[NTU] [ARC-06-WAR] Chapter : 75 (Patreon)

“It’s almost time to go,” Toshiro muttered. 'If I don’t leave soon, the Sage mode will probably end.'

He sighed, lamenting the loss of his ninja sword.

With that, his figure leaped and disappeared into the forest. As he departed, Toshiro wondered if he had gone too far. Treating a girl like Pakura like that, she would definitely hold a grudge against him.

Toshiro spared Pakura, who had fallen unconscious, and ignored the stunned Sand Ninjas around her. They were still reeling from Toshiro’s massive Fire jutsus standing there like dazed geese.

“Should we chase him or not?” someone finally asked after a long silence.

This question, posed by a hesitant chuunin, plunged the Sand Ninjas into an awkward stillness. They were too frightened by Toshiro’s power, especially his large-scale fire ninjutsu, which had almost overwhelmed them and cooked them.

It had taken nearly all their strength and chakra to block the attack, leaving their chakras nearly depleted. Another powerful fire ninjutsu would have been devastating. Pursuing Toshiro seemed impossible; they were not on the same level.

In the ensuing silence, the jounin puppet master, who had earlier tried to dissuade Pakura, spoke up. “Medical personnel, check on the injured Pakura. The other jonin will follow me to pursue the enemy. The remaining chuunin and genin will assist the medics.”

With a knowing look at his comrades, he led the jonin in the direction Toshiro had disappeared. However, once in the forest, they all chose paths different from Toshiro’s direction, a familiar tactic to deceive their superiors.

The remaining personnel began tending to the wounded, bringing order back to the medical point. The jonins' absence left them to clean up the aftermath.

High above, hidden on a cliff, a figure observed the Sand Ninjas through a telescope. “Finally, they’re gone,” the figure murmured, putting down the telescope and looking at the rising sun. It was Toshiro. The Toshiro in the camp below had been his shadow clone.

After infiltrating the Sand Ninja medical base, Toshiro created a shadow clone to act as a wounded person, allowing his real body to slip away unnoticed. He had planned it meticulously, using the shadow clone as an early warning barrier.

If discovered, he would escape using a flight suit he had crafted. Luckily, he hadn’t needed it this time, missing out on the thrill of flight.

“Well, the shadow clone is gone,” Toshiro noted as a memory flashed in his mind. “What did that clone do now?”

He was surprised by the clone’s unexpected actions, using a move like the ‘Single palm squeeze’ against Pakura. He couldn’t help but wonder if, deep down, he was just a pervert at heart.

“Forget it, these are trivial matters. The first real fight in Sage mode was exhilarating,” Toshiro thought, remembering the power he felt in that state.

Even though his personal strength was near to a Jounin, not counting the Sharingan. In sage mode, he could rival multiple jounins. However, the short duration—charging for half an hour and using it for five minutes—was a significant drawback.

“It would be amazing to enter sage mode at will,” he mused, performing several hand signs.

“Summoning Jutsu!”

Standing on the back of Yamawashi, Toshiro soared into the sky. Despite the challenges, his mission had to continue. Yet he couldn’t help but dream of a future where he could travel the ninja world freely, meeting different ladies every day.

Konoha, Year 44

The once bustling streets of Konoha looked somber due to the ongoing wars. Pedestrians passed by with weary faces, their expressions dull and hurried. It had been over two years since the war began, plunging the entire village into turmoil. Even the prestigious ninja clans, usually aloof, held frequent memorial ceremonies for their fallen loved ones.

“Toshiro-nii, you’re in the village too! That’s great. Are you free tonight? I’ll treat you to ramen!” A young man carrying a large bag of groceries spotted a senpai from his clan who had always looked out for him and quickly greeted him.

This young man was different now—no longer a weak kid, but a Genin ninja of Konoha. Grateful for Toshiro's past kindness, he wanted to express his thanks. Recently, he had completed many missions and saved up some money. Glancing at the girl next to him, he thought inviting Toshiro-nii would be perfect.

“It’s Obito! And Rin and Kakashi!” Toshiro, who had been passing by, turned at the sound of his name. Seeing Obito sweat profusely, carrying a large bag, and accompanied by two friends, Toshiro smiled knowingly.

'This kid is really something!'

At this time, Uchiha Obito was still well-liked, especially by the elderly in the village, due to his selfless help over the years. This included an 'old man' who had defected from Konoha. Pushing these thoughts aside, Toshiro greeted them warmly. Despite knowing how much Obito would change, he still found him easy to get along with.

“Toshiro-senpai, are you back in Konoha for some rest? And thank you for your practice notes!” Nohara Rin, who had noticed Toshiro thanks to Obito’s shout, ignored her package and greeted him with a bow.

“Rin, you don’t have to be so formal. Toshiro-nii is from my clan; there’s no need for such politeness,” Obito said, feeling a bit jealous.

