh.
"Yes, many people thought Obito was dead, that he died under the rocks at Kannabi Bridge. Who would have thought that the underdog of yesteryear would now be the mastermind behind the storms of the ninja world?"
"Last-place..."
Obito repeated the word in a low voice, a mocking smile curving his lips beneath the mask.
He recalled himself from many years ago, when he would always fall down on the training field and be scolded by Kakashi for "holding the team back".
I remember Rin gently handing me the handkerchief, and I remember Mr. Minato's encouraging smile.
I recalled the old, weathered voice whispering in my ear:
"In this illusory world, only the Infinite Tsukuyomi can bring true peace."
"How's Uchiha Runtu doing?"
Obito gathered his thoughts and turned to the important matter at hand.
Black Zetsu's body writhed like liquid, emerging fully from the shadows of the wall.
“Very stable. He perfectly plays the role of Uchiha Runtu, an ordinary Chunin with average talent, a cheerful personality, and occasionally a bit eccentric. Even his Sharingan is only awakened to the two tomoe level, which is just right.”
Where is Kakadon?
Obito asked about another key figure.
"That silver-haired Jonin..."
Black Zetsu's tone became playful.
“He is indeed perceptive. In recent months, he has begun to investigate Runtu in secret, and although he has not yet made any substantial discoveries, he has already become suspicious.”
Obito's brows furrowed slightly beneath his mask.
"This matter isn't exactly a secret."
Obito stood up and walked to a crack.
Through the cracks, one can see the drizzling rain outside; the Land of Rain is forever shrouded in gloom and rain.
“Uchiha Runtu is just a clone of me, modified from a White Zetsu’s body and infused with some of my memories and personality templates. But a clone is still a clone, and over time, it will inevitably reveal its flaws.”
He turned around, his one eye fixed on Black Zetsu:
What flaws did Kakadong discover?
"Some minor details."
Black Zetsu listed:
"Then let's speed up the plan."
Obito made a decision:
"Let Runtu accidentally expose some clues and divert Kakado's attention in the wrong direction. At the same time, I will personally infiltrate Konoha. It's time for Uchiha Obito to make his official appearance."
Black Zetsu leaned forward slightly, his face, devoid of features, seemingly gazing at Obito.
Obito's real name is also Runtu, but he went to the "Limited Tsukuyomi" once and even learned the "Great Spiral Wheel Technique".
However, this power has limitations and cannot be used casually.
Otherwise, it wouldn't have been so easy for Itachi to take Uchiha Weasel away.
Runtu then changed the name of this character to the "Obito" character from the "Limited Tsukuyomi" world.
Runtu actually means "with soil" in his name.
Are you sure you want to expose yourself now?
"Ah."
Obito nodded.
He walked deeper into the stronghold, where there was a simple experimental table.
Several transparent culture jars were placed on the table, with pale humanoid tissue suspended inside. These were the prototype White Zetsu cultivated using "Hashira cells".
Obito stretched out his hand and placed his palm on the surface of a culture jar.
The tissue inside the jar seemed to sense something and began to wriggle slightly.
"I need to go to Konoha first to see my clone and that sharp-witted Kakashi."
The vortex swallowed his figure.
…………
The main world, Konoha Village.
The door to the Hokage's office was pushed open, and Kiyoshi stood in the doorway, his gaze sweeping over the two children in the room.
Naruto and Sasuke stood side by side, both dressed in formal ninja attire.
"Lord Hokage!"
The two bowed simultaneously, their voices filled with barely concealed excitement.
Kiyoshi walked behind his desk and sat down, tapping his fingers lightly on the surface:
"The initial reconnaissance of the parallel world has been completed. Kakashi, Minato, Shisui, and Itachi have sent back a lot of information. Now, we need to send more people."
He paused, looking into the two boys' shining eyes:
Do you want to go?
"miss you!"
Naruto almost jumped up, but Sasuke tugged at his sleeve, forcing him to hold back.
Sasuke took a deep breath, trying to keep his voice calm:
"We are ready."
