In an alternate dimension, the experimental subjects brought back by Isshiki’s group had their restraints removed, but their faces were filled with terror. They didn't know what Lin Yu would do to them, nor what their future fate would hold.
"Teacher Lin Yu, has the enemy been defeated?"
Lin Yu was stroking his chin, observing the quartet. He felt everything was too coincidental. How could Isshiki have discovered these four together?
Jirobo, Kidomaru, Sakon and Ukon, and Tayuya.
What a coincidence, to gain Orochimaru's Sound Four all at once?
However, their strength was only at the level of minor characters. Lin Yu had no intention of nurturing them. He replied to Obito, "He escaped, but he won't appear again for several years."
Shisui exclaimed in surprise, "Even Teacher couldn't keep him?"
"This is troublesome. If the enemy hides in the shadows and ambushes us..." Itachi's expression turned grim. He thought of Sasuke's safety, and also of the village. If a powerful enemy like Isshiki were to launch a surprise attack, the situation would be extremely unfavorable!
Lin Yu shook his head, "Don't worry. He's already crippled. He probably can't even move right now, unless he's willing to risk his life."
"I'll have Black Zetsu search for Isshiki's whereabouts. Such an enemy must be eliminated!" Obito was also shocked by Isshiki's power. He hadn't expected the ninja world to be so deep. He had almost thought he was invincible.
This battle was truly a profound lesson for him. His body was pierced with at least seven or eight bloody holes by the opponent.
Lin Yu nodded, then smiled, "How was it? How did it feel to get beaten up?"
"Miserable, painful, but also exhilarating!" Obito bared his teeth, his standing posture a bit awkward.
Shisui and Itachi exchanged glances and said in unison, "We can become even stronger!"
Shisui and Itachi were determined to go into seclusion and train rigorously upon their return. The ninja world was simply too dangerous!
He was determined to grow strong enough to protect his younger brother (Shisui's brother)!
"Good!"
Lin Yu said, "To ensure you remember this experience and lesson, you'll have to treat your own injuries when you get back!"
"..."
Lin Yu calculated the time. They should still make it back for dinner. He then pointed to the Ten-Tails, which was as large as a small mountain, not far away, and said to Obito, "Please help me pack up the spoils of war."
"..."
Obito looked at Lin Yu with a horrified expression. This was too cruel. Couldn't he see he was already crippled? And he was still being made to do manual labor!
It was simply outrageous!
Shisui turned his head away, not wanting to see Obito's expression. Fortunately, he and his younger brother didn't have spatial ninjutsu!
"What about these four?"
Itachi frowned. Although they were children, they had witnessed the battle firsthand, knew a lot of information, and were chosen by Isshiki. It was hard to guarantee that the enemy had no other ulterior motives.
"Bring them back together, and then hand them over to Orochimaru."
Lin Yu gave Obito a knowing look, then prepared to use his ocular jutsu to leave.
"Please, please wait a moment!"
Lin Yu turned his head and looked at the little girl among the four, Tayuya. "Is there something?"
Tayuya's expression was tense and frightened. Her dirty little face was full of hesitation, but she felt that if she missed this opportunity, she would definitely regret it in the future.
Mustering her courage, Tayuya took a step forward and said loudly to Lin Yu, "I, I want to learn ninjutsu from you! I want to become strong and no longer be bullied!"
This little girl actually wants to be our junior sister?!
This was the thought that crossed the minds of Obito and the other two. They immediately shook their heads. It probably wouldn't succeed!
"Learn ninjutsu from me?"
Lin Yu looked at Tayuya, whose face was filled with determination. His mind recalled the ninjutsu Tayuya specialized in. Although she didn't appear much, Lin Yu had a very deep impression of her!
If he remembered correctly, Tayuya specialized in... playing the flute?
This skill is good! She should be well-nurtured!
However, there were too many people present. Lin Yu coughed slightly and said, "I'll find some time to test your talent. Learning ninjutsu from me isn't something just anyone can do! You must have a prominent skill!"
Tayuya hadn't expected to actually get the chance. Her eyes immediately turned red, and she said respectfully, "I will work hard!"
Obito and the other two pondered.
A prominent skill?
Then, which of their skills did Teacher Lin Yu fancy?
Shisui thought of his genjutsu.
Itachi thought of his fire-style jutsu.
Obito, however, thought of his nonsensical comedic abilities!
There was no other way! When Teacher Lin Yu took him in, he was still a genin who hadn't even awakened his Sharingan. Who knew how he had managed to impress him.
Obito could only say to himself at this moment: Teacher Lin Yu truly has a discerning eye!
"Alright, remember to write a post-battle report and submit it to me when you get back!"
Lin Yu healed Obito's injuries slightly. A golden magic circle appeared in his eyes, and then he instantly disappeared.
Still have to write a report?
Obito almost had a mental breakdown. How long had it been since he had done such a thing? He was now the hidden leader of the Akatsuki, and yet he still had days where he had to write reports!
Shisui and Itachi nodded secretly. As outstanding graduates, they kept diaries to record their missions, so they were very familiar with writing reports.
"Brother Obito, are you rested? Since the battle just ended, I want to go back to the village and finish writing the report quickly," Shisui said, scratching his head.
Itachi also said, "I want to go back soon too. Sasuke is waiting for me to make him dinner."
"You guys!"
Obito almost couldn't catch his breath and collapsed on the spot. He had sustained internal injuries from anger!
"And us."
"Owooooooo!"
Obito looked heartbroken. If he could, he wouldn't have awakened his spatial ninjutsu!
...
The capital of the Land of Fire.
After countless hardships, Asuma, who had been selected as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja, finally met the person he longed to see – Chiriku!
A bald man wearing simple gray and white clothes, with a very serious and earnest appearance. He looked like a proper gentleman at first glance.
"Is this Chiriku? I wonder what information I can get about Lin Yu from him!"
Asuma, along with the other eleven, knelt before the Daimyo, listening to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire's speech. But he hadn't heard a single word. He was observing Chiriku the entire time, even meticulously noting whether there was truly no hair on his head.
Chiriku also sensed it. He glanced sideways at Asuma behind him, but the Daimyo was standing in front, so Chiriku couldn't make any big moves. He could only endure Asuma's scorching gaze.
Why is this mustached man staring at him like this?
Chiriku was very confused. He clearly didn't know Asuma, yet the latter kept staring at him, especially at his head and behind, as if they had a magical power that attracted this mustached man!
After staring for a long time, Asuma found nothing special about Chiriku. It seemed he would have to figure it out slowly in the future!
"Good! You are all elites who have stood out through rigorous selection. I believe you will be able to protect my safety."
"We swear to protect the Daimyo's safety!"
Everyone shouted loudly, but Asuma's heart was not in it. He was determined to build a good relationship with Chiriku in the coming years and then extract all the information about Lin Yu!
He, Asuma, was determined to win Kurenai back!