“It’s okay, Obito,” Toshiro reassured him. Rin insisted on thanking Toshiro properly for his notes, which had helped her a lot with medical ninjutsu. Six months ago, Toshiro had returned to the village to deliver supplies and met Obito, who had been struggling with his feelings for Rin. To impress her, Obito had asked Toshiro, who excelled in medical ninjutsu, for help. In exchange, Obito promised to make Toshiro his right-hand man when he became Hokage. Toshiro, amused by the promise, agreed and shared his notes with Rin.

Now, seeing the current situation, Toshiro realized that Obito hadn’t taken full advantage of the opportunity. “Rin, you’re being too polite! I only asked Obito to give you the notes because he often mentioned how well you take care of him.”

Obito, nervous, interjected, “Isn’t it because of Rin’s outstanding talent and kind-heartedness that you gave her the notes, Toshiro-nii?” He glanced at Rin, his feelings for her evident in his eyes.

“Kakashi, you seem to be getting along well with your teammates lately,” Toshiro said, turning to the silent white-haired boy. Kakashi, though still reserved, no longer exuded the cold aura of despair and death. This change was undoubtedly due to his friends.

“Yeah,” Kakashi responded, his usual stoic self.

“Obito, are you treating us?” Rin chimed in, lightening the mood. “Why don’t we all go together? Toshiro-senpai, do you have time?”

“Tonight? Sure, I’ll be there on time! How about Yakiniku Q?” Toshiro agreed readily, deciding on the dinner location without consulting Obito.

“Hey! I didn’t…” Obito began, but fell silent under Rin’s hopeful gaze.

Konoha Village, Yakiniku Q

“Ha! Obito, do you have any objections to me being here?” A tall, red-haired figure wrapped an arm around the shorter Obito's neck, tightening her grip slightly as she asked in a deceptively sweet tone. “You know I came here for Rin’s sake, not because of you!”

“Ah! Let go! You're going to strangle me to death! I really don’t understand how someone as gentle as Minato-sensei likes a violent woman like you!” Obito cried out.

“What did you say? I didn’t hear that clearly. Can you repeat it?” The woman with the strikingly long red hair, Kushina, tightened her grip further, nearly choking the young Uchiha.

“Kushina-san, please don’t be angry. Obito didn’t mean it,” Rin interjected, trying to calm the situation and plead for her reckless friend.

Despite her rough treatment of Obito, Kushina’s concern for him was evident. She cared deeply for the brash young ninja, worried that his impulsive nature and desire to prove himself would get him seriously injured on the battlefield. This was her unique way of showing affection, even though it often involved physical reprimands.

“Rin, you’re the best. So considerate and sweet,” Kushina said, releasing Obito and giving Rin a quick hug. “This idiot doesn’t realize how much trouble he causes you!”

“Hah! I’m Uchiha Obito, the future Hokage! Why would you worry about me?” Obito boasted, only to be met with a swift punch to the head.

“Ah! There she goes again! You’re indeed a violent woman!” Obito exclaimed, holding his head in mock tears.

“You clumsy brat! Who’s violent? Want me to show you real violence?” Kushina threatened, her forehead pressed against Obito’s.

Toshiro, stepping into the private room, witnessed the amusing scene and couldn’t help but smile. Kushina, in her early twenties, still had the fiery temperament, characteristic of the Uzumaki clan. Her rough behavior masked a genuine concern for Obito’s well-being, a sentiment she often expressed through her tough love approach.

“Ah, Toshiro-senpai, you’re here too! Come, have a seat. We’ve been waiting for you.” Rin greeted him warmly, flashing an apologetic smile for her companions’ behavior.

Toshiro was pleasantly surprised to see Minato Namikaze and Kakashi Hatake at the table as well. He had anticipated a simple gathering with just the younger ninjas but found himself with two legends from the anime. Greeting Minato and Kakashi, he took a seat, ignoring the ongoing banter between Obito and Kushina.

“I apologize for Kushina. She’s not usually like this,” Minato said, attempting to salvage his girlfriend’s image with a sheepish grin.

“It’s fine. Seeing Kushina-senpai care so much about Obito is reassuring,” Toshiro replied, appreciating the lively atmosphere.

“What are you staring at?” Kushina snapped, noticing Toshiro’s gaze on her vibrant red hair. “Do you have a problem with my hair?”

“Not at all, Uzumaki-senpai. I was just recalling some old memories. My apologies,” Toshiro responded diplomatically, acknowledging her fiery personality.

“Hmph! As long as you know,” Kushina retorted, her temper cooling slightly with Minato by her side.

With everyone now gathered, Minato announced, “Let’s get started!”

The dinner had come together unexpectedly. When Rin mentioned the invitation, Minato hadn’t planned to join, but Kushina, eager for a break from the confines of her home, had insisted. Given her status as a Jinchuuriki, Kushina’s missions were few and far between, making this rare opportunity to relax all the more enjoyable.