Although he had been killed by the Eight Tails.
If Yotsuki Kiyohara's strength had been insufficient, then he probably would not have even qualified to fight the Eight Tails in the first place.
The Eight Tails, Gyūki, was the tailed beast of Kumogakure, and among all the tailed beasts, its strength could easily rank near the top.
"So your last will is revenge against the Eight Tails?"
Kiyohara asked.
Unexpectedly, Yotsuki Kiyohara shook his head.
"Revenge? No interest. Dead is dead. What shinobi doesn't die eventually? I was killed because of my own arrogance. I can't blame anyone else."
He paused briefly.
"My last will is simple. I want that woman Samui to call me Master."
Kiyohara froze slightly.
"You're into some pretty wild stuff."
He could not help saying it.
"You're overthinking it. I've always been single."
Yotsuki Kiyohara burst into laughter.
"That woman just keeps discriminating against my skin color."
He added another explanation.
"How exactly?"
Kiyohara became curious.
"Every time we met, she'd say things like 'Don't go out at night, I'm afraid I won't be able to find you,' or 'Want me to lend you some foundation?' Damn it, this is healthy wheat colored skin. It's the symbol of a real man!"
After hearing it, Kiyohara realized it really did sound like a dark joke.
"I understand."
Kiyohara nodded.
"And the second will?"
At the mention of this, Yotsuki Kiyohara's expression immediately became serious.
"Learn Black Lightning jutsu."
He raised his right hand, and pale blue chakra light emerged from his semi transparent spirit body.
The light rapidly spread and covered his entire body, forming a dense cloak of lightning.
Electricity crackled continuously, moving at such terrifying speed that its actual shape could barely be seen.
"Before I died, I had already reached the peak of the Lightning Release Chakra Mode."
Yotsuki Kiyohara said in a low voice.
"But I was just one final step away. Just one tiny step away from qualifying to learn Black Lightning Release… and then the Eight Tails went berserk."
His tone carried deep unwillingness and regret.
Kiyohara thought for a moment before raising his own right hand.
Inside the mental space, lightning nature chakra surged from his chakra points and gathered around the surface of his body, forming a pale blue lightning cloak.
Although it was not as solid as the one demonstrated by Yotsuki Kiyohara, it was indeed the Lightning Release Chakra Mode, and it already possessed a considerable level of completion.
Yotsuki Kiyohara's eyes immediately lit up.
"You have it too? Wait… why does your Lightning Release Chakra Mode feel different from ours?"
He leaned closer to examine it carefully.
The Lightning Release Chakra Mode displayed by Kiyohara was much more refined.
The distribution of the lightning was more uniform, and the flow of energy followed a more orderly pattern. It was unlike Kumogakure's violent and unrestrained style that pursued ultimate speed and destructive power.
"I figured it out myself. I copied the Fourth Raikage's Lightning Release Chakra Mode with my Sharingan, but I didn't completely imitate it."
Kiyohara explained.
In the battle of the Five Kage versus Madara, the Fourth Raikage's performance had looked terrible, and he had even been completely overwhelmed by Madara's genjutsu.
But in the original story, both the anime and manga repeatedly emphasized that he possessed chakra reserves on the level of a tailed beast.
And his actual chakra quantity truly was enormous.
It even surpassed that of the Third Raikage.
The problem was simply that the Fourth Raikage himself did not know how to properly utilize that power. He was too reckless and straightforward.
Yotsuki Kiyohara's spirit stroked his chin as he circled around Kiyohara once.
"It's definitely different. Your mode is more stable, but…"
His floating figure stopped in midair.
"You're still far from the real thing. The essence of the Lightning Release Chakra Mode lies in completely fusing lightning with the body itself, allowing every single cell to be filled with lightning chakra. Only then can you achieve ultimate vitality and speed."
He extended a finger and tapped Kiyohara on the chest.
Yotsuki Kiyohara's meaning was very simple.
The Sharingan might have copied the ninjutsu.
But that did not mean the body itself had fully adapted to it.
This required endless accumulation over time and constant training. Only by continuously using the technique to temper the body could its full potential truly be brought out.
That was why, after years of refinement, even ten thousand Iwagakure shinobi had been unable to break through the Third Raikage's defense. In the end, he had exhausted himself to death instead.
"But the Third Raikage is already dead now. There are very few successors left. As far as I know, the most famous inheritor of this technique is Darui."
Kiyohara spoke.
Lightning Release itself also had many different branches.
The Third Raikage had created Black Lightning jutsu.
