Chapter 92: The Selection of the Three-Tails Jinchūriki

Chapter 92: The Selection of the Three-Tails Jinchūriki

What's going on here?

In the Forest of Death, Rasa stared at the tranquil Three-Tails before him, surrounded by a ring of Konoha shinobi. He turned a questioning gaze toward Uchiha Yakumaru.

Yakumaru considered briefly before explaining, "The Hokage is in the process of selecting a Jinchūriki for the Three-Tails."

That was all he said, offering no details about the selection process.

Rasa frowned. "Selecting? Has Kirigakure not expressed interest in reclaiming the Three-Tails?"

Uchiha Yakumaru gave him a strange look. "Even if Kirigakure wanted to buy back the Three-Tails, why would we sell it? The First Hokage distributed the Tailed Beasts to promote peace, but Kirigakure used them to attack Konoha."

"Agreeing to return even the Six-Tails to them was already a reluctant compromise to minimize losses and foster potential cooperation."

Rasa fell silent.

Konoha had changed—it had become far more assertive.

Never before had Rasa realized this so deeply.

In the past, if Konoha lost a Tailed Beast, Kirigakure would have undoubtedly been able to reclaim it—perhaps at some cost.

But now, Konoha treated the Three-Tails as rightful spoils of war, showing no intention of returning it.

Should he start treating Konoha as a greater threat from now on?

There was a massive difference between a strong but passive village and a strong, assertive one.

"Lord Kazekage, it seems they're practicing ninjutsu," Baki noted, his gaze lingering on the scrolls held by the surrounding shinobi.

"With a living, controllable Tailed Beast here, of course, we'll take the opportunity to experiment with some jutsu," Yakumaru said with a smile.

This project was overseen jointly by Hyuga Fuji, Minato, and Kushina.

The experiments primarily focused on sealing techniques, particularly one called the Four-Way Barrier Seal Formation—a collaborative technique requiring four users, designed to restrain massive chakra entities. Since there had never been a real opportunity to test it, the Three-Tails now provided the perfect subject.

As the tests progressed, the trio—experts in sealing techniques—continuously refined the method. With Kushina, a sealing master, leading the effort, and an actual Tailed Beast to experiment on, Konoha was adding another powerful technique to its Book of Seals.

The value of this sealing jutsu lay in its accessibility.

The technique involved pre-drawn scrolls that supported the sealing process. Even shinobi without specialized sealing knowledge could activate it.

As long as one skilled individual could create the scrolls, they could be mass-produced—becoming a powerful strategic asset for the village.

Hyuga Fuji even had plans to simplify the technique further, making it as practical and widespread as explosive tags.

There were even rumors that Tsunade had been inspired by this concept and was considering something similar.

"Using a Tailed Beast for research…"

How extravagant.

Rasa cast an envious glance at the peaceful Three-Tails.

In the past, Sunagakure had also experienced a relatively stable period with Shukaku, back when its previous Jinchūriki still held control.

During that time, the Second Kazekage had even developed Magnet Release, thanks to the stability provided by a properly managed Jinchūriki.

Now, however, Shukaku was a constant source of chaos, leaving Rasa with no time to study its potential power.

"I heard it was your clan leader, Fugaku, who subdued the Three-Tails?"

"Yes, but due to Lord Fugaku's busy schedule, the responsibility of managing both Tailed Beasts has been handed over to me."

Handed over to you?

Rasa turned to look at Yakumaru, whose Sharingan suddenly shifted into Mangekyō Sharingan.

Rasa's pupils constricted, his instincts urging him to avert his gaze—but he forced himself to maintain eye contact.

Looking away would be a sign of weakness.

Baki and another escort stiffened, watching with grim expressions. They were shocked to realize that the Hokage's chosen guide had the power to control Tailed Beasts.

Yakumaru calmly approached the Three-Tails, earning respectful glances from the surrounding Konoha shinobi as he further strengthened his control over the beast.

