A huge hole had been blasted into the wall of the Hokage's office.
Yugao Uzuki materialized into view.
Upholding her professional discipline and loyalty as an Anbu, she simply stood there quietly, waiting for the Third Hokage's orders.
Naruto took a few steps back, creating distance between himself and her.
Hiruzen Sarutobi and three other Anbu members all shared the same question swirling in their minds.
Why would Jiraiya-sama suddenly attack Captain Uzuki?
"Jiraiya..." Hiruzen started to ask something.
Jiraiya gave him a meaningful look, immediately causing Hiruzen to hold his words.
Right, Jiraiya never acted without reason. Perhaps there was something wrong with Yugao? They should observe first.
Jiraiya swiftly rushed forward, launching an attack against Yugao Uzuki.
Now, it was time to be cautious.
As she drew the long blade from her back to parry, Yugao glanced toward Hiruzen's direction.
Why hadn't the Third Hokage stopped this yet? Could it possibly be done with his authorization? What was the purpose?
The cold gleam shone like stars.
Jiraiya felt surprised in his heart.
So she actually was a swordsman of great skill. The last time he'd encountered someone who purely wielded blades was none other than Sakumo Hatake.
Unfortunately, she would ultimately become an enemy.
Though Yugao had improved, she currently possessed only the strength of a Jonin, not to mention she hadn't given her all because she didn't understand what was happening. Quickly, Jiraiya seized control of the battle rhythm.
Jiraiya forced Yugao out of the Hokage Building.
Outdoors in a broader space, his home-field advantage became even more pronounced.
He could unleash various jutsu without restraint.
Hiruzen Sarutobi followed outside with three Anbu members, Naruto cautiously trailing behind him.
"Seal off this area, no one else is allowed to come near," Sarutobi ordered the accompanying trio of Anbu.
"Yes," several Anbu members promptly disappeared.
Through Yugao's perspective, Kaguya coldly watched Jiraiya and his group, including Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Toads are truly disgusting creatures. As for Nine-Tails, too unruly. My person isn't for you to deal with!"
"Fire Release: Great Dragon Fire Technique."
Flames erupted from three directions.
[Three-Day Moon Dance.]
Yugao and her two shadow clones sliced through the flames.
However, barely any respite was afforded.
Countless white spikes shot straight toward her in an instant.
No, those weren't spikes—they were Jiraiya's hairs.
Yugao's shadow clones instantly vanished, while her real self became tightly bound. Jiraiya's lengthy white hair even coiled around her neck.
It was only then that Jiraiya slowly spoke the name of his technique.
[Wild Lion's Mane Technique.]
With a series of clicking sounds, the female Anbu's mask dropped onto the ground, revealing her delicate features. The long sword in her hand slipped away as well.
Looking into Yugao's eyes, seeing that mixture of stubbornness, helplessness, and confusion, conflicting thoughts flickered within Jiraiya.
Events that have not yet occurred...
Can we condemn someone now for events they know nothing about yet?
Yet again, Jiraiya recalled the Great Toad Sage's words—the things he once described about Kaguya's actions toward humanity.
Sorry... but I have to eliminate that threat...
Determined, Jiraiya's gaze hardened slightly as killing intent radiated from his body.
As if foreseeing what was about to happen, Naruto covered his eyes with both hands.
The strands of her hair coiled tighter and tighter around her, blood seeping from various parts of her body, dripping down with a pitter-patter sound, staining a large area of the ground red.
Yugao Uzuki smiled bitterly.
She opened her mouth as if to speak, but in the end only let out a bitter, self-mocking smile.
As an Anbu member herself, how could she not sense the killing intent?
Sorrow and resentment both surged into her heart at once.
Why? Why would Lord Hokage do this?
I've always worked diligently, never neglected my duties. Whether it was missions or simple orders, I've completed them all conscientiously.
Lord Hokage, why would you do such a thing to me?!
Nearby, the other three Anbu members on her squad exchanged glances, looking at each other in confusion.
"Jiraiya, enough already. What exactly do you intend to do?!"
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi finally spoke, frowning deeply.
"Old man, she's possessed by evil spirits..."
While explaining, Jiraiya didn't loosen his grip on Yugao Uzuki even a little.
"What evil spirit?" Hiruzen frowned even deeper. "You let her down first!"
Yugao had been personally trained by him; how could he possibly watch her die now?
As Hiruzen and Jiraiya were locked in their argument, a clear and cold female voice entered Yugao Uzuki's mind: "Who has betrayed the Will of Fire?"
Yugao Uzuki, who had originally resigned herself to death in despair, suddenly felt as if awakened with icy clarity.
"You—Third Hokage—are the one who first betrayed the Will of Fire!"
Yugao Uzuki's voice rang out, chilling to the bone, sending shivers down everyone's spines.
"You—Third Hokage—are the one who first betrayed the Will of Fire!"
"You—Third Hokage—betrayed..."
"Third Hokage..."
Her voice echoed through the distance, spreading like a ripple across all of Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."
What's going on? Her voice is strong and full of energy—clearly filled with chakra. She doesn't seem at all like someone gravely wounded by Jiraiya.
The three Anbu members from just earlier hurried over.
Others within Konoha Village also heard Yugao Uzuki's voice, puzzled and confused.
They couldn't help but start whispering among themselves.
In a dimly lit tavern, a man couldn't help muttering under his breath, "What the hell's going on? Is the Third Hokage at it again—crushing loyal agents?"
Instantly, everyone else in the tavern focused their gazes on him.
A heavy silence fell.
The man slapped himself a few times, awkwardly murmuring, "Oops, I accidentally blurted it out."
Deep underground, at Root's base, Danzo Shimura perked up. He led his subordinates out of the dark secret base toward the source of the voice.
"Come on, let's go take a look."
Inside the Uchiha compound, several elderly Uchiha clan members looked excited as they spoke to Fugaku Uchiha. "Clan Leader Uchiha, have you heard? The Third Hokage's standing has never been lower — this is our chance to finally seize power!"
Fugaku remained silent for a moment, thinking to himself... What in the world are they even thinking? Just because the Third isn't popular doesn't mean others in Konoha favor the Uchiha either.
Doesn't anyone here have even a shred of sense?
Jiraiya glanced in Yugao Uzuki's direction.
Snap... Crack...
The sound of hair snapping echoed through the air as the [Wild Lion's Mane Technique] crackled and burst apart. Yugao landed firmly on the ground with both feet.
The Anbu cloak had been stained dark red with blood. She picked up a nearby katana.
"You're definitely compromised..." Jiraiya said grimly. "You saw it too, didn't you, Lord Third?"
"That's right," Hiruzen Sarutobi replied, taking a deep breath and clenching his teeth as he nodded. "She's been possessed by a malevolent spirit."
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