"Hey, Hattori, why are you back again?"
On the platform atop the giant tree at the center of the Paulownia Forest, Kotonami, who had been preening her feathers, lifted her head in surprise when she saw Logan.
A gentle breeze rippled through the air, and beneath the pale red sky, the sea of trees swayed in waves. This place was always so tranquil.
"Haha, ran into a bit of trouble... so I came here to lay low for a while."
Logan walked over to a tree stump and sat down, scratching his head with an embarrassed laugh.
At the same time, he nodded politely toward the Clan Head, who appeared to be dozing in the seat of honor.
The old Clan Head, who is lazily fanning himself while sunbathing, didn't seem to pay Logan any attention… yet he accurately raised a hand and waved, exuding the calm demeanor of a retired old man greeting the neighborhood kid who'd dropped by unannounced.
Another gust of wind blew past, rustling the distant leaves below in layers of echoing whispers.
The scenery of the Paulownia Forest was a stark contrast to the Kamui dimension Logan had been in just moments ago. The difference in atmosphere was immense.
When Logan had been sitting idly on those dull, monotonous rectangular blocks, he had already considered his options for returning to the Summoned Beast's Dimension.
He didn't have enough Chakra, and the advanced Flying Thunder God Technique consumes too much, so after some deliberation, he came up with a solution that killed two birds with one stone, which is to master Sage Mode in the Paulownia Forest.
Sage Mode was an all-around enhancement. With Senjutsu Chakra, the risks of teleporting back would be resolved.
Coincidentally, his training before coming to Dosei City had already progressed halfway. Now that the problem had presented itself, it was time to complete it.
After some preparation, Logan used the Reverse Summoning Technique.
The rustling of leaves echoed like distant waves.
"Everyone's pretty relaxed, huh?" Logan rubbed his hands together. If he were to resume his training, he'd have to trouble them again. So he threw out a meaningless comment to lighten the mood.
Glancing around, he asked, "Where's that guy Akiyama?"
"Probably flying around somewhere. Said he was doing a routine patrol... Ugh, just wasting time after eating. Don't mind him." Kotonami replied, blinking her large, sparkling eyes, "Oh yeah, when are you taking me out to play?"
"Ah... don't worry, I've already got it all planned out." Logan chuckled awkwardly, shooting a glance at the Clan Head, who seemed lost in thought, and thought to himself, 'Aren't all you birds just as idle as each other? What gives you the right to criticize him?'
"Really?" Kotonami perked up, sparks flickering around her. "I'll have you know I'm amazing… my Sage Arts are top-tier."
"Sure, sure..." Logan wiped his sweat, mentally checking off Kotonami's 'mandatory greeting quest' before turning back to the Clan Head.
Business first. While he had some time to spare before finding Sasuke, mastering Sage Mode was no easy feat, so he couldn't afford to slack off.
As if sensing Logan's thoughts, the old Clan Head spoke unhurriedly, "Hattori, if you have something to say, go ahead."
Since he had just left abruptly a few days ago, his quick return obviously meant trouble.
Setting down his fan, the old Clan Head propped himself up with his cane, "You mentioned 'laying low' just now… from what? If it's a fight, just call Akiyama or Kotonami to help. No need to run all the way back here."
"It's not a fight. The situation's a bit special. It's like this..."
'The older generation was always more pragmatic.' Logan briefly explained his predicament, which is being trapped in Kamui Dimension.
"...Hmm, so you're worried about running out of Chakra and ending up in a tight spot?"
After listening, the old Clan Head stroked his beard in understanding, then said thoughtfully, "Then do as you planned. Continue your Sage Mode training here."
"Thank you, Clan Head." Logan bowed slightly, his attitude respectful. Being able to form a contract with the Divine Bird Clan was one of the luckiest things in his life.
Since then, many changes had occurred, with hardships blocking his path, but they had always been his steadfast support.
Kotonami, who is listening from nearby, also understood, 'Looks like I had something to do now.'
Not long after, Akiyama returned from his flight. Hearing that Logan was resuming his Sage Mode training, he couldn't help but twist his beak in displeasure, muttering things like 'Humans are so troublesome' and 'I don't like humans'. But in the end, he still lent a hand.
It was all the Clan Head's orders, certainly not by the bird's own will.
Red-stained clouds drifted leisurely past the highest protruding branch. Logan cleared his mind once more, settling into deep meditation.
All in all, the Divine Birds were quite welcoming of Logan's return. After all, more company meant more liveliness.
…
Under the shifting clouds of the sky, September in the Ninja World quietly came to an end.
With Hashirama's cells, Obito recovered from his injuries swiftly. In his mind, the threat of Logan had been eliminated. The White Zetsu by his side had also already cleaned up the devastated battlefield.
Having regained his strength, he left the Land of Fire in a decent mood, ready to continue advancing the Eye of the Moon Plan.
Accompanied by White Zetsu, he moved under his guise, traveling through Amegakure and various minor nations.
At the same time, White Zetsu spies scattered across the lands continuously fed him intelligence.
The Akatsuki sailed along its predetermined course… its hull black, its banner black, its darkened deck stained with the blood of countless lives. Within its depths festered schemes and sins. The helmsman dreamed of one day raising a sail that would make the world know pain, unaware that a darker hand lurked in the shadows, waiting to overturn it all.
Meanwhile, Naruto and the others remained in the peaceful village, clinging to their thoughts of those dear to them. Konoha's ANBU, Root, and informants spread outward, probing for Akatsuki's movements through tentative cooperation with other nations... They would have their role to play in the days to come.
After the battle with Hidan and Kakuzu, autumn passed its midpoint. Maple leaves fell from branches like crimson petals sinking into the earth. Those separated would one day reunite.
After Sasuke became Orochimaru's sole successor, he formed a new team of his own and named it 'Hebi'. (T/N: Hebi means Snake.)
He had truly changed. Wielding power, he reinvented himself. After recruiting Jugo, he stood atop the ruins of a prison, clad in a white kimono with the Kusanagi Sword at his side, the endless sea stretching behind him.
Waves crashed against the island, and Sasuke looked across the coast and said, "Let's go."
The winds and clouds shifted above them, different hues pushing forward.
The figures behind him followed, Chakra parting the waves. The group running across the ocean's surface had only known each other briefly.
They didn't yet know if they would one day take on the name 'Hebi' or 'Taka'. But in that moment, as spray scattered around them, the young Ninjas glanced at the one leading the charge.
What they did know was this: Sasuke now marched forward with burning ambition, ready to exact vengeance upon his brother.
As forces converged, the war-torn forests in northern Land of Fire had long since settled into silence. Birds, beasts, and insects cautiously returned, and with the first chirps and rustles, nature stubbornly reclaimed its domain.
Woodpeckers tapped, fish swam… time flowed quietly. It felt as though ages had passed, the scorched yellow grass now sprouting fresh green shoots.
Above those shoots was empty air, waiting for someone to reappear...