CHAPTER 230: 230. TSUNADE – IT’S MY TURN TO COMMAND!

The Phantom Body Flicker Technique, enhanced by the Mangekyō Sharingan, became even more terrifying.

Just as Hanekawa had a fleeting thought, he sensed an intense heat wave above him.

At some unknown moment, Uchiha Shisui had leaped into the air, forming hand seals. As his body lifted, he exhaled a massive fireball.

Fire Release: Great Fireball Technique!

A fireball, over three meters in diameter, descended from the sky and crashed into Hanekawa with a thunderous boom.

Flames engulfed his figure, and the heat wave spread outward.

Shisui landed lightly on the ground.

But in that instant, he felt hands grasping his legs, pulling him downward uncontrollably.

Yet, his body trembled slightly—then vanished into an illusionary afterimage.

Hanekawa was forced to cancel his Earth Release: Headhunter Jutsu.

Shisui’s eyes sharpened.

He formed hand seals, and seven identical clones appeared around him.

Now, eight Shisuis, each wielding a ninja blade, attacked Hanekawa from all directions.

Blades gleamed as they closed in.

Hanekawa remained calm. With a single clap of his hands—

Earth Release: Swamp of the Underworld!

A ten-meter-wide swamp formed around him.

Thanks to his Mangekyō Sharingan, Shisui reacted instantly.

With a light step, he halted his movement and leaped backward.

But his afterimages weren’t so lucky—they sank into the swamp, unable to move.

"This is the first time my Phantom Body Flicker Technique has been countered by Earth Release."

Shisui eyed Hanekawa warily, sensing trouble.

Even though the Mangekyō Sharingan allowed him to see Hanekawa’s movements clearly, it didn’t make him faster.

Taking a deep breath, Shisui lunged forward once more.

Fire Release: Phoenix Sage Fire Claw Red!

He threw several flame-coated kunai, scattering them like phoenix seeds.

Composite Ninjutsu: Earth Dragon Flame Stream!

Hanekawa formed hand seals, then exhaled a burst of fire.

At the same time, a massive dragon head rose from the ground beside him.

The mud bullets spewed by the Earth Dragon fused with the fire, colliding against the flaming kunai.

BOOM!

Explosions erupted upon impact.

Shisui’s pupils shrank.

Even after absorbing some of the flames, the mud-fire projectiles survived the explosion and continued toward him.

"A... composite jutsu?"

The thought flashed through Shisui’s mind, but his actions didn’t slow.

He drew his ninja blade and slashed at the incoming fire-mud projectiles.

Uchiha Style: Blazing Sword Leap!

His flame-coated blade sliced through the projectiles, scattering sparks and soil like a bursting firework.

Water Release: Raging Torrent!

Hanekawa pressed his hands together—a water tornado took form.

Under his control, it surged like a massive waterfall, transforming into a rushing river.

Wave after wave of water torrents bore down on Shisui.

Body Flicker Technique!

Shisui blurred into an afterimage.

But he had a problem—he had no effective counter against Water Release.

His specialty, Fire Release, was naturally suppressed.

Although fire could evaporate water, it needed to outmatch the water’s volume.

But right now, there was water everywhere.

Shisui evaded the surging currents, landing lightly on the river’s surface.

Suddenly, three water needles appeared out of nowhere, aiming for his face.

His instincts screamed—he barely dodged in time.

"The Mangekyō Sharingan is truly impressive," Hanekawa praised.

With its enhancement, Shisui had managed to hold his ground against him.

Of course, if the battle dragged on, Hanekawa could win by outlasting him with chakra and Water Release.

That is, if Shisui didn’t use his dōjutsu.

"Besides predicting my movements, what else can it do?" Hanekawa asked with a slight smile.

"...It has more," Shisui admitted.

Hanekawa’s words had an underlying meaning.

They had been sparring up until now, but it was time for something serious.

Susano’o!

Shisui’s Mangekyō Sharingan flared, releasing a monstrous aura.

A massive, green, skeletal figure emerged around him.

Hanekawa glanced at it.

It was Susano’o’s first form—a ribcage-like structure, without any special weapons or techniques, relying only on raw physical power.

"What... is this jutsu?"

Sarutobi Asuma’s eyes widened.

It was the first time he had seen Shisui use Susano’o.

