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[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 531 - 535
🕑 Added 2025-02-12 01:00:03 +0000 UTCChapter 531: The Power of the Right Eye
"Bang!"
With a single sword strike, the mountain split in two, revealing a jagged but navigable path.
Swish!
Uchiha Yoruki didn’t hesitate. His body transformed into a streak of black light, shooting forward through the gap he had just created. Behind him, the sundered mountain began to collapse, the tremors rippling outward like a shockwave.
The violent quake reverberated across the battlefield, drawing the attention of both armies.
On the war-torn fields of the Land of Rain, the Konoha shinobi had grown accustomed to the raw destructive power of Rōshi. But Yoruki’s sword splitting a mountain was a sight beyond even their hardened expectations. The sheer magnitude of the act left them stunned.
The mountain wasn’t enormous, but the feat itself was monumental. It was a display of power that defied the limits of ordinary shinobi, something that could only be achieved by those wielding legendary abilities.
Gasps of shock rippled through both sides. Even the fiercest ninjas of Iwagakure, men and women who had faced countless battles, felt a pang of unease.
High above, the Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki and the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen momentarily ceased their clash. Both leaders turned their attention to the scene below, their eyes reflecting the weight of what they had just witnessed.
“Mangekyō Sharingan…” Ōnoki muttered softly, his voice carrying a trace of reverence and unease. His sharp gaze remained fixed on Uchiha Yoruki as the young shinobi moved through the battlefield.
Ōnoki’s expression darkened. Though he was far from afraid of Yoruki’s current power, the memory of another Uchiha with those same eyes lingered in his mind. The man who had once stood at the pinnacle of strength, wielding the Mangekyō Sharingan with terrifying mastery—Uchiha Madara.
Compared to that legend, Yoruki was still young, his abilities not yet fully realized. And yet, even in this incomplete state, his potential was undeniable.
If he gains full control over those eyes, Ōnoki thought grimly, Rōshi won’t stand a chance.
Ōnoki clenched his fists. The Four-Tails inside Rōshi likely understood this as well. That was why Rōshi had unleashed such devastating power—an effort to eliminate Yoruki before he could become a true threat.
On the other side, Hiruzen’s expression was complex. He had expected Yoruki to grow strong, but this level of power so soon was surprising, even to him.
Yoruki’s progress is both a blessing and a curse, Hiruzen thought. He is Konoha’s greatest weapon in this war, but it also makes him a target.
Without hesitation, Hiruzen made his move. He blurred forward, heading toward the battlefield where Yoruki and Rōshi were locked in combat.
“Earth Style: Rock Golem!”
Before Hiruzen could advance, a massive rock golem crashed down in his path, blocking his way. The towering construct raised a giant fist and brought it down with thunderous force.
“Bang!”
Hiruzen’s reflexes were razor-sharp. With a swift motion, he swung the Staff in his hand, meeting the golem’s fist head-on. The clash sent shockwaves rippling through the ground, and the rock fist shattered upon impact.
But before Hiruzen could press forward, another massive fist descended from above.
The Third Hokage’s sharp eyes narrowed as he stepped back, maintaining his composure. He understood the true threat wasn’t the golem—it was the man controlling it.
Sure enough, as Hiruzen retreated, he caught sight of Ōnoki hovering above, his hands clasped together as a faint light began to gather in his palms.
“Anyway,” Ōnoki called down, his voice laced with disdain, “that boy is from the Uchiha clan. Why not just let him fend for himself?”
Hiruzen’s response was cold and firm. “Regardless of his name or heritage, he is a ninja of Konoha. I will not abandon him.”
Ōnoki sneered. “How noble,” he said mockingly. “But we both know your so-called loyalty has limits. After all, wasn’t it you who sent the Uchiha clan to the Kirigakure frontlines? Or was that merely coincidence?”
Hiruzen’s face darkened, but he said nothing. The words struck a nerve. As a disciple of Tobirama Senju, Hiruzen was no stranger to Konoha’s internal divisions. Ōnoki, having lived through those turbulent times, knew exactly where to aim his barbs.
Meanwhile, Yoruki had emerged from the split volcano, his body slick with sweat. Though the Rekka no Ken had carved a path for him, the journey through the superheated terrain had taken its toll. His chakra had shielded him from the worst of the heat, but even he couldn’t escape unscathed.
