"My apologies, it seems this old body still has some fight left in it!" Kosuke Maruboshi chuckled, sheathing his chakra-infused blade. The e
"My apologies, it seems this old body still has some fight left in it!"
Kosuke Maruboshi chuckled, sheathing his chakra-infused blade.
The entire exchange had lasted mere seconds.
Even Kimimaro looked surprised.
Kai had just expressed high hopes for him, predicting he'd become the strongest taijutsu user.
Then, he praised Might Dai for the same title.
Kimimaro had been slightly annoyed, but witnessing Kosuke Maruboshi, a Genin, display skills that could defeat even Jonin, especially his mastery of Water Release on land, proved Kai's assessment correct.
This Konoha Genin was extraordinary.
And if this Genin was so strong, then Might Dai's son must be even more exceptional.
Kimimaro clenched his fists, a spark of competitive spirit igniting within his usually stoic heart.
Sensing Kimimaro's shift in mood, Kai smiled. "Kosuke Maruboshi, you're too humble."
"To perform such powerful Water Release jutsu on land… you truly live up to being the Second Hokage's student, and yet you refuse the Jonin title bestowed upon you by the Third Hokage.
That's remarkably understated," Kai said, his words seemingly casual yet carrying immense weight.
The revelation of this lifelong Genin's true capabilities sent shockwaves through everyone present.
Konan and the other Akatsuki members looked at Hatosuke's stiff face with a mixture of pity and amusement. He'd chosen the wrong opponent to bully.
His earlier boasts now felt like a cruel joke.
However, this incident also made many take a second look at Might Dai.
Kai had given him significant praise as well.
"Kid, you're really trying to wear out this old man. Don't go around making such pronouncements.
It's disrespectful to the Second and Third Hokage.
If I hadn't insisted on my own way, that mission wouldn't have gone wrong," Kosuke Maruboshi sighed, reminiscing about the past.
Kai rolled his eyes. "Fine, Genin is Genin. The 'underdog' act works well for you. Only the Third Hokage would assemble such a peculiar team."
Only the Third Hokage could have assembled—and had the authority to assemble—such an unusual team.
Minato Namikaze wouldn't have had such an unconventional idea.
"Heh, you're sharp, kid. But I heard you're also a Genin. When it comes to playing the underdog, you're even better," Kosuke Maruboshi chuckled.
This statement stunned everyone.
They looked at the Konoha forehead protector casually hanging from Kai's waist; the rank clearly indicated: Genin.
They finally understood why Kai had said not to underestimate Konoha Genin.
He was the ultimate Genin wildcard!
"Alright, I don't want to be too high-profile. If I had my way, I'd be a slacker forever. The Third Hokage must have something important for me. Is it about the Five Kage Summit?"
Kai rubbed his nose, changing the subject.
Konan and the Akatsuki members' faces fell.
They knew the Five Kage Summit in the Land of Iron had failed, largely due to Kai infiltrating Kumogakure, capturing Matatabi, and conveniently quelling the rebellion.
Initially, they had dismissed these rumors as absurd. But as time passed, and the summit dissolved, Yahiko and the others grew restless, sending Konan to investigate Kai's whereabouts.
They hadn't expected to encounter Kosuke Maruboshi and his team acting so suspiciously near the border. Hatosuke's impulsive attack, fueled by his rejected affections, had triggered the current situation.
Kosuke Maruboshi, after glancing at Konan and the others, said, "I see you anticipated this. You're not only incredibly strong but also cunning. If you hadn't defected from Konoha, Minato Namikaze would have had a formidable rival for the Hokage position."
"However, this concerns a sensitive matter involving the Five Great Nations. They shouldn't hear this. Would you mind if we discussed this elsewhere?"
Konan and the others stared at Kai, their faces filled with anticipation. The Five Kage Summit determined the fate of the shinobi world and Akatsuki's future.
But before they could respond, a figure arrived urgently.
"Konan-sama, Yahiko-sama and Nagato-sama urgently request your presence at the base.
Hanzo, the Demigod, wants to negotiate peace," a middle-aged Akatsuki member said, then noticed the situation and instinctively reached for his kunai upon seeing Kai.
"Stop, don't be alarmed. They mean no harm," Konan said quickly, wanting to prevent another Hatosuke-level embarrassment.
Another challenge to that bushy-browed man would be utterly humiliating. Besides, Konan was more concerned about Hanzo's invitation.
"Tetsu, tell me everything. When did Hanzo extend the invitation? What is Yahiko and Nagato's decision?" Konan asked urgently.
The leak of their escort mission for the Two-Tails Jinchuriki, and the subsequent attack on Akatsuki's base, had weakened them considerably, forcing them to relocate to a remote area. Hanzo's sudden change of heart was intriguing.
"Konan-sama, Yahiko-sama and Nagato-sama haven't made a decision yet, but Hanzo has offered a part of Amegakure's territory, the prosperous Northwest Mountain Region, as a base for Akatsuki, as a gesture of peace and cooperation."
____________________
for more advance chapters visit my patreon
patreon.com/kane45
Tier: 10$ Casual Reader - 20+ Advance Chapter
20$ Intermediate Reader - 40+ Advance Chapter
40$ Expert Reader - 80+ Advance Chapter
Update: "Monday to Friday - Update 3 Chapters a Day"
"Saturday and Sunday - Off"