Chapter 142: I Won't Turn a Blind Eye

The Ino–Shika–Cho team was really powerful. In Konoha, having a combat squad made up of three jonin was rare. Those who had shown off brilliantly during the last great ninja war and were key supporters of the Hokage faction were undoubtedly formidable fighters.

Even so, Mizuki still couldn't be certain whether these three could definitely drive off Tobi. After all, the nature of Wood Release techniques meant their user wouldn't fear being overwhelmed by numbers. Even if those opponents were the well-coordinated Ino–Shika–Cho, the same rule applied.

Next, Choza Akimichi used the Expansion Technique. His body rapidly swelled into an enormous giant-like form and rushed forward to clash with the wooden constructs. Though he was clearly at a disadvantage, he at least now had a chance to fight head-on.

"Watch out for the wooden spikes he throws. Don't let them pierce your body, or it'll get really troublesome."

For someone with such a massive physique like Choza Akimichi, that tremendous growth gave him both a big advantage and some serious drawbacks. While his increased size brought greater strength, it also meant he became an easier target. Especially when facing attacks with special effects, the Expansion Technique became particularly vulnerable. The [Piercing Palm Jutsu] Tobi used was exactly this kind of threat. Its destructive power came from the way the wood would grow again inside the enemy's body after piercing through it, progressively destroying them from within. This cruel attack would cause terrifying internal injuries and unbearable pain to anyone struck.

"Got it. We'll go help first—you stay here and watch over these two genin…"

Fighting against Tobi, the Ino–Shika–Cho trio actually had the upper hand. Although Tobi had overwhelming power, his other abilities were lacking. Besides the [Piercing Palm Jutsu], which was his trump card, the rest of his basic Wood Release techniques were only effective against regular ninja. However, with Choza stepping in as their muscle, those attacks aimed at jonin-level opponents turned into little more than annoyances. Plus, Inoichi Yamanaka's Mind Transfer Secret Technique was a mid-range control jutsu that struck dread into anyone caught in its range. Meanwhile, Nara Shikaku's Yin Attribute Shadow Imitation Technique was even harder to defend against. Particularly after Tobi had used so many Wood Release techniques, scattered wooden stakes littered the battlefield, leaving plenty of shadows for Shikaku to exploit.

Luckily for Tobi, he wasn't using his original body. He had slightly stronger resistance against mental secret techniques. Also, although most of White Zetsu's clones had been nearly wiped out by Mizuki's barrier traps, there were still a few left. Combined with others summoned from nearby areas, he managed to maintain at least a small presence—though they weren't much help in battle, they could still lend a hand when things got too chaotic.

When neither side had any decisive finishing move ready, the situation favored Konoha's forces. After all, this battle was happening right inside Konoha. A quick surprise attack might work fine, but if things dragged on too long, escaping later would become difficult.

"Sasuke, let me check your arm," Mizuki said. As soon as the danger passed, Mizuki finally thought about checking on Sasuke Uchiha, who had used Chidori several times without any treatment. No doubt, his arm must've already gone almost completely numb.

"Alright, Teacher Mizuki." Sasuke had seen Mizuki use Medical Ninjutsu a few times before, so he didn't doubt his abilities. He obediently held out his arm as instructed.

"Huh? How come the injury's this bad?" Seeing that Sasuke's wounds were far worse than expected, Mizuki frowned. "You're lucky you can even move. Looks like your limit's about two Chidori, maybe three if you push it? Didn't Kakashi tell you that?"

"He did, but sometimes you can't help it..."

"Can't be helped? If you keep pushing yourself like this, there won't always be a medical ninja nearby to patch you up. You really need to work on your chakra control."

Lightning Release is one of the toughest chakra natures to handle. Especially when it comes to shape transformation—if your control isn't top-notch, the lightning hits you before it ever reaches an enemy. Even though Kakashi Hatake taught Sasuke Uchiha how to use Lightning Release chakra to stimulate his body's cell vitality, significantly improving his physical condition and adaptability to lightning chakra, even then, losing control of Chidori could still seriously injure him. Just like [Wind Release:] Rasengan Shuriken—Naruto Uzumaki's invention. Before hurting enemies, it hurts the user first. Without the Uzumaki clan's special constitution combined with the Nine-Tails' healing power, his arm would have been crippled long ago. Plus, Chidori also drains a massive amount of chakra. After just a few uses, Sasuke's reserves were nearly gone, meaning the Cursed Seal would flare up again.