Just as Yoruki caught his breath, a sharp pain shot through his head. His left eye ached unbearably, and the flame patterns of the Mangekyō Sharingan faded, leaving behind his natural black eyes.
His vision blurred, and for a moment, everything around him was a haze.
“Damn…” Yoruki muttered, his hand instinctively reaching for his face. The strain of using the Mangekyō had pushed his limits, leaving him temporarily vulnerable.
Through his hazy vision, Yoruki spotted a fiery blur rushing toward him. The unmistakable heat of Rōshi’s Lava Release assaulted his senses. The Jinchūriki’s four fiery tails extended, their clawed tips reaching out to ensnare him.
I can’t dodge in time…
Yoruki’s mind raced as he formed seals with trembling hands. At the same time, he hurled his weapon forward with all his might.
“Bang! Bang!”
The thrown weapon erupted into flames upon impact, creating a fiery explosion that momentarily halted Rōshi’s advance.
But the reprieve was short-lived. Two of Rōshi’s fiery tails had been destroyed in the blast, but the remaining two emerged from the aftermath, lunging at Yoruki once more.
At that moment, Yoruki’s eyes burned with renewed intensity. His dark pupils turned crimson, and the three tomoe of the Sharingan spun rapidly, transforming into the intricate flame patterns of the Mangekyō.
His right eye throbbed, the pain sharp and overwhelming. But amidst the agony, Yoruki felt something new—a surge of power, raw and untamed, unlike anything he had experienced before.
The two fiery claws were mere moments away from striking. With no time to summon the Rekka no Ken, Yoruki focused all his energy on his right eye.
“Is this… the true power of the right eye?” Yoruki whispered.
The flame pattern in his right eye spun wildly, unleashing a force that would change the course of the battle.
Chapter 532: Black Flame
The searing heat from Rōshi’s flaming claws was already upon him, the intense wave of heat distorting the air around Uchiha Yoruki. His vision, still recovering, caught glimpses of the fiery appendages reaching toward him with terrifying speed.
At that moment, the flame pattern in Yoruki’s right eye spun wildly, radiating an ominous crimson glow. Bright red blood trickled from the corner of his eye, leaving a warm streak down his face.
“Swish!”
Suddenly, under the gaze of his right eye, an unnatural phenomenon unfolded.
“Boom!”
Black flames erupted into existence, wrapping around the fiery claws. The dark fire devoured the red flames with a voracious appetite, consuming them entirely within moments.
Yoruki’s body moved instinctively. His figure blurred, dodging the attack as the black flames continued to spread.
"Raging!"
In his crimson eyes, the black flames danced and writhed, their chaotic movements unlike any ordinary fire. The black fire burned with an intensity that seemed to defy the natural order.
“It’s burning the flames themselves…” Yoruki whispered, his voice barely audible amidst the roar of the flames.
His expression hardened as he stared at the black fire, realization dawning upon him. “Is this the power of my right eye?”
Not far away, Rōshi had also stopped in his tracks. His fiery gaze remained fixed on the black flames as they continued to consume the remnants of his attack. A flicker of unease passed through his eyes, but he quickly suppressed it.
“Impossible!” Rōshi snarled, pushing more chakra into his remaining two fire tails. The red flames surged, rising like tidal waves to smother the black fire.
For a moment, it seemed as though Rōshi’s flames had succeeded. The black fire flickered and seemed to weaken.
But then…
“Boom!”
The black flames roared back to life, surging through the red fire with even greater ferocity. They burned brighter, stronger, feeding on Rōshi’s chakra-infused flames as if drawing strength from the very act of destruction.
“What is this!?” Rōshi’s voice was filled with disbelief as he watched the black fire steadily advance along the length of his fire tail, creeping closer to his body.
The realization hit him hard. This fire can’t be extinguished. If it reaches me…
Rōshi didn’t hesitate. With a sharp motion, he severed the portion of his fire tail engulfed in black flames. The discarded section fell to the ground, writhing as the black fire consumed it completely.
Even after the red flames vanished, the black fire remained, burning fiercely.
“What kind of flame is this?” Rōshi muttered, his voice trembling. He prided himself on the strength of his lava flames, yet they were utterly powerless against this new power.
On the other side, Uchiha Yoruki stood still, staring at the black flames in a mixture of awe and disbelief. The power he had awakened was beyond his expectations.
It burns even flames… and it doesn’t stop, Yoruki thought, his mind racing. The fire seemed to grow stronger after consuming its target, defying all logic.