"It feels... eerie," Shizune murmured, instinctively recoiling from the unsettling aura.

"This is Susano’o."

Uchiha Shisui paused for a moment and said, "Be careful, Hanekawa-senpai."

The half-bodied skeletal figure suddenly clenched its fist and swung it toward Hanekawa.

Body Flicker Technique!

Hanekawa retreated swiftly.

Boom!

The spot where he had just stood was instantly smashed, leaving behind a massive fist imprint.

Water Release: Water Dragon Bullet Technique!

Hanekawa leaned back, and a water dragon roared out of his mouth, surging forward.

Shisui remained still as the half-bodied Susano’o spread its arms, shielding him.

The water dragon crashed against the skeletal arms, causing water to splash in all directions.

The Susano’o trembled slightly but successfully blocked the jutsu.

Shisui let out a quiet sigh of relief.

Hanekawa’s Water Release techniques were incredibly powerful—he had been worried whether he could withstand them.

Uchiha Style: Blazing Sword Leap!

Shisui gripped his ninja blade tightly and slashed downward.

A flaming sword wave shot forward, roaring through the air.

At the same time, the half-bodied Susano’o clenched its fists and swung them alongside the flaming blade, as if escorting it toward Hanekawa.

Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique!

For the first time, Hanekawa used the Lava Release technique taught to him by Terumi Mei.

A large mass of acidic liquid surged forth like a blooming trumpet flower.

The Susano’o’s fists accelerated suddenly, spreading its palms wide to catch the acidic liquid.

The moment they touched, the highly corrosive acid burned straight through its hands, melting them completely.

Not only that, but the acid continued forward, engulfing the flaming blade as well.

"How is this possible?!"

Shisui’s expression shifted to shock.

He had tested the defensive power of his Susano’o before.

It could block most ninjutsu—even if it couldn’t completely resist an attack, it shouldn’t have disappeared so easily.

"What kind of jutsu is that?"

Sarutobi Asuma twitched at the corner of his mouth.

He felt like he was back in ninja school, where everything was new and unfamiliar.

Neither Susano’o nor Lava Release were techniques he had ever seen before.

"No wonder Hanekawa wanted us to keep this secret," Shizune sighed. "It’s pure misfortune to be their enemy."

In the ninja world, intelligence is key.

When an enemy lacks information, both Susano’o and Lava Release become incredibly effective weapons.

"Even as their teammate, it’s not much better," Asuma muttered. "I can’t even keep up with them."

"This is a Kekkei Genkai—Lava Release."

Hanekawa smiled.

In the original story, Terumi Mei’s Lava Release: Melting Apparition Technique was able to melt Uchiha Madara’s Susano’o.

So it was only natural that Shisui’s first-stage Susano’o would suffer the same fate.

Especially since it wasn’t even a complete form yet.

"Kekkei Genkai really are powerful," Shisui admitted.

"But aren’t Kekkei Genkai inherited through bloodlines?" Asuma asked in surprise. "Hanekawa, are you from some great ninja clan?"

"There are two ways to obtain a Kekkei Genkai," Hanekawa replied. "I learned it myself."

"Huh?"

Asuma was stunned.

What kind of monstrous talent is this?!

He remembered that even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, had attempted to synthesize a Kekkei Genkai before—but failed.

"That’s... incredible!"

Shizune was dumbfounded. "I’ve heard that it’s possible to artificially create a Kekkei Genkai, but I never imagined someone could actually do it."

Hanekawa glanced at the Susano’o, which had lost both hands, and asked, "Still want to fight?"

"No," Shisui admitted after a moment. "Unless I use my Mangekyō Sharingan’s ability, I can’t win."

His most powerful techniques were his Mangekyō Sharingan’s dōjutsu and Susano’o.

However, his dōjutsu was Kotoamatsukami, which had a long cooldown, and since Hanekawa was his ally, he couldn’t use it on him.

Shisui had expected Susano’o to be enough to win, but he never imagined Hanekawa had mastered Lava Release.

"Alright then," Hanekawa nodded, ending the battle.

After all, this was just a sparring match, not a fight to the death.

His main goal was to gauge Uchiha Shisui’s true strength.

Now that he had seen it firsthand, he could confirm that Shisui was indeed very powerful—an elite even among Jōnin. If he were to face the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee, he could at least hold his own for a while.

