Chapter 358: A Time of Troubles

"This kind of power..."

"If I had such power..."

Especially for Sasuke, who is eager for revenge and power, facing this continuous and overwhelming invisible Haki, he feels like a lone boat in a storm, with the danger of complete destruction looming at any moment. The shock and impact on his mind are beyond measure.

"Scarlet Yu... It can't be wrong!"

"I didn't expect that guy to have returned to Konoha too!!"

Faced with the overwhelming and shocking aura emanating from Yu, Sand Jonin Baki, who had quietly joined Gaara and the others, has completely confirmed Yu's identity. His face is filled with apprehension and unease.

"Scarlet Yu? Is that the legendary ninja...?"

Hearing Baki's words, Temari, who is supporting the unconscious Kankuro, also looks moved. "I've heard that he is now regarded as the strongest Puppet Master in the ninja world. Even our former genius Puppet master from the Sand, Sasori of the Red Sand, was defeated by him..."

"No wonder he was able to easily defeat Kankuro with that Puppet Jutsu, even manipulating that Konoha underling. It turns out, just as he said, we are merely a pastime for him to kill boredom..."

In just a couple of breaths, the invisible Haki emanating from Yu gradually dissipates, and the area around him was littered with unconscious ninjas who were no match for him.

Even the remaining Konoha ANBU ninjas who are still standing were covered in cold sweat, their weapons trembling slightly, their eyes fixed on Yu as if they were staring at a monstrous beast ready to devour anyone at any moment.

As previously mentioned, Conqueror's Haki is an extraordinary power that only one in millions can awaken, a gift of destiny. It cannot be trained; it can only be triggered when the individual encounter certain situation. It is a manifestation of the user's spirit, and its potency increases as the user becomes stronger.

When Yu first awakened his Conqueror's Haki, he could not control it, and its effects would influence all living beings within its range. However, as Yu's strength has grown, he can now completely control the range and targets of his Conqueror's Haki.

"If I were to advance to the next stage, I could, like Shanks from One Piece, have my Conqueror's Haki always active and cause actual physical damage to targets around me."

"Six years ago, all of you together weren't a match for me, let alone now..."

After retracting the overwhelming invisible Haki, Yu stood amidst the numerous fallen and unconscious ninjas, directly ignoring the trembling Konoha ANBU ninjas in front of him. His deep, piercing gaze fell on the Third Hokage and Jiraiya. "To be honest, besides wanting to see Yugao, Kurenai, and the children from the orphanage, I have another purpose for coming back to Konoha this time..."

"If you think you can stop me with your own strength, then feel free to give it a try!!"

After saying this, Yu tooj Kurenai's hand and, in front of the Third Hokage, Jiraiya, and all the ninjas present, turned and walked away, leaving behind a group of stunned onlookers.

"Ho... Hokage-sama..."

"What should we do now..."

Seeing Yu leave with Kurenai, sparing them from a terrible battle, all the ANBU ninjas present couldn't help but breathe a sigh of relief. They turned to the Third Hokage, who had a grave and complex expression, to ask for instructions.

"Forget it, there's no need to chase him..."

After a moment of silence, the Third Hokage waved his hand helplessly and said, "With his current strength, he could destroy the entire village at any time. Even if you managed to catch up, it would only result in more casualties."

"Moreover, the fact that he only knocked out these ninjas without killing them shows that he has shown restraint."

After the Third Hokage finished speaking, all the Konoha ninjas present nodded in agreement.

"Are we just supposed to watch such a dangerous person stay in the village?!"

However, seeing Yu, such a dangerous ninja, swaggering into Konoha as if it were his own territory, some of the ninjas present showed expressions of disbelief and discomfort.

"Do you have a better plan?"

As soon as this ninja spoke, Jiraiya shot him a deep look, recognizing him as one of the guards responsible for protecting the Konoha elders Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.

"Y-yes, I'm sorry, Jiraiya-sama..."

Feeling the overwhelming aura and authority of the legendary Sannin, this ninja immediately lowered his head deeply and did not dare to speak further.

"Compared to last time, this kid's aura has indeed become even stronger..."

After saying this, Jiraiya's gaze shifted back to the silent Third Hokage, his tone carrying a sense of indescribable awe. "To think that someone's aura can reach this level—no matter how many times you see it, it is always profoundly shocking..."

"Honestly, I can no longer see through his true strength..."

Upon hearing Jiraiya's lament, the Third Hokage's eyes darkened. He finally broke the silence. "I suppose I really am getting old..."

"So, the question I asked you a few years ago, I want to ask you again now..."

With a tone of weariness and regret, the Third Hokage looked at Jiraiya with a sense of sadness. "Jiraiya, will you become the Fifth Hokage and protect this village?"

Fifth Hokage?

Facing the Third Hokage's intense gaze and his aging face, Jiraiya offered a bitter smile. He had already rejected similar requests before; the failure to prevent Orochimaru's betrayal and departure from the village was a hurdle he still couldn't overcome.

At this moment, however, Jiraiya felt he could not bring himself to refuse such an elderly figure. After a moment of hesitation, he spoke up: "Old man, I really am not suited for nor interested in becoming Hokage..."

Seeing the Third's disappointed expression, he continued, "But I think there is someone who might be more suitable than I am..."

"Tsunade, perhaps?"

Upon hearing Jiraiya's response, the Third murmured, recalling another of his students. "If she is willing to accept, she would indeed be a very suitable candidate."

"It's been many years since I last saw her. Konoha is going through a tumultuous time right now..."

As he spoke, the Third glanced at the numerous fallen ANBU ninjas and the ninjas who had come to Konoha for the Chunin Exams. His brow furrowed with worry. "Moreover, in recent days, I've had a bad feeling. There may be unexpected events during this Chunin Exam..."

"So before Yu makes things irreparable, it's also time for you to find a way to bring her back..."

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