"Chakra control? Kakashi mentioned it too, but this kind of thing takes time to improve through practice..."

While treating Sasuke's arm, Mizuki said, "I know your situation already. Your future isn't something worth doubting. But if you want rapid improvement in the short term, it'll be tough. Kakashi is a great teacher, and his methods suit you well. The foundation he's built with you is solid—a real cornerstone for becoming a powerful ninja. However…"

Mizuki glanced sideways at Naruto, who was pretending not to listen while feigning indifference to what was happening elsewhere. Then he motioned toward him. "You come over here too. Let me check your injuries." Earlier, Naruto had been trapped by Wood Release techniques and pounded by thick wooden poles. Though his naturally strong body suffered nothing serious, it definitely hadn't felt good.

"Sasuke, talent in ninjutsu is one thing..." Mizuki paused briefly before continuing, "but learning how to become a qualified ninja is also extremely important. Both kinds of ability are crucial—they complement each other and create a successful ninja. You've done well in the first, but in the second, you should learn more from Naruto."

"Hear that, Sasuke? You should learn from me more often!" As soon as he heard Mizuki's words, Naruto started gloating to Sasuke.

"Naruto, I'm not praising you..." Mizuki sighed, used to how Naruto always only listened halfway and completely ignored the second part.

"Dobe," Sasuke scoffed at Naruto, causing the latter's face to twist in irritation immediately.

Ignoring Naruto's shouting, Sasuke turned to Mizuki and asked, "Teacher Mizuki, you just said that it would be very difficult for me to quickly enhance my strength at this moment. In other words, it's not impossible, right?"

"If you insist on interpreting it that way, you're not wrong," Mizuki replied, casting a meaningful glance at Sasuke Uchiha. Only someone as desperately hungry for power as Sasuke could perceive the hidden implication in Mizuki's words. "Kakashi must have told you already—ninja can't be judged by conventional standards. There are people in the world now younger than you who are even stronger than your teacher Kakashi. However, obtaining those methods to grow stronger won't be easy for you to find—or rather, are you sure you can pay the price required to gain strength?"

Power you get for free only exists in dreams. The real world doesn't work that way.

"The price?" Mizuki was speaking seriously, and Sasuke needed time to consider carefully.

Actually, some of what Mizuki had just said wasn't entirely accurate. When he thought about it, he couldn't recall anyone genuinely younger than Sasuke Uchiha but still stronger than Kakashi Hatake. Well, except perhaps ancient individuals long dead—like Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, Indra, or Ashura. Those legendary figures might indeed have been stronger than today's Kakashi before they were even twelve years old. But in today's ninja world, finding someone like that would be extremely difficult.

Looking toward Tobi in the distance, who was clearly struggling under the combined assault of Ino–Shika–Cho, Mizuki realized the chaos that began with the Chunin Exams was nearly coming to an end. Unlike the earlier coordinated attack launched by Orochimaru and the Suna ninja, this recent disturbance was merely a sudden strike conducted by several elite ninja. Although impressive in scale, the damage and casualties caused were far less severe than those from several days ago.

"Teacher Mizuki, do you know where I can find a method to rapidly increase my strength?" While observing the battlefield situation, Mizuki suddenly heard the impatient question from behind him—the voice belonged to Sasuke Uchiha.

Hearing Sasuke, Mizuki inwardly sighed.

Looks like my words didn't mean anything after all.

Initially, he'd hoped to subtly discourage Sasuke, but it seemed his attempt hadn't worked—and may have even backfired. Once again, Mizuki reaffirmed how much he hated Sasuke—or rather, people who always went to emotional extremes. Funny thing was, those were exactly the types who easily awakened the Mangekyou Sharingan. The rumors claiming the Sharingan was a pitifully cursed power didn't seem so unfounded now.