"That world is different from this one."
Kiyoshi began to recount the key information:
"Without me, the Fourth Hokage would have been Namikaze Hidetoshi. He sacrificed himself during the Nine-Tails' attack, and the Uchiha clan was wiped out. The only survivors were Uchiha Sasuke and the defector Uchiha Weasel."
With each sentence spoken, Naruto and Sasuke's expressions changed.
When Sasuke heard about the Uchiha clan's massacre, his fists clenched.
"Why did this happen..."
Naruto murmured.
"Because there is no one in that world who can change the rules."
Kiyoshi said calmly:
"No one found a third way before the conflict escalated, and no one opened up new possibilities outside the old framework, so the Uchiha chose a coup, and Konoha chose a purge."
He stood up, walked to the window, and turned his back to the two of them:
"Now, you are going to that world to help Kakashi and the others gather more information."
Sasuke spoke first:
When do we set off?
"Tomorrow morning."
Kiyoshi walked back to the table and took out two specially made bracelets from the drawer.
The bracelet is silver, with intricate spells engraved on its surface and a small pale blue crystal set in the center.
"Put it on. This is an improved spacetime coordinate locator with communication capabilities. If you encounter danger, inject chakra and I will sense it."
Naruto took the bracelet and curiously fiddled with it:
How do I use this?
"Just wear it on your wrist, and it will automatically adjust to the size."
Kiyoshi watched as the two put on their bracelets and continued:
"After you get there, follow Kakashi's orders. In that world, there is Kakashi, who is the Jonin instructor of Team 7."
"understand!"
The two responded in unison.
"Go ahead, have a good rest today."
Kiyoshi waved his hand.
Naruto and Sasuke bowed and left. After the door closed, the office fell silent again.
Kiyoshi sat back in his chair and closed his eyes.
His consciousness spread out, perceiving everything on the land through the veins of the Land of Fire.
The newly acquired [Fire Country Daimyo (Red)] entry is coming into play.
He could sense the ninja squads patrolling the border, the chakra fluctuations hidden in the noble mansions of the capital, and even the natural energy flowing in the mineral veins deep underground.
But not enough.
On the entry panel, the advancement condition for "unifying the entire ninja world" is far from being met.
Land of Lightning, Land of Earth...
The Land of Water and the Land of Wind have been infiltrated but not yet fully controlled...
There's also the Otsutsuki in the sky, resources from parallel worlds, and those deeper secrets.
"step by step."
Kiyoshi opened his eyes.
…………
Parallel world, Konoha Village.
Moonlight filtered through the dense canopy of trees, casting dappled patterns of light on the ground.
Kakashi crouched on a thick tree branch, his body completely blending into the shadows.
"who are you?"
Kakashi tensed up instantly, but did not turn around immediately.
He recognized the voice; it was lazy and slightly nasal—it was Kakadon.
"Have we been discovered...?"
Kakashi slowly turned around.
Under the moonlight, another silver-haired ninja stood not far away.
He was wearing a standard Konoha Jonin uniform, with a headband tilted to cover his left eye, revealing a right eye that was curved into a crescent shape, making it look like he was smiling.
But Kakashi could sense the cold hostility beneath that smile.
"who are you?"
Kakadon asked again, his hand already on his ninja tool pouch.
Kakashi remained silent for a few seconds.
"We can talk somewhere else."
Kakashi made the suggestion.
"Let's talk right here."
Kakadon refused, his right hand slightly raised, lightning flashing at his fingertips:
"Take off your mask, or I'll help you take it off."
The atmosphere instantly became tense and confrontational.
Kakashi sighed.
The next moment, Kakadon formed hand seals.
"Lightning Release: Lightning Dog Kill!"
Lightning coalesced into the shape of a hound, roaring as it pounced on Kakadon.
Kakashi's reaction was equally swift.
He completed the hand seals at almost the same time:
"Lightning Release: Lightning Dog Kill!"
Using the same lightning technique and the same form, two ferocious beasts made of lightning collided in mid-air!
boom!
