Naruto: Getting Observation Haki By Sacrificing The Byakugan

She had indeed used her full sensory abilities at first, but after a few attempts, Kurenai Yuhi found it mentally exhausting. That was why she had since reverted to more conventional methods of conducting investigations.

Now, however, she fully released her chakra-based sensory perception, carefully scanning for any unique chakra signatures within the area.

In her assessment, while Tsunade's strength was undoubtedly immense, as a highly experienced ninja traveling incognito, Tsunade would most likely suppress her chakra signature rather than flaunt it.

Therefore, even if Tsunade was in this town, locating her wouldn't be an easy task.

To Kurenai's surprise, the moment her sensory perception enveloped the entire area, she immediately picked up Tsunade's chakra signature.

But rather than feeling relieved, her expression grew grave.

There was another chakra signature beside Tsunade's—an intense, violent one. That alone was unusual, but what truly concerned her was that she recognized it.

The Fourth Raikage—A.

Why was he here, in the same courtyard as Tsunade?

Worse still, he wasn't alone. His chakra was accompanied by several others—elite-level shinobi judging by their signatures. The atmosphere radiating from them was tense, bordering on hostile.

If Tsunade and the Fourth Raikage hadn't both raised their chakra to such high levels—perhaps in a standoff—Kurenai might never have detected them so quickly.

Weighing the odds between both parties, she turned to glance at the three genin she had brought with her.

After a brief pause, she reassessed the situation.

Yes, the Fourth Raikage was powerful, but together with Tsunade, she believed they could handle him if necessary.

This might even be a good opportunity to test her students' progress after being out on mission for so long.

The chakra signatures of the Raikage's team were indeed strong, reinforcing the idea that they were elite-level Cloud shinobi. But so what?

Aside from Anko, who was slightly behind, her other two disciples were exceptional. Uchiha Shisui, in particular, was widely regarded as a prodigy even among the Uchiha Clan. The other, while unnamed here, could be imagined as similarly gifted.

Thinking along these lines, Kurenai motioned forward and said, "Let's go. It's time you see the real world—the kind of world you're now ready to be part of."

Without another word, she led them in the direction of Tsunade's chakra signature.

From her sensory feedback, the confrontation between Tsunade and A was tense, but hadn't escalated into a battle yet, so she walked at a measured pace.

Uchiha Shisui and the other two exchanged glances, then followed without hesitation.

They weren't sure what Kurenai meant by "real world," but judging by her tone and chakra presence, it likely involved high-level conflict—and they were ready for it.

---

In an inconspicuous courtyard at the edge of town, two towering figures stood opposite each other in silent confrontation.

One was a tall, muscular man radiating immense chakra—A, the Fourth Raikage of Kumogakure.

The other was a woman with long blonde hair, wearing a green haori with the kanji for "gamble" (賭) on the back—none other than Tsunade of the Legendary Sannin.

Behind Tsunade stood Shizune, clutching the pig Tonton. Behind the Raikage was a group of elite Cloud ninja—and further back, several severely wounded shinobi on stretchers.

"Tsunade," A said sternly, his voice deep and commanding. "You've had enough time to consider. I can wait—but my comrades can't. Heal them. Now."

His tone was firm, even aggressive.

But Tsunade was never one to be intimidated—especially not by brute force.

She met his gaze with equal defiance, making it clear that she wouldn't be ordered around. The two radiated so much pressure that even their respective allies were on edge.

Just then, both turned their heads in unison.

Someone was approaching. A small squad.

One in front, three behind—a classic ninja formation.

Neither Tsunade nor A made a move. Both waited to see who would arrive.

The wooden gate creaked open.

Kurenai Yuhi stepped in first, followed by her three genin.

Tsunade frowned in surprise, while A narrowed his eyes.

He recognized Kurenai as a well-known genjutsu specialist from Konoha—hardly someone who should be involved in high-level diplomatic conflict.

But what caught his attention was something else.

Her identity.

Kurenai Yuhi, the rumored fiancée of Kawaki Aoba—known in the shinobi world as the new "Ninja God."

The previous title had belonged to Hashirama Senju, but after a series of legendary victories and the circulation of footage showcasing Aoba's overwhelming strength, the world had begun to regard Kawaki Aoba as his modern-day equivalent.

