Chapter 136 - Konoha's Hero

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"Sealing Technique – Tail Lock Seal!"

"Sealing Technique – Adamantine Sealing Chains!"

"Kotodama Seal – Slumber!"

In the northern region of the Land of Whirlpools, Akio unleashed a series of sealing techniques in quick succession. With ample preparation, he effortlessly subdued the recently resurrected Two-Tails.

Sensing something in the distance, Akio broke into a smile.

"Does Kumogakure still have time to think about the Two-Tails? You think I'd just hand her over?" He paid no mind to the scouting shinobi nearby. Lifting the unconscious Two-Tails, Akio flew back to the Uzumaki Clan.

Over a year had passed since the previous battle. The Land of Whirlpools had received a massive influx of resources and was developing at a rapid pace.

"Development is great and all, but it's a shame Yuna's gone missing. Otherwise, we'd be on the verge of an industrial revolution."

Akio had never realized how massive seventy percent of a nation's income could be. He had initially thought he'd need to personally demand payment if the Land of Lightning offered too little. But the supplies they sent far exceeded his expectations.

To put it into perspective: if the Land of Whirlpools' annual income is rated as one unit, then Konohagakure earns about 1.5 units. But seventy percent of the Land of Lightning's income equals nearly fifteen units.

"And what about the even wealthier Land of Fire? Back when I worked with Hashirama and Tobirama, we were totally duped by that adorable yet foolish daimyo—we asked for far too little." Akio chuckled bitterly and shook his head.

Additionally, the Land of Whirlpools had reaped substantial gains from Kirigakure. To ransom back their surrendered shinobi, the daimyo of the Land of Water provided considerable aid, doubling what the Whirlpools initially demanded. Clearly, they had heard of the Land of Lightning's misfortune and wanted to avoid the same fate by forging a non-aggression pact.

Akio was more than happy to agree. He had never intended to seek revenge anyway. In this war, the Uzumaki Clan had already gained the upper hand.

Moreover, after reaching an understanding with the Land of Water, Akio received a system notification:

"Branch Timeline: Destruction of the Land of Whirlpools – Fully Altered. Witness Points +100."

With that, his Witness Points now totaled 490—enough to upgrade any skill to level nine. But he wasn't in a rush. He feared that another sudden power spike might provoke the Sage of Six Paths into appearing.

"Sensei, you're back!"

Jitou's voice snapped Akio back to reality. Only then did he realize he'd returned to the Uzumaki Village with the Two-Tails slung over his shoulder.

He casually tossed the beast onto the ground. The impact trembled the earth, yet the Two-Tails remained unconscious—his sealing technique would keep it asleep for several days.

"Sensei, what should we do with the Two-Tails?" Izuko stepped forward and asked.

Akio hesitated. "You take care of it."

He had no intention of becoming a Jinchūriki. And even if he were to become one, he would choose the Nine-Tails. As for collecting all nine and becoming the Ten-Tails' Jinchūriki—there was no need to take such a risk. With all his skills at level nine, he figured he could unlock Bloodline Fusion, which was comparable if not superior.

Izuko paused. "Sensei, are we going to make someone the Two-Tails' Jinchūriki?"

Akio blinked. "Only if someone volunteers. If anyone does, we'll need to screen them carefully. Have Nanako personally perform the sealing—if the beast goes berserk, it'll be a nightmare."

Izuko nodded. "Understood." She then directed several clan members to drag the Two-Tails away. While it was still unconscious, Nanako would reinforce the seal.

Watching his people work busily, Akio turned to Izuko. "Things will be calm for a while. I'm heading to Konoha. Hiruzen's been sending me letter after letter asking for help. I want to see just how bad things really are."

Akio laughed at his own words.

Through Katsuyu, he could contact Tsunade at any time. Tsunade had become a minor traitor to Konoha, feeding him all the inside information.

Despite being besieged by Sunagakure, Amegakure, and Iwagakure, Konoha wasn't at a disadvantage—if anything, it held a slight edge.

"In the original story, Konoha was attacked like this too and still won. Now Konoha's stronger, and they even have Kakuzu helping against Iwa. Why would they really need help from the Uzumaki Clan?"

Akio smirked to himself. In the original timeline, the Uzumaki Clan would've already been annihilated by this point, so of course Konoha couldn't call for help. But this time, with the Uzumaki's overwhelming victory, Konoha naturally wanted to minimize its own losses.

"Hiruzen isn't as naïve now that he's Hokage. Did Danzō teach him that?" Akio shook his head and took off for Konoha.

With practiced ease, he arrived near Konoha in under an hour.

He initially planned to fly straight in, but hesitated.

"If I show up directly, Hiruzen might try to guilt-trip me. Better to use the Transformation Jutsu and fish for some information…"

Akio formed hand seals and transformed into Danzō's appearance, then headed toward Konoha at speed. As far as he knew, the real Danzō was still fighting on the western front against Sunagakure.

At the village gates, two guards stopped him.

"Lord Danzō? Why have you returned?" They eyed him with suspicion.

Akio answered casually, "I have urgent business with the Third Hokage!"

The two exchanged glances. One of them vanished in a flash, calling out as he left, "I'll go inform the Hokage!"

The other said, "Lord Danzō, I'll escort you in."

Akio's expression stiffened—something was off. Since when did both gate guards not stay at their post? And since when did Danzō need permission to see Hiruzen?

Still, he said nothing. He wanted to see if his level-10 Transformation Jutsu had any flaws.

As they walked through the village, the villagers glanced at him with visible unease before hurrying away.

"So Danzō really isn't popular..."

As they neared the Hokage's office, Akio's expression shifted. Dozens of Anbu surrounded him, and Hiruzen appeared in full combat gear.

"Who are you? How dare you impersonate a Konoha elder!"

Akio blinked in surprise. The shinobi guiding him suddenly lunged with a kunai.

"How dare you impersonate Konoha's hero—Lord Danzō!"

Still confused, Akio casually pushed the ninja back with repulsion force.

"Danzō is a hero?"

Hiruzen's brow twitched. That familiar technique gave him a bad feeling.

"Elder Akio?"

"Ah, it's me." Akio dispelled the Transformation Jutsu. "What on earth is going on here?"

Hiruzen gave a wry smile and waved his hand, signaling the Anbu to disperse.

"Elder Akio, you've come at the perfect time. Please, follow me."

Curious, Akio followed him through several hallways to a special ward in the hospital.

What he saw there gave him pause, as though he had stepped into a scene from his previous life. Danzō lay unconscious on a bed, his body wrapped in bandages, his right eye covered—exactly like the "Darkness of Konoha" image from the original series.

"No wonder I got exposed… What happened to him?" Akio asked.

Hiruzen sighed. "The Second Kazekage did this to him. But Danzō managed to kill him in return. His injuries are severe. Do you have any way to help?"

Akio froze, and all his doubts about Konoha's situation suddenly made sense.

"So that's what this is about… Konoha's hero, huh? Let me take a look…"

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