Uchiha Seiryu [241-243] (Patreon)

Chapter 241: The Special Human Puppet Forbidden Jutsu Investigation Unit

After seeing Temari scale the wall and enter the Kazekage building, the other ninja who came with her followed suit, climbing in through various windows with their own styles.

The two Anbu stationed at the main entrance simply ignored what was happening, pretending not to see anything.

With Yashamaru and the others in tow, Temari stormed directly toward the Kazekage's office, where Ishi Nishigaku was located. Along the way, they ran into the secretary who'd just been sent by Nishigaku to urge the Anbu to suppress the protesting villagers.

Temari's subordinates acted quickly—the secretary was subdued before they could even cry out.

The group marched straight to the Kazekage office door. The ninja who'd followed Temari looked to her for instructions. She nodded, placed her hand on the doorknob, took a deep breath, and prepared to burst in and subdue Nishigaku instantly.

But just as she gripped the handle, she heard Nishigaku's voice faintly from inside:

"Kenki, don't worry. These rioters can't stop me. I'll use the Human Puppet Technique to bring you back to life."

His voice was so full of emotion that Temari and a few nearby Sand ninja outside the door got goosebumps.

"Kenki? Is he talking about his wife, Karen Kenki? But didn't his wife die during the Third Shinobi World War? And the Human Puppet Technique... Isn't that a forbidden jutsu, strictly banned by the village?" Temari frowned, pausing and motioning for the ninja behind her to stay silent. She wanted to hear what else Nishigaku might reveal.

Listening through the door as Nishigaku babbled on sentimentally, Temari felt chills. But she also confirmed that he intended to use the forbidden Human Puppet Technique. In Sunagakure, both creating and controlling human puppets is absolutely forbidden. This alone was enough to have Nishigaku ousted and disgraced.

What Nishigaku was doing was akin to a Konoha elder desecrating the First Hokage's remains—a heinous act. 

After a while, Nishigaku noticed his secretary was taking too long and called out for them.

At that moment, the office doors burst open.

Startled by the noise, Nishigaku turned to scold whoever had entered and hide his dead wife's body. But before he could act, a kunai glowing with a poisonous purple hue was pressed against his neck.

"Well, acting Kazekage, you certainly have an interesting hobby," Temari said mockingly as she entered. But when she spotted the crystal coffin and the silicone puppet beside the desk, she felt sick. As the late Fourth Kazekage's eldest daughter, she rarely came here, but always held the office as sacred. Nishigaku's actions were a disgrace to all past Kazekage.

"Temari! How dare you! Do you know what crime it is to storm the Kazekage's office?" Nishigaku's face turned red and then pale, but the kunai at his throat forced him to stay calm, glaring at Temari.

"Maybe you should worry more about explaining this," Temari shot back. She and Kankuro approached the coffin; Kankuro examined the body inside and said, "There are clear signs of human puppet modifications."

"How could you allow this?" Temari stared at Nishigaku in disbelief.

"Stay away from her!" Nishigaku panicked as Temari and Kankuro neared his puppet wife.

"As acting Kazekage, you used your authority for such things! Do you deserve to wear the Kazekage hat?" 

"Sealing unit! Secure everything here! All of this will be evidence for his trial!" Temari ordered loudly.

"No!" Nishigaku struggled desperately, but as a puppeteer without his puppets, he barely had a third of his strength. Two elite jonin swiftly subdued him, and the sealing team with Temari quickly sealed the coffin and the puppet.

"No!!!" Nishigaku screamed like a slaughtered pig.

His wails were so pathetic they could make one cry, but most Sand ninja present struggled not to laugh.

The situation was clear: based on what they'd overheard, Nishigaku intended a forbidden romance with his puppet wife. No one expected the usually tough Nishigaku to have such a twisted hobby in secret.

"Don't waste time—move him somewhere you can fully control. Once your elders react, things could get messy," Seiryu reminded Temari.

"Seal his chakra, then place him under strict guard with the jonin squad!" Temari ordered.

Soon, Temari's group escorted the fully sealed Nishigaku out of the Kazekage building. The two Anbu on guard at the door, facing Nishigaku's murderous glare, simply made way—after all, their orders were only to keep rioters from entering, not to stop anyone from leaving.

As they exited, the protesting villagers and ninja saw Nishigaku being escorted out and erupted in cheers.

