Konohagakure, Land of Fire
As Kuroto headed towards the Konoha Hospital, a flood of mories suddenly rushed into his mind, including his conversation with Obito. It beca clear that the 'Hyuga Kuroto' who t Obito was actually a Shadow Clone, carrying fifty percent of his Chakra.
Understanding Obito’s intentions, a frown creased his face, and doubts crept into his mind. "It's only been seven months since Akatsuki's previous defeat. Why are they resurfacing so soon? Could it be that I inadvertently revealed a weakness in my disguise back then?"
Considering Akatsuki's deep fear of Amatsukami, it seed logical for Nagato and Obito to remain inactive for a while. Kuroto had theorized that Akatsuki would lie low for the next two to three years, awaiting the resurrection of the One-Tail before taking any action. After all, tailed beasts typically took about ten years to resurrect after their demise.
Who would have imagined that Akatsuki was so eager to resu their activities? Though the exact timing remained uncertain, it seed likely to occur within a few months. Judging from Obito’s tone, they appeared more confident this ti.
Kuroto carefully reviewed the details of his last encounter with Nagato and confird that he hadn’t exposed any flaws. However, he pondered, "Did I perhaps push too hard? Instead of deterring them, did I inadvertently provoke Nagato?"
"That shouldn't be the case, right?" Kuroto murmured, though uncertainty lingered. According to his plan, Akatsuki should have been focusing on investigating the traces of the Ōtsutsuki Clan and understanding their power, rather than hastily resuming their operations.
One reason Kuroto planted the idea of Yama being an Ōtsutsuki within Akatsuki was to prompt them to uncover the 'truth' of the Ten-Tails and related matters. Moreover, if they believed Yama hailed from the sa clan as the Sage of Six Paths, they might reconsider their actions and hesitate. While this wouldn't eliminate the threat, it could afford Kuroto so breathing room to advance Project Godhood.
However, things didn't unfold as planned. Instead of hesitating, Akatsuki grew more determined. Kuroto also realized that Nagato's strength might have increased, giving him the confidence to confront Yama recklessly.
With a weary expression, Kuroto sighed, pondering, "Why are things taking this turn?"
Kuroto harbors no desire to contend with Akatsuki once more. If he possessed the strength to defeat Nagato, he would have done so long ago. His inability to do so suggests he's not yet powerful enough, and Akatsuki isn't affording him the ti to grow.
Project Godhood was initially slated to span over eighteen years. Despite efforts to expedite the process, it's still insufficient. Kuroto refuses to compromise on Project Godhood; thus, everything must be flawless, and achieving perfection demands ti.
Given the rapid pace of developnts and changes, Kuroto worries he won't have ample ti. With a sigh, he realizes, "It seems I truly must rely on these children's assistance," as he enters the Konoha Hospital.
…
Konoha Hospital
Five days had passed since the Graduation Exam at the Konoha Ninja Academy. After a prolonged period of treatnt, Shion finally regained consciousness. Upon receiving news of her awakening, Kuroto rushed to the hospital, deeply concerned.
Word of the Hokage's arrival swiftly reached the ears of the dical ninjas stationed at the Konoha Hospital. To greet Kuroto, it was none other than Yui who stepped forward. With Tsunade-hi assuming the role of one of Konoha's elders, Yui had assud the position of head of the hospital. While so might perceive favoritism due to her engagent to Konoha's Godai Hokage, Yui's exceptional skills in dical ninjutsu made her a fitting candidate for the role.
As they traversed the hospital corridors, Kuroto inquired of Yui, "How is Shion's condition?"
"She's doing fine now... no need to worry," Yui responded with a reassuring smile.
"Good to hear," Kuroto nodded. As they conversed along the way, they soon reached the ward where Shion was recuperating.
Giggles emanated from inside the room. "Luffy is so funny... Look, Hinata-chan... look what he is doing?!" The laughter spilled out into the corridor.
After knocking, Kuroto entered the room. Inside, he found Shion seated on the bed, clad in hospital attire with bandages wrapped around her neck. Despite the bandages, she appeared content, engrossed in a manga while Hinata sat beside her, carefully peeling oranges.
Kuroto and Yui's entrance into the ward naturally drew the attention of Shion and Hinata. The little girl closed the manga, offering Kuroto a grin, "Kuroto-nii."
Returning the smile, Kuroto approached Shion, inquiring, "How are you feeling?"
Shion, displaying confidence, raised her left hand, attempting to show her nonexistent muscles, "Ready to beco a full-fledged Genin!"
"Good," Kuroto acknowledged. He then turned to Yui and Hinata, requesting, "Please leave the two of us alone for a while. I need to talk to her about sothing important."
"Alright," Yui and Hinata nodded before exiting the ward.
Now alone, Shion questioned with a downcasted expression, "Are you angry at , Kuroto-nii?"
Kuroto sighed softly as he approached her bed, then lightly flicked her forehead before speaking, "No, I'm not angry... These things are part of the life of a shinobi. Though it may have seed like a risk to others, I trust you knew what you were doing, right?"
Rubbing her forehead with a slight pout, Shion nodded, "I had considered various outcos and positioned myself to minimize the risk... so..."
Relieved, Kuroto smiled, "If that's the case, then it's alright..."
Shion grinned in response, "Hmm."
"Now, onto the main matter..." Kuroto reached into his pocket, retrieving a scroll which he handed to Shion.
As she received it, confusion flickered across her features. Unfurling the scroll and scanning its contents, Shion was taken aback, “Kuroto-nii, this Jutsu… is this for real, are you really giving this to ?”
Kuroto nodded, "Indeed it is. Consider this your reward for graduating as the top trainee of the year. I want you to make an effort to learn this Jutsu."
Shion's eyes sparkled with excitent. "I'll do my best," she affird.
Patting her head gently, Kuroto continued, "If you manage to master this Jutsu, just like with your Dōjutsu, I need you to keep it a secret from others unless it's absolutely necessary. Understand?"
"Got it!" Shion nodded eagerly.
With the matter of the scroll settled, they exchanged a few more words before Kuroto departed from the ward.
As he made his way out of the Konoha Hospital, Yui walked alongside him towards the exit. Observing her hesitant deanor, Kuroto sensed there was sothing she wanted to say. "What is it?" he prompted gently.
Realizing that Kuroto had perceived her unease, Yui sighed before speaking, "Kuroto-kun, would it be possible to assign Shion-chan and Hinata-chan to the sa Genin squad? Hinata-chan is quite shy and often struggles to express herself... but with Shion-chan, it's different. Shion can understand Hinata like an open book, so..."
Yui wasn't certain if such a request was feasible, considering Genin squads are typically ford based on trainees' strengths and weaknesses. However, she held hope that both girls could be placed together.
Kuroto chuckled softly, "Was that all? I thought it might be sothing more significant..." After a brief pause to consider her request, he nodded, "I'll see what I can do."
"Thank you," Yui replied with a relieved sigh. She believed that as long as Hinata and Shion were in the sa Genin squad, they would both be safe.
With that settled, Kuroto and Yui shared a few intimate monts with each other before he departed from the Konoha Hospital and headed toward the Konoha Ninja Academy.
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