For a moment, both ninjas were locked in stunned silence, each processing the implications of what had just occurred.
But Rōshi recovered first. Fear crept into his eyes as he looked at Yoruki. If he can control this flame at will…
The thought was too horrifying to finish. Without another word, Rōshi retreated, putting as much distance as possible between himself and Yoruki.
“Damn it,” Rōshi cursed under his breath. “Not only did I fail to kill him, but I’ve awakened a power in him that’s even more dangerous!”
Yoruki noticed Rōshi’s retreat and smirked coldly. “Trying to run now?” he murmured.
He focused his right eye on Rōshi, attempting to summon the black flames again. But nothing happened.
“Hmm?” Yoruki frowned. “Why isn’t it working?”
He tried again, pouring his focus into his right eye. Still, the black flames didn’t appear.
Is there a limitation? he wondered, his mind racing as he analyzed the situation.
His gaze shifted downward, falling upon a piece of broken rock nearby. Focusing his right eye, he directed his attention to the rock.
“Burn!”
A small wisp of black flame appeared, igniting the rock almost instantly. The flame consumed it in seconds, leaving only ashes behind.
“I see now… it’s the distance.” Yoruki’s realization struck like lightning. Every time he had used the black flames, the target had been within close range.
He glanced back at Rōshi, who had retreated several meters away.
“So, that’s the limitation…” Yoruki murmured.
Without hesitation, he moved.
Swish!
Yoruki’s figure blurred as he surged forward, his speed pushing the limits of what his body could endure. His determination burned as fiercely as the black flames.
Rōshi, sensing Yoruki’s approach, gritted his teeth. He couldn’t afford to let Yoruki close the distance. With a swift motion, he formed seals and turned to face his opponent.
“Crash!”
A tide of molten lava erupted from Rōshi’s mouth, surging toward Yoruki like an unstoppable wave.
But the attack lacked the overwhelming scale of his earlier techniques. Rōshi’s chakra reserves, even with the aid of the Four-Tails, were showing signs of depletion.
The molten tide wasn’t meant to overwhelm Yoruki. It was a desperate attempt to buy time.
“Swish!”
The Rekka no Ken materialized in Yoruki’s hand, its crimson blade gleaming like a blood-red star. He swung upward, splitting the tide in two with a single, powerful strike.
The molten lava parted, splashing harmlessly to the sides. Yoruki didn’t slow down, his gaze locked onto Rōshi.
“Rōshi!” Yoruki’s voice rang out, filled with unyielding resolve.
The Rekka no Ken vibrated, its energy intensifying as Yoruki funneled more chakra into it. Blood seeped from his left eye, and his vision blurred, but he pushed through the pain.
“Zheng!”
The crimson blade elongated, turning into a streak of red light as it shot toward Rōshi.
Rōshi’s eyes widened. Yoruki’s recklessness was unlike before. The Uchiha was no longer holding back, disregarding the toll on his body as he unleashed the full might of his power.
Chapter 533: Hard Fight
Swish!
The scarlet rainbow of light cleaved through the air, cutting a fiery streak toward Rōshi.
Uchiha Yoruki's unconventional and relentless fighting style made Rōshi's expression harden. His instincts screamed of danger, yet the sheer unpredictability of Yoruki's techniques left him momentarily stunned. Before he could fully process the threat, the crimson light had already reached above his head, poised to strike.
"Boom!"
The fiery tail behind Rōshi shot upward in a desperate attempt to counter. Flames surged and danced chaotically, forming a shield of roaring fire.
“Zheng!”
The red sword light descended unyieldingly. It sliced through the flaming tail as if it were nothing more than air, its trajectory continuing unabated toward Rōshi.
Gritting his teeth, Rōshi managed to dodge by a hair’s breadth, the oppressive heat from the sword brushing past his face. He retaliated instantly, summoning an eruption of magma-infused flames that cloaked his body. With a swift motion, he conjured a thick curtain of fire to block Yoruki’s view and obscure his movements.
During the heated exchange, Rōshi had been analyzing Yoruki’s abilities. Based on his observations and years of experience, he deduced the nature of Yoruki's eye technique. The Sword, no matter how lethal, was still a manifestation of Dojutsu. And like all visual jutsu, its effectiveness hinged on an unbroken line of sight.