No one who had seen those battle images questioned the title.

Seeing Kurenai Yuhi now, the Raikage's first instinct was caution. He immediately began scanning the area using both sensory ninjutsu and visual observation.

Was Kawaki Aoba here too?

If he was, this confrontation had already escalated beyond control.

But… there was no sign of him. No signature, no concealed chakra. And from what he'd heard, someone like Kawaki Aoba wouldn't bother hiding.

Relieved, A relaxed slightly—but only slightly.

His eyes turned back to Kurenai Yuhi, this time with a hint of curiosity.

At the same moment, Kurenai met his gaze—calm, unreadable, yet subtly confident.

Facing the sharp gaze of the Fourth Raikage, Kurenai Yuhi narrowed her eyes, her expression steady and unyielding.

"Fourth Raikage, I don't like the way you're looking at us," Kurenai said coldly, her tone cutting through the tension like a blade.

Even Tsunade, observing from the side, couldn't help but glance at Kurenai in surprise.

Is Kurenai always this bold? She's usually reserved... Did something change?

Ay, the Fourth Raikage, responded with a glare that radiated raw power—a pressure befitting a Kage-level shinobi began to bear down on Kurenai.

"Hmph." Tsunade snorted, taking a step forward as her own chakra surged in defense of her fellow Konoha shinobi.

No matter who she is, Kurenai is still a Konoha ninja. I won't let her be intimidated on my watch.

The standoff between Raikage and Hokage reignited the tensions of past Kage Summits. Kurenai, caught between the two titans, appeared almost forgotten—until a voice broke the tension.

Behind her, Mitarashi Anko chuckled. "Pfft—hahaha! Sensei, they're treating you like you're not even here."

Kurenai's brow twitched, but she ignored her mischievous former student. Her eyes remained locked on the Fourth Raikage.

Suddenly, another presence entered the standoff—an overwhelming chakra flared up, catching even Ay off guard.

That chakra… It's not just strong—it's beastly.

The Raikage's expression shifted. Who is this red-haired girl? A genjutsu user shouldn't have this kind of pressure…

He didn't realize it, but the oppressive aura was partially an illusion—genjutsu layered over reality.

Kurenai's thoughts:

Genjutsu can do more than deceive the eyes—it can stir fear, press down like a mountain. The Kurama bloodline's talent isn't just illusion… it's influence.

"I'll say it again, Raikage Ay," Kurenai's voice rang out, firm and clear, "I don't like your eyes. And I can't ignore your aggressive movements toward Lady Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin. This isn't your territory, and we're not at war. Should I take this as a provocation against the Hidden Leaf?"

She didn't shout—but her words carried weight. Kurenai Yuhi stood tall, the unexpected guardian of Konoha's dignity.

Ay scowled. Her insinuation, her poise, and the silent pressure of Tsunade standing by her side—it all stirred his ire.

Provocation? Then I'll show you a response.

Lightning surged around his body—his signature Lightning Release Chakra Mode activating as he burst forward.

Like a bolt from the heavens, the Raikage charged toward Kurenai, hand drawn back for a devastating chop.

She may be bold, but she's a genjutsu specialist, he thought. She won't withstand a taijutsu assault.

But he wasn't the only one moving.

Tsunade leapt into action, her Super Strength-laced punch crashing into the ground as she tried to intercept—but she was half a second too slow.

Damn it, she cursed, watching helplessly as the Raikage closed the distance.

Kurenai didn't flinch.

She raised her arm.

Lightning danced across her skin—not chakra, but true lightning—and something else. Her arm, slender yet steady, gleamed with a pitch-black coating.

Armament Haki.

With the power of a Mythical Zoan Devil Fruit, Kurenai had long surpassed human limits. Observation Haki was already hers. Armament followed naturally.

Raikage Ay's eyes widened.

That's my technique… no, it's—

Liger Bomb.

Kurenai's body blurred with speed, matching Ay's technique with a mirrored movement of her own. The air cracked as the two clashed—lightning against lightning, will against will.

And in that instant, a genjutsu subtly twisted Ay's perceptions—his angle, his timing, even his depth of field. He didn't see the counter coming until it was too late.

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