A blinding flash of lightning erupted, and electric currents flew everywhere, striking the trees and leaving charred marks.
After their first encounter, both men had a clear understanding of each other's strengths and weaknesses.
"Your mastery of Lightning Release... is even higher than mine."
Kaka Dong squinted.
Kakashi is also assessing his opponent.
Although Kakashi of this world is not as good as himself, his foundation in Lightning Release is solid, and his speed and power should not be underestimated.
"Shall we continue?"
Kakashi asked.
"of course."
Kakashi formed hand seals again, this time with a more complex sequence:
Lightning Release: River of Lightning!
A massive surge of lightning current swept in like a tidal wave.
Kakashi did not dodge.
He raised his right hand, palm up:
"Lightning Release: Purple Lightning".
Deep purple lightning gathered in his palm.
As the lightning surged towards him, Kakashi pushed the purple lightning forward.
laugh!
The purple lightning bolt, like a sharp blade, easily sliced through the lightning current and shot directly at Kakadon!
Kaka Dong's expression changed, and he quickly turned to the side.
The purple lightning grazed his cheek, piercing through three large trees before dissipating.
"What kind of lightning release is this?"
Kaka Dong touched his cheek, where there was a faint burn mark.
Kakashi did not respond, and instead lunged forward.
He moved with incredible speed, leaving a trail of afterimages in the moonlight, and instantly appeared to Kakadon's left, his right hand pointing like a knife, thrusting straight at his ribs.
Kaka parried, and the two began close combat.
Both of them used Konoha Fluid Technique, aiming for vital points with every strike.
Even more astonishing is that their fighting rhythm was almost synchronized.
If you throw a punch, I'll block it; if I kick, you'll dodge it. It's like two people sparring in front of a mirror.
After twenty rounds, the two retreated simultaneously, creating distance between them.
"who are you?"
Kaka Dong asked breathlessly, his breathing somewhat disordered.
The close-quarters combat just now took a toll on my health, while my opponent seems to be in no hurry.
"I said, let's talk somewhere else."
Kakashido.
This time, Kakadon did not refuse.
He glanced at the wooden house; the lights inside were off. Uchiha Runtu seemed to have been startled by the battle that had just taken place.
"Come with me."
Kakadon turned and sped into the depths of the forest.
Kakashi followed.
…………
The two arrived at a waterfall deep within the Death Forest. The roar of the waterfall drowned out their conversation.
Kakashi sat down on a rock, took a water bottle from his ninja tool pouch, took a sip, and then handed it to Kakashi.
"Can you tell me now?"
Kakashi took the water bottle, but didn't drink from it.
He removed his headband, revealing his full face and those crimson Sharingan eyes.
"My name is Kakashi Hatake, and I come from another world."
He got straight to the point.
Kakadon's hand paused:
"...Is the parallel universe theory true?"
"Orochimaru from your world should have studied this."
Kakashi said:
“In our world, the Fourth Hokage was Uchiha Kiyoshi, who opened the passage to this world. I was one of the first members of the reconnaissance team.”
Kaka Dong was processing this information.
A few minutes later, he asked:
"Then why did you contact Runtu?"
"He was just the first person I came into contact with. In that world, Runtu was called Daito, and he was already dead."
Kakashido.
"...died"
"you sure?"
Kaka Dong frowned.
"What I experienced firsthand."
Kakashido.
Kakadon fell silent.
He crossed his arms and looked at the splashing water from the waterfall:
"I suspect Obito isn't dead. He's too perfect."
Kakashi was startled by Kakashi's words.
"What do you mean?"
Kakashi immediately asked.
Then Kakashi told him about some of the clues he had discovered.
"The person behind Runtu is very likely Uchiha Runtu himself, or the Akatsuki organization, and they must be plotting something."
Kakashi pondered for a moment:
"Is that so? Perhaps we can cooperate."
Kakashi felt this was a good opportunity to investigate the world more deeply, and he also wanted to know Obito's whereabouts.