The fiery barrier rose high, crackling and hissing as it scorched the air. With his vision obscured, Yoruki came to a halt, his scarlet eyes narrowing in frustration.
"Snort!"
Yoruki let out a cold breath and swung the Butsu Yuhun Sword. The crimson blade hummed ominously as it struck the fire curtain with unrelenting force. Sparks and embers scattered wildly as sword light and aura clashed against the fiery wall.
After several strikes, the barrier crumbled, revealing Rōshi kneeling on the ground, his hands pressed firmly against the earth.
"You didn’t escape?" Yoruki’s eyes narrowed, suspicion flickering across his face.
Rōshi, however, remained still, his stance resolute. His eyes gleamed with determination as his chakra surged.
“Boom!”
The ground beneath Yoruki trembled violently.
“Bang!”
Pillars of molten lava erupted around him, encircling him in an inferno of searing heat. The towering columns of magma crackled, forming an inescapable cage.
Rōshi roared, his voice carrying the weight of his immense chakra. The magma surged, expanding and converging toward Yoruki, who was now completely engulfed. The heat was oppressive, the air thick with the acrid stench of burning earth.
The Rekka No Ken hovered nearby; its ethereal glow undiminished. Without its protection, Yoruki would have been reduced to ashes in mere moments.
Rōshi exhaled heavily, his flames dimming slightly as the strain of maintaining such a massive attack took its toll. His chakra reserves were depleting rapidly, and he cursed the limitations imposed by the Four-Tails. Despite their uneasy cooperation, Rōshi could not freely wield the beast’s immense power.
"Amaterasu!"
A low, menacing voice broke through the roar of flames.
Rōshi’s eyes widened. In the heart of the molten inferno, black flames began to flicker and grow, devouring the red magma. The ominous black fire spread relentlessly, consuming everything in its path with a hunger that could not be sated.
"Crazy boy!" Rōshi muttered under his breath, his expression darkening. He had witnessed the destructive power of the black fire before and knew its unyielding nature.
Using the black flames as a counter was a desperate gamble, but it was a double-edged sword. If Yoruki lost control, he too would be consumed.
"I want to see how you get out of this!" Rōshi growled, though unease crept into his voice.
The Rekka No Ken suddenly vanished.
“Swish!”
A crimson light erupted from within the black flames, cutting through the oppressive darkness. The sword reappeared, its blade now flickering with black fire.
"You used your own Dojutsu to counter it?" Rōshi’s face twitched with disbelief.
The Rekka No Ken, unparalleled in sharpness, was now imbued with the unquenchable black flames. It was a terrifying combination, and Rōshi’s unease grew as Yoruki emerged from the dissipating flames.
Yoruki’s face was contorted with pain, blood trickling from the corners of his eyes. Despite his injuries, his determination burned as fiercely as the black flames.
"Rekka no Ken!" Yoruki roared, his voice echoing across the battlefield.
The crimson sword shot toward Rōshi with blinding speed. He barely managed to evade the strike, his movements sluggish from exhaustion. But the reprieve was short-lived.
"Amaterasu!"
Yoruki’s right eye glowed fiercely, the flame pattern spinning wildly. Black flames erupted on Rōshi’s left shoulder, spreading rapidly. The searing pain made Rōshi stagger as the flames began to consume his magma armor.
Desperately, he shed the flaming armor, casting it aside before retreating.
"Bang!"
Yoruki collapsed to his knees, the overuse of his Dojutsu exacting a heavy toll. His vision blurred, his eyes no longer capable of focusing. The pain in his head was excruciating, like needles piercing his brain.
Rōshi seized the opportunity to regroup, though the black flames still lingered, burning away his chakra.
"This damn black flame!" Rōshi hissed, his voice trembling.
Inside him, the Four-Tails stirred uneasily. “These flames are dangerous. If they continue to spread, we’ll both be destroyed!”
"I know!" Rōshi snarled, his voice a mix of anger and desperation.
His left shoulder throbbed with unbearable pain. Gritting his teeth, he pulled out a kunai, his grip tightening. There was no other choice.
With a guttural roar, Rōshi brought the kunai down on his shoulder, severing the afflicted area to stop the black flames from spreading further. Blood sprayed across the scorched ground, and his roar echoed into the night.
Chapter 534
"Puff!"
Blood spurted out violently, staining the ground beneath him as Rōshi made the agonizing decision to sever his left arm.
