Chapter 306 : Naruto's Strength

Mastering the Eight Inner Gates doesn't just require physical strength—it demands a level of bodily refinement that very few shinobi can achieve.

This isn't something just anyone can learn.

Shennong's goal was clear: he intended to use the power of the Zero-Tails to conquer the entire shinobi world.

After Kakashi led the assembled shinobi away on their mission, Tsunade remained on the top floor of the Hokage building, staring down at the still-smoking ruins left by the bombing. Her expression was tight, her brows furrowed with concern.

"Those damn Sky Ninja… after all these years, they're still causing chaos," she muttered bitterly.

As Hokage, she carried the weight of the village's safety on her shoulders. This kind of destruction—it cut deep.

Riku stood beside her, hands in his pockets, a small smile tugging at the corners of his lips. "Kakashi and the others will find their base. Once they do, they'll wipe them out."

He paused, eyes narrowing. "But they're not the real threat. Just a bunch of thugs, loud and messy."

Tsunade turned to him, sensing the shift in his tone.

He wasn't wrong.

The Sky Ninja were a nuisance—but the true threats looming over the shinobi world were far more terrifying.

The Akatsuki were still active, and even more dangerous was the specter of Kaguya Ōtsutsuki, who could return at any time.

Without Yin-Yang Release, no one could hope to seal her again.

Riku's gaze darkened slightly. He wasn't sure if this version of Kaguya would be as naïve or emotionally unbalanced as before.

If she returned with full clarity—if she learned from her past defeat—then things would become far more complicated. Her power alone was monstrous.

Even back then, it had taken both Naruto and Sasuke, wielding the full power of Hagoromo Ōtsutsuki, to barely seal her.

And even then… Riku found it baffling. Could two shinobi, even at their peak, really have sealed someone that powerful?

Something about it didn't sit right with him.

This time, he couldn't rely on the same outcome.

If Kaguya returned and Naruto and Sasuke couldn't manage to seal her again, he would have to step in and face her himself.

And for an ordinary shinobi, that was unthinkable.

Sensing the storm of thoughts inside him, Tsunade gave a rare, gentle smile. "No matter what happens, I'll face it with you."

Riku glanced at her, surprised for a moment. Then he chuckled softly. "That alone is enough."

He knew that in a battle against monsters like Kaguya or Madara, Tsunade wouldn't be able to help much, even though she was one of the strongest Kage alive.

But the fact that she said she'd stand with him—that she'd fight beside him regardless of the odds—meant more than anything.

Elsewhere in the village, Naruto was training intensely.

He hadn't joined the mission because he was in the middle of mastering the Nine-Tails Chakra Mode—and possibly even entering full Kurama Mode.

If he succeeded, Konoha would gain another true powerhouse—someone on the level of a Kage or higher.

There were things Riku didn't want to do if others could handle them.

He didn't want Konoha to become dependent on him alone for every crisis. That wasn't sustainable.

He wanted the village to grow stronger on its own.

Kakashi had taken a dozen Chūnin and headed for the coastline of the Land of Fire.

According to intelligence reports, it was unlikely that the Sky Ninja were hiding anywhere on land. Their main base was suspected to be docked offshore—some kind of airship or mothership.

Given the Sky Ninja's chakra limitations, they wouldn't be able to fly far from their base. That meant the nearest coastline was the most probable location.

A full day passed.

Back in the Hokage's office, Riku was quietly reading reports while Tsunade handled administrative work.

Suddenly, the doors slammed open.

Naruto and Yamato rushed in.

"Granny Tsunade!" Naruto shouted, clearly agitated. "I heard Sakura and the others went after the ones who attacked the village!"

Tsunade didn't look up at first, calmly placing the scroll she'd been reading back onto the desk.

Then she met Naruto's gaze. "Yes," she said plainly. "You want to go too?"

Naruto's fists clenched. "Of course! Those guys attacked the village and hurt so many people. I'm not letting them get away with it!"

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