My Techniques are a bit off

It seemed to be about influence and connection.

"I must have profoundly influenced Baki's life, creating a connection that allowed me to summon him."

"Similarly, I've had a profound impact on Sasuke's life, which must have established a connection that allowed me to summon his father."

"As for my father, our connection is self-explanatory."

This explanation seemed to make sense, though something still felt off. After all, he had significantly impacted the life of the Third Hokage. So why couldn't he summon the Hokage's deceased wife, son, or daughter-in-law?

Or maybe he had tried, and they simply chose not to respond?

Link set these thoughts aside, focusing back on the battlefield.

Sasuke Uchiha was already down, his pained expression suggesting he had been hit by another Tsukuyomi. Meanwhile, Itachi and Fugaku were engaging in a carefully restrained fight, from taijutsu to kunai exchanges and even fire-style ninjutsu. It was evident from Itachi's subtle hesitation that his emotions were far from calm.

Baki wasn't faring any better. Within thirty seconds of engaging Kisame, he was already in a precarious position, barely using his superior speed to evade the massive sword swings. It was obvious he wouldn't last much longer.

Still, being dead meant Baki didn't fear death. He showed no hesitation or thoughts of retreat, steadfastly preventing Kisame from casting further ninjutsu.

However, just as Link turned his focus to him, Kisame used a water clone to trap Baki in a Water Prison Jutsu.

"So much for being useful."

"Stop!"

Kakashi Hatake was the first to arrive. Upon seeing the two deceased figures without shadows, his eyes betrayed a hint of shock.

"Kisame, let's go," Itachi said, seeing reinforcements arrive. With a calm yet firm tone, he vanished using the Body Flicker Technique.

Kisame grinned at Link, baring his sharp teeth, then pulled his sword from the ground and followed suit.

Once their chakra signatures disappeared, Fugaku returned with Sasuke in his arms. He cast a cold glance at Kakashi before laying his drenched son on the ground. Turning to Link, he said, "Sasuke is in your hands now."

If Fugaku were alive, he might have considered fostering good relations with Kakashi for the benefit of the Uchiha's revival. But as a deceased man, his only concerns were his two sons. The Uchiha clan had already been wiped out.

Baki, freed from the water prison and clutching his arm where Kisame's Samehada had torn into him, approached Link and asked, "The war... it's over, right?"

His concern for the village was evident. After all, when he took his own life, the Fourth Kazekage had yet to surrender. His actions, directly defying his superior's orders, had forced the Kazekage's hand to negotiate peace.

Even if he hadn't committed suicide, there would have been no place for him in the ninja world afterward.

Kakashi, now joined by Asuma, remained silent, watching Link.

"Yes," Link replied, "we've accepted the Sunagakure's surrender."

Baki visibly relaxed, nodding before vanishing along with Fugaku as the Rashōmon gates reclaimed them.

Kakashi lifted Sasuke and, with a rare seriousness in his tone, said, "Link, this jutsu of yours—"

Jutsu that touched the boundary of life and death were invariably forbidden. The first to summon the dead to fight was the Second Hokage, whose Edo Tensei had earned infamy as a vile technique.

Due to its unethical nature, Konoha had sealed away Edo Tensei for years.

Only yesterday, Orochimaru had used the same technique to devastate Konoha during the Konoha Crush. Now, if Link was practicing similar techniques—

Kakashi initially intended to warn Link not to use such jutsu lightly but ultimately refrained. Instead, he simply said, "I'll take Sasuke to the hospital."

Link watched him disappear before deactivating his transformation. Turning to Iris and Ami, he said, "Let's wrap up for today. We'll save the barbecue for next time."

The two exchanged a glance with him before naturally dispersing.

"Hey, uh..." Asuma started, seemingly wanting to say something.

But Link was already heading toward the Hokage's office. With the Akatsuki's appearance, he needed to report directly to the Third Hokage. Two members of the organization had infiltrated Konoha, one of whom was a former Konoha spy. Ignoring the situation wasn't an option.

Seeing Asuma hesitate, Link smiled and asked, "What is it?"

Asuma shook his head. "Nothing."

Seeing Baki and Fugaku earlier had deeply shocked Asuma. Initially, he thought it was Edo Tensei, but upon noticing the absence of sacrifices, he realized it wasn't the same.

It made him think about those he had lost—people he still deeply missed. But probing someone else's secret jutsu was taboo, so he kept his thoughts to himself.

…

Twenty Minutes Later, Hokage's Office

After hearing Link's report, the Third Hokage showed no surprise. Ever since he had experienced rejuvenation through Link's mysterious jutsu during the Konoha Crush, he had known the boy wasn't simple.

Summoning the deceased was just another layer to his abilities.

Looking at the young man standing before him, the Third Hokage simply said, "Be cautious when using that summoning jutsu."

Since it didn't require sacrifices, wasn't excessively cruel, and didn't harm the user's body, it didn't strictly qualify as a forbidden technique.

In fact, the Third Hokage mused, if he were to die, he might be willing to be summoned back to protect the village and its future.

"About the Uchiha..." The Third Hokage removed his hat and locked eyes with Link. "How much do you know?"

Given that Fugaku Uchiha had been summoned, it was clear Link had uncovered a significant portion of the truth.

"Some," Link admitted, prepared for this conversation.

He had rarely interacted with the Third Hokage before. A man who had lived so long couldn't be easily deceived, and Link wasn't about to test whether his secrets could fool someone like him.

But now, as a Special Jonin and an integral part of Konoha's upper echelons, Link's position was secure. His connections, especially to the Hokage's faction, ensured his safety.

There was no longer any need to hide everything.

Initially, Link had planned to approach the Hokage later, but the Akatsuki's appearance had accelerated his timeline. He decided to frame his knowledge as being gleaned from his interactions with the deceased, leaving no way for anyone to verify its accuracy.

As a regular ninja, exposing too much knowledge would have been perilous. But as a high-ranking member of Konoha's leadership, and someone trusted by the Hokage, Link wasn't worried.

Why should I handle every future crisis alone when I can delegate to others?

~~~

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