"Lord Yakumaru, we still haven't found a suitable candidate," an ANBU member reported after Yakumaru finished. "Perhaps you or Lord Fugaku should become the Jinchūriki."

"No. The Jinchūriki must come from the younger generation," Yakumaru replied, adopting the tone of an elder.

"With the illusion space I've created, anyone can communicate with the Three-Tails. If someone gains its acknowledgment, Konoha's next generation will produce an even stronger shinobi. That's far better than merely enhancing our current strength."

Konoha was already powerful.

The priority now was strengthening its foundation—fostering the next generation. Further bolstering the current elite would accomplish little in the long run.

The ANBU understood the logic but hesitated. Was there truly a suitable young candidate?

Yakumaru, noticing his doubt, added, "Have you tried the ANBU members yet?"

"You mean Kakashi?" The ANBU member realized. Then he frowned, recalling Kakashi's struggles with his Sharingan. "He hasn't fully mastered his eye yet. Is this really possible?"

If Kakashi had already awakened Mangekyō Sharingan, he would undoubtedly be the best candidate.

"There's no harm in trying. With the Three-Tails' power, even if Kakashi doesn't become a perfect Jinchūriki, he'll still grow significantly stronger."

Yakumaru dismissed the concern with a wave of his hand and walked back toward Rasa.

Despite his young age, Kakashi had already been promoted to jōnin, displaying talent that arguably surpassed even Yakumaru and Hyuga Fuji.

He was Konoha's most promising shinobi.

However, Kakashi's perpetual Sharingan use drained his chakra, leaving him constantly fatigued.

Yakumaru had heard from Hyuga Fuji that Kakashi, frustrated by his inability to use Mangekyō effectively, had even considered replacing his Sharingan to refocus on White Fang's sword techniques.

But this was Mangekyō Sharingan they were talking about!

Yakumaru chuckled as he recalled the respectful looks from the surrounding shinobi. Letting Kakashi abandon such power would be an absolute waste.

If Kakashi could harness the Three-Tails' strength, chakra would no longer be an issue. With Konoha's resources, there was no reason to let such potential go untapped.

Combining the Three-Tails' power, the White Fang's techniques, the Mangekyō Sharingan, and Kakashi's lightning jutsu—along with his unyielding will forged by Obito's "return" and Rin's death—would create a monster.

Yakumaru smiled faintly and turned to Rasa. "Apologies for keeping you waiting, Lord Kazekage."

"No, it's nothing. Witnessing the power of the Mangekyō Sharingan was well worth it."

Rasa shook his head, casting one last glance at the Three-Tails before following Yakumaru—his heart heavy.

Yakumaru continued guiding Rasa and his entourage through Konoha.

With every visit, every encounter with Konoha's elite shinobi, and every glimpse of the village's overwhelming strength, Rasa grew increasingly unsettled.

By the time he returned to the Hokage's office, where Hyuga Fuji stood behind Minato, the weight of Konoha's superiority pressed down on him.

The gap… was enormous.

"Lord Hokage," Rasa began. "I've considered your earlier proposal. Sunagakure and Konoha are allies. Naturally, we will stand together. However…"

He hesitated, seeing Minato's calm expression before finally stating his concern.

"Our village lacks a suitable Jinchūriki for Shukaku. If it goes berserk while I'm at the Five Kage Summit, Sunagakure could be destroyed!"

Minato's eyes narrowed. "What are you suggesting, Lord Kazekage?"

"If we can't resolve this, I may have to forgo the Five Kage Summit entirely."

Rasa sighed. "Would Konoha be willing to provide a method to restrain Shukaku? If so, I assure you—Sunagakure will fully support Konoha at the summit."

Minato glanced at Hyuga Fuji, suppressing a smile.

Strike where it hurts most.

Rasa's reaction was exactly as Fuji had predicted.

(End of Chapter)