On the battlefield.
Without Shukaku, the battlefield once again returned to a stalemate.
After all, Shukaku's sudden outburst had still dealt a considerable blow to Konoha's side.
Orochimaru and Uchiha Fugaku led their forces in desperate combat, finally managing to push back Sunagakure for the time being.
In the camp, the three little ones had already learned what happened on the battlefield. At this moment, they were pacing anxiously back and forth.
"Obito, Kakashi, you don't think sensei will be in danger, do you?"
Rin's face was full of tension. Even though they were on Mt. Kikyo when Shukaku appeared, they had all clearly seen that massive, oppressive figure.
They had even witnessed Shukaku's final disappearance.
And the only one capable of such a feat was their teacher, Gekko Chizan, with his Flying Thunder God Technique.
"Rin, don't worry. You don't know Chizan-sensei's strength well enough, do you?"
"He has all those snakes helping him. Even against a Tailed Beast... it should be fine, right..."
Obito's voice grew weaker as he spoke, clearly unable to convince even himself.
Jinlin and the others were strong, yes—but they were still just stronger-than-average snakes. Could they really stand against a terrifying creature like a Tailed Beast...
"Hehehe, it's rare to see Chizan-kun's students so worried about him."
"But you don't need to concern yourselves. Instead of worrying, it would be better to squarely face the war ahead."
Suddenly, a cold voice rang out behind them.
The three turned around at the same time, only to see Orochimaru standing with his arms crossed, a faint smile on his face.
"Orochimaru-sama..."
Kakashi was the first to greet him. He hadn't spoken earlier, but that didn't mean he hadn't been thinking about it.
"Kakashi-kun, are you perhaps considering going to look for your teacher?"
"Your eyes tell me you have such thoughts."
Yes—Orochimaru had seen a certain intent in Kakashi's eyes. Combined with the current situation, it wasn't difficult for him to guess what was on the boy's mind.
But he had no intention of letting the three little ones actually act on it.
"Put that thought away quickly. I know Gekko Chizan's strength far better than you."
"Though he transferred the One-Tail away, if he truly wished to retreat, he could. After all, no one's speed can surpass spatial teleportation."
"Don't forget your teacher's motto—running away is the best skill of all."
"Since he's not here, you fall under my command now."
"In the battles to come, I will consider letting you participate. Be ready."
Orochimaru left after that. His words eased some of the worry in their hearts, and upon hearing they might fight in the next battle, their spirits lifted immediately.
Kakashi and Obito exchanged glances and saw the same determination in each other's eyes.
"Kakashi, shouldn't you sharpen your blade a bit?"
"You should just take care of yourself. This is the battlefield."
Rin looked helplessly at the two, bickering like fighting roosters. Still, she silently encouraged herself—she would prove her worth. Even though she was a medical-nin, she would never shrink from battle.
Unbeknownst to them, Orochimaru had not gone far. He was watching, wanting to see the state of these three brats. Seeing their fighting spirit, he felt a rare satisfaction.
"Chizan-kun, your students are just as outstanding as you."
"Don't die..."
...
In the desert, Chōmei's enormous body had already vanished, leaving Gekko Chizan walking alone through the barren sands.
"Really, I told you to head north. Where on earth did you end up?"
"Hey, don't blame me. Didn't you see that sandstorm? It's normal to lose direction, alright?"
Yes, Chōmei had gotten lost. Right after they had left the battlefield where they fought Shukaku, they had run straight into a sandstorm.
Though the sandstorm didn't harm Chōmei, it did leave the big bug thoroughly confused, completely losing its sense of direction.
With no other choice, Chōmei had to let Gekko Chizan take the lead again.
Which infuriated Chizan to no end.
"Forget it. Let's just fly. If I keep walking like this, I'll be sun-dried into jerky."
The desert heat was unbearable. Gekko Chizan disliked such an environment greatly. Without hesitation, he spread his wings and began flying, searching for direction.
A day later, Gekko Chizan finally escaped the desert, stepping into a forest.
"The northern side of Wind Country... Bird Country, is it?"
"If I recall correctly, it's supposed to be a very beautiful nation."
"And also one of the rare lands without war."
Entering the forest, Gekko Chizan began recalling what he knew of Bird Country.
Its capital lay beside a lakeside where migratory birds gathered, full of greenery—a beautiful and peaceful city.
The entire nation was picturesque, devoted to peace. Though perhaps turmoil lay ahead in the future, for now it was still serene.
Seeking this final calm before infiltrating Earth Country, Gekko Chizan decided to rest for a while in Bird Country.
Indeed, such a peaceful place could unconsciously make one relax.
So it was with Chizan. Always one to enjoy life, once he sat in a restaurant and began eating fine food, he nearly forgot the battle of just a short while ago.
"Ahh, comfortable."
"Hm? What's that?"
Suddenly, his gaze turned toward the town's main road. A carriage was slowly making its way into the city.
Seated atop was a young man, a faint smile on his face, looking deeply satisfied with his land.
"Bird Country's daimyō?"
"So young indeed."
Yes, the man before him was Ōwashi, daimyō of Bird Country.
At this time, Bird Country had not yet been invaded by wandering shinobi. There were no wars at all.
After all, Bird Country had no shinobi, and thus was not a target of the great nations.
Perhaps sensing Gekko Chizan's gaze, Ōwashi suddenly looked in his direction.
And when he did, curiosity and delight showed clearly on his face.
"Stop."
Ordering the carriage to halt, Ōwashi walked straight toward the restaurant where Gekko Chizan sat.
"A shinobi of Konoha?"
"Truly rare. In these times of war, why would you appear in Bird Country?"
As the daimyō, Ōwashi got straight to the point.
Which left Gekko Chizan momentarily taken aback.
"Just passing through on a mission. I'd long heard Bird Country was beautiful, so I couldn't resist coming to see it for myself."
Hearing Gekko Chizan praise Bird Country, Ōwashi chuckled softly.
"Is that so? Shinobi seldom come here. Since you've arrived, take some time to enjoy yourself."
"However, I do hope you won't use shinobi arts while in Bird Country. That would cause no small amount of trouble."
"Here, peace reigns. I do not wish for anyone to disrupt it."
...
I recommend checking out my new fanfic about the Dying System (Getting Killed Makes You Stronger)!