If not for Kakashi's sake, Mizuki wouldn't have wasted so many words conversing with Sasuke Uchiha. He already had enough personal troubles without needing to babysit a child's quest for revenge. As for Sasuke himself—what he did or didn't do hardly mattered. Even if problems arose, they'd surface no sooner than three years later. If by then Mizuki still hadn't gained sufficient strength to stop living at others' mercy, the affairs of the ninja world wouldn't concern him much anymore anyway.

"Ignoring your question first—how powerful do you think Itachi Uchiha is?" Mizuki countered, pointing toward Tobi in the distance. "Do you believe that man wielding [Wood Golem Jutsu] over there could kill Itachi?"

"Well... probably," Sasuke admitted enviously, watching Tobi control the [Wood Style techniques].

"Probably?"

"You've got no idea what a real high-level ninja can do, Sasuke! Keep thinking like that, and revenge? Dream on!"

"No way that's not enough?" Sasuke stared at Mizuki, clearly skeptical. "You're telling me *he's* that strong?"

Talking this much with Sasuke today was already going beyond what was necessary—human kindness wasn't infinite. Telling Sasuke all this already more than repaid whatever help Kakashi had given him before.

Just when Mizuki was starting to get fed up and ready to stop talking altogether, a nearby chakra fluctuation occurred—Might Guy and Kakashi finally appeared.

"Sasuke, please stay calm..." Kakashi coughed lightly, drawing Sasuke's attention before continuing, "You and Naruto retreat to safety first. Guy, you escort them. I'll catch up soon."

"Your injuries?" Might Guy asked with concern.

"They're fine now. Besides, I'm not alone here either."

"Alright." Guy glanced at the relatively okay Mizuki, the giant bear beneath his feet, and then at the Ino–Shika–Cho trio who were gradually gaining the upper hand nearby. "Be careful..."

...

As Might Guy, Sasuke, and Naruto walked away, Kakashi pulled out the scroll containing [Amaterasu] fire and handed it back to Mizuki.

"Just now, thanks for your trouble."

"You could've stepped in sooner instead of eavesdropping for so long," Mizuki said with a faint smile. "Still, Sasuke's problem is getting worse, and I couldn't really help much..."

"It's not your fault. How should I put this... Ahh..." Kakashi sighed, truly unsure how to describe their current predicament.

"Kakashi, surely you've heard of the legend about the Uchiha Clan's Mangekyo Sharingan?"

"Of course." Kakashi nodded—it was exactly what his left eye socket contained.

"The Mangekyo Sharingan—rumored to awaken only after killing someone close to you, maybe even your own blood... What do you make of that? Some kind of cursed bloodline ability?"

"Well, that's just a legend..."

Mizuki shook his head. "All legends aren't baseless, Kakashi!"

"You mean there's truth behind all this?" Kakashi went quiet. If it really was true, how would Naruto react? If Sasuke ever found out that killing his closest friend—Naruto himself—was the key to awakening the Mangekyo Sharingan and gaining the power for revenge, what choice would he make?

"Have more faith in your students," Mizuki shot back. Although Sasuke might not be someone who appreciates favors, at least Naruto was different. In the original storyline, during the fight at the Valley of the End, Sasuke still didn't kill Naruto. "Thinking like that makes you a terrible teacher."

"You're right. I shouldn't have said that," Kakashi scratched his head. "It really is a mess... But for now, we'll take it one step at a time."

...

Night fell. The terrifying clash between powerful ninja from earlier seemed as if it had been nothing more than a dream.

The Akatsuki's ambush amounted to nothing, failing to accomplish any objective. Konoha's situation was even more embarrassing — they were being attacked over and over again, and this time didn't even manage to capture a single enemy. They hadn't achieved anything at all except eliminating numerous White Zetsu duplicates that looked like puppets. Obito Uchiha's Kamui made capturing any prisoners nearly impossible.

In a small town far from Konoha, inside a temporary shelter provided by an external member of the Akatsuki organization, Obito Uchiha was arguing with Itachi Uchiha over the events of the day.

"Our agreement still stands, Itachi. Everything we do is to capture the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki."

"You say you're Madara Uchiha, and I won't argue with that," Itachi said calmly. "But... capturing the Nine-Tails is my mission."

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