How did this guy appear…?
The Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Yu Gao, instinctively retreated tens of meters, his pupils shrinking in alarm. He stared at Naruto vigilantly, maintaining a safe distance.
As for Hotaru's safety, Yu Gao wasn't too concerned. Judging by Naruto's tone and the forehead protector on his head, Naruto didn't seem to be an enemy.
"Who are you? And why should I worship you as a teacher?"
Hotaru turned to look at Naruto. When she caught sight of his handsome profile, her cheeks flushed slightly, though she pretended to be dissatisfied as she pouted and exclaimed coyly.
"Me? I'm Uzumaki Naruto, a Konoha Jōnin, sent here to protect you.
Aren't you looking for someone to teach you and help you grow stronger? I'm very capable…"
Naruto replied calmly, staring at the blonde, curly-haired Hotaru without hesitation.
"Impossible! Master Bubble is the strongest ninja!"
Hotaru, already enamored with Yu Gao's strength, immediately rejected Naruto's claim, reflexively retorting.
"Hotaru, he is indeed stronger than me.
If you want to become someone's apprentice, I recommend him."
Yu Gao spoke solemnly after understanding Naruto's identity and purpose for coming. He realized this was his chance to free himself from Hotaru.
In terms of strength, Yu Gao wasn't lying. He could feel the pressure emanating from Naruto.
"What? That can't be true! Master Bubble, you're lying, right?"
Hotaru trembled, her delicate frame shaking as her eyes filled with doubt. She stared at Yu Gao, questioning him anxiously.
"Hotaru, don't be naive.
I'm just a fugitive being hunted down. I can't take you as my apprentice.
Now that Konoha has sent someone to protect you, it's time for us to part ways."
A flash of hesitation appeared in Yu Gao's eyes, but the memory of Mist Shinobi's Anbu chasing him down forced him to harden his resolve.
"You've got sharp instincts, I'll give you that…
Mist Shinobi's renegade Six-Tails Jinchūriki, Yu Gao.
However, I advise you not to wander around so carelessly.
Do you know the current situation? Two-Tails, Three-Tails, Four-Tails, Five-Tails, and Seven-Tails have all been captured by Uchiha Madara.
It's incredibly dangerous for someone like you to be alone."
Naruto narrowed his eyes and spoke calmly, fixing Yu Gao with a sharp gaze.
"What? Uchiha Madara?!"
Yu Gao's expression shifted drastically as he exclaimed in shock, momentarily forgetting how Naruto had learned his identity.
"Ninja? Yu Gao? Tailed Beasts? Uchiha Madara?
What's happening here?"
Hotaru was overwhelmed by the flood of information Naruto had just revealed. She looked to him with wide eyes and asked anxiously.
"Miss Hotaru, since he's a rogue ninja from Mist Village and the Six-Tails Jinchūriki, you should stay away from him.
This Konoha ninja is strong enough to guarantee our safety."
Descending from above on his sand table, Dunbingwei landed beside Hotaru, his wary gaze fixed on Yu Gao.
"Dunbingwei! You're alright!"
Hotaru's worries vanished as she ran over, her face lighting up with joy.
"Thanks to the timely intervention of this Uzumaki Jōnin, I survived.
Miss Hotaru, don't get too involved with Mist Shinobi's rogue ninja.
Mist Shinobi's Anbu are far more dangerous than the wandering ninjas who were after us."
Dunbingwei gestured toward Naruto, then cast a cautious glance at Yu Gao, offering his warning.
Previously, Dunbingwei had no choice but to let Hotaru follow Yu Gao. But now, with Konoha reinforcements and knowing Yu Gao's identity, his decision was clear.
"But… but…"
Hotaru pouted, looking back at Yu Gao, her hesitation evident.
"Enough, Hotaru.
Konoha ninja, I'll verify the information you've shared. Farewell."
Yu Gao took a deep look at Hotaru before nodding toward Naruto. With Konoha's protection now in place, he could leave without regret.
He pulled out a ninja tool from his waist and created a large bubble that enveloped him. Then, he floated into the sky, drifting away.
Have they left? Well, whatever… She's not exactly a stunning beauty. Whether she lives or dies is up to fate.
Naruto curled his lips, his thoughts dismissive as he watched Yu Gao's figure disappear.
Outside Konoha Village:
"Ino–Shika–Chō, the new trio of Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?
Black Zetsu, you're sure about this information?"
Standing atop a hill overlooking the peaceful Konoha Village, Uchiha Madara, with his white hair and robes, held his iconic Uchiha round fan. He spoke indifferently, his gaze cold.
"Yes, Lord Madara.
The new Ino–Shika–Chō trio is indeed the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
Right now, they're inside Konoha Village."
Beside Madara, Black Zetsu bowed respectfully, though a fiery light burned in his hidden gaze.
Once Madara absorbed the Nine-Tails, the Infinite Tsukuyomi could finally be unleashed, paving the way for Kaguya's revival.
"Then let's retrieve the Nine-Tails."
With a confident smirk, Uchiha Madara waved his hand. The round fan in his grasp sent a fierce hurricane surging toward Konoha's gates.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Patreon.com/PhoeniXcel
There are 50+ advanced chapters available for you to read.
Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Check out my new Naruto fanfic!
[Naruto: With the Right Pay, Kick Out the Five Kage]