Chapter 284: A Path to Kekkai Mōra?

Even though Hiruko's actions had caused a major political disturbance, Natsuro hadn't expected the Fire Country's reaction to be this intense.

The daimyō's summons had arrived almost immediately, within a single day, he was already being called in for a meeting.

"Tch…"

Natsuro clicked his tongue in annoyance.

Even though he didn't want to go, he already knew exactly what they wanted to say.

But given the current situation, he couldn't afford to refuse this meeting.

As expected, during the meeting:

The daimyō's stance was that while Konoha had indeed played a crucial role in maintaining the stability of the Fire Country, it was also responsible for this international crisis.

His statements even implied that Konoha might be plotting rebellion, and he demanded that the village resolve the situation immediately since the Fire Country was already under attack from neighboring nations.

Natsuro agreed.

Dealing with Hiruko was already part of his plan anyway.

He was also curious about what kind of power Hiruko had gained, a man who was supposedly 'killed' by the Three Sannin.

More importantly, he was intrigued by the so-called "perfect civilian jutsu", the Chimera Technique.

However…

The claim that the Fire Country was already under attack?

He found it laughable.

The Fire Country was one of the strongest nations, how could it so easily fall under attack?

If it was truly being threatened, that only meant the surrounding smaller countries had been eyeing it for a long time.

Even if Hiruko hadn't appeared, they would have eventually made a move.

This "emergency narrative" was likely just a tactic to pressure Konoha into dealing with Hiruko as quickly as possible.

But the real problem was…

How to find him?

Natsuro recalled that Hiruko's main target should be the Sharingan.

In the original story, he had fixated on Kakashi's Sharingan.

However, in this timeline, Konoha had two Sharingan users, Kakashi and Sasuke.

Would his target change?

"Lord Hokage, what's our next move?"

Shikaku frowned as he asked the question.

From his perspective, Hiruko wasn't that much of a threat.

However, since he had publicly 'declared war' in Konoha's name, if he remained in hiding, the situation would only worsen.

Yet…

Shikaku noticed that Natsuro didn't seem worried at all.

Even after the Fire Country's meeting, Natsuro remained completely unfazed.

"We wait." Natsuro glanced at the sky as he spoke.

Shikaku fell silent.

Logically, shouldn't delaying only make things worse?

Had the Hokage noticed something he hadn't?

Shikaku didn't believe that he would overlook the dangers of stalling.

Which meant…

Natsuro must know something he didn't.

"Shikaku, do you know why Hiruko chose to appear now?" Natsuro suddenly asked.

Shikaku frowned. "I don't."

In his mind, now was a terrible time for Hiruko to act.

If he had emerged a few years ago, right after Orochimaru's invasion, Konoha would have been in a much weaker state.

But now?

Konoha was stronger than ever.

What was he thinking?

"Then, Shikaku, are you aware of the upcoming celestial event?" Natsuro asked again.

Shikaku shook his head. "I don't normally pay attention to such things. But I did hear that in two days, there will be an eclipse. Many people are preparing to watch it."

His eyes suddenly widened.

"Wait… don't tell me..."

Natsuro nodded. "It's not that Hiruko chose this time to act, he had no choice but to act now. If he misses this chance, who knows how many more years he'll have to wait."

Shikaku finally understood.

Everything made sense now.

"That means…"

"Hiruko will attack Konoha either today or tomorrow."

And that's why Natsuro wasn't rushing to take action.

Because Hiruko was coming to them.

Still, Shikaku was curious.

How would he attack?

Natsuro thought for a moment before speaking.

"Shikaku, assign someone to monitor Kakashi."

"Lord Hokage, do you think Hiruko will target Kakashi?"

Shikaku was surprised.

With Kakashi's level of strength, even Hiruko wouldn't find him an easy target.

"Yeah." Natsuro nodded.

After considering everything, he was convinced that Kakashi was the likelier target.

Sasuke's power had already far surpassed what he needed to be concerned about.

Besides, he had once possessed Sasuke's body using Spirit Possession Jutsu.

And during that time, he hadn't detected any hidden seals or jutsu marks on Sasuke.

So, the real problem had to be Kakashi.

"I'll make the arrangements immediately."