In that moment, there was no hesitation. Survival demanded sacrifice, and the spreading black flames of Amaterasu left him with no other option. Allowing the unquenchable fire to consume his body would mean certain death, and Rōshi was not ready to meet that fate.
Pain surged through his body, sharp and unforgiving, as if his nerves were being torn apart. The act of cutting off his own arm sent shockwaves into his brain, momentarily clouding his vision and causing his breath to hitch. His entire body trembled as dizziness threatened to overtake him.
But amidst the haze of pain, something burned brighter—rage. His anger ignited like a volcano, erupting within him and banishing the fog of agony. His eyes, blazing with fury, locked onto Uchiha Yoruki.
Lava flames flared around his severed arm, cauterizing the wound and halting the relentless flow of blood. The sickly scent of scorched flesh filled the air, but Rōshi’s focus was unshaken. Like a wounded beast, he raised his head, his gaze carrying an unyielding murderous intent.
At the same time, Uchiha Yoruki struggled to steady himself. His body swayed, exhaustion weighing heavily on him as he forced himself upright. His vision, still blurred from the strain of overusing his eye techniques, offered him only a distorted view of Rōshi.
Rōshi, now armed with the very kunai he had used to sever his limb, lunged forward with unrestrained ferocity. Blood still dripped from the blade, trailing in his wake as he charged at Yoruki. His movements were wild, fueled by desperation and the residual power of the Four-Tails.
Despite his blurry sight, Yoruki’s years of combat experience honed his instincts. He immediately began to retreat, though his body felt sluggish. Reaching into the pouch at his waist, he drew a kunai to defend himself.
However, it became clear that Rōshi’s speed was superior. While Yoruki had drained his chakra and eye power to dangerous levels, Rōshi had drawn on the Four-Tails’ chakra. Even with his injuries, Rōshi’s pace outmatched Yoruki’s.
Rōshi swung his kunai with reckless abandon, the blade whistling through the air. Relying on sound and instinct, Yoruki raised his own kunai to block.
"Clang!"
The two blades collided, sparks flying as metal scraped against metal. Yoruki staggered, his energy nearly depleted.
Despite his weakened state, Yoruki retaliated with a swift punch. Though his movements lacked their usual precision, the fact that Rōshi had only one arm left played to his advantage.
The two engaged in a brutal melee, their physical strength the only weapons they could now wield. Each strike carried the raw fury of survival, neither man willing to relent.
Their fight devolved into a savage exchange of blows. Defense was abandoned, each willing to endure injuries if it meant landing a decisive strike. Blood splattered the ground as their battle escalated, their eyes wild with determination.
"Stop!"
“Stop!”
A thunderous voice cut through the chaos, halting the deadly exchange. Yoruki’s blurred vision caught sight of a figure descending from the air, and another materializing beside him.
The voices belonged to none other than the Third Tsuchikage and the Third Hokage. Both had been observing the duel, and the life-or-death intensity of the battle forced them to intervene.
The Third Tsuchikage floated above the battlefield, his sharp eyes scanning the scene. His gaze lingered on Rōshi’s severed arm before shifting to the black flames still burning nearby. Finally, his focus rested on Yoruki, and his expression darkened with murderous intent.
Yoruki had not only survived but had gravely injured the Four-Tails’ Jinchūriki, a feat that clearly enraged the Tsuchikage.
The Third Hokage, however, stepped forward, positioning himself protectively in front of Yoruki. His eyes, heavy with years of experience, locked onto Rōshi. A glint of steel flashed in his gaze—a warning and a promise.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, do you intend to eliminate me now?" Rōshi growled, his voice low and menacing.
The Third Hokage did not respond immediately. Instead, Uchiha Yoruki’s voice, strained but resolute, broke the silence.
"Third Hokage," Yoruki said, his tone defiant. "Get rid of him now. If the Tsuchikage wants to kill me, let him come."
As he spoke, Yoruki’s Sharingan activated once more. The three black magatama in his eyes rotated slowly, though the strain of using his depleted eye power was evident.
Despite his determination, Yoruki could not fully activate the Mangekyō Sharingan. His earlier overexertion had drained him, leaving him incapable of utilizing the advanced form of his Dojutsu.
The Third Hokage shook his head, his expression softening slightly. "You don’t understand this man’s methods. In your current state, you would only throw your life away."
A faint smile appeared on the Hokage’s face, and he added, "The Four-Tails’ Jinchūriki has lost an arm. Next time, you will defeat him."
