"Hmm, anything else?"
A pointed to a line in the intelligence report. "Here it says they both controlled a Chakra giant the size of a small mountain. What does that mean?"
"I stayed up last night reviewing the intelligence our village has collected on the Uchiha Clan. The information indicates that Uchiha Madara used a similar technique in the past."
Mabui said calmly. "It states that Uchiha Madara, controlling a blue giant, stirred up the battlefield… no one was his match, hence he was called the God of Shinobi."
"First Uchiha Madara, now Uchiha Itachi. So, this is a unique ability of the Uchiha Clan?"
A calmly analyzed the current situation. "Then why can Takumi use it? Is he also a member of the Uchiha Clan?"
"Records show Takumi is an orphan. Information about his parents is unclear. It's very possible he is a surviving orphan of the Uchiha."
Mabui looked down at the documents, then continued. "Judging from the battle's outcome, the power of this Chakra giant is immense. Just the aftermath of the fight easily destroyed an entire forest."
"Konoha..."
A's expression was complex. "Why does such a monster appear in Konoha!"
"Quick, find B and bring him here."
A shouted loudly. "This time, he must kill that Takumi. Otherwise, he will definitely become our most serious threat!"
"Yes, Raikage-sama."
Mabui nodded and withdrew to find B, who was likely composing lyrics somewhere.
A looked down at the detailed intelligence on the desk.
"Damn it, why isn't a genius like this from our Kumogakure? Konoha truly has a constant stream of talent."
His face was extremely grim.
Konoha always seemed to give birth to powerful geniuses.
Whether it's Itachi and Takumi, the combatants this time, or earlier figures like Minato, the Legendary Sannin, Konoha's White Fang, and so on…
This powerful foundation was enviable.
Especially the two Kekkei Genkai unique to Konoha, particularly the Byakugan with its extremely high strategic value.
People always desire more strongly what they do not possess.
…
Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
"Takumi-kun is truly powerful."
Gaara couldn't help but sigh.
"Yeah, to be able to accomplish something like that is truly astonishing."
Beside Gaara, Kankuro also voiced his amazement.
Then, Kankuro turned his gaze to Gaara.
He had noticed the changes in Gaara since the last Chunin Exams.
That heart-stopping killing intent had been contained. Although some killing intent still leaked out, one could see Gaara was suppressing his aura.
Kankuro didn't know why he was doing this, but he was happy to see this change in Gaara.
This Gaara looked more like a twelve or thirteen-year-old child.
"Konoha really is full of talent."
The elderly Chiyo sighed, thinking of her own genius grandson, Sasori.
If Sasori were still here, he would surely be able to suppress Takumi.
At least, that's what she believed.
"It's good we are currently allies. If nothing else comes up, set off tomorrow to build connections with Takumi."
Chiyo waved her hand. "Temari, you can try. If you can marry him off to you, it would be a great achievement."
"Eh?"
Temari was somewhat exasperated and amused. "He's Konoha's genius. It's impossible for him to become someone who marries into our family."
"Even if he were willing, the people of Konoha would never allow it."
"That's true. But you can still get close to him. At the very least, his strength is worth any effort to befriend him."
Chiyo nodded. "But this intelligence is interesting. His opponent was Uchiha Itachi, and Uchiha Itachi also summoned a massive Chakra giant."
"I vaguely recall Uchiha Madara could do something similar, right?"
"Exactly, sister. You remember well."
The usually taciturn Ebizo suddenly spoke. "Relying on that Chakra giant, he was invincible on the battlefield. That's also why he earned the title God of Shinobi."
"I see."
Chiyo nodded, a glint of wisdom in her eyes. "Then, does that mean Takumi is also from the Uchiha Clan?"
"Hmm?"
Ebizo paused, then nodded. "Very likely."
Takumi returned to the village.
He was once again treated like a hero.
No, he was Konoha's hero.
The moment he was surrounded by the crowd entering the village, the waiting people immediately broke into joyful cheers.
When the battle began, although it was far away, the mountain-sized Complete Body Susano'o was simply too conspicuous. And it was daytime, with everyone outside, so they quickly noticed the situation.
Moreover, Kakashi had returned immediately to request reinforcements.
This had made the villagers somewhat anxious.
Fortunately, news of Takumi's victory soon arrived.
The hero Takumi had once again protected Konoha's peace!
"Truly excellent."
Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction.
Beside him, Danzo was full of sourness. "I've said it before. He should belong to my Root. Only then can he unleash his full potential and better protect Konoha."
"No. He should stand in the sunlight and enjoy the treatment of a hero."
Hiruzen glanced at him. "Stop with your unrealistic delusions. Your hand has already crossed the line. I will absolutely not hand Takumi over to Root."
"Hmph!"
Danzo snorted coldly, using his habitual line. "You will regret this sooner or later, Hiruzen."
Then, Danzo left the place.
He didn't want to watch Takumi receiving such honors.
Seeing too much of it upset him.
At the same time, he needed to think about how to control Takumi.
Why was the Kotoamatsukami's Genjutsu effect so effective on others but had no effect on Takumi?
So many days had passed, and he still hadn't found a solution.
Amidst the surrounding and cheering of the crowd, Takumi arrived before Hiruzen.
"Hokage-sama."
He carried a bit of pride, yet also a hint of subtle reserve as if looking at an idol. "I have not failed in my mission. The enemy has been repelled. Unfortunately, he was taken away by his companions. I couldn't capture him."
"You have done excellently."
Hiruzen was very pleased with Takumi's demeanor, his face beaming with amiability. "With young successors like you appearing in Konoha, the Will of Fire will surely once again ignite across the entire Shinobi World."
He turned his gaze to Naruto and the others behind Takumi. "You are all the same. You are the young sprouts of Konoha. Sooner or later, you too will shine and generate heat for Konoha, illuminating Konoha's path forward."
"I firmly believe that day will come."
His words excited all the young Shinobi.
Takumi also looked happy, but his inner thoughts... well, that depends on how you interpret it.
"This counts as an S-Rank Mission. Although you didn't capture him, you've actually fought him and should be very clear about his strength."
Hiruzen briefly mentioned the reward. "Keep up the good work. You will surely become one of the most outstanding Shinobi in Konoha's history."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!"
Takumi said with an inspired look, standing tall and straight.
Hiruzen patted Takumi's shoulder with satisfaction, then addressed the crowd. "Today, a dangerous challenge arose for our Konoha. But it doesn't matter. The Shinobi of Konoha will always protect our home, never letting it be harmed."
"Today, it was Takumi who stepped forward. But tomorrow, it might be one of you. And I am proud of all of you!"
"Woo…"
The crowd immediately erupted in cheers. Even though they were just words of encouragement, coming from the Hokage in his high position, they were incredibly inspiring.
Takumi cheered along with the crowd, but there wasn't much ripple in his eyes.
In his previous life, he had seen too many motivational speeches. Hiruzen's words were child's play in comparison.
Not worth much at all.
After more cheering, as Takumi returned home, the crowd gradually dispersed.