Ch.238 New Attendant Candidate

After speaking, Uchiha Shinji fell into deep thought.

There was no doubt about Kurama Yakumo's talent. The fact that she had awakened the monster 'Ido' was evidence enough.

If her body could be healed, her potential might not surpass Naruto, Sasuke, or Shion, but she wouldn't fall short compared to Kimimaro or Neji.

Moreover, since she now owed him a favor, Yakumo's loyalty seemed trustworthy. Shinji suddenly thought that developing Yakumo into his 'attendant' might be a wise move.

After all, now that he had gained higher clearance and officially become a 'Lantern Bearer,' he had two more slots available for attendants.

Leaving them empty seemed like a waste!

"I need to transplant a pair of eyes with dojutsu close to the level of the Mangekyo Sharingan first!?"

Yakumo fell into renewed despair.

Upon learning that surgery could cure her, Yakumo's joy was indescribable. She was even willing to pledge allegiance to Akatsuki, an organization wanted by the village.

However, Shinji's following words quickly extinguished her hope.

As Sasuke's classmate, Yakumo understood better than most what the Mangekyo Sharingan represented.

Let alone the Mangekyo Sharingan—even the three-tomoe Sharingan that Sasuke had awakened was an unattainable treasure for her.

Or to be more precise—

Even across the entire shinobi world, eyes at the level of the Mangekyo Sharingan were treasures that could spark conflict between entire villages.

As a mere academy student, how could she possibly obtain such a treasure for transplant?

Without much hesitation, Yakumo gathered her courage. "Lord Shinji, I… I'm not afraid of the risks! Even without Mangekyo Sharingan-level eyes, I'm willing to undergo the special cell transplant surgery."

Shinji glanced at Yakumo. "It could kill you."

"I'm not afraid!"

Yakumo's gaze gradually hardened.

She had made up her mind—rather than living like a cripple, she would take the risk and gamble on the cell transplant surgery.

Shinji smiled. "I admire your courage. But why take unnecessary risks?"

"Eh…?"

Yakumo froze.

Even 'Ido,' standing to the side, was surprised, staring at Shinji in confusion.

Shinji's tone shifted to something almost philosophical. "From this moment, you are both my subordinate and a member of my organization. As your leader, it's my duty to take care of you. Besides, a pair of eyes with Mangekyo-level dojutsu? That's nothing compared to your value. Don't worry, I'll handle the arrangements. You just need to follow orders."

Yakumo trembled. "Lord Shinji…"

Her deepest fear was being unrecognized and disregarded.

So when someone as powerful as Shinji—the leader of Akatsuki and a figure feared by the Five Kage—acknowledged her value, her heart immediately opened to him.

The malevolent aura around 'Ido,' who bore the face of a demon, also dissipated.

Being recognized, especially by a strong figure, was a sensation both Yakumo and 'Ido' deeply appreciated.

Shinji continued, "Many in the Hidden Leaf are aware of your condition. Before proceeding with any surgeries, we need to prepare carefully to avoid unnecessary attention."

"Yes!"

Previously, Yakumo would have begged Shinji to perform the surgery immediately. But now things were different—she felt recognized and respected. She could wait.

Shinji tossed a spare red cloud Akatsuki cloak and mask to Yakumo, marking her spirit with 'Jikibi' as he did.

Then, turning to Yakumo and 'Ido,' he said, "From now on, you two need to get used to each other."

Yakumo looked at 'Ido' with a complex expression. "If you ever lay a hand on my parents again, I will destroy you—even if it costs me my life."

Under Shinji's watchful eye, 'Ido' obediently responded, "I'll listen to you from now on!"

Shinji glanced at Kurama Sōun and Rei, unconscious nearby, and turned to Yakumo. "I've sealed your parents' memories for tonight. Find some excuse to explain things when they wake up."

"I understand."

Yakumo nodded.

Though she had no regrets about associating with Akatsuki, she didn't want her clan to get involved.

After all, Akatsuki was currently wanted by the five great shinobi villages.

If the village discovered that the Kurama Clan was secretly connected to Akatsuki, they might end up like the Uchiha Clan.

Shinji gave Yakumo a few final instructions to stay low-key before dispelling the genjutsu and vanishing.

As Shinji disappeared, the surrounding illusion crafted by 'Ido' dissolved.

Under Yakumo's gaze, 'Ido' reluctantly ended the illusion and merged back into Yakumo's body.

At this stage, 'Ido' hadn't grown to the strength she possessed in the original timeline. As long as Yakumo remained conscious, 'Ido' couldn't overpower her.

Once everything settled, Yakumo found herself back in her bedroom, with her parents unconscious in the hallway outside.

Had it not been for the Akatsuki cloak and mask beside her, she might have doubted whether the entire event had been real or just another illusion.

Outside the Kurama Clan estate—

Shinji cast one last glance at the mansion before blending into the night.

Moments later, he returned to his apartment.

"For something that could deceive even my five senses… the Kurama Clan does have some remarkable abilities."

Shinji mused aloud before lying down.

He had already learned from Shion that the Kurama Clan had appealed directly to the Third Hokage to heal Yakumo's condition.

Tsunade had recently returned to the village due to the Akatsuki threat, and she personally examined Yakumo a few days ago.

Judging from Yakumo's mental state tonight, Tsunade likely hadn't found a cure yet. This frustration must have triggered 'Ido's' release.

"If even Tsunade can't cure her… but she suddenly gets better? That's going to raise eyebrows." Shinji rubbed his chin. "I'll need to think of a way to cover this up. Otherwise, the Hidden Leaf will definitely find out."

Yakumo's frailty was widely known at the academy. Healing her too quickly would draw suspicion.

It needed to be a gradual process—something the village could accept over time.

Tsunade would undoubtedly re-examine Yakumo once her condition improved.

If he could deceive Tsunade at that critical moment, Yakumo's recovery could be attributed to natural progress.

Soon, an idea formed in Shinji's mind.