Shikaku nodded and left to take action.

Natsuro, gazing at the darkening sky, fell into deep thought.

He wasn't worried about Hiruko's potential damage to Konoha.

What he was considering… was whether or not to act personally.

Right now, Konoha had two shinobi, Naruto and Sasuke, who could completely annihilate Hiruko on their own.

But he had been rethinking something lately.

Even though Kekkei Genkai weren't particularly valuable to him,

perhaps he still needed to move toward Kekkei Mōra.

Kekkei Mōra required the fusion of all seven chakra natures, so, shouldn't he first experiment with simple Kekkei Genkai fusions?

And Hiruko, who had four fused Kekkei Genkai was the perfect test subject.

But that raised another question…

If he achieved Kekkei Mōra, would that mean he could freely use all chakra-based Kekkei Genkai and Kekkei Tōta?

....

At nightfall Natsuro's Spirit Clone was still in the middle of training when Kakashi suddenly appeared at his doorstep.

"Sorry to bother you so late at night."

Kakashi scratched the back of his head as he greeted him.

"What's the matter?" Natsuro asked, looking at him curiously.

"A curse mark suddenly appeared on my body." Kakashi explained, his tone serious.

"It seems Hiruko had already chosen my Sharingan as his fifth Kekkei Genkai more than a decade ago. I don't even know when he placed this puppet technique on me."

"A puppet technique, huh?" Natsuro examined Kakashi and chuckled.

"Well, it looks like he's not that skilled at it yet, if you can still come here and report it, then his control over you must be pretty weak."

Kakashi didn't respond to the joke, instead getting straight to the point.

"Lord Hokage, the current situation is extremely unfavorable for Konoha. I request permission to infiltrate Hiruko's hideout."

His voice was firm, his determination unshakable.

"I will use my Mangekyō's abilities to destroy all of his plans."

Kakashi knew about the meeting between Natsuro and the Fire Country daimyō.

He also understood that Konoha was under immense political pressure.

Natsuro smirked.

"Kakashi, I do agree with sending you there, but don't misunderstand something, Konoha is not in a position where it needs you to sacrifice yourself."

"Why do you sound like you're the only solution to this problem?"

Kakashi was taken aback.

"But this is the best way to resolve the issue..."

"There's no 'but.'" Natsuro cut him off.

"Right now, Konoha has no need for a veteran ninja who has contributed so much to the village to go on a suicide mission."

"The Fire Country might think they can pressure Konoha, but they're not strong enough to dictate terms to us." Natsuro spoke without any hesitation.

Kakashi's pupils shrank.

He couldn't believe how boldly he was saying such treasonous words.

Even if Kakashi himself wouldn't repeat them, was Natsuro not worried about someone else overhearing?

"So, Kakashi…" Natsuro placed a hand on his shoulder.

"As the Hokage, I'm not worried about the Fire Country's pressure, so stop overstepping and worrying on my behalf."

"If things get worse, you might actually have more work to do."

Kakashi fell silent for a long time.

Then, he finally spoke.

"If that day ever comes, I will be the sharpest blade by your side, Lord Hokage."

"Good. Though, about being 'the sharpest blade', you've got some catching up to do. Both of your students have already surpassed you." Natsuro teased with a grin.

"Sasuke and Naruto, huh?" Kakashi scratched his head, feeling a mix of pride and complexity.

He was proud, of course. But at the same time… Hadn't he also once been called a genius?

Yet, he never expected their progress to outpace his own so quickly.

Natsuro smirked and added, "Besides, if you die, what about that conversation I had with Tsunade?"

Kakashi blinked. "Huh? What conversation?"

"Well…" Natsuro's smirk widened. "I'll tell you once this whole mess is over."

He raised his hand, placing a Flying Thunder God seal on Kakashi.

"For now, I'll mark you with this. Leave the rest to me."

"Understood."

With Natsuro's assurance, Kakashi felt at ease.

All thoughts of self-sacrifice had completely vanished from his mind.

If he had said it, then...

This battle was already as good as won.

If you want to read more...

Check out the patreon and get 55 chapters in advance -> SaintXI

Currently on Chapter 339 - The Echoing Drums of War