Moreover, Shisui possessed Kotoamatsukami.

Although the long cooldown time made it essentially a one-time-use ability, its power was undeniable.

In a life-or-death situation, Shisui wouldn’t hesitate to use it against the Fourth Raikage or Killer Bee.

---

"When did you learn Lava Release?"

Sarutobi Asuma couldn’t help but ask.

"Lava Release comes from Kirigakure," Hanekawa explained. "I obtained it during negotiations with them."

"Wait a minute!"

Asuma suddenly realized something. "Then during negotiations with Iwagakure, did you also obtain a Kekkei Genkai?"

"That’s right."

Hanekawa extended his hand, saying, "This is Molten Release."

Chakra surged as waves of heat rolled outward, forming a spinning sphere of molten lava.

"Hold on—are Kekkei Genkai really this easy to learn?!"

Asuma scratched his head in disbelief.

"No, it’s just that Hanekawa-senpai is extraordinarily gifted," Shisui sighed. "We could never learn them."

Asuma let out a dramatic groan.

He realized that he would never catch up to Hanekawa.

Looking back, the smallest gap between them was probably back in ninja school.

Now, the older they got, the bigger the gap became.

"Actually, I have one more Kekkei Genkai," Hanekawa said with a playful smile. "You’ll find out in a few days."

"..."

Asuma, Shisui, and Shizune exchanged looks, completely speechless.

Since when could Kekkei Genkai be collected like trading cards?!

A single person mastering three Kekkei Genkai—this was absolutely absurd.

---

"Alright, I’m treating you all to a meal," Hanekawa clapped his hands.

"Let’s go!" Asuma’s mood instantly lifted. "I haven’t had your cooking in ages. Let’s see if your skills have declined!"

"I guarantee you’ll be satisfied," Hanekawa said with a grin.

---

One hour later, inside Sakumo Hatake’s tent.

Five people sat around a dining table.

"What the hell?!"

Asuma took a bite of chicken and immediately froze in disbelief.

"Is it really that exaggerated?" Sakumo Hatake asked, puzzled.

"Just taste it for yourself!" Asuma was at a loss for words. "I don’t even know how to describe it!"

Sakumo, Shisui, and Shizune each took a piece of chicken.

A few seconds later, they all had the exact same stunned expression as Asuma.

"This... how did you even cook this?!"

Shizune couldn’t hold back her curiosity.

"Just like this," Hanekawa shrugged.

"..."

Shizune fell silent.

"Eat as much as you like if you enjoy it," Hanekawa said with a smile.

---

The Next Day

Hanekawa and Tsunade woke up early.

Today, there would be a Jōnin meeting.

Since the war was ongoing, Jōnin meetings were frequent, occurring once a week or biweekly.

These meetings had two purposes:

1. Summarizing recent battle progress.

2. Assigning new missions.

However, today’s meeting would be different.

Because Tsunade was planning to seize power.

---

"Sensei."

Hanekawa entered Tsunade’s tent. He glanced around and saw a single rose placed in a vase.

"Let’s go."

Tsunade stretched, put on her shoes, and headed toward the main tent.

Hanekawa followed closely behind her.

---

"Lady Tsunade."

Upon her arrival, the assembled Jōnin greeted her with respect.

"Quite the display of authority," Shimura Danzo remarked.

"That’s normal," Orochimaru, standing beside him, said calmly.

"It’s been so long. What are you still waiting for?"

Shimura Danzo asked in a low voice.

"For the right opportunity," Orochimaru replied calmly. "No need to rush. We have plenty of time."

Judging by the current situation, there was no clear winner between them and Kumogakure in the short term.

Danzo hesitated for a moment but ultimately held back his words.

Without Orochimaru, the only people he could command were his eight Root ninja.

---

At 9 AM, everyone had arrived.

Aside from Konoha’s Jōnin, Rasa and Pakura from Sunagakure were also present.

"I’ll report on the recent battle situation."

As the chief strategist, Nara Shikaku was the first to speak.

After listening for a while, Hanekawa had a general understanding of the current situation.

Konoha and Sunagakure had a slight advantage, but overall, it was still a back-and-forth battle.

---

"Now, let’s assign the next missions," Orochimaru said in an unhurried tone. "First, the Fourth Raikage and the Eight-Tails Jinchūriki, Killer Bee, will still be handled by me and Danzo—"

"I have a different proposal."

