Independent Battalion

Earth Grudge Fear, Kakuzu’s signature technique. Through interrogation, Xu Yue had only learned some of its principles, enough to make applying seals easier.

But because it had triggered a mission, Xu Yue had claimed the reward in advance. The space directly awarded him a scroll of Earth Grudge Fear as this mission’s reward!

To be honest, Xu Yue did not think much of Earth Grudge Fear’s ability to stitch together hearts and grant several extra lives. Becoming neither human nor ghost was utterly incomparable to his Sage Body.

Its practical value lay solely in maintaining immortality by replacing organs such as the heart. It also suited Medical Ninjutsu quite well, possessing the properties of stitching.

As for whether to learn it himself to enhance his medical abilities or sell it off, Xu Yue planned to consider that after the mission ended and he returned to the space. Mission rewards earned through effort could be learned directly without any additional cost.

It could be somewhat helpful to him, but its finest effects were useless to him. At most, it could serve as an auxiliary sewing tool, perhaps for making stitched-together abominations or something.

After dealing with Kakuzu and reaching an agreement with him, Xu Yue took the initiative to erase the traces of the Wood Realm here, causing the trees to rapidly wither and decay.

Although it might be impossible to hide it from White Zetsu, just as before, there was no great harm in letting him see it early this time.

All that remained was to head for the front lines.

Flying Thunder God!

When he reappeared before the three fleeing Uchiha Chunin, they were all delighted to see that Xu Yue had returned safely and unscathed.

"Young Master Yue is incredible. He could retreat unharmed even against an opponent like that."

"Yeah. The power of that Earth Style technique he used at the start was completely unfair."

"No wonder he earned the title of ‘Black Little Flash.’"

Hearing that tooth-aching nickname again, Xu Yue was speechless. He had no idea who had coined it, but judging by Kakuzu’s gritted-teeth expression, he would probably go looking for that person’s trouble once he had the time.

"Enough. That guy is difficult to deal with, and I even ambushed him once. He’s probably furious and won’t let this go. Let’s move."

Xu Yue raised a hand to stop them, then took the lead in running forward.

Hearing that the terrifying man might refuse to let the matter rest and could pursue them, the three immediately shut their mouths and followed closely behind Xu Yue.

They seemed afraid that a monster might suddenly leap out from behind them.

Traveling at high speed was dull and exhausting.

Because pursuers might appear behind them, the three greatly increased their pace. Other than necessary rests, they did nothing but travel.

Their efforts were rewarded. On the third day after encountering Kakuzu, a Konoha counter-reconnaissance squad unexpectedly ran into Xu Yue’s group.

That meant they were no longer far from the camp.

With the Uchiha Clan’s conspicuous attire, Xu Yue’s group encountered no obstruction after entering the security perimeter.

They easily reached the front-line camp.

Because Xu Yue held the rank of Special Jonin, reinforcements of his level arriving at the front lines had to meet with the supreme commander, Jiraiya.

Among the Sannin, he was also the last one Xu Yue had met.

Likewise, he was the strongest of the future Sannin!

He lacked Tsunade’s bloodline and Orochimaru’s talent, yet Jiraiya had ultimately managed to kill three of Pain’s bodies without knowing any intelligence. Even after being ambushed and losing an arm, he had still been capable of retreating.

If only he had not been so stubborn…

Lifting the tent flap and seeing the younger Jiraiya within, with his wild mane of white hair, Xu Yue still showed the respect due to a senior, his face full of reverence.

"Lord Jiraiya, this is my reinforcement order."

"Oh~, so our Black Little Flash has finally arrived. Haha, I heard you get along well with Minato. Should I put you two in the same group? Hmm, you’re here as a representative of the Uchiha Clan?"

Reading the document’s contents, Jiraiya was somewhat surprised, then became thoughtful.

Since Xu Yue was here representing the Uchiha Clan, Jiraiya was not in a good position to directly command him. The Uchiha Clan had a separate camp at the front lines, and their clan head was here as well.

"After reporting in, go to your clan’s camp. Your missions have always been arranged by your clan head. As long as you accomplish my objectives, that’s enough."

"If you have time, come visit me. You’re Orochimaru’s disciple, Tsunade’s clansman, and you’re so close with Minato. You really do have quite a bit of fate with us Sannin, haha."

Jiraiya was forthright by nature and did not fuss over minor details.

Although Jiraiya was strong, Xu Yue had already learned the senjutsu of Ryūchi Cave. Moreover, Jiraiya’s other techniques did not suit him particularly well, so he had no intention of staying to build rapport. After politely taking his leave, he headed directly for the Uchiha Clan’s camp.

"Yue, I never expected you to come as well. I already know why you’re here. Good, the Second Elder really had a way with things. He completely dispelled the clan members’ opinions of you."

A man who looked to be in his twenties, yet already carried the bearing of someone in authority, patted Xu Yue’s shoulder with a face full of emotion.

It was Uchiha Fugaku!

Back when he had learned that Orochimaru had accepted Uchiha Yue as his disciple, Fugaku had occasionally given him a helping hand. Now, he had finally received a return on that investment!

Originally, he had only done it for Orochimaru’s sake, hoping to strengthen ties with the Sannin. Yet he had never expected this boy himself to hide so deeply. During peacetime, he had kept such a low profile that it was frightening.

But once the Third Ninja War began, he had astonished everyone!

He was not even inferior to Shisui, the clan’s genius!

Having made such an excellent early investment, Uchiha Fugaku felt rather pleased with himself.

Most importantly, through his usual observations, the accounts given by the three Chunin who had arrived alongside Xu Yue, and the rumors he had heard, he could fully determine Xu Yue’s character.

He was absolutely someone trustworthy, someone who could be entrusted with important responsibilities. With a little guidance, he could become Fugaku’s right-hand man.

"Brother Fugaku, if it hadn’t been for you back then, I wouldn’t even have known how to keep going."

Xu Yue spoke with gratitude on his face. According to the memories’ arranged events, Fugaku had indeed helped him several times.

But none of that was important. What Xu Yue wanted to know was whether Fugaku had already awakened his Mangekyo…

"Haha, for now, join my guard unit. Don’t worry. Although conflict has broken out on the front lines again, our Uchiha Clan holds an absolute advantage on any battlefield!"

In his high spirits, Uchiha Fugaku made that domineering declaration. The faint aura he gave off had actually reached the Kage-level!

It seemed he really had awakened it…

Note: Uchiha Fugaku’s Mangekyo was shown in the anime. The only specific ability known is an Illusion Technique suspected to resemble Tsukuyomi, and it seemed quite reasonable. After all, Itachi and Sasuke were both his sons…

Ahem, only two updates today. Let’s make it consecutive updates~ Give the little guy a vacation.

Even a salted fish has dreams. This salted fish’s ideal is to become something on the level of fermented herring!