"Never thought Sasori and Deidara would be defeated. It's truly unexpected."
Once again inside another cave, Deva Path and the other members of Akatsuki used the Nine Dragon Seal Technique to imprison the Four-Tails Jinchuriki.
The sealing was complete. Kisame expressed his surprise over both Sasori and Deidara perishing.
Deva Path spoke up, "Stay alert and avoid any more losses. Sasori and Deidara were just too overconfident—they could have retreated but decided to fight instead. We must seal all captured Jinchuriki into the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path over the next six months. Everyone, endure a bit longer. Dismissed."
One by one, the Demonic Statue and the illusions of Akatsuki members vanished.
Kakashi and his group had planned to rest for a few more days before heading back to Konoha, but they received urgent news that changed everything.
An urgent message came from Konoha—Kumogakure's Jinchuriki were under attack.
The Two-Tails Jinchuriki from Kumogakure, Yugito Nii, had already been captured by Akatsuki, while the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki, Killer B, had also suffered a severe assault and was gravely injured. Fortunately, B was a perfect Jinchuriki. Thanks to his octopus-tail camouflage technique, he managed to escape.
As for the Three-Tails and Six-Tails Jinchuriki in the Land of Water, neither was currently in Kirigakure. However, reports confirmed that the Six-Tails' host, Utakata, had been captured by an Akatsuki member, and Isobu, the Three-Tails, had also been taken.
Takigakure was attacked as well, with Fu, the Seven-Tails Jinchuriki, captured by an Akatsuki operative.
Meanwhile, in the Land of Birds, someone witnessed Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, fighting against an individual wearing Akatsuki's cloak. His chances of survival seemed slim.
In short, except for Naruto and B, all other Jinchuriki had successfully been captured by Akatsuki.
Therefore, Minato urgently recalled Naruto to Konoha in case of an ambush.
Shindai was utterly stunned by the news!
Weren't they really supposed to capture the Tailed Beasts one at a time? So why are all these attacks happening at once?
Has Akatsuki really become this effective?
Outside Sunagakure,
Kakashi, Shindai, and their group prepared to depart when Baki, Gaara, Kankuro, and Temari came to see them off.
Gaara took the initiative and said, "Goodbye."
Naruto nodded slightly in response, murmuring, "Yeah."
The two locked eyes, remaining silent for a moment.
Sasuke scoffed impatiently and urged, "Let's go."
Shindai raised an eyebrow as he glanced at Sasuke—could that be jealousy?
Naruto smiled awkwardly and said, "Normally people shake hands or something during farewells, but I'm not used to stuff like that. So then, we'll just..."
Gaara reached out his hand toward Naruto first.
Naruto stared blankly at Gaara's outstretched palm.
Smiling, Naruto clasped his hand with Gaara's.
A somewhat stiff smile appeared on Gaara's face. "Goodbye, Naruto."
Naruto returned a bright, sunny smile. "Yeah, goodbye, Gaara."
Sasuke's expression turned increasingly sour as he looked at Gaara.
Shindai nudged Sasuke playfully. "What? Are you feeling a little jealous now, thinking 'I *am* Naruto's best friend,' and now someone else is trying to steal him from you?"
Sasuke twitched his lips in annoyance. "Don't talk nonsense! Hmph!"
Shindai took a sidestep over to Itachi. "Itachi, you should keep a close eye on Sasuke. He's in big trouble now."
Itachi asked curiously, "Trouble? What kind of trouble?"
Shindai grinned mischievously, "Who knows, maybe one day you'll get to see Sasuke wearing a shirobuku (white bridal kimono)~"
Itachi was completely puzzled.
Sasuke wearing a shirobuku? But wasn't that something brides wore?
...
After parting ways, Shindai and the others returned to Konoha.
Inside the Hokage Building.
Minato Namikaze smiled and said, "Everyone, thank you for your hard work on this mission."
Shindai asked, "Minato-dono, what's the current situation with Akatsuki organization?"
Minato's face turned serious. "It appears Akatsuki has begun full-scale capture operations against Jinchuriki, and they've already succeeded. Their next targets will undoubtedly be Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki from Kumogakure who they failed to capture previously, and our Nine-Tails here in Konoha.
We don't know exactly when they'll strike, but since we now understand their objectives, we must take corresponding measures."
Naruto burst out eagerly, "Dad, tell me what I need to do!"
The person who answered wasn't Minato himself, but rather Hiruzen Sarutobi sitting nearby.
Hiruzen began speaking, "After thorough discussions, considering we don't know how Akatsuki will proceed next, it would be very risky for you to continue carrying out missions outside the village, as you'd be vulnerable to attacks.
Even Konoha itself isn't entirely safe either, because among Akatsuki there's an individual who masters Space–Time Ninjutsu. Someone so elusive and unpredictable poses a difficult threat to guard against. Therefore, we've decided that you and Kushina should go to Mount Myoboku for a while."
Naruto immediately frowned. "Huh? That sounds like running away. With my current strength, I can definitely stay in the village and fight alongside everyone else!"
Minato shook his head. "This isn't about fleeing, it's about waiting, waiting for the right opportunity. Also, sending you to Mount Myoboku isn't just about waiting around. You're still learning Sage Mode, right? And you haven't completed the advanced forms of the Rasengan yet. Your task at Mount Myoboku is precisely to master Sage Mode and those advanced forms of the Rasengan.
Moreover, we don't have time to let you gradually adapt to the Nine-Tails' power anymore. During this trip to Mount Myoboku, Kushina will assist you, helping you suppress and control the Nine-Tails' chakra so you can harness its power.
Once you've mastered all of these, we'll recall you immediately and deploy you into battle. Do you understand?"
Naruto still wore a reluctant frown.
Minato said seriously, "Naruto, this isn't the time for you to act recklessly. In half a month, the Five Kage Summit will begin in the Land of Iron. The summit's main topics will be the Akatsuki organization, Tailed Beasts, and Jinchuriki. This no longer concerns only you—it affects the entire ninja world.
Though we don't yet know what they plan to do with the Tailed Beasts, so many have already fallen into Akatsuki's hands. If they decide to take action, it could bring great disaster upon the ninja world!"
Naruto took a long breath. "Fine then, when am I going to Mount Myoboku with Kushina?"
Minato replied, "Tomorrow. Alright, all of you go rest now."
Still in the office were Shindai, Kakashi, Obito, Itachi, and Shisui.
Minato said, "You should have all heard just now—half a month from now, the Five Kage Summit will start in the Land of Iron. Shisui, Kakashi, you two will accompany me as my personal guards."
"Eh, what about us?" Obito asked hurriedly.
Minato paused before replying, "Actually, there's no need to bring so many people. But if you still want to come, you can join us as attendants."
Shindai immediately declared, "Kakashi, your position as guard has been revoked! From now on, I'm Minato-dono's official bodyguard!"
Kakashi nearly rolled his eyes—was even the role of guard up for grabs?
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