"Welcome, Princess! Thank you for righting the wrongs!" one ninja, planted by Seiryu, shouted on cue.

"Princess Temari! Princess Temari!" The crowd in front of the Kazekage building broke into excited chants, calling Temari's name.

When the cheers finally died down, Temari motioned for silence.

Everyone watched her intently.

Temari took a deep breath and spoke:

 "Everyone, just now, we discovered evidence in the Kazekage office that Acting Kazekage Ishi Nishigaku violated Sunagakure's laws. As you all know, since my father, the Fourth Kazekage, sacrificed himself for the village, we've faced tough times. Yet, rather than lead us out of hardship, Nishigaku used his position to pursue personal gain, eliminate rivals, and even study forbidden jutsu! We cannot allow someone like this to tarnish our village's Will of Wind!"

"That's right!"

"Princess Temari is the best choice for Fifth Kazekage!" another planted ninja shouted.

"We support Princess Temari as the Fifth!"

With a few people leading, the crowd joined in. They weren't sure if Temari would make a good Kazekage, but as the daughter of Rasa, she was surely better than the ever-paranoid Nishigaku.

Besides, the mood was set, so the crowd kept chanting.

"Let's put the Kazekage issue aside for now. I understand your feelings and thank you for your support. But first, we must investigate the crimes committed by this traitor and restore honor to Sunagakure!" Temari addressed the crowd. "After that, if you still support me, I will take up my father's mantle and, guided by the Will of Wind, restore our village's glory!"

"Princess!"

"Lady Temari!"

"Fifth Kazekage!"

The crowd grew even more fervent, some already chanting "Fifth Kazekage!"

Amid the cheers, Temari watched as Baki, having finished with the puppet squad, led the captured Nishigaku toward the jonin headquarters—the stronghold of their faction.

Temari then turned and entered the Kazekage building.

Back in the office, Temari gazed at the photos of previous Kazekage on the wall, feeling a bit dazed.

Did they really succeed so easily? It had been less than ten hours since she and Kankuro returned to the village, and her greatest obstacle to becoming Kazekage was already a prisoner?

"What's wrong?" With Baki off interrogating Nishigaku and Yashamaru taking over the internal Anbu, only Temari and Kankuro remained in the office. Seiryu's communication snake, resting on the desk, asked, sensing Temari's daze.

"Does this mean our coup succeeded?" Temari asked, still in disbelief.

"Did you think a coup always needed endless preparation and a life-or-death struggle?" Seiryu chuckled.

Temari nodded.

"The more you try to make a coup perfect, the more unexpected setbacks you'll face," Seiryu said. "But if you're prepared, then act decisively when opportunity comes, you'll often succeed."

"Your father left you a strong foundation in Sunagakure. When your opponent slipped up, you didn't even need to prepare—just act, and you'd win." Seiryu smiled. Compared to his own coup in Konoha, Sunagakure's was child's play. Temari inherited her father's loyalists, and her opponent was an idiot, making it all seem too easy.

"But don't get complacent. Capturing Nishigaku was just the simplest step. Don't forget—who made him acting Kazekage in the first place?" Seiryu warned.

"The two elders…" Temari realized. Compared to capturing Nishigaku, dealing with Chiyo and Ebizō would be far harder—their influence ran deep, and even her father sometimes couldn't move against them.

"What should I do, Lord Hokage?" Temari asked humbly.

"Your elders are nominally Kazekage advisors, but their power is entrenched. Unless they openly break the law, you can't just oust them like Nishigaku." Seiryu explained.

Compared to Konoha's rotten elders, Chiyo and Ebizō at least cared for their village, though Chiyo had covered up some things for her grandson. Still, they hadn't done anything blatantly self-serving, so removing them would be tough.

"But you can gradually erode their authority. And you already have a pretext," Seiryu said. "Your village's greatest puppet master is Elder Chiyo, right?"

"Yes," Temari nodded, quickly catching on.

"Nishigaku was just a jonin—where did he learn the Human Puppet Technique? Now that you're the people's choice for Kazekage, you must investigate this thoroughly, right?"

"So, use this to strip their power piece by piece?" Temari asked, still a little uncertain.

"If it were that easy, your father would have retired them years ago," Seiryu shook his head. "Even if Nishigaku had dealings with them, they'd just blame him and walk away clean."