Yoruki was taken aback. In his experience, the Third Hokage had always treated him with a distant coldness, a product of the strained relationship between the Uchiha faction and the Hokage faction. Yet now, the Hokage’s words carried an unexpected warmth—a sign of respect and recognition.
Understanding the wisdom in the Hokage’s words, Yoruki reluctantly deactivated his Sharingan and nodded.
The Third Hokage then turned his attention to the Third Tsuchikage, whose face was etched with anger. "What now?" the Hokage asked with a smirk. "Do you still wish to fight?"
The Tsuchikage’s jaw tightened, his teeth grinding audibly. After a moment’s hesitation, he descended and placed a hand on Rōshi’s shoulder. Rōshi, though seething with rage, understood the unspoken command and suppressed his fury.
The Tsuchikage lifted Rōshi and floated upward, retreating from the battlefield.
As they disappeared into the distance, the Third Hokage allowed his weapon, the Staff, to return to its dormant state. Turning to the monkey summon Enma, he said, "Enma, this one is in your hands now."
Enma nodded solemnly.
With that, the Third Hokage dashed toward the battlefield, leaving Enma to support the exhausted Yoruki.
"Good job, little one," Enma said, his tone surprisingly gentle as he steadied Yoruki.
For a moment, the cold and reserved Uchiha Yoruki felt a warmth spread through him, a feeling he rarely experienced.
The battlefield lay in ruins, its once flat terrain reduced to a scarred wasteland. Corpses littered the ground, their bodies bearing the marks of a brutal and merciless war. The air was thick with the stench of blood and charred earth, yet neither side wavered in their resolve.
Above the chaos, the Tsuchikage’s voice boomed across the battlefield.
"Iwagakure, retreat!"
Chapter 535: Frontline Advancement
The commanding voice of the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, echoed across the battlefield, cutting through the clamor of ongoing skirmishes.
As soon as his words faded, both the Konoha and Iwa ninjas halted mid-battle. Eyes turned skyward, focusing on the diminutive figure hovering above. Their gazes quickly shifted to the man standing beside him—Rōshi, his arm severed and bloodied, supported by the Tsuchikage.
A wave of shock rippled through the Iwa forces. Horror and disbelief were etched into their expressions as they registered the extent of Rōshi’s injuries.
Even Jiraiya, locked in a fierce battle with Kitsuchi, paused in mid-motion. Kitsuchi’s face darkened, the weight of the situation evident in his grim demeanor. Jiraiya, on the other hand, allowed a faint smile to creep across his face.
"Looks like Uchiha Yoruki held his own," Jiraiya murmured to himself, his tone laced with cautious optimism.
Swish!
The sharp sound of air being sliced drew attention back to the battlefield. A lone figure descended rapidly, landing at the center of the chaos.
All eyes turned to see the Third Hokage standing resolutely, his presence commanding immediate attention.
The Third Tsuchikage glared down at his counterpart with a grim expression before bellowing once more, "What are you waiting for? Retreat!"
“Withdraw!” Kitsuchi shouted, his deep voice carrying authority. The Iwa ninjas, still brimming with combat-fueled aggression, hesitated. But seeing the grim reality of Rōshi’s injuries, they reluctantly suppressed their bloodlust.
Glancing warily at their Konoha counterparts, who shared a similar reluctance to disengage, the Iwa forces began to retreat.
As the Iwagakure ninjas fell back, Jiraiya approached the Third Hokage in a few swift leaps. "Teacher Sarutobi," he said, his voice tinged with concern. "What about Uchiha Yoruki? Is he alright?"
The Third Hokage glanced at his former student and replied, "He expended a great deal of energy. I’ve left him in Enma care for now."
Overhead, Ōnoki scoffed, his disdain audible even from a distance. "Sarutobi Hiruzen, don’t think this war is over!"
The Third Hokage turned his gaze upward, his face unreadable as he met Ōnoki’s glare. Without another word, Ōnoki carried Rōshi away, retreating into the horizon with the remnants of the Iwagakure forces following in his wake.
"I’ll go fetch that boy," Jiraiya said, his tone lighter now that the immediate threat had subsided.
The Third Hokage nodded, a faint smile tugging at the corners of his lips.
Jiraiya vanished in a flash, heading toward the area where Yoruki had last been seen. It wasn’t long before he spotted the staggering figure of Yoruki, leaning heavily on Enma, the Third Hokage’s summon.
