CHAPTER 30
c30 - Be Careful Or You Will Be Killed
In Obito's house.
Grandma Madara, who was surrounded by two Yuuji clones taking care of her from all directions, suddenly opened her eyes.
"This feeling, is it White Zetsu? But there's something off about his aura…" Grandma Madara mused as she sat up.
"Ah, Obito's grandmother, why are you awake? It's time for you to sleep. You need your rest to prolong your life!" one of the shadow clones said as it gently tried to push her back down.
"..."
Grandma Madara secretly gritted her teeth. She was aware that her body was nearing the end of its lifespan, and she was biding her time for the perfect opportunity to provoke Obito and then die. But so far, that moment had not arrived.
The little devil in Shiranui's house was like an annoying piece of dog skin plaster, desperately clinging to her every move.
"Shiranui Yuuji… I will kill you one day," she muttered quietly, slowly closing her eyes.
---
Meanwhile, at the Kannabi Bridge.
Madara, still in his original form, immediately summoned White Zetsu and asked about Yuuji's progress.
"There's nothing I can do, Madara-sama. That brat controls a Bloodline Limit, and his power severely restricts me. As soon as he gets close to me, he'll be affected by that ability."
Madara's gaze hardened. "What do you know of his bloodline?"
White Zetsu hesitated before answering. "It can't exactly be called poison, but it's more of a special energy field. As long as something is within the range of his perception, it will be influenced by his power. Madara-sama, should I attempt an assassination? If I team up with Tobi*, we might be able to break through Aburame Shibi's swarm and take him down."
[*TL Note: Tobi, also known as Guruguru, was once one of the first victims of the Infinite Tsukuyomi, and later freed from the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path by Black Zetsu.]
"No need. This brat is not worth mentioning. Without the blood of the Senju and Uchiha, he's destined to be nothing more than a supporting player on the stage," Madara stated as he slowly closed his eyes.
White Zetsu studied him for a moment, a glint of intelligence and cunning flashing in his eyes—something even Madara did not notice.
---
Back in Konoha.
As Yuuji's experiments advanced, he became more aware of the true potential of the Shadow Clone technique. Unlike other techniques like the Water Clone or Earth Clone, which require materials as a foundation, the Shadow Clone was purely composed of chakra, making it far more versatile. The clone could return all memories to the main body upon dispersal.
"I've already grasped half of the key," Yuuji murmured to himself.
"Once I perfect the Nuclear Release clone, many of my problems will be solved," he added, satisfied with his progress.
---
When Yuuji finally stepped out of the laboratory after days of experimentation, he was greeted by some unexpected news.
"Oh? Minato has returned to the village…"
Walking through the streets, Yuuji overheard many villagers gossiping excitedly.
"Lord Minato, that man with the eternal smile…" one villager said with admiration.
"Because of him, we forced back Kumogakure! Even their Jinchuriki couldn't match him!" another added.
The streets were bustling with people, all cheering for Minato as he walked through the village, his presence radiating authority and power. The villagers' admiration for the Kage-level shinobi was clear.
Yuuji squeezed through the crowd and watched as Minato, with a smile on his face, led a group of injured frontline ninjas back to the village. Among them was Umino Ikkaku, his arm wrapped in bandages, still smiling despite his injuries.
"Yuuji-san! Yuuji-san! Come quickly, Kakashi and Genma are fighting!" Guy shouted, grabbing Yuuji and pulling him toward the training ground.
From a distance, it was clear that something was off between Kakashi and Genma. Kakashi, always known for his calm demeanor, was currently fighting with brutal intensity, launching powerful attacks with a cold, calculating edge.
"Look, that's Kakashi!" Guy pointed out, though it was obvious to Yuuji who it was.
"Of course, I know him. Kakashi is one of the strongest geniuses in Konoha. Everyone knows that," Yuuji replied, observing the scene.
But what caught Yuuji's attention was the situation at hand. Genma had been severely beaten. A heavy fist from Kakashi had sent Genma flying, causing him to spit out blood.
"This is getting out of hand…" Yuuji muttered under his breath.
"So you're Shiranui Yuuji. Minato-sensei has high praise for you. Let's see if you're truly as strong as they say," Kakashi declared, his voice dripping with intent to kill.
Kakashi's killing intent was palpable. After losing his father two years ago, he had hardened, his emotions twisted into a desire for strength. He unsheathed his White Fang sword and walked toward Yuuji with purpose.
"Minato-sensei told me that you are comparable to me. That's why defeating you is my current mission," Kakashi said, his eyes burning with resolve. The sword gleamed ominously in his hand.
Yuuji frowned as he observed Genma, now bloodied and barely able to stand. He understood the source of Genma's anger.
'Self-esteem… It can be such a troublesome thing,' Yuuji thought. 'Genma feels compelled to prove himself. But he's misguided. Kakashi, on the other hand… he's losing himself in this quest for strength.'
"I've warned you. There's no need to hang on to trivial things, like the name of your clan…" Yuuji said flatly.
Genma's face twisted with frustration. "I have no choice. I'm the leader of the Shiranui clan. There are some things you can't ignore. You can just be yourself, but I… I have a responsibility."
Yuuji sighed as he turned to face Kakashi. "If you're so determined to fight, then let's end this. But know this: You're about to pay the price for challenging me. Kakashi, be careful… or I might just kill you."
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