Chapter 109: I'm Still Too Weak - The White Eyed Princess of Konoha

## Chapter 109: I'm Still Too Weak The battle involving Asuma, Kurenai, and Kisame, had tilted decidedly in their favor with the timely arrival of Kakashi. At least for the moment. Kisame's large-scale Water Release techniques were too conspicuous. Though Kisame was also a 'Chakra Tank'-type ninja, his jutsu didn't focus on pinpoint attacks like Hinata's did. Water Release techniques typically had two features: they were either miraculous, like the Fourth Mizukage Yagura's 'Water Mirror Technique,' which could create identical clones that mirrored the enemy's jutsu with matching power, or they relied on overwhelming numbers, the latter being Kisame's specialty. The heated three-versus-one battle saw waves sweeping across the field, quenching the flames of their struggles. Both parties paused. Hinata positioned herself beside Kakashi, facing off against Itachi and Kisame. Itachi had regained his Sharingan with three tomoe but was visibly panting, with the occasional twitch at the corner of his eye, indicating he was enduring immense pain. Hinata's chakra reserves were more than half depleted. Had Uchiha Itachi chosen to press the battle, Hinata would have likely been the first to falter. Her trump card required significant chakra expenditure, and she had used it four times already. She could manage it only about four more times before hitting her limit. The skirmish had ignited suddenly and ended just as quickly, the entire encounter spanning less than thirty seconds. Hinata had truly tasted the might of Uchiha Itachi. She knew of Itachi's capabilities. Thankfully, he hadn't resorted to Tsukuyomi or Amaterasu, and his Susanoo hadn't been fully unleashed, with neither the Totsuka Blade nor the Yata Mirror in play. If Itachi unleashed his full strength, Hinata doubted she could last even thirty seconds. What frustrated her most was that even her strongest attack couldn't breach Susanoo's ribcage-like defenses. Her attack power was lacking. It seemed imperative to master Sage Mode quickly. Moreover, she needed to enhance her ultimate technique's power. The Eighty Gods Vacuum Attack required coordination with Dojutsu, pushing Yin-Yang Release to its pinnacle with Bloodline Manipulation, alongside the might of the God Tree's chakra. It was a force that could shake the heavens with all-encompassing strikes and merciless punches! Blow after blow, leaving no escape—even for a mouse! These were all aspects Hinata needed to improve. Now, at least, she had clarity about her future path of growth. Presently, her basic skills needed refinement, and mastering Sage Mode was essential. Once in Sage Mode, she could wield Senjutsu chakra at will, significantly increasing the speed and timing of her attacks. Furthermore, Sage Mode would substantially boost all of her attributes. Kisame glanced at the somewhat disheveled Itachi and asked with concern, "Itachi, are you alright? If you keep overusing those eyes, it could be dangerous for you." Itachi didn't reply immediately but kept his gaze fixed on Hinata. Hinata had opened her eyes, maintaining Byakugan activated; any sudden fluctuation in Itachi's chakra would prompt her to close them immediately. "I know I look cute, but could you please stop staring at me?" Hinata felt a bit embarrassed under his gaze. Uchiha Itachi: "..." "I didn't expect you to have gotten so strong!" Itachi's voice was flat, devoid of emotion, yet seemed to convey an inexplicable message to Hinata. While engaged in combat, Hinata remained focused, looking calmly at Uchiha Itachi, awaiting his next words. However, Itachi had simply intended to compliment her... Kakashi glanced casually at Uchiha Itachi, speaking as if greeting an old friend, "Tell us about your objectives." Itachi paused briefly before saying, "We came here looking for something." "Looking for something?" Kakashi asked plainly, "Are you here for Sasuke?" "No!" Uchiha Itachi spoke firmly, "I'm searching for the legacy of the Fourth Hokage!" Naruto, then... Kakashi thought back to a conversation he had with Jiraiya not long ago. Jiraiya, while tracking Orochimaru, had stumbled upon a group of S-Rank rogue ninjas—the Akatsuki. Jiraiya had already uncovered some leads; the Akatsuki were gathering information on tailed beasts. Kakashi asked seriously, "Are you after the Nine-Tails sealed within Naruto?" "I know it's not just the two of you... Your organization is 'Akatsuki', isn't it?" Uchiha Itachi remained silent; he had provided enough information. Any further would stir Kisame's suspicions. Kakashi could be a bit too bold! You know what you know, why say it aloud? How is a spy supposed to maintain cover? Uchiha Itachi wanted to respond, but Hinata stood opposite, and without revealing his trump cards, he felt lacking in conviction. Kisame clenched his teeth, chuckling coldly, "Seems like you know quite a bit. Guess we'll have to take you back to the organization!" "Enough, Kisame!" Uchiha Itachi said softly, "We're not here to fight. It's unfortunate, but there's no point in staying here any longer, and... your techniques are too loud!" Kisame grumbled, "I was just getting fired up, and... Samehada..." Itachi said nothing more, and Kisame swallowed his words. Continuing the fight might attract many Leaf ninja. Besides... They had just seen Naruto at the ramen shop, with Jiraiya close by. 'Shush! Shush!' Itachi and Kisame used Body Flicker Technique to depart simultaneously. Hinata turned to Kakashi and asked, "Kakashi-sensei, shouldn't we pursue them?" Kakashi shook his head slightly: “Let's leave it be. The village isn't ready for another confrontation with such strong opponents.” Kakashi sensed something in Itachi’s words—a hint of information spilling through—and that wasn't typical for a skilled ninja. "Alright then." Hinata shrugged nonchalantly, “Since we’re not chasing them, I'll go retrieve my spoils!” The thrill of defeating enemies and claiming loot was unparalleled. Kakashi was momentarily perplexed; he had arrived late and was unaware of any spoils. "What loot?" Asuma clarified, "It's one of the Seven Swords of the Mist, Samehada. Hinata knocked it into the woods earlier." Activating her Byakugan, Hinata eagerly ran to fetch Samehada from where it had landed amongst the trees. "I'd better return; the dango I bought earlier is waiting to be eaten. If I don't hurry, it'll be wasted." "Kakashi-sensei, Asuma-sensei, Kurenai-sensei! Goodbye!" ... On the streets of the Leaf Village, Naruto glared at Jiraiya, complaining incessantly, "Why do I have to go on a research trip with you, you pervy sage?" Jiraiya chuckled, "This isn't just any research; I'm looking to interview a particular woman, and we're going to find her!" Naruto grumbled, "I was supposed to train... Have Kakashi-sensei teach me the Chidori..." Lately, Kakashi really was playing favorites. Plus, Hinata's strength kept rising. Jiraiya tempted, "Well... I happen to know a jutsu even more powerful than the Chidori. Guess I'll have to teach it to Sasuke then!" Naruto's eyes gleamed with excitement as he turned to Jiraiya, "I'll go with you!"