Chapter 281: Chapter 281: Hokage’s Resolve, Absolute Trust in Akira
Chapter 281: Chapter 281: Hokage’s Resolve, Absolute Trust in Akira
As the eldest son of the Uchiha clan leader, Uchiha Itachi surely knew that exchanging Mangekyō Sharingan between brothers wouldn't work. Yet, he insisted that, just in case, it would be better to transplant his own Mangekyō to Sasuke while making sure Sasuke hated him.
This guy truly went to great lengths to ensure his Mangekyō Sharingan would be transferred to Sasuke smoothly. No wonder he was the ultimate "brother protector" in the original series. Well, since this was Itachi's choice, there wasn't much more Akira could say.
"By the way, Akira, is your Mangekyō also on the verge of losing its sight?"
Even though Akira wasn't his biological son, Fugaku regarded him as Konoha's and the Uchiha clan's future. So, as they discussed Itachi's plan to give his Mangekyō to Sasuke, Fugaku
couldn't help but express concern for Akira as well.
"Don't worry, I've found a way to counter the side effects of my Mangekyō," Akira responded to Fugaku's concern.
"You've... found a way?" Fugaku asked in surprise.
According to the Uchiha clan's history, the only way to overcome the side effects of the Mangekyō Sharingan was to transplant the Mangekyō of a sibling, achieving the Eternal Mangekyō. But Akira didn't have a brother, so how did he manage to negate the side effects?
This was important information for the Uchiha clan.
"The solution lies in the cells of the First Hokage. If one successfully fuses a large number of Hashirama's cells, it significantly reduces or even completely negates the side effects of the Mangekyō Sharingan."Nôv(el)B\\jnn
"However, achieving this is extremely difficult. When Orochimaru and Danzo researched Wood Release, they barely managed to create someone like Yamato."
"The reason I succeeded is that my life form has ascended to that of a dragon. My cells are strong enough to withstand the invasion of Hashirama's cells."
"I've already discussed this with Itachi."
Akira explained the situation to Fugaku without holding anything back, recounting the conversation he had with Itachi previously.
"As expected, it's no easy task. In fact, it's nearly impossible." Fugaku, as Hokage, was aware of Hashirama's cells and their nature. Hearing Akira's explanation, he shook his head in resignation.
Simply put, Hashirama's cells were like cancer-highly aggressive, and ordinary people couldn't withstand their invasive nature. Akira had only succeeded because his body had transformed into that of a dragon, allowing him to resist the invasion.
But how many individuals like Akira had existed in the ninja world? Throughout history, he was the only one. So, while Akira had managed to nullify the side effects of the Mangekyō using Hashirama's cells, it made sense in his case.
"Alright then. Even though it's nearly impossible for anyone else, at least it's something to keep in mind." Fugaku thought for a moment and sighed. He mentally noted Akira's discovery, even though he knew it was unlikely to benefit others.
And strictly speaking, although Akira's eyes retained permanent vision, since he didn't possess the additional Mangekyō chakra, it couldn't truly be considered an Eternal Mangekyō Sharingan.
After they finished discussing the Mangekyō, Akira and Fugaku shifted the conversation to Konoha's counterattack on the Akatsuki.
"Since the Fourth Tsuchikage of Iwagakure has been confirmed, shouldn't we contact the other great villages to join us in this counterattack?" Fugaku suggested.
After all, the purpose of the previous Five Kage Summit was to unite against the Akatsuki. "No, I have a different plan," Akira responded, shaking his head at Fugaku's suggestion. "Oh? What's your idea?" Fugaku asked curiously.
"My plan is not to mobilize an entire army, but rather to form a small strike force," Akira said.
"A strike force? So, your goal isn't to wipe out the Akatsuki entirely, but simply to defeat them and create the conditions for Itachi to transplant his Mangekyō?" Fugaku raised an eyebrow, surprised by Akira's plan.
Indeed, if the goal was to counterattack the Akatsuki, why not send a large force? Why just a strike team? It didn't seem like the goal was to eliminate the Akatsuki.
