Chapter 322: Chapter 322
Jiraiya's death was like a drop of water falling into the ocean—barely causing a ripple.
It was even less impactful than the deaths of Ōnoki and Hanzo. At least when their deaths were reported, Konoha's intelligence division analyzed the situation thoroughly for a time.
For Yoichi, however, it simply meant adding another shikigami to his shrine.
After leaving a thoroughly exhausted Konan behind in bed, Yoichi left. If he kept pushing her with promises of Nagato's freedom, she might fully embrace her role, becoming more pliant and willing.
Returning to Konoha, Yoichi placed the spirits of Jiraiya, Hanzo, and Ōnoki into the specially prepared shrine, securing them within a protective barrier. With a steady supply of sacrifices, these three shikigami would grow increasingly powerful.
Once he controlled the Pure Land, nurturing them further with its energy would make them formidable weapons. Shikigami, infused with natural energy, were nearly impervious to standard ninjutsu. Only sage techniques could harm them effectively.
With the shikigami settled, Yoichi found himself with little pressing business. His only remaining enemies were two Ōtsutsuki: Hagoromo, who resided within the Pure Land, and Isshiki, who remained hidden.
Yoichi planned to use his shikigami against Hagoromo. As for Isshiki, he was deeply entrenched, evading even the intelligence network led by Sakumo, which had been operational for some time now.
Madara was no longer a concern, having committed suicide shortly after being brought back to Konoha.
Even if Madara hadn't taken his own life, Tobirama and Hashirama Senju would not have allowed him to live. Despite the complex bond between Hashirama and Madara, Hashirama's loyalty to Konoha ultimately prevailed.
Madara's body was seized by Tobirama, with the Rinnegan passed to Yoichi.
Yoichi's second clone had finally matured. While selecting its eyes, he deliberated before ultimately choosing the Tenseigan. By transplanting a pair of Byakugan and imbuing them with Ōtsutsuki chakra, he evolved them into Tenseigan.
The Rinnegan of Ōtsutsuki Urashiki remained safely stored, alongside Madara's Rinnegan, as strategic assets for critical moments.
High above the skies near Konoha, thunderous booms echoed.
The villagers below, unaware of the true nature of the sounds, assumed a storm was brewing. The Konoha Security Division issued a public notice attributing the noises to weather, calming the populace.
In reality, two figures clashed in the sky, their battle generating shockwaves.
One of them, adorned with flaming wings, was Senju Yōko, the Jinchūriki of the Phoenix. Her opponent was Uchiha Yoichi himself.
Yōko moved like a meteor, her attacks relentless, each blow carrying devastating power capable of shattering mountains.
However, Yoichi countered every strike, redirecting the force back toward her and scattering the Phoenix flames surrounding her limbs.
"One last move—Monster Strength Unleashed!"
Golden flames surged around Yōko as she launched a final, explosive attack. Yet Yoichi turned swiftly, precisely gripping her wrist and halting her advance entirely.
"This is too predictable, Yōko."
With a deft motion, Yoichi hurled Yōko backward, sending her colliding into her own clone.
Boom!
The clone dispersed upon impact, and Yōko let out a muffled groan of pain.
Yoichi quickly approached, concern evident on his face. "Are you alright, Yōko?"
Feigning irritation, Yōko clutched her wrist and replied, "I'm telling Mom!"
"Let me heal you. How old are you now? Still running to your mother?" Yoichi teased, shaking his head as he used his healing ability to mend her injuries.
Though unnecessary given the Phoenix's regenerative powers, Yoichi indulged his daughter's theatrics.
Not far off, Sasuke flew closer, carrying Naruto on his back. The two had been watching the battle. Naruto, lacking flight capabilities, relied on Sasuke to stay airborne.
Over the past three years, Sasuke had developed partial transformations, growing dragon-like wings reminiscent of King Ghidorah.
"Father, you and Yōko-nee are incredible!" Naruto exclaimed as they approached.
Since Kushina moved into Yoichi's household, Naruto had begun addressing Yoichi as "Father," though he retained the Uzumaki surname.
Sasuke, his eyes alight with determination, added, "Father, I want to spar with you as well. Please guide my training!"
Naruto chimed in, "Me too! But let's do it on the ground—I can't fight in the air like you two!"
Yoichi chuckled, ruffling their hair. "When you two can defeat Itachi, I'll consider it."
Sasuke pouted. "You always say that, Father…"
"Next time, for sure!" Yoichi laughed, transporting them all back to Konoha with the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Now three years into his retirement, Yoichi had fully stepped down from the role of Hokage. Shisui had taken over, narrowly defeating Nawaki in the election due to his greater renown from past wars.
Yoichi spent his days in leisure, occasionally mentoring his secret disciples and managing relations with Kaguya and Konan.
As night fell, Yōko approached Yoichi and Tsunade, announcing her decision to return to her timeline.
Though reluctant, Tsunade understood. Yōko's presence over the past three years had been a rare blessing, and she cherished every moment.
"I'll visit often, Yōko," Yoichi promised.
With a smile, Yōko bade farewell, urging Naruto and Sasuke to behave before activating her dimensional artifact and vanishing.
Watching her leave, Yoichi felt a familiar restlessness.
Perhaps it was time to traverse dimensions once more. This time, the future held answers—specifically, the whereabouts of Isshiki. Leaving such a threat unchecked was unacceptable.
(End of Chapter)
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