If ordinary lightning release was raw iron, then Black Lightning was refined steel.
On the surface, it looked like nothing more than a change in color, but in reality, its power had risen tremendously.
Which meant that if he wanted to fulfill the second will, he would have to approach Darui and obtain the method for using Black Lightning Release from him.
"Correct."
Yotsuki Kiyohara nodded.
"That part depends entirely on you. I don't know the method behind Black Lightning either. I never obtained the qualification."
His voice was filled with regret.
Listening to him, Kiyohara felt that this future version of himself was basically the type of martial fanatic who only cared about battle.
Strong limbs, simple brain?
Kiyohara shook his head.
Still, if he could inherit the Yotsuki Clan's bloodline, it would be extremely helpful for increasing his chakra reserves.
After all, his spiritual energy currently far exceeded his physical energy.
And if his physical strength increased, then the burden placed on the Eight Gates would decrease while its power would also rise.
"What about your Storm Release?"
Kiyohara asked again.
Yotsuki Kiyohara possessed not only the Yotsuki Clan's bloodline, but also the Storm Release kekkei genkai.
It could be said that this future was incredibly valuable.
Not only could it compensate for Kiyohara's weaknesses, but it could also provide him with many additional methods.
"As for Storm Release, I'm using it too."
Yotsuki Kiyohara stretched out his right hand and spread his fingers apart as pale blue chakra gathered within his palm, gradually condensing into a beam of light.
"Storm Release is a bloodline limit formed by simultaneously combining lightning nature chakra and water nature chakra, so it possesses the characteristics of both."
On Yotsuki Kiyohara's hand, the lightning moved and curved like flowing water.
Those bolts of electricity twisted and flowed like streams.
And that was something ordinary Lightning Release could never achieve.
Normal lightning could not be freely manipulated. At best, one could only try to control its range.
Only a kekkei genkai like Storm Release could transform lightning into laser like attacks whose direction and angle could both be controlled freely.
"I understand."
Kiyohara nodded.
"I'll do my best to fulfill your wills. Though for Samui… I'll probably need a chance to visit Kumogakure first."
"No rush."
Yotsuki Kiyohara grinned.
"I'm already dead anyway. I've got plenty of time to wait. Normally I just stay inside the urn to reduce consumption. But if you really manage to make that woman lower her head and call you Master… heh, I'd probably laugh myself awake inside the urn."
As he spoke, his tone was filled with malicious amusement.
"Alright."
Kiyohara nodded.
The first will was the easiest.
He simply needed to find Samui and hit her with a genjutsu so she would obediently call him Master once.
As for the second will, it could technically be completed with the exact same method as the first one. The only difference was changing the target to Darui.
"I need to find a way to get to another battlefield."
Kiyohara rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
After pondering for a while, Kiyohara began asking Yotsuki Kiyohara various questions about Lightning Release.
After all, in this field, Yotsuki Kiyohara could definitely be considered an expert.
The next day.
Konoha, Hokage Building.
Hiruzen sat behind the wide office desk, thin streams of white smoke rising from the pipe in his hand.
Homura and Koharu sat on either side as advisors, while Danzo stood beside the window with his back facing the others, staring at the Hokage Rock outside.
"So, Kiyohara has achieved another great accomplishment."
Hiruzen placed down the intelligence scroll in his hand.
"Yes."
Homura adjusted his glasses.
"He killed Fuguki Suikazan and Juzo Biwa of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen and seized the Executioner's Blade and Samehada. Among the younger generation, this is an exceptionally dazzling achievement."
He paused before adding:
"More importantly, this battle dealt a severe blow to Kirigakure's morale. In the short term, they probably won't dare launch another large scale offensive."
Koharu nodded in agreement.
"Kiyohara truly is a promising child. Tsunade has taught him well, and this time the Uchiha Clan also…"
She did not finish the sentence, but the meaning was obvious.
Kiyohara's military achievements would further elevate the Uchiha Clan's status within the village.
"Hmph."
Danzo suddenly let out a cold snort.
He turned around, his single eye sweeping across the three people present before finally landing on Hiruzen.
"You only see the achievements, but not the risks."
"Risks?"
Homura frowned.
"Danzo, what do you mean by that?"
"What I mean is that Kiyohara's momentum is growing too fast."
Danzo walked to the desk and pressed both hands against the tabletop.
"An Uchiha with the Sharingan, who also possesses Magnet Release and can use Sage Arts, and now he has even killed two members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. How do you think the other shinobi clans will view this?"
Danzo frowned deeply.
Of course, there was another thought he did not voice aloud.