"Therefore," Seiryu said meaningfully, "form a special task force to investigate this incident—keep digging…"

Chapter 242: Dust Settled

Logically, given Sunagakure's current state, the smartest move would be to negotiate with Chiyo and Ebizō for stability.

Directly confronting them over Nishigaku's forbidden jutsu wasn't ideal. The village's finances were dire—if chaos continued, the whole place could blow sky high.

But Seiryu wasn't here to govern Sunagakure—Temari's goal was to become Kazekage, so the fastest route was best.

If the village exploded? That was the Kazekage's problem, not his.

Before long, the elders Chiyo and Ebizō arrived at the Kazekage's office.

Ebizō barged in first. Seeing Temari sitting confidently in the Kazekage's chair, he was furious. "Temari, do you know what you're doing? That seat isn't yours!"

"If that madman Nishigaku, who ignored the village's ban on human puppets, could sit here, why can't I—daughter of the Fourth Kazekage and the people's choice—sit here?" Temari shot back, fully prepared to confront the elders.

"You—!" Ebizō was stunned by her boldness. Thankfully, Chiyo intervened, stepping forward.

"Temari, where is the acting Kazekage?" Chiyo asked emotionlessly.

"Elder Chiyo, please mind your words. He's the former acting Kazekage, a potential traitor who broke the village's laws," Temari corrected her, following Seiryu's advice to pin all blame on Nishigaku without giving him a chance to recover. "He's under investigation by the jonin squad and will soon be tried for forbidden jutsu."

"Temari! Know your place. Being the Fourth's daughter doesn't change that you're just a jonin. Even if the acting Kazekage is guilty, it's not your place to judge! Who gave you the right to storm the Kazekage building and detain him?" Chiyo demanded.

"It was the unanimous decision of the jonin squad," Temari declared, rising and leaning over the desk. "The jonin are meant to supervise the Kage, especially when an acting Kage is appointed by the elders without consulting us. When we found evidence of Nishigaku's crimes, we acted! As members of Sunagakure, the jonin cannot allow someone who stains the Will of Wind and the honor of the Kazekage hat to remain in office!"

Her words made the atmosphere in the office tense.

Chiyo and Ebizō took a deep breath. Yesterday, they'd pushed Nishigaku into power in a rush. The jonin hadn't objected then, mostly out of concern for Temari's safety—if she hadn't returned, Nishigaku would have purged her father's supporters.

But now Temari was back and had become the new rallying point. Nishigaku had handed her the perfect excuse to act!

"But your violent takeover will unsettle the village," Chiyo tried another angle. "Have you considered the village's current situation?"

"Is that so?" Temari snorted. "If Nishigaku's crimes hadn't been exposed and he became Kazekage, only to be found out later, the damage would've been even worse, don't you think?"

"And," Temari fixed Chiyo with a meaningful look, "I wonder how a mere jonin like Nishigaku accessed the forbidden Human Puppet Technique, which should be sealed away? Elder Chiyo, as the village's top puppet master, do you have any idea?"

"I know nothing of this," Chiyo said, a flicker of panic in her eyes, though she hid it well.

Temari smiled. "Sorry, Elder Chiyo, I was overthinking. I know someone as respected as you, who's dedicated your life to the village, wouldn't be involved in such things."

Chiyo was silent for a long time before finally asking, "So, how do you think this should be handled? You know exposing Nishigaku's forbidden jutsu will cause serious repercussions."

"Of course. That's why I haven't publicly announced his crimes. But given the potential fallout, the jonin squad decided to establish a special investigation unit to get to the bottom of it."

"You…" Chiyo took a deep breath. Only now did she realize the conversation had slipped entirely into Temari's control. Just like her father, Temari was slowly wresting power from them.

After today, Temari's path to becoming Fifth Kazekage was almost clear.

Originally, the elders had planned to test Temari's patience, split her father's old power base, and then let her take over as Kazekage so they could rule behind the scenes. But after Temari and Gaara disappeared yesterday, they thought neither would return, so they pushed Nishigaku forward. But Temari returned, took power with lightning speed, and turned the situation upside down.

Now Temari had consolidated her father's base, and after taking down Nishigaku, even the neutral factions would likely support her. The elders' scheme had failed—they'd be lucky just to keep what little power they had left.

"I think stability is most important right now," Chiyo said, trying to keep her composure.

