Naruto evolution system

Chapter 202: The Beginning of Tremors

In the outside world, near the waterfall.

The Flying Thunder God mark on Hotaru's neck glowed faintly. Moments later, Shira appeared with Jinjō and Fū among the group.

The sudden arrival of the three startled the group, but they quickly bowed and greeted in unison, "Master!"

"Mm."

Shira nodded briefly, releasing his grip on Jinjō's shoulder. He turned to Hotaru and the others, instructing, "The mission is complete. Retreat immediately."

"Understood, Master!"

Without hesitation, the group dispersed like a flock of startled birds, leaving the area within seconds.

Only Shira and Fū remained.

Finally realizing her situation, Fū lashed out, punching and kicking while shouting in an attempt to draw the village's attention.

"Let me go!"

"Who are you?"

"Why did you kidnap me?"

Annoyed by the commotion, Shira immediately used the Curse Mark of Subjugation to seal her movements.

Fū froze in place, unable to move or speak, and her face turned pale with fear. Tears welled up in her eyes, her terror evident.

Seeing her reaction, Shira hesitated slightly but ultimately activated the Flying Thunder God: Guide Thunder technique on his space ring, storing her within.

"Stop, evildoer!"

Suddenly, a sharp voice echoed from the waterfall's direction.

Shira turned briefly to see who it was, muttering, "Quick response."

Without further delay, he activated the Flying Thunder God technique, disappearing from the scene instantly.

Moments later, the current head of Takigakure, Setsuki, arrived at the location.

"Jōnin Mizukiri, any findings?"

Setsuki's youthful yet serious face bore a grave expression as he questioned.

Mizukiri's response was troubled, his face etched with worry.

"Sigh."

He let out a deep sigh before nodding. "It's becoming clear. The one who abducted Fū is none other than Shira, the S-rank rogue ninja from Konoha."

"Shira?"

The name struck a chord with Setsuki.

Although not particularly skilled in combat and somewhat timid, as Takigakure's leader, Setsuki was familiar with the famous names of the ninja world—Shira being one of them.

The rogue ninja of Konoha had once been a test subject, potentially linked to the creation of Mokuton (Wood Release) ninjutsu. Konoha had never acknowledged it, but Shira's possession of Mokuton was undeniable.

Moreover, he had recently mastered the signature move of the Fourth Hokage—the Flying Thunder God technique.

"Flying Thunder God?"

Setsuki turned to Mizukiri.

Understanding the implication, Mizukiri nodded. "Yes, it's highly likely that the Flying Thunder God technique enabled his sudden and seamless movements."

Upon hearing this, Setsuki almost staggered.

If it had been any other technique, Takigakure might have had a chance to retrieve Fū, but the Flying Thunder God rendered that possibility moot. Who knew where Shira had fled to by now?

"No!"

Steadying himself, Setsuki declared firmly, "We cannot let him escape so easily."

The loss of Fū was devastating, not merely because she was the host of the Seven Tails but because Setsuki regarded her as a younger sister. He could not bear the thought of her in harm's way.

"Jōnin Mizukiri, contact Konoha immediately and relay everything that's happened here. Make sure to include all the details."

"Even Fū's identity?" Mizukiri frowned.

"Yes!"

Setsuki's tone was resolute.

Though it carried risks, Setsuki reasoned that revealing Fū's identity was their best bet. Konoha would be compelled to act, as Shira was their rogue ninja. Knowing the Fourth Hokage's reputation, Setsuki was confident that Minato Namikaze would not sit idly.

By putting everything on the table, Konoha would not only have to pursue Shira but also refrain from keeping Fū in custody after recovering her. Konoha's status as a leading ninja village meant its actions were under constant scrutiny. Any overt manipulation would cost them credibility.

Even so, Mizukiri remained unconvinced.

After a moment's silence, he remarked, "Setsuki, look at the state of our village. First Shira, and who knows who might come next? We need a contingency plan."

"What do you mean?" Setsuki asked, his expression tightening.

"I believe we should use the Hero Water," Mizukiri replied, his gaze unwavering.

This statement hung heavy in the air.

Takigakure's legendary artifact, the Hero Water, was a potent weapon. It dramatically amplified a user's chakra but at a dire cost to their lifespan.

"With the Hero Water, even I wouldn't fear Shira. It would deter any future threats," Mizukiri insisted.

Hearing this, Setsuki's heart sank.

He had long suspected Mizukiri's fixation on the Hero Water. Over time, Mizukiri's probing questions had only confirmed it. But Setsuki couldn't allow it.

The Hero Water was a last resort for the village's survival, not a tool for individual power or ambition.

Moreover, Mizukiri was unaware of the Hero Water's fatal consequences, and Setsuki had no intention of revealing them. Exposing the truth would only weaken Takigakure's standing.

With a firm resolve, Setsuki replied, "Apologies, Jōnin Mizukiri, but the Hero Water is reserved for true emergencies. I cannot grant your request."

Without waiting for a response, he turned and walked away, leaving Mizukiri seething in silence.

Unseen by Setsuki, a glint of murderous intent flickered in Mizukiri's eyes.

Likewise, Shira remained unaware of the ripple effects caused by his actions. This mission had unwittingly set off a chain reaction that would reshape the ninja world.

(End of Chapter)

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