"I agree."
Kakadong Road.
The two reached out their hands and clasped them together.
"Oh, right."
Kaka Dong suddenly remembered something:
"That purple lightning technique you just used... could you teach me?"
Kakashi paused for a moment, then smiled:
"of course."
…………
The main world, Konoha Village.
In the conference room on the top floor of the Hokage Building, people were seated on both sides of the long table.
Fugaku Uchiha sat in the first seat on the left, wearing traditional Uchiha clan clothing with a striking flame fan embroidered on his back.
He sat upright with a serious expression, but a hint of expectation flickered deep in his dark eyes.
Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Hiashi sat opposite him.
Hiashi Hyuga was dressed in a white Hyuga clan robe. His eyes were pure white and were slightly lowered, as if he were deep in thought.
Nara Shikaku sat next to Hyuga Hiashi, resting his chin on his hand, looking quite relaxed.
But if you look closely, you'll see that his eyes are rapidly scanning the entire room, analyzing everyone's expressions and postures.
The meeting room also included Akimichi Choza, Yamanaka Inoichi, Inuzuka Tsurugi, Aburame Shimi... almost all the clan heads or representatives of Konoha's major clans were present.
The atmosphere was somewhat awkward.
Everyone knew this meeting was unusual. Lord Kiyoshi rarely convened such a large family meeting unless there were major changes to announce.
The door opened.
Kiyoshi walked in.
He wasn't wearing the Hokage robe today, but rather a simple black kimono with a deep red haori over it.
Her black hair was casually tied back, and the two horns on her forehead gleamed faintly under the conference room lights.
What was most striking about him were his eyes. He didn't deliberately display any intimidating aura, but just being swept by those eyes sent a chill down the spines of everyone present.
"Everyone is here."
Kiyoshi sat down in the main seat, placing his hands folded on the table:
"Let's get started. There are three things to announce today."
His voice was calm, but every word was clearly audible to everyone.
"First, regarding the development of parallel worlds."
Qing Si got straight to the point:
"The passage has been stabilized, and initial reconnaissance is complete. Starting today, Konoha will officially launch the Multiverse Exploration Project. Each clan can submit a list and select elites to participate."
Of the resources discovered during exploration, 70% belong to the Leaf Village, and 30% belong to the explorer or their family.
A collective gasp filled the conference room.
Parallel world!
Resource allocation!
Fugaku Uchiha's eyes lit up. Although the Uchiha clan now held a prestigious position, their resources were ultimately limited.
If we can obtain more from parallel worlds... and Sasuke has already gone to that world, this is a head start!
Hyuga Hizashi's fingers twitched slightly.
The Hyuga clan's greatest weakness is the "Caged Bird Seal." If a method to break the cursed seal exists in a parallel world...
Or at least, it could allow the branch family to obtain more resources and improve their status...
Nara Shikaku frowned.
The development of parallel worlds will inevitably be accompanied by conflict, and other major powers will not stand idly by while Konoha monopolizes its resources. Moreover, is Lord Kiyoshi's public announcement a test of the various clans' attitudes?
"second."
Kiyoshi continued, interrupting everyone's thoughts:
"Ninja Academy reform. Starting next semester, the school will establish a junior high school section. All students graduating from the elementary school section must study in the junior high school section for a year before they can participate in the Chunin Exams."
"The junior high school curriculum includes in-depth basic ninjutsu, advanced chakra control, team tactics, medical first aid, intelligence analysis, basic sealing techniques, and... more academic subjects."
The last three words left many people stunned.
"Academic subjects?"
Choza Akimichi couldn't help but ask:
"Lord Hokage, a ninja's primary tasks are training and missions. Aren't academic subjects...?"
"It is precisely because too many ninjas only know how to perform missions and don't understand anything else that reform is needed."
Kiyoshi looked at him:
"Which is more valuable: a tool that only knows how to kill, or a ninja who knows how to think, strategize, and understand history?"
Choza Akimichi opened his mouth, but didn't say anything.
