293.Annihilating Evil-Dispelling Hand
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Konoha, Uchiha Cemetery.
Itachi continued his unchanging, tranquil daily life. Even the recent Akatsuki invasion hadn't disturbed this remote place.
The paper clone of Kaito stationed within the cemetery's barrier didn't hide information from Itachi, so he now knew many secrets guided by Kaito's influence.
Lately, Itachi had developed a love for reading, and Kaito fully supported it.
Not only did Kaito's true self bring over a collection of books he had stored in Mount Ōeyama, but he also had the hidden youkai across the shinobi world gather more. The crow clan delivered them, adding many new volumes to the collection.
Now, Itachi had built another wooden hut beside his cabin to store the growing library.
Many of the books gathered by the youkai were ones even Kaito hadn't read, and he soon found himself engrossed as well.
One day, Itachi suddenly said to Kaito, "People can only see what's right in front of them. Having grown up in Konoha, no matter how high I stood, I only ever saw the village. Looking back, I realize I overlooked many people and things I should have cared about. I hope Sasuke won't end up like me. Fortunately, he'll follow you and see a much broader world."
"You've changed a lot," Kaito remarked, setting down the scroll in his hands and looking up at Itachi. "The fact that shinobi haven't progressed much over a thousand years speaks volumes."
"Shinobi are taught how to kill from childhood. What we think about, pursue, and strive for is nothing but the refinement of killing techniques," Itachi said as he organized the bookshelf. "We spend our lives struggling to survive in blood and fire, never seeing the full picture of the world. Few ever bother to look up."
"Perhaps the Third Hokage was one of the rare literate shinobi," Kaito chuckled sarcastically. "He took great pride in expanding the Will of Fire, originally proposed by the First Hokage. When I was young, I noticed how eagerly he gave his speeches at the Ninja Academy's opening ceremonies."
"In a way, the world has regressed over these thousand years."
Itachi carefully flipped through an ancient text.
"A millennium ago, when the Emperor still ruled, many people contemplated the world from a higher perspective, leaving behind invaluable knowledge. But now, no one has that vision or breadth of mind anymore."
Compared to the Third's Will of Fire, these texts were on an entirely different level.
"Perhaps. Cultural inheritance requires the right environment."
Kaito picked up his book again.
"These are treasures left behind by human civilization. As long as they still exist, they may prove useful someday."
"The more I learn, the more I realize how little I know," Itachi mused. "Maybe losing my ability to kill was a blessing in disguise."
"Though you realized some things too late, it's still good. You should have something to pursue in the rest of your life."
Kaito glanced at the stacks of books filling the room.
"This world has lost the soil needed for certain knowledge. But who's to say that one day, this war-torn world won't change, and humanity won't need them again?"
---
Meanwhile, in the Hyuga clan compound, another paper clone of Kaito was busy.
Over the past few days, as more clan members had their Caged Bird Seals removed, some of the previously controlled Main House members began to relent. The clan's atmosphere was slowly improving.
After three days of continuous work, the paper clone had removed the seals from all the Branch House members within Konoha.
As the catalyst for the Hyuga's revolution, Kaito naturally faced cold glares from many Main House supporters.
He ignored their hostility and simply carried out his work methodically. Even the four elders, who—like Hiashi—had their chakra sealed, were forced by the clan to have their seals removed.
Only the Hyuga members serving in the border patrols remained unsealed. The clan had already discussed a rotation plan with the reinstated Hokage to replace them with new members.
With his task temporarily complete, the paper clone left the Hyuga compound amid gratitude from many and icy stares from others.
---
Meanwhile, Kaito's true body, having left the Uchiha cemetery, quietly replaced the paper clone and arrived at a training ground where Minato was.
Ever since Kushina took it upon herself to teach Naruto the Uzumaki clan's sealing techniques, Minato had occasionally fled their terrifying home—shamelessly abandoning his son.
According to Minato, poor Naruto had also tried to escape but was repeatedly suppressed.
Finally, the infuriated "Red Hot Habanero" declared that if Naruto dared skip another lesson, his ridiculous bowl-cut photos would be plastered all over Konoha.
Naruto immediately wilted.
"As expected of Kushina-nee," Kaito remarked, his lips twitching.
From what little he knew, Kushina had always been a fearless, strong-willed woman.
After becoming the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki, her temper only grew worse—and with Minato endlessly spoiling her… Well, she was not someone to be trifled with.
"Let Naruto learn properly under Kushina," Minato said with a straight face. "It's rare for her to teach him personally, and she's really enjoying it."
Selling out his own son to please his wife?
'Classic Minato.'
Sharing a knowing look, Kaito got to the point.
"So, have you figured out the power you accidentally obtained?"
Minato rolled up his right sleeve, revealing that his entire forearm had turned purple.
"This power feels extremely dangerous," he said, flexing his hand. "I haven't tested it on anyone."
"That was the right call."
Kaito leaned in to examine Minato's arm before straightening up.
"When your soul was trapped inside King Enma's body, it was partially assimilated with his power while I was channeling it back."
"You're lucky," Kaito said, clapping Minato's shoulder. "That level of power would obliterate most souls."
"Ah, yes, how fortunate I didn't disperse into nothingness," Minato replied with a strained smile.
"Hahaha… My bad!"
Kaito laughed, slapping Minato's shoulder again.
"But look on the bright side—Enma's power is inherently soul-based. Develop this strength properly!"
"Then you'll help me test it!"
In a flash, Minato's purple right hand shot out, fingers spread toward Kaito's face.
"Hm? You didn't dodge?"
To his surprise, his grip connected. With a slight squeeze, Kaito's face shattered.
"Ah, I used a paper clone to test your new ability."
Kaito's true form emerged from a golden ripple on the ground, watching as the torn paper scattered in the wind.
"Seems the faint spiritual light stored in the clone was completely nullified by your power."
"Kaito!"
Turning, Kaito saw Minato excitedly raising his purple hand.
"How about calling this move the "Annihilating Evil-Dispelling Hand"?"