Naruto: Kurotsuchi Mayuri

"For a Jinchūriki, dealing with Hollowfication is too difficult!"

Killer Bee could only shrug helplessly at his brother's request. The mask's influence wasn't limited to just shinobi—even the Tailed Beast sealed within a Jinchūriki would be affected.

If the Tailed Beast also went berserk under the mask's power, the ecosystem of this island would be completely destroyed.

As a perfect Jinchūriki, he could remain conscious for a certain period after wearing the mask, but he couldn't control its power freely like his brother. 

Unlike him, his brother could use the mask's power at will and disengage from its influence at any time.

"But if it's Brother's request, I'll do my best."

Killer Bee added. As part of the A-B Combo, he had always adjusted his strength to match his brother. This time was no different.

"Raikage-sama!"

Whoosh! Whoosh! Whoosh!

Several swift figures rushed over from the distance, landing in front of the Fourth Raikage, A, and Killer Bee. 

It was Mabui and the others. Seeing that the battle had ended, they approached to receive orders.

"Lord Dodai has sent intelligence. The Kazekage has rejected our proposal to join forces in attacking Konoha."

As the Raikage's secretary, Mabui swiftly reported the crucial information received in the past two days.

"He refused? Doesn't matter."

Ai snorted, unconcerned about the Kazekage's decision.

During the Third Great Ninja War, Suna and Kumo were the first to withdraw from the conflict. 

However, compared to Sunagakure, which had suffered heavy losses and was struggling to maintain internal stability, Kumogakure was in a much better position.

After all, the war had never reached the Land of Lightning.

Although they were later deceived by Iwagakure, leading to the Third Raikage's death in battle while covering their retreat, most of the surviving Kumo-nin were brought back by Ai.

Over the past two years, Kumo has absorbed many secret technique clans and Kekkei Genkai clans. In terms of overall strength, they are certainly weaker than they were before the war.

However, every major nation and shinobi village has suffered losses in this war. Konoha, in particular, is visibly weakened.

Sunagakure's refusal to join forces against Konoha was somewhat unexpected for Ai, but it didn't change his determination to go to war.

Only by attacking Konoha while they are weak would they have the highest chance of victory. 

If Kumo could defeat Konoha, everything within Konoha's Technology Development Department—including the origins and secrets of the masks—would be theirs for the taking.

The harsh environment of the Land of Lightning had shaped the Kumo-nin into warriors who pursued strength above all else.

"Any other news?"

"Iwagakure and Konoha have officially entered peace talks," Mabui reported calmly. "Orochimaru, Tsunade, Uchiha Shisui, and Nara Kagetsu forced the Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, and Iwagakure to the negotiation table. Based on the timing of our intelligence, Iwa should already be starting their retreat."

"Iwagakure, huh?" A's body crackled with faint arcs of lightning.

He harbored deep hatred for Iwagakure, the village responsible for his father's death, and for Ōnoki, the mastermind behind it all. But he quickly composed himself, and the lightning around him faded into silence.

"Raikage-sama, I want to master the power of the mask!"

Yugito Nii suddenly raised her hand, looking firmly at the Fourth Raikage, A.

"It's too soon!" Ai frowned, glancing at Yugito before shaking his head, rejecting her request.

"But Darui and the others…" Yugito protested, unwilling to back down.

"Your situation is different from Darui's," A said as he looked at her dissatisfied expression. Though he was domineering both inside and outside the village, he was always patient with those he valued.

"You are a Jinchūriki. At least until you become a perfect Jinchūriki, it will be difficult for you to fully control the power of the mask."

"So, you're saying that once I become a perfect Jinchūriki, I can start learning to master the Hollowfication?" Yugito's eyes lit up as she caught onto the meaning behind A's words.

"Why are you suddenly so eager to master the Hollowfication mode?" A looked at Yugito's determination with some confusion. 

The Hollowfication mode was indeed powerful, but it also came with extreme risks. 

Yugito had yet to fully control the power of the Two-Tails, so her obsession with chasing after the power of the Hollowfication puzzled him.

"I'm guessing she must have heard a certain unforgettable name," a female ninja beside Yugito answered on her behalf.

"Samui!"

Exposed by her teammate, Yugito immediately shouted in frustration.

"A certain unforgettable name?"

Hearing those words, an image of a man with yellow hair surfaced in A's mind. It was as if he was a destined rival.

"It's Nara Kagetsu!" Yugito said decisively. "The last time I fought him, he used Wood Release and sealing techniques to steal a portion of the Two-Tails' power from me.

In this war against Konoha, I'll probably face him again, right? When that time comes, I will take back what he stole from me!"

"Do you think the power of the Two-Tails alone isn't enough to accomplish that?" A immediately grasped Yugito's thoughts.

"I..."

"You're right!" A cut her off before she could finish. "He single-handedly captured the Five-Tails' Jinchūriki. The Five-Tails' power is stronger than the Two-Tails'. Capturing instead of killing means his strength is enough to suppress the Five-Tails.

I know him—Orochimaru's disciple, the second-in-command of Konoha's Technology Development Department. He's already grown into a real threat!"

Yugito lowered her head.

But the next moment, a large hand pressed down on her head. She looked up in surprise, only to see A staring at her with a serious expression.

"You should know the risks of training in the Hollowfication Mode! To obtain the power of the Hollowfication, the Cloud Shinobi sacrificed many ninjas before finally discovering a successful path.

As a Jinchūriki, the risks you bear are even greater than those of ordinary ninjas."

"I can do it!" Yugito's eyes lit up. She had always been someone who refused to admit defeat. 

As Nara Kagetsu's reputation continued to rise in the ninja world, she had already come to see him—the young ninja who once caused her mission to fail—as her destined rival.

The power of the Two-Tails was not enough to defeat him, but with the addition of Hollowfication power, she might be able to fight him on equal terms.

As for the risks of training in Hollowfication Mode?

Yugito didn't care. The power of a Tailed Beast was just as dangerous, yet she had gradually learned to control it. As long as the Raikage was willing to teach her, she had nothing to fear.

"In that case, you'll train with Bee!" A swept his hand forward, pushing Yugito toward his younger brother, Killer Bee. In his eyes, Bee was the best teacher for her. 

Whether it was the Perfect Jinchūriki or the Hollowfication, he could guide her step by step.

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