"Indeed," Ebizō agreed. "We'll convene another jonin meeting in a few days to officially appoint you as Fifth Kazekage."

Hearing them back down via Temari's comms snake, Seiryu was a little disappointed. Were they giving in so easily? They clearly hadn't covered their tracks well—if Temari kept digging, things could get ugly for them.

"Too bad I won't get to see Sunagakure explode," Seiryu muttered as he made some tea in the Hokage office.

"Are you just going to let the village's hidden evils fester?" Temari pressed.

"Of course not." Ebizō wiped his brow, his tone much softer now. "Now that we've found clues, we must root out all evil in the village—once things have stabilized."

"You're right," Temari agreed. "With the Jinchuriki missing, we also need to search for Shukaku as soon as possible. If we get it back, any suggestions for a new Jinchuriki?"

Chiyo sighed, realizing Temari was offering an unspoken deal: she'd go easy on Nishigaku if they dropped the issue.

"If Gaara returns safely, I think he should remain the Jinchuriki. Stability is key," Chiyo said, once again emphasizing stability.

"That's not ideal. Gaara's already lost control twice, causing major damage. My father, the Fourth, died sealing a rampaging Tailed Beast. As Gaara's sister, I think this issue needs more thought," Temari replied.

Seiryu had taught her this—if she became Kazekage, let others suggest keeping Gaara as Jinchuriki, so she wouldn't take the blame.

Chiyo sighed, seeing Temari was just as shrewd as her father—always avoiding responsibility. When Rasa sealed Shukaku into Gaara, he also held endless meetings before finally giving in, gaining more prestige for his sacrifice.

Well, at least she's matured. Like her father, she'll keep the village running.

Chiyo thought, then said aloud:

 "We've already agreed. The village needs stability. If Shukaku is recovered, Gaara should remain the Jinchuriki. Changing hosts now is too risky—a rampage is almost certain if we try to reseal it."

"Alright, since you both agree, let's keep it that way," Temari nodded.

With the elders conceding, the chaos in Sunagakure finally ended.

…

…

The next morning, Sasuke, Neji, and their team—now rested—set out with Shion to the site where Moryo was sealed.

Although Shion seemed unwilling and kept repeating her prophecies, Sasuke ignored her.

Neji, as squad leader, finally pressed Shion's guard, Taruho:

 "Is your country just messing with us? You requested Konoha's help, and now you're stalling. Once this is over, I'll report your behavior to the Hokage, and we'll reconsider future missions from your country."

"Hey, why are you so ungrateful?" Shion protested. "I'm just trying to warn you about your companion's death!"

"Thanks, but as ninja, we don't believe in vague prophecies," Sasuke replied coldly.

Chapter 243: Bratty Shrine Maidens Need a Harsh Lesson

"I don't get it," Shion said, staring at Sasuke. "The samurai of my country are willing to die for me because I'm their lord, but why are you Konoha ninja so stubborn?"

In the next instant, katana was at her throat.

Swallowing hard, Shion looked up at Sasuke, whose killing intent was palpable. She watched as his eyes turned red, three tomoe appearing.

Crushed by the pressure, Shion couldn't even speak.

"If your prophecies are so accurate, tell me—will you die by my hand?" Sasuke asked, voice cold as ice.

"Please calm down," Taruho pleaded.

"Just kidding." Sasuke smiled, sheathing his blade and instantly dissipating his killing intent.

Shion gasped for breath, chest heaving, but fear kept her silent.

"One thing, though," Sasuke continued. "I have no interest in dying for you. I'm here because I want a spotless mission record—if I took the mission, I'll finish it, even if I have to drag you to the Land of Swamps."

"Alright, Karin, Sakura, please escort the priestess," Neji ordered.

Karin and Sakura flanked Shion. "Please, Lady Shrine Maiden," Karin said flatly.

If Shion resisted, they'd clearly force her along.

For Karin, this was her first S-rank mission. For Sakura, she just wanted to finish quickly and get back to studying medicine.

Watching, Taruho felt awkward.

Since when did Konoha ninja act like this?

 They used to be so much easier to work with, but now they were practically ready to kidnap the client if needed.

So, the group set out toward the Land of Swamps, where Moryo's body was sealed.

Despite the earlier friction, they maintained tight protection. Neji and Karin took turns scanning the surroundings with Byakugan and sensory skills.

The first day passed quickly. After sunset, Neji picked a campsite, and they took turns on watch.

