Chapter 93: Chapter 94: Are You Trying to Dig a Hole for Me to Fall Into?
"Did Sakumo actually develop Chidori?"
Back at the manga shop.
Akaba hadn't even caught his breath when Sakuma Yunlang dropped this earth-shattering news.
"The Hatake Clan sent word that it succeeded. But apparently, Sakumo collapsed and was taken to the hospital for treatment."
Sakuma Yunlang explained.
"To the hospital?"
Akaba couldn't help but raise an eyebrow. Just how hard did this kid push himself? Over one technique...
He'd discussed Chidori with Sakumo and really hoped he'd pull it off, but not if it cost him his health.
"Yes, looks like he overused Lightning Release chakra."
"That's not too bad."
Akaba exhaled in relief.
Performing Chidori required Lightning Release chakra to stimulate the body, so constant training could indeed cause some damage.
But those kinds of injuries usually healed within half a day.
Still, out of concern for his friend, Akaba decided to personally visit the hospital and check on him.
When he arrived at the hospital, he wasn't the only one there — The Third and Danzo were already present.
Well, this is high-level attendance!
"Lord Third... Teacher..."
Akaba glanced at them, then looked toward the inside of the hospital room, looking completely baffled.
This shouldn't be anything serious, right?
The Third puffed on his pipe calmly. Understanding Akaba's confusion, he shook his head and said, "Don't worry. Sakumo has already woken up. We're just making sure this new jutsu doesn't have serious side effects, so we asked him to get a physical exam."
"Right."
Danzo grunted in agreement, then fell silent again.
"Oh, I see."
Nodding, Akaba could only wait alongside them.
Having read the original story, he naturally knew Chidori didn't cause major physical damage. But for people like The Third, any newly created technique needed proper evaluation.
After all, the Scroll of Seals was specifically reserved for powerful techniques that had significant drawbacks.
"Honorable Lords, the results are out — Sakumo Hatake is in perfect health. The damage caused by Lightning Release chakra will recover naturally within a few hours."
Upon hearing this, The Third immediately relaxed.
At the same time, Danzo subtly glanced into the room before turning back to Akaba and asking, "Aren't you supposed to be helping Lady Mito set up the event venue?"
"There are some performance arrangements I need to consult with you and Lord Third about."
Akaba replied.
"Oh?"
The Third looked at him for a moment, then lifted his pipe and asked, "What kind of performances?"
"We've arranged the following program schedule for the Manga Con..."
Akaba went through the schedule in detail, explaining each plot point carefully.
After thinking briefly, The Third nodded approvingly, saying, "Since Daimyo will participate, the program certainly can't be random. Your proposal is excellent. Let me know if you need any help."
"Hearing you say that makes me very happy. I'd like to invite you to portray Zabuza's role."
Hearing that, Akaba felt sincerely delighted.
He'd been wondering how to bring it up, but now The Third practically handed him the chance.
"This..."
The Third hesitated slightly.
Zabuza?
He remembered that Mito Uzumaki was playing Haku's role.
Thinking for a moment, the Third puffed on his pipe to hide his expression. "I'll be accompanying the Daimyo back then. I probably won't have much time. Danzo, would you mind handling it?"
"I'm busy too."
Danzo gave him a cold glare and flatly refused.
In truth, he didn't know why the Third had declined, but something was clearly off—only a fool would agree.
"Actually, Multiple Shadow Clones work just fine."
Akaba wore a smile reminiscent of Lady Mito.
"Just send a clone. It won't interfere with your time with the Daimyo, will it?"
Danzo let out a scoff.
"Hmm, let's go check on Sakumo first. We can talk about this later."
The Third shook his pipe and walked into the room.
Danzo sneered at the Third, then turned to Akaba. "I won't go in. Let Sakumo rest properly."
"Yes, Teacher."
Akaba bowed deeply, displaying impeccable manners.
Danzo gave a slight nod and turned to leave the hospital, clearly having no intention of meeting Sakumo.
Inside, he saw Sakumo and his father, Kakashi Windseer.
Kakashi Windseer looked about seventy percent like the adult Sakumo. Since he wasn't on a mission, he wore casual clothes, yet carried an air of authority.
"Akaba, I wanted to meet you before, but never got the chance. Now I finally get to see you in person."
Kakashi Windseer tugged his lips slightly, offering what barely qualified as a "kind" smile.
"Uncle, Sakumo's injury—"
"It has nothing to do with you. He insisted on continuing anyway."
His tone toward his son was noticeably stricter, but from the barely concealed joy in his eyes, it was clear how proud he felt that Sakumo had transformed theory into reality with Chidori.
The Third sat on an empty chair, briefly reviewed the examination records, then put them down again.
Clearly, his thoughts were somewhere else entirely.
Zabuza?
Haku was Zabuza's subordinate. Taking on such a role would be an outright insult to the First Hokage.
This brat's setting a trap for me to walk into!
Thanks to Tobirama Senju, Konoha had many ninja skilled in Water Release techniques, so finding someone capable of impersonating Zabuza wasn't difficult.
But who would dare?
He had no choice but to face it head-on, considering how recklessly he had boasted.
The Third sighed helplessly, having mostly figured out Akaba's intentions.
Just then, Sakumo walked out of the ward with Shishio, one of his teammates.
"Akaba, the jutsu you envisioned—I've actually developed it. Though it still has some distance to go before becoming Lightning Cutter."
Sakumo smiled happily.
It was obvious how thrilled he truly was; otherwise, he wouldn't show such expressive emotion.
"Lightning Cutter evolved from Chidori, but fundamentally, they're not much different," Akaba replied.
"Chidori? That's exactly it—the sound when releasing the technique resembles birds chirping wildly."
That sharp screeching noise still lingered vividly in Kakashi Windseer's memory.
"Judging by its destructive power, it qualifies as an A-rank technique," the Third commented approvingly.
"Creating an A-rank technique—you two are incredible!" Shishio spoke enviously, yet couldn't help feeling like he was being left behind by his teammates' rapid growth.
"Hehehe, Shishio, don't feel discouraged. The technique itself doesn't hold much value—they're basically just messing around."
The Third half-joked to comfort him—but also to send a quiet warning to Sakumo.
However, both Sakumo and Akaba were well aware of this point. Nodding simultaneously, they voiced their agreement, saying, "Indeed, Chidori itself is an imperfect ninjutsu."
Akaba didn't say the rest out loud.
If someone can turn theory into a real Chidori in just two or three days, creating a personalized version suited for himself would be no problem at all.
"I agreed to that matter."
Now that Sakumo was safe, the Third naturally had to take his leave as well.
Before departing, he whispered something beside Akaba, then forced a calm expression and walked away.
Akaba didn't dwell on the details. Pushing further would only provoke the Third, and nobody would benefit. Since his goal had already been achieved, it was wise to quit while ahead.
After they all left the hospital, he brought up the Manga Con schedule and plans with Sakumo and Shishio.
The main focus in the Manga Con arrangements revolved around the rehearsals.
The Third had already mentioned rehearsals when reporting the event plans earlier, so there was no need for additional notification.
Since many more people still needed informing, Akaba didn't stay long. After briefly meeting with them, he headed first to the Uchiha residence to deliver the notice.
Tomorrow was the dress rehearsal, so these notices had to be delivered today. Otherwise, anyone facing The Third or Mito Uzumaki unprepared would end up flustered and with shaky legs.
Luckily, he himself didn't have to participate.
Akaba felt relieved he had excused himself beforehand—he wouldn't have to attend the rehearsals either.
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