Chapter 287: Chapter 287: When She Can Sweep Konoha, Who Can Stop Her?
According to the information she had learned, it would be more difficult for the Jinchuriki to gain freedom than for her to do so.
Only Kushina could still jump around every day, whereas the Sand Village's Jinchuriki lived a miserable life.
"Yes," she said.
After hugging Pakura, Kushina picked up a bowl and chopsticks to eat, not even bothering to wash her hands. While wolfing down her food, she explained between bites:
"Shinki said that as long as I can master the Tailed Beast Chakra Mode, I can gain freedom."
"Is this true?" Pakura asked, a bit skeptical.
Although Shinki held a high position in Konoha, could his words really hold such authority?
Pakura knew Kushina had faced unjust treatment before. If she wanted true freedom, the opinions of Konoha's senior executives would be crucial—it couldn't just be decided by Shinki alone. Suspicion crept into Pakura's mind: was Shinki merely toying with Kushina?
Facing Pakura's questioning gaze, Shinki replied, clearly displeased:
"When Kushina masters the Tailed Beast Chakra Mode, she'll be the strongest in the world. Sweeping Konoha? That won't be a problem. Who would dare restrict her freedom then?"
Restricting someone's freedom required the power to suppress them or the authority to make them comply. But would Kushina listen to the senior executives of Konoha?
To be honest, even if Tsunade were to order her, Kushina would likely shrug it off. She was the type to let words go in one ear and out the other. Once she successfully mastered the Chakra Mode, persuading her would be the least of their worries—she might end up knocking people around instead.
"So strong?" Pakura gasped in disbelief.
Having spent time in Konoha, Pakura had a general understanding of its power structure. If Kushina could "sweep Konoha," it would mean she was nearly invincible. In that case, who could possibly restrict her freedom?
Before Kushina could respond, Shinki added, "Of course! Even that cunning fox hasn't lied to us about this."
Kurama: "...…"
I don't lie! And I definitely don't deceive Kushina!
The Nine Tails was livid. Damn that Shinki, always so annoying!
Just wait! Once Kushina masters the Tailed Beast Chakra Mode, I'll seize control of her body for a moment and beat you to death!!!
Logically, one would think that after months of being taunted daily, the Nine Tails would have grown immune. Unfortunately, Kurama wasn't just a beast—it was a prideful Tailed Beast, and Shinki's constant insinuations drove it mad. Every time he called it a liar or claimed it was deceiving Kushina, it felt like a direct insult.
Am I so untrustworthy? Damn it!
Kushina, on the other hand, smiled foolishly. She had grown used to this banter over the past few months and didn't take it seriously.
Shinki, for his part, knew how to balance things. While he enjoyed riling up the Nine Tails, he made sure not to overdo it. A little daily stimulation kept Kurama fired up, but too much might backfire. If the Tailed Beast really lost its temper and went berserk, it could hinder Kushina's progress.
After finishing her meal, Kushina quickly washed up and went to bed. The intensified training had exhausted her.
Meanwhile, Shinki sat on the sofa, reading a book. Occasionally, he threw firewood into the stove to keep the room warm.
Pakura hesitated nearby, seemingly wanting to say something but lacking the courage. Seeing her discomfort, Shinki finally broke the silence.
"If you have something to say, just say it."
Pakura took a deep breath and said seriously, "I want to leave the Pharmaceutical Department. I don't enjoy that monotonous work—I prefer training and combat."
"Oh," Shinki responded, then returned to his book without elaborating.
Pakura waited, growing increasingly frustrated. After a moment, she couldn't hold back any longer. Her voice trembled with anger as she said, "Did you forget what you told me before? Can I not consider myself a part of Konoha?"
"You can," Shinki replied flatly.
Pakura gritted her teeth. Her situation left her with no other choice. Branded a traitor by the Sand Village, she had nowhere else to go. Regardless of the circumstances that led to her defection, no one cared about the details—they only saw the result.
Staying in Konoha was her only option, even if she didn't fully embrace her new identity.
"Starting tomorrow," Shinki said, still focused on his book, "you'll be transferred to the ANBU. You'll serve as the secretary to the minister for now. Your performance will determine your future assignments."
"Good," Pakura replied, relieved to leave the Pharmaceutical Department. Whether as a combat operative or a secretary, anything was better than the dull, repetitive work she'd been doing.
From that day, Pakura's new life in the ANBU began.
When Nara Shikaku saw her in full ANBU gear, he was momentarily stunned. Turning to Shinki, he raised a questioning brow.
Shinki leaned back, propping his feet on the table, and smiled. "Relax, Senior. If I've brought her here and made her my secretary, it means she's trustworthy. No need to worry about leaks."
Shikaku sighed but chose not to press further. After all, Shinki rarely made poor judgments.
"By the way," Shikaku added, "did you actually borrow money from the Hokage's office to fund this operation?"
Shinki smirked. "Trust me, Senior. The money will come back. Eventually."
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