What if Kiyohara gained too much prestige and eventually became a candidate for Hokage?
Although Danzo had once known a kind hearted Uchiha like Kagami Uchiha, he still had no desire to see this brat Kiyohara rise to power.
At this point, he and Kiyohara could already be considered enemies. Quite a few of his subordinates had died at Kiyohara's hands.
"We should transfer him back to the village. Otherwise, the Uchiha Clan may become even more arrogant."
Danzo immediately continued.
"Bring Kiyohara into Root so he can undergo my training in loyalty toward Konoha. Once his strength is sufficiently stabilized, then…"
"Danzo."
Hiruzen interrupted him.
He knew exactly what Danzo was thinking.
Nothing more than the lingering problems left behind by history.
Danzo believed he had inherited the purest ideology of Tobirama, which was why his methods were so radical.
Over the years, Hiruzen had largely turned a blind eye to many of his actions.
After all, darkness was unavoidable when developing a shinobi village.
But this also gave Danzo confidence, causing his reach to stretch further and further.
Yet Hiruzen was the Hokage.
"Kiyohara is Tsunade's disciple and a frontline commander. Without a legitimate reason, I cannot arbitrarily transfer him."
"A legitimate reason?"
Danzo nearly choked on the words.
The two stared at each other for several moments before Danzo was the first to avert his gaze.
Hiruzen always disagreed with him whenever the topic of Kiyohara arose, making Danzo feel like their fragile friendship could capsize at any moment.
It was all Kiyohara's fault.
"Hiruzen, you're always like this!"
Danzo glared at him, already realizing he could not change his mind.
Furious, he turned and strode toward the door, only stopping once he reached it.
"The Uchiha Clan carries restless blood within their bones. Kiyohara may be loyal now, but power corrupts the human heart, especially… the power of the Sharingan."
Even while leaving, Danzo did not forget to spread his rhetoric about the Uchiha threat.
After saying that, he pulled open the door and disappeared from the office.
Silence once again filled the room.
After a long while, Koharu sighed softly.
"Although Danzo is extreme, some of what he says isn't without reason. Kiyohara's reputation is rising too quickly."
She also knew that Kiyohara was currently the teacher of Uchiha Fugaku's son.
That meant Kiyohara did not reject the Uchiha Clan.
"Koharu, this is wartime. We need heroes. Wasn't Minato the same way?"
Homura shook his head.
Moreover, Kiyohara's current fame was still far behind Minato's.
Minato was the brightest star of all.
Hiruzen remained silent, slowly rotating the pipe between his fingers.
Outside the window, the faces of the previous Hokage carved into the Hokage Rock stood solemn beneath the sunlight.
Senju Hashirama.
Senju Tobirama.
And himself.
Time was merciless. Even heroes would grow old.
Konoha needed a new pillar.
Minato was one option. Bright, powerful, and deeply beloved.
Kiyohara… was another option.
Complicated and dangerous, but with limitless potential.
In the end, Hiruzen made his decision.
"Publicize Kiyohara's achievements, but do not exaggerate them excessively. The focus should be on the strength of Konoha's new generation as a whole, not individual heroism."
He paused before adding:
"Also, issue him a commendation in my name. Approve his request for the Executioner's Blade and Samehada."
Homura and Koharu exchanged glances, both seeing the surprise in each other's eyes.
"And one more thing."
Hiruzen picked up a pen and rapidly wrote across the document.
"Inform Tsunade that Kiri may be changing their tactics. Tell her to strengthen reconnaissance in the inland direction."
Meanwhile, after leaving, Danzo returned to Root's underground base.
He stood before the observation window of a laboratory, where a surgery was currently underway.
A Root shinobi lay on the operating table with tubes inserted throughout his body.
His right arm had already been modified, and two crimson Sharingan had been implanted into his eye sockets, trembling faintly with each heartbeat.
"How is the rejection response?"
Danzo asked.
The medical shinobi behind him answered respectfully.
"Better than expected. The vitality of the Hashirama Cells is suppressing the negative influence of the Sharingan, but… the test subject's mental state is extremely unstable. He could collapse at any moment."
"How long can he last?"
"At most, three days."
Danzo fell silent.
The power of the Sharingan was far more difficult to control than he had imagined.
Even with the First Hokage's cells acting as a balancing force, the bodies of ordinary shinobi still could not withstand the burden of multiple Sharingan.
He needed a more perfect vessel.
Or… an even stronger Sharingan.
The image of Kiyohara's three tomoe Sharingan appeared within his mind.
