Chapter 233 – Source vs. Source? Rich Rewards Await!
"So, this time the Akatsuki's target is the 'relics of the Senju clan'?"
Inside the ANBU base, Tsunade's expression darkened.
With Orochimaru voluntarily lifting his Edo Tensei, tonight's battle had essentially come to an end.
But after calming the Hyūga clan and deploying enough guards, they returned to base—only to be greeted with this news!
No one had expected that the very thing they had just unearthed would immediately draw Akatsuki's attention.
And the enemy had acted with such speed and decisiveness.
"How could they have possibly known about this?"
This was not only Tsunade's question—the others present from Konoha were equally baffled.
The implications of this incident were enormous.
"We'll find a way to take back what we've lost."
Tobirama finally spoke after casting a glance at his silent elder brother.
"That damned Uchiha… I'll make him pay dearly for this!"
He had wanted to curse more harshly, but catching sight of Sasuke nearby, he held his tongue.
"I've said it before—Konoha has many issues, especially in governance."
Compared to Tobirama's sharpness, Kitagawa Gen seemed unconcerned, which only made Hiruzen rub his temples in frustration.
"Now isn't the time to debate internal politics. Besides the stolen relics, tonight raised several other issues."
"Word is, a Byakugan has also gone missing—taken by an old man who possessed the very same eyes."
Jiraiya nodded, his gaze landing on Gen.
"Gen, did you deal with that old man?"
"Yes. He attacked Hinata and Hanabi—his target seemed to be the Byakugan as well."
Gen nodded; this was something he needed to clarify.
"But when I defeated him and tried to interrogate him, he chose suicide."
"Suicide?"
That word made everyone arch their brows in surprise.
"And the body?" Tobirama asked after a pause.
"It dissolved. Then a stronger battle erupted nearby—the shockwaves reached my location, forcing me to retreat."
"…I see."
The explanation left the group with little more to say.
In ANBU, it wasn't uncommon for corpses to self-erase; Root operatives used similar methods.
"We'll need to question Hiashi thoroughly. Perhaps the Hyūga clan has surviving strays outside the village," Hiruzen concluded grimly.
Gen, however, had his own suspicions. After all, more than one Byakugan had been lost tonight—meaning not only this 'lunar survivor' sought them.
"Akatsuki as well… But why? Could it be Kimimaro…?"
His thoughts drifted—since Orochimaru had returned to Akatsuki, and Black Zetsu likely knew far more than anyone realized.
"Enough. Tonight's real concern isn't the Byakugan or Edo Tensei."
Tobirama shook his head, cutting off speculation. His eyes turned to Gen.
"Not even the relics. What truly matters is what happened outside the village. Gen, you were there. What's your assessment?"
At once, every gaze fixed on him. In truth, Tobirama was right—this was the most critical issue of all.
The one who had appeared—almost certainly of the same bloodline as the so-called 'Rabbit Goddess'—the Ōtsutsuki named Genshiki—was far too terrifying.
The devastation outside left no doubt it had been his doing.
And since Gen was present on site, his perspective as the "future pillar of the village" was vital.
"That man… is terrifying."
Gen pressed his lips together, pretending to weigh his words. Exaggerating here wouldn't hurt.
"I didn't dare get too close, so I can't say who exactly he was fighting. But I did glimpse some of his powers."
"Oh?"
"His chakra reserves were immense, his defenses nearly impenetrable, and his physical prowess was monstrous. On top of that, he wielded space-time ninjutsu and a unique secret art. His combat ability is beyond imagination."
"Such… versatility?"
"Yes. Otherwise, he wouldn't share a surname with the Rabbit Goddess herself."
Gen sighed theatrically, his words leaving the room in suffocating silence.
To imagine such a being as an enemy—it was unthinkable.
But seeing the others so shaken, Gen quickly softened the blow.
"Still, don't despair. Battles aren't only about raw chakra. Besides… I do have some special means."
He raised his hand slightly.
At once, a strange force began weaving together in his palm.
The aura it released—even from a distance—made even the Edo Tensei Senju brothers shudder with dread.
"…That's Yin–Yang Release?"
Hashirama spoke in awe, recognizing the energy despite never having seen it before.
"Correct. Yin–Yang Release."
Gen nodded. It was indeed one of the most effective counters to the Ōtsutsuki.
In fact, against nearly any living being.
But users capable of combining Yin and Yang Release were virtually nonexistent in the ninja world.
Even Uchiha Madara had only barely accessed it upon awakening the Rinnegan.
Of course, Gen knew that even Yin–Yang Release wasn't everything.
Still, giving the others hope was crucial.