Tsunade interrupted him.

"Oh? And what is that?"

Orochimaru turned to look at her.

"I will take on the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee—with Hanekawa."

Tsunade spoke firmly. "It’s time for a change!"

"What do you mean?!"

Danzo’s face darkened with anger. "Are you saying that Orochimaru and I can’t handle them?!"

Orochimaru also frowned slightly.

Tsunade’s sudden move felt unusual.

"We’ve been fighting Kumogakure for so long. You know very well whether you can handle them or not."

Tsunade let out a cold laugh, her words sharp and unreserved.

"You... You’re just the vice commander!"

Unable to refute her point, Danzo resorted to pulling rank.

"That’s true."

Tsunade’s expression remained unreadable. "The commander should assign the missions."

Danzo was briefly stunned, then smirked triumphantly.

"Then why don’t you step aside?"

"But Konoha is not ruled by one voice alone."

Tsunade shook her head. "The commander cannot act arbitrarily. We should ask everyone’s opinion."

Danzo’s expression stiffened—a bad feeling creeping up on him.

"I think Lady Tsunade makes a good point," Hyūga Hizashi spoke up.

"This war has been at a stalemate for too long. Perhaps under Lady Tsunade’s command, we can gain a breakthrough."

Uchiha Fugaku followed closely behind.

Under Orochimaru’s leadership, the Uchiha Clan had suffered heavy casualties—he had long harbored resentment.

"I agree."

Hatake Sakumo nodded.

One by one, the Jōnin spoke.

Before long, more than half of them supported Tsunade.

"Are you all trying to rebel?!"

Danzo involuntarily took a half-step back, his face ashen.

Orochimaru instinctively licked his lips.

He hadn’t expected Tsunade to pull a move like this.

Today, this familiar teammate felt like a stranger to him.

Rasa and Pakura exchanged glances.

It was an entertaining show, but they didn’t dare interfere.

To them, it didn’t matter whether Orochimaru or Tsunade was in charge.

"Very well."

Orochimaru let out a soft chuckle. "Since everyone has agreed, we’ll do as Tsunade suggests."

"Orochimaru!"

Danzo looked at him in disbelief.

Are you seriously just letting Tsunade take power like this?!

"What else do you want to do?"

Orochimaru cast him a sidelong glance.

"Tsunade, you’ll regret this!"

Danzo gritted his teeth in fury.

"I am not my teacher."

Tsunade’s voice remained calm, but her fists clenched tightly.

"If you’re not convinced, we can settle it with a fight."

"You—!"

Danzo’s body trembled with rage.

A whooshing sound filled the tent.

Without another word, he turned and stormed out, flinging aside the tent flap.

"Let’s continue the meeting."

Orochimaru spoke in his usual calm tone.

Compared to Shimura Danzo, he remained composed.

Of course, another reason was that he already had a plan to deal with the situation.

After the meeting ended, Orochimaru went to Danzo’s tent.

"Is this the ’opportunity’ you were talking about?"

The moment Danzo saw him, he asked in clear discontent.

"This is the opportunity."

Orochimaru remained unfazed.

"What opportunity?!"

Danzo’s expression darkened.

"She wants to go after the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee. Isn’t that exactly what we planned?"

Orochimaru countered.

"That may be true, but this whole situation is humiliating!"

Danzo had wanted to take action earlier but restrained himself out of rationality.

Of course, the most important reason was that he wasn’t confident he could take down Tsunade and Hanekawa.

"Tsunade’s actions today don’t match her usual personality."

Orochimaru’s expression turned thoughtful. "Is it because of Hanekawa?"

After being teammates with Tsunade for so many years, he knew her well.

Power struggles like this were not her style—she had no real desire for authority.

If she was doing this for Hanekawa, that was truly unexpected.

Did Tsunade really value her student that much?

"Whatever the reason, we can’t let her be this arrogant!"

A ruthless glint appeared on Danzo’s face.

"She wants to take on the Fourth Raikage and Killer Bee? Fine—I’ll give her exactly what she wants!"

Orochimaru’s eyes narrowed slightly.

"And how do you plan to do that?"

"We’ll leak the intel to Kumogakure."

Danzo’s voice turned cold.

___

Patreon.com/rashta