"After graduating from junior high school, students have three options: take the Chunin Exams, intern in various departments, or continue their studies at the newly established 'Advanced Ninjutsu Research Institute'."
Kiyoshi paused:
"In addition, starting today, all active Chunin must take turns attending junior high school for further training. This is a mandatory requirement."
The meeting room erupted in an uproar.
Sending Chunin back to school? That's unheard of!
"Quiet."
The mere mention of the name "Qing Si" silenced the entire room.
"The third thing is personnel adjustments."
His gaze swept across the entire room:
"Samui has been appointed as Hokage's advisor, responsible for diplomacy and intelligence integration. She will take office tomorrow."
Samui?
That female Jonin from Kumogakure?
Many people looked puzzled.
Although Samui had lived in Konoha for a while and participated in some work, being directly appointed as a Hokage advisor... that's too fast a promotion.
But no one dared to question it.
Kiyoshi's decisions never need explanation.
"in addition."
Kiyoshi looked at Uchiha Fugaku:
"From today onwards, Mikoto will serve as my Hokage secretary, responsible for coordinating daily affairs."
Fugaku Uchiha's body trembled, and he immediately lowered his head:
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
His feelings were complicated.
Hyuga Hizashi's eyes darkened.
The Uchiha clan has made another step forward.
What about Hinata?
Just because Hinata is Kiyoshi's disciple, does that mean the Hyuga clan can rest easy? No, they must be more proactive...
Nara Shikaku observed all these subtle reactions. The Uchiha and Hyuga clans, the two strongest bloodline clans in Konoha, seemed to have the potential to form an alliance due to Kiyoshi's master-disciple relationship with Hinata and Sasuke.
If that's the case, how should the other families deal with it?
"at last."
Kiyoshi stood up:
"The funding for the Medical Department has been doubled, mainly for the research and development of new techniques and the construction of grassroots medical sites. The funding for the Mining Department has been increased by 50% to accelerate the exploration and mining of chakra metal mines."
He paused, then looked at the crowd:
Is there a problem?
No one spoke.
Meeting adjourned.
Qing Si turned and left the meeting room, leaving the family patriarchs looking at each other in bewilderment.
The meeting lasted less than twenty minutes from start to finish. But those twenty minutes would completely change the future of Konoha.
…………
Kiyoshi returned to the Hokage's office at 3 PM.
The office was very tidy, with documents neatly arranged on the desk, pens in the pen holder arranged in order of length, and even the orientation of the potted plant leaves had been adjusted.
Mikoto's traces.
Kiyoshi's lips curled into a slight smile.
He sat down in the chair and began working on the documents.
The aftermath of the power transition in the Land of Fire, the allocation of resources for parallel world exploration, the detailed plan for the reform of the Ninja Academy, and the budget approval for the Medical Department and the Mining Department...
He reviewed them one after another at a time, making decisions almost instantly.
At four o'clock in the afternoon, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in."
The door opened, and a figure walked in.
Her long golden hair was tied into a high ponytail, and she wore a green short skirt with a mesh lining, over which she wore a tea-green robe.
She has a voluptuous figure that could almost burst a man's heart, yet her waist is surprisingly slender, followed by round, perky buttocks and long, straight legs.
Tsunade.
She walked to the desk, placed her hands on the surface, and leaned forward.
This gesture slightly opened the neckline, revealing more of the fair skin and the depths of the heart.
"Seiji."
Her voice carried a hint of languor and a touch of reproach:
"How long has it been since you last visited me?"
Kiyoshi put down his pen and looked up.
Feeling lonely?
His gaze naturally swept over Tsunade's figure, from her still young and beautiful face to her baby cafeteria.
Or rather, it was Kiyoshi's blood and the "Yin Seal" that kept her in her peak condition.
It's not the naivety of a young girl, but the most voluptuous and alluring posture of a mature woman.
"It's been about a month."
Qing Si answered honestly.
I've been really busy lately, dealing with matters in the Land of Fire, parallel worlds, and various reforms. (End of Chapter)