"I've long been able to control Yin Release and Yang Release separately. You all know this. I've worked tirelessly to merge them, and now… I've made progress."
Gasps of disbelief spread through the room.
"Not to mention, I'm adept in space-time ninjutsu, Dust Release, Wood Release, even Sage Mode. With Yin–Yang Release layered atop these… we have a chance."
The despair in their eyes began to ease. For the first time since tonight began, their gazes lit with hope.
"Indeed," Hiruzen nodded, finally smiling. "Gen is right. True battles are never decided on a single attribute. Only when the clash happens do we know the outcome."
Tobirama and Jiraiya exchanged glances, both quietly impressed.
"Yin–Yang Release… legendary power," Kakashi murmured in awe.
"I still haven't fully mastered it," Gen admitted with a shake of his head. "But give me some time. Perhaps by the next time Ōtsutsuki Genshiki appears… I'll have completed it."
Of course, in his mind, Gen groaned. Keeping up this façade of "Genshiki's invincibility" and his own "undefeated legend" was exhausting.
But aloud, he waved the tension aside.
"Enough for now. We've kept our guests waiting long enough."
He turned toward the Uchiha couple standing at a distance and smiled warmly.
"They've helped a great deal tonight. It wouldn't be right to keep them waiting."
"Tch…" Tobirama muttered under his breath, while Hiruzen promptly beckoned the pair forward.
"It's been a while, Clan Head Fugaku, Lady Mikoto."
"Lord Third. You're too polite."
Uchiha Fugaku bowed slightly, but his sharp eyes gleamed as he looked around the room.
He had been quietly observing from a distance. Though Sasuke had remained silent throughout the meeting, the very fact that he was allowed to participate at all was already a form of recognition.
This only strengthened his belief—Sasuke's future was boundless. He had truly made the right choice.
"As for what happened back then, we—"
"Let's not dwell on the past." Hiruzen spoke first, cutting him off. "It was my failure to rein in Danzō, just as it was your failure to properly guide your child."
"The past is smoke. It's over. Uchiha Itachi has already been slain by Sasuke. Now, we must look forward."
"Yes… we should look forward."
Uchiha Fugaku smiled faintly. He understood perfectly what the Third Hokage was implying.
Some matters were best left closed. And Sasuke's path would only grow brighter from here.
With that in mind, he turned toward Kitagawa Gen and Kakashi, bowing once more.
"I must also thank you both for guiding Sasuke. Without your help, he wouldn't have achieved what he has today."
"That's not quite right."
Before Kakashi could respond, Gen smiled and shook his head.
"Sasuke wasn't only taught by me and Kakashi-sensei. He's also benefited from the guidance of Lord Jiraiya and Lord Tobirama."
"Oh?"
Fugaku's eyes lit up—what an incredible revelation!
"And besides," Gen added with a grin, patting Sasuke's shoulder, "Sasuke himself is an exceptionally talented boy. Unlike a certain subordinate of mine whose grades leave much to be desired, Sasuke has always excelled."
"Tch."
Naruto, who had been sitting obediently and keeping his mouth shut thanks to his parents' stern presence, couldn't hold back this time.
Why was it that whenever Gen met his parents, the first thing out of his mouth was a complaint about him?
Sasuke, however, allowed himself a small smile. This feeling wasn't bad at all.
"But…"
Gen's voice cut in again before Sasuke could savor the moment.
"There's still one issue Sasuke needs to resolve. And that, I leave in your hands."
"Hm?"
Both Fugaku and Mikoto straightened immediately, while Sasuke felt an ominous chill run down his spine.
Gen, still pressing a hand on Sasuke's shoulder, continued with a cheerful smile.
"As things stand, Sasuke is the last of the Uchiha. His goal, naturally, is to revive the clan."
"…"
"Yet it seems he has little interest in marriage or children—in fact, he even appears to resent the idea."
"…"
"Could I trouble you both to counsel him on this matter? After all, no one wishes for the Uchiha name to vanish forever."
By the time Gen finished, Sasuke's face had already darkened.
And when he caught the look in his parents' eyes, he lowered his head in embarrassment.
Off to the side, Naruto stifled a laugh, while the others looked on as though this was nothing new.
Still, Gen wasn't wrong—the thought of the Uchiha clan ending with Sasuke was unsettling.
[Side Mission Complete: Sasuke's Exclusive Side-Quest II]
[The Jōnin's House Visit]
[Reward Obtained: A fragment of Uchiha Sasuke's unique Yin Release]
Seeing the notification appear before his eyes, Gen nodded with satisfaction.
With this reward, plus Isshiki's chakra, tonight's harvest had been more than bountiful.