If he could obtain those eyes…
Besides transplanting Sharingan into his arm, Danzo was also having his subordinates cooperate with Orochimaru's technology in order to research more methods of transplanting Sharingan.
After all, Sharingan implanted into the arm could at most be used to control Izanagi, because the arm lacked optic nerves and could not focus vision.
But if more Sharingan could be implanted directly into the eye sockets and connected to optic nerves, then they would be able to focus properly and utilize the Sharingan's many abilities, such as genjutsu and copying techniques.
"The Fourth Hokage…"
He muttered softly to himself.
After this war ended, there was a very high chance that Hiruzen would step down.
Which meant he had to help Orochimaru gain more prestige as quickly as possible.
"I will not let you succeed, Hiruzen."
Danzo clenched his fist tightly.
"What Konoha needs is not heroes under the light, but roots hidden within the shadows."
"And I… am the one most suited to lead Konoha into the future."
His voice echoed throughout the empty corridor before gradually fading into darkness.
Several days passed in the blink of an eye.
Tsunade stood atop the high ground of the camp, gazing toward the sea controlled by Kirigakure.
She wore a dark green combat flak jacket, her golden hair tied into a high ponytail.
But at this moment, her brows were tightly furrowed as she held a freshly compiled battle report and a map in her hands.
"Something's wrong."
She muttered quietly.
Shizune stood beside her holding a clipboard, and upon hearing this, she looked up.
"Lady Tsunade?"
"Look."
Tsunade pointed toward the casualty numbers in the report.
"In the past three days, we've had seventeen small scale clashes with Kiri. Our casualties total ten people. Kiri's casualties are estimated to be around thirteen."
"Isn't that good?"
Shizune asked in confusion.
"We're at an advantage."
"That's exactly the problem."
Tsunade turned and looked toward the shinobi forces reorganizing within the camp.
"Kirigakure's casualties are too low."
She walked back to the temporary command platform and spread open the map of the sea region.
"Based on their usual combat style, Kirigakure specializes in using Water jutsu and the Hidden Mist Technique along with silent assassination techniques for surprise attacks. In every close quarters engagement, the casualty ratio between both sides should normally be close to one to one. In fact, because they usually strike first through ambushes, our casualties are often slightly higher."
Her finger tapped several conflict points on the map.
"But this time, Kiri retreats the moment they make contact. They refuse to get entangled in prolonged combat. Their numbers clearly exceed ours, yet they're fighting like…"
"Like bait."
Kiyohara's voice came from the side.
No one had noticed when he arrived beside the command platform, carrying Samehada wrapped in temporary bandages over his shoulder.
Kushina's efficiency had been extremely fast. After finishing the processing work, she had immediately returned Samehada to Kiyohara.
And today, Kiyohara had finally received both Samehada and the Executioner's Blade.
"So Sensei noticed it too?"
Kiyohara said.
Tsunade nodded. The old man had already mentioned this matter to her.
He had warned her that Kirigakure might change tactics and instructed her to strengthen inland reconnaissance.
Then Tsunade waved Kiyohara over.
"Kiyohara, what do you think?"
Kiyohara walked beside her, his dark eyes sweeping across the map in her hands.
"They're stalling for time."
He pointed toward several islands controlled by Kiri.
"These strongholds are easy to defend and difficult to attack. But if they truly wanted to fight, Kirigakure could completely gather superior forces and launch a full scale offensive. Yet they haven't done that. Instead, they've scattered their forces and are harassing us everywhere, as though…"
He paused briefly.
"As though they're trying to conceal some other operation."
Tsunade rubbed her chin thoughtfully.
Although she had developed hemophobia, Tsunade during the era of the Second Great Shinobi War had been extremely active.
She was highly knowledgeable in tactics and military command.
"A feint?"
"Most likely."
Kiyohara nodded.
"Two members of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen died. That dealt a huge blow to Kiri's morale. Yet instead of retreating, they increased troop deployment. That doesn't make sense unless… they have a larger objective."
His finger moved inland along the coastline.
"If I were the commander of Kirigakure, and I couldn't win head on, I would choose to bypass the front."
"Bypass it?"
Shizune looked puzzled.
"How? This is the sea…"
"The Land of Rivers has inland waterways."
Tsunade pointed toward the blue veins drawn across the map.
"If they travel upstream from the estuary, they can penetrate deep into the inland regions. Although it's slower than traveling by sea, it's far more concealed."
Kiyohara spoke calmly.
Tsunade looked toward him, a trace of approval flashing through her eyes.
(End of Chapter)