Late at night, Sasuke sat on a tree branch, listening for danger.

Suddenly, Shion woke in terror, cold sweat matting her hair.

"Are you alright, Lady Shion?" Taruho, her bodyguard, asked.

"Taruho... you don't need to join this mission. Go back," Shion said after hesitating.

Taruho was startled, then realized. "Did you see a vision?"

"Yes," Shion nodded. "So please, go back."

"If this is my fate, running won't help," Taruho said calmly.

"I told you to go! Are you going to disobey me too?" Shion snapped, her nerves fraying.

Her outburst woke the others, who gathered.

"What's wrong?" Neji asked.

"Nothing. Lady Shion probably just had a nightmare," Taruho smiled.

"Pointless," Sasuke said, leaping down to stand over Shion.

"What do you want?" Shion asked, shrinking under his gaze.

"You saw this guy's death, didn't you?" Sasuke asked.

Shion nodded, biting her lip.

"So, there'll be a fight tomorrow. Tell me—when will it happen? Morning? Afternoon? Or at least the direction of the shadows, or the enemy's attack method?"

Shion tried to recall the vision, but after the commotion, most details were fuzzy.

"It was daylight, but... I don't remember the rest," she admitted weakly.

"You forgot such crucial info?" Sasuke frowned, exasperated by how useless this priestess was.

"You didn't believe my prophecy!" Shion retorted.

Ignoring her tantrum, Sasuke and Neji strategized.

"If the fight's during the day, we should rest now and increase our vigilance tomorrow. Karin, expand your sensory range," Neji said.

"If the prophecy is true, the enemy must be strong enough to kill our client despite our protection. Too bad this priestess couldn't provide any useful details," Sasuke said, glancing at Shion.

"Taruho," Neji called.

"Yes, Mr. Hyuga?" Taruho replied calmly.

"Take this," Neji said, handing over a device from his wrist. "It stores five instant A-rank Rasengan. Press these buttons with your middle and ring fingers to activate. It should help you hold out until we arrive."

"Thank you," Taruho nodded, expression calm as ever.

"You trust her prophecies, but you're not worried? She predicted your death," Karin asked.

"What's the point of worrying? Everyone Lady Shion predicted would die never escaped their fate. Dying to protect her is an honor," Taruho smiled, fully prepared.

"Hmph, what a bunch of idiots," Sasuke scoffed, then turned to Shion. "Hey, wanna bet?"

Shion looked confused.

"You claim your prophecies are absolute. Well, I'll break fate this time. If Taruho survives tomorrow, you'll come to the Fire Country's theology seminar and improve your skills with our priests. Deal?"

Neji understood Sasuke's intent—if Shion's ability wasn't absolute, she could become a valuable asset to Konoha.

"If you lose?" Shion challenged.

"Oh? You want your bodyguard to die just to prove you're right?" Sasuke sneered.

"N-no, that's not what I meant!" Shion panicked, turning to Taruho.

"It's fine, my lady," Taruho assured her.

"Get some rest. Tomorrow, I'll teach you a lesson all Fire priests know: divine power needs a ninja's kunai to make it real," Sasuke said.

The next morning, they set out again, more cautious than ever. Neji and Karin pushed their senses to the limit.

"They're here!" Around noon, Karin warned, "Southeast—four chakra signatures!"

"Only four?" Neji frowned, growing tense.

Given the prophecy, they expected an army. For four people to kill Taruho under their guard, did that mean four Kage-level ninja?

"Ready up!" Neji ordered. He and Sasuke activated special earpieces, sharing their Byakugan and Sharingan vision with the team.

"Something's off—their chakra isn't that strong, but there's an odd flow at the back of their necks," Sasuke reported.

"Artificial power-ups?" Neji guessed. "Karin, get the sealing jutsu ready!"

"Yes!" Karin began preparing sealing tags.

"Karin, protect the clients. Everyone else, engage!" Sasuke ordered.

Immediately, a green blur—Lee—charged at the largest enemy, trading blows so powerful the man's arm began turning to stone.

"Body enhancement, huh? Perfect!" Lee grinned, dropped her weights, and ignited with green chakra, opening the Eight Gates. He launched at his opponent: "Front Lotus!"

As Lee engaged his foe, Sasuke drew his sword, surrounding the remaining two with arcs of purple lightning, driving them back with just a few slashes.