"First of all, the Akatsuki is strong. Wiping them out completely would come at a heavy cost. However, our victory is almost guaranteed later on, so there's no need to rush things now." Akira's explanation was straightforward. It was like playing a strategy game: if your side had a stronger late-game lineup, there was no need to take risky moves early on and give the enemy a chance to turn the tables.
"Secondly, not all Akatsuki members need to be defeated in battle. There might be other ways to resolve the situation," Akira continued.
This hinted at his plans to potentially sway Obito and Nagato without having to fight them.
"Hmm, since you put it that way, I'll trust your judgment." Hearing Akira's reasoning, Fugaku decided to trust him completely.
After all, Akira's ability to foresee the future was something Fugaku had come to rely on. Even if Akira's actions didn't always make sense to him, Fugaku was willing to place his faith in
him.
Akira felt a sense of gratitude toward Fugaku for his unconditional trust.
Though Akira had never betrayed the Uchiha or Konoha, seeing Fugaku's unwavering faith in him was still touching.
In the original series, Fugaku often came across as indecisive, especially when it came to whether or not to launch a coup. But now, after years of being Hokage, it seemed that Fugaku's resolve had grown.
It reminded Akira of a scene from a movie in his previous life: the Ancient One, whose responsibility was to protect the Eye of Agamotto, had chosen to trust Doctor Strange even when his actions seemed incomprehensible.
Such trust required immense strength of character, and Akira found it deeply admirable.
Now that the plan to send a strike team against the Akatsuki was in place, there was no need to
involve the other great ninja villages.
So, who should be selected for the strike team?
Soon, Fugaku had compiled a list of potential candidates.
Every member of the Akatsuki had Kage-level strength. Therefore, the strike team would also need to consist of Kage-level shinobi.
At present, Konoha had several ninja who could qualify: Sasuke, who had crossed through time; Akira himself; Hokage Fugaku; Orochimaru; Tsunade; Jiraiya; Sasuke's younger brother; Naruto; Roshi; Han; Kakashi; and Might Guy, whose Eight Gates could elevate him to Kage-
level.
That made for a solid group of twelve, with Akira and Sasuke being at the "Super Kage" level. Of course, not all of them could join the strike team.
First, Orochimaru's status was still sensitive, so he couldn't participate openly. Second, as Hokage, Fugaku had to stay in Konoha to oversee everything.
"So, it looks like you'll be leading the team. You'll take ten people with you on this strike mission," Fugaku said. "Honestly, with you and your friend who possesses the Rinnegan, you probably don't need much help to wipe out the Akatsuki."
Even with Orochimaru and Fugaku staying behind, the strike team would still be incredibly
powerful.
"Actually, I won't be going. I should stay in Konoha," Akira said, shaking his head.
"You'll stay here?" Fugaku looked at him in disbelief, almost doubting what he'd just heard.
This mission had been Akira's idea, and now the key player was saying he wasn't going? He wanted to stay behind and watch over Konoha?
Was Fugaku hearing things wrong?
"That's right, I'll stay behind," Akira confirmed. "Orochimaru is trustworthy enough, but
Konan is still a prisoner in Konoha. I can't leave her unguarded."
Fugaku didn't respond at first, instead giving Akira a long, thoughtful look.
Clearly, Fugaku didn't buy Akira's explanation.
"Sigh..."
Akira knew his reasoning was weak, so he sighed and admitted, "Alright, the real reason is
Hinata."
"Akira, I'm glad you and Hinata have a strong relationship. But as a man, especially since Konoha will be in your hands one day, you can't let personal matters cloud your judgment," Fugaku said, trying to offer fatherly advice without being too harsh, since Akira wasn't his
son.
"You misunderstand," Akira quickly shook his head. "It's not that I can't bear to leave Hinata. It's that I've foreseen that while we're attacking the Akatsuki, someone powerful will come
and abduct her."
POWER STONE!!!
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