Chapter 305: Don't Underestimate Me!
In the skies above Konoha, numerous messenger hawks took flight, soaring toward other nations. On the ground, many ninjas had already begun to move.
Whoosh! Whoosh!
Since the targets this time were not core members of the Akatsuki, newly promoted Chunin like Shikamaru, Ino, and Choji began their journeys as team leaders. It was clear that Konoha was acutely aware of the crisis and had initiated a full-scale military mobilization.
With medical ninjas providing logistics in the rear and Intelligence Division ninjas verifying data at the front, Konoha demonstrated its formidable operational capacity. As Hokage, Tsunade was performing quite well; her temperament and efficiency were even sharper than those of the old Third Hokage.
This operation was overseen by Shikamaru as the general commander, a move proposed by Shikaku. It was a calculated step toward grooming Shikamaru for future leadership.
"Eh? You don't need me to step in? With my abilities, I can provide them with maximum support," Tonbo Tobitake looked at Tsunade, perplexed. He had assumed Tsunade would continue to use him for this suppression campaign, but she hadn't.
Tsunade replied, "I have a premonition that the matter of the Akatsuki won't be so simple. War is likely not far off. We need to train the abilities of the new generation. If you go, what's the difference between a Hokage-level ninja going out to wipe out mere foot soldiers?"
That was a fair point. As a former Acting Hokage, if Tonbo had to step in for a minor suppression mission, Konoha might as well drop out of the Five Great Nations and compete with the minor hidden villages instead.
"You have a point. So, why did you call me here today?" Tonbo asked, in full agreement. The heavy hitters always appeared at the critical moment.
"The Akatsuki's goal is the Jinchuriki. Therefore, I need you to elevate Naruto's combat strength. We can't protect him every second of the day; he needs to grow up," Tsunade stated.
"Wait, isn't Kakashi teaching him? And Lord Jiraiya taught him quite well, didn't he?" Tonbo was confused.
Bang!
Tsunade slammed her hand on the desk. "Don't think I don't know that your current abilities are far stronger than they were years ago. That 'Battlefield Simulation Training' jutsu of yours should be effective for the current Naruto. Or are you just trying to slack off?"
From the fact that he could face two core Akatsuki members and capture one alive, it was clear Tonbo's power had surged significantly.
"..." Tonbo paused. "Fair enough. It should be useful..."
Of course it's useful; I've been improving every year! he thought. It just meant he'd have to use Shadow Clones to keep up with his own jutsu research.
"Let's go. Kakashi says Naruto's new jutsu is complete, but there seem to be some issues with it." Tsunade leaped out of the window. Shizune immediately followed with the little pig, Tonton.
"Kakashi-sensei, why are there so many birds in the sky?"
As Tsunade made her move, Naruto, possessing keen perception, noticed the messenger hawks. He stopped his training and turned to Kakashi with curiosity.
Kakashi, holding a copy of Icha Icha Paradise, replied, "Tonbo Tobitake captured two Akatsuki members and extracted a wealth of intelligence from them. Those hawks are carrying messages to other nations."
"Whoa! As expected of Uncle Tonbo, he's incredible!" Naruto recalled every Akatsuki member he had encountered. Even their squad, with Kakashi-sensei included, hadn't managed to capture one, yet Uncle Tonbo took down two by himself. He had known Uncle Tonbo was the real deal since he was a kid.
"But if it were me, using my new jutsu, I could definitely take down an Akatsuki member too!" Naruto added, his confidence surging as he thought of his newly developed technique.
Kakashi and Yamato both smiled. Naruto's new jutsu was indeed remarkable.
"Is that so? Such confidence. Well then, let us see this new jutsu of yours," Tonbo's voice reached their ears.
They looked over to see Tonbo walking up behind Tsunade, smiling at them. Naruto was instantly hyped. "Uncle Tonbo! I heard you impressively took down two core Akatsuki members! That's so cool!"
"No need to mention such a trivial matter. After all, I'm not like certain people who cling to Icha Icha Paradise all day instead of training," Tonbo teased, his eyes drifting toward Kakashi.
"Hey, who exactly are 'certain people'?" Kakashi muttered.
"Those 'certain people' know who they are," Tsunade said impatiently. "Enough talk. Let me see your new jutsu, Naruto."
"Yes, Granny Tsunade!" Naruto was ecstatic.
Kakashi and Yamato stepped back. Naruto summoned two Shadow Clones; one helped form the sphere while the other injected the Wind-style Nature Transformation.
Vroom!
The moment it appeared, the surrounding air emitted a high-pitched screech. It was the result of high-density chakra rotating at extreme speeds. Gusts of wind radiated from the shuriken-shaped chakra sphere in Naruto's hand, blowing everyone's hair back.
"This is my new jutsu: Wind Style: Rasenshuriken!" Naruto announced proudly.
Tsunade frowned. "And the performance? Show me its power."
"Eh? How do I do that? Where's my opponent?" Naruto was stumped.
"Attack me. Let me see if the new jutsu of the rising generation can surpass Kakashi's Chidori. Let's see if he's managed to teach a student who surpasses the master," Tonbo laughed.
From his perception, the chakra density of this move was indeed unprecedented. Moreover, it was chakra in high-speed motion. He had to admit, Minato was a true genius.
Kakashi immediately stepped in to stop it. "No! The power of this move is too great, and once it's released, Naruto can't control the outcome. If he isn't careful..."
Yamato nodded vigorously beside him. Only those who had seen the move's destructive potential knew how dangerous it was.
Before they could finish, Tonbo wove a series of hand signs and slammed his palms stylishly onto the ground.
"Earth Style: Earth Fortress Wall - Modified!"
Rumble!
A mountain-like structure erupted from the ground, lifting Tonbo and Tsunade higher and higher. It didn't stop until Naruto and the others looked like tiny beetles from above. On the left side of the wall, a slab of rock acted as a protective screen.
"Kakashi, I was the Acting Hokage, after all. I'm not some middle-aged bachelor whose life has been ruined by Icha Icha novels. Don't underestimate me!"
Tonbo stood with his hands in his pockets, his misty-blue eyes looking down at Kakashi. Tsunade stood beside him, her eyes darting across the massive structure. This level of Earth Style surpassed even the Third Hokage's son, Shinnosuke Sarutobi, who was a world-renowned master of the element—and Tonbo was supposed to be a Genjutsu specialist.
She felt that during her years away, she really had let herself go. If she had worked a bit harder, perhaps facing the Akatsuki wouldn't feel so overwhelming.
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