Jiraiya approached swiftly. "Enma, leave him to me," he said, his voice respectful.
Though Enma was a summon, his strength and wisdom demanded deference, and Jiraiya treated him as an elder. Enma nodded solemnly, carefully transferring Yoruki’s unconscious form to Jiraiya.
Yoruki’s pale face and slackened posture betrayed the extent of his exhaustion. The battle had drained him of both chakra and the immense energy required to wield his Mangekyō Sharingan.
The war’s immediate conflict had drawn to a close, and the battered Konoha forces wasted no time in relocating their camp. The once-vital battleground, now marred with craters and strewn with the fallen, was abandoned as the Third Hokage ordered the camp moved several kilometers away.
Victory belonged to Konoha this day. With Rōshi, the Four-Tails Jinchūriki, grievously injured, they had dealt a significant blow to Iwagakure. The retreat of Ōnoki and his forces left Konoha with an opportunity to tighten their hold on the Land of Grass.
Nightfall brought a quiet tension to the new Konoha camp. The makeshift shelters stood stark against the darkened sky, their occupants weary from the day’s battle.
Inside one of the tents, Uchiha Yoruki stirred. His eyelids fluttered open, and a faint groan escaped his lips as he attempted to focus.
"You’re awake," a calm voice greeted him.
Yoruki turned his head toward the source of the voice but could only make out a blurry silhouette. The haze clouding his vision caused his stomach to twist with unease.
Moments later, the flap of the tent rustled as someone hurried outside.
"Are there any lasting effects?" Yoruki wondered silently, his heart sinking. The extended use of the Mangekyō Sharingan’s abilities had taken its toll, and he was acutely aware of the price.
The medical ninja stationed nearby answered his question as if sensing his concern. "You’ve been asleep for over eight hours."
Nodding faintly, Yoruki raised his trembling hand to his face, trying to gauge the extent of the damage. Still, the world around him remained a blur.
“Swish!”
Focusing his remaining strength, Yoruki activated his Sharingan. The three black magatama in his eyes spun briefly before interlocking, transforming into the intricate patterns of the Mangekyō.
"Was it due to overexertion?" Yoruki wondered. The power in his eyes felt unstable, as though straining against an invisible boundary.
He deactivated his Sharingan, hoping to ease the strain, and his vision began to sharpen slightly.
Just then, a tall figure entered the tent, casting a long shadow.
"Boy, are you alright?" The voice was unmistakably Jiraiya’s, though his tone was uncharacteristically gentle.
The unexpected warmth in Jiraiya’s demeanor took Yoruki by surprise. He hesitated before nodding stiffly.
"Hokage-sama wishes to see you," Jiraiya said.
"I understand," Yoruki replied, his voice firm despite his condition.
As he stood, a flicker of discomfort crossed his face. Jiraiya, observing him closely, noted the subtle signs of lingering impairment.
"Do you need my help?" Jiraiya asked, his tone even.
Yoruki froze briefly, his pride warring with practicality. Though his vision was still recovering, his instincts pushed him to refuse.
"No need," he said, his words decisive.
Jiraiya nodded but didn’t press further. "Then follow me," he said simply, leading Yoruki out of the tent.
The main tent of the Konoha camp stood illuminated, a beacon of authority amidst the dim surroundings. As they entered, the Third Hokage turned to greet them, his expression a mix of relief and contemplation.
"You’re here," he said warmly.
"Hokage-sama," Yoruki began, his tone deferential as he instinctively moved to bow.
In a flash, the Third Hokage closed the distance, gently preventing Yoruki from kneeling.
"There’s no need for that," the Hokage said, smiling faintly. "We’re all family here."
Yoruki blinked, startled by the uncharacteristic informality.
The Hokage’s gaze softened as he studied Yoruki closely. After a moment, he sighed and said, "As I thought, your vision has deteriorated."
Yoruki’s chest tightened, his fears confirmed. "How did you know?" he asked, though the answer was already forming in his mind.
The Senju clan, once the bitter rivals of the Uchiha, had fought countless battles against Sharingan users. The Third Hokage, as a disciple of Tobirama and Hashirama Senju, undoubtedly possessed deep knowledge of the Sharingan’s capabilities—and its consequences.
Understanding dawned, and Yoruki’s thoughts quieted.
