Chapter 64: Yachihoko Fails to Brainwash

Not long after Tsunade had left, two ANBU escorted Naruto toward Konoha's shelter—only to find Uchiha Hikari standing in their path.

The moment they noticed the Sound Village forehead protector on her brow, their eyes filled with alarm. But against the power of the Sharingan, it was all for nothing.

Hikari activated her Mangekyō Sharingan, and the two ANBU fell under her genjutsu in an instant.

With swift precision, she eliminated both of them and then approached Naruto, casting a healing jutsu over him.

Naruto slowly opened his eyes to see her standing before him. "Oh… it's you, Hikari."

Hikari gave a cool nod—then, without hesitation, cast another genjutsu, plunging Naruto into an illusion.

...

In the illusion world, Hyuga Gakuya's chakra clone stood before him.

"Wait, Mokushu? What are you doing here?" Naruto asked, confused. He'd just emerged from his Tailed Beast state and had no idea that Chiba Mokushu had invaded the village.

Mokushu clapped his hands, and scenes began to appear behind him.

"I'm here to invite you to join my plan."

"Huh?" Even half-corrupted by the Tailed Beast, Naruto's airheaded nature hadn't changed.

"We're researching a jutsu that can bring the dead back to life. Join us, and one day, I'll have the power to bring your parents back. What do you say?"

"Just imagine it: the chance to reunite with those you've lost. To relive those precious moments… This is your chance to change fate itself, to make your family whole again."

Gakuya extended his hand.

Naruto wavered. Gakuya's offer was tempting—but then he remembered his father's words, telling him to find the Pervy Sage.

Naruto shook his head firmly. "Sorry, I can't go along with that. Where is this, anyway? I have to find the Pervy Sage. Let me out of here."

Gakuya's expression grew cold. "No one rejects me."

He lifted the genjutsu of his own accord, wiping Naruto's memory of the encounter.

...

In the real world, Naruto suddenly jolted awake and sprang to his feet.

"Sorry! I gotta go find the Pervy Sage!"

He dashed off toward the distance, already spotting Jiraiya locked in battle up ahead.

Hikari said nothing, silently watching Naruto leave. Her Mangekyō Sharingan spun again as she activated her ocular technique— Yachihoko.

But the moment she did, she felt a surge of pure yang chakra completely block her genjutsu.

Naruto remained oblivious, continuing his sprint.

"If the technique fails, abort immediately and pull back." Hikari echoed Gakuya's instructions to herself, suppressing her doubts as she watched Naruto disappear from view.

...

Gakuya's gaze was icy as he stared down the charging Jiraiya. The Rasengan roared in the Sannin's hand, a deadly force tearing through the air.

A twisted grin spread across Gakuya's face. He raised his right hand and called out,

"Sage Art: Bone Torrent Spiral Drill!"

In a flash, a massive bone drill formed in his hand, spinning at high speed. Around it, water and wind chakra spiraled together, creating a devastating vortex of power.

This was one of the abilities Gakuya had developed after years of absorbing Kimimaro's blood. Its destructive potential was terrifying—it could pierce through even a Susanoo's skeletal armor.

Jiraiya's eyes narrowed in surprise, but he didn't hesitate. With all his strength, he hurled the Rasengan forward.

The two forces collided mid-air with an earth-shaking boom. The shockwave that followed churned the air, blasting out in all directions.

Wind and water clashed against the Rasengan, but the drill pressed onward, violently tearing through its defense.

The attack struck Jiraiya dead-on, sending him flying. Gakuya immediately closed the distance, now standing over the weakened Sannin.

The bone drill hovered just inches from Jiraiya's forehead. Fukasaku and Shima, the Sage Toads, prepared to act—but Jiraiya canceled the summoning jutsu himself, sending them back to Mount Myōboku.

"Goodbye… Jiraiya." Just as Gakuya was about to strike—

"Stop! We'll agree to your demands!"

Tsunade appeared in front of him, holding up the fake alliance agreement that Kabuto had forged. Her eyes were full of desperation as they locked onto Jiraiya.

"Danzō has already been executed by Konoha. Your plan's been exposed. Don't keep pushing this—We're willing to accept the first, second, and third clauses of your terms!"

Gakuya's eyes widened in surprise, then twisted into frustration.

"And what's the value of one Kage-level life?"

Of course, he knew Danzō was dead—he'd been the one to kill him. Since Konoha was taking responsibility, he might as well play along, but the performance had to continue.

He moved the drill closer to Jiraiya's throat. Jiraiya stared at the whirling weapon, wind brushing his skin—but there was no fear in his eyes.

He just kept his gaze on Tsunade's frantic expression. He never imagined… that she'd ever look at him like this. If he died now, it'd be worth it. With that thought, Jiraiya coughed up more blood.

"We'll also agree to clauses seven and eight," Tsunade added through gritted teeth. "We'll handle war reparations for the Sound Village, and we'll fund the construction of an orphanage in the Land of Rice Fields, providing annual support."

Gakuya scoffed, "Just words. Why should I trust you? If I'm not mistaken, you're not even part of Konoha's upper council."

All around them, more ANBU and Konoha shinobi gathered behind Tsunade.

Yet behind Gakuya, the remaining Sound shinobi and their summoned beast Garaga stood firm. Even though they were clearly outnumbered and outmatched, not a single one showed fear.

They had already been marked by Yachihoko. No matter who they used to be, now they were loyal warriors of the Sound.

At that moment, an ANBU knelt beside Tsunade, presenting her the Hokage's hat.

Without hesitation, she took the hat and placed it on her head.

"I swear this as the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure!"

Tsunade had taken up the mantle in Konoha's darkest hour.

Gakuya glanced around, then said, "In that case… let my men leave first. I'll stay behind to negotiate."

Tsunade agreed without pause. "Fine."

The Konoha forces opened a path, allowing the remaining Sound ninja to retreat.

But one of them stepped forward firmly.

"We'll live or die with our leader."

"Yeah! Live or die together!"

"For the Land of Rice Fields!"

Gakuya turned to them.

"You're all brave. But there's no need for more sacrifice. It's time for your leader to carry the burden. Withdraw—this is my command!"

"Yes, sir!"

The Sound shinobi turned and began their retreat.

The Konoha ninja watched them go, their eyes full of awe. Just moments ago, they had tasted the true strength of the Sound.

These were warriors who embraced death, who would drag enemies to the grave with them. Even outnumbered, they'd fight tooth and nail. Life for life, wound for wound.

Faced with such enemies, how could they not feel fear and respect? These were foes no one would ever want to fight again.

Just what kind of person is this Chiba Mokushu, to inspire such unshakable loyalty—even at the cost of life itself?

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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