Kitazawa quickly found the cave where Gaara was.
Gaara was already unconscious, lying on the ground.
When Chiyo saw him, her expression changed dramatically. She hurried over and began treating him.
But after only a moment, her face turned extremely grim.
Because the One-Tail, Shukaku, had already been extracted from Gaara's body.
As a jinchūriki, once he lost his tailed beast, his life immediately entered a countdown.
The only way to save him now was the Reanimation of One's Own Life—Kishō Tensei.
Chiyo sighed inwardly.
She was already old and near the end of her life. Trading her life to bring Gaara back wouldn't be a bad bargain.
But there was a problem.
The people beside her weren't Suna ninja—they were Konoha ninja.
On one hand, she worried Kitazawa might do something to Gaara. On the other, she worried that once Gaara woke up, he might lash out at Kitazawa.
Gaara had grown up under Rasa's "tests."
On top of that, to suppress Shukaku, he had gone without sleep for a long time—resulting in a temperament that was irritable and bloodthirsty.
But if they didn't save him now, then even if they managed to bring him back to the Suna, he wouldn't make it anyway.
His life force was draining away far too fast.
"I can save him."
Kitazawa looked at Chiyo—whose expression kept shifting—and spoke.
"You?"
Chiyo instinctively showed doubt.
A jinchūriki dies when their tailed beast is extracted—this was common knowledge.
Kitazawa didn't reply. He walked to Gaara's side.
He extended a hand and held it above Gaara's body.
After learning a method from Kirigakure—how a jinchūriki could survive even after extraction—Kitazawa had researched using Yang Release to save lives.
The usual method was to leave behind a portion of the tailed beast's chakra inside the jinchūriki.
But now there was no way to find even a fragment of Shukaku's chakra.
That meant the only option was to replace it with an overwhelming amount of Yang Release chakra.
A terrifying surge of Yang chakra poured out from Kitazawa's hand.
Chiyo's breathing caught, shock flashing across her face.
Was this really the chakra capacity of someone who wasn't a jinchūriki?
Not long after, joy appeared in her eyes.
Gaara's body was slowly recovering.
At the very least, he wouldn't die immediately.
Kitazawa estimated the situation, then withdrew the Yang Release chakra.
"Why did you stop?"
Chiyo couldn't help asking.
She was a medical ninja too—she could tell that Gaara's death had only been delayed. He wasn't out of danger.
"The amount of Yang Release chakra needed to truly bring someone back is astronomical."
Kitazawa spoke half-truthfully, half-falsely. "With my chakra reserves, I can't fully save him within a day. I need time."
"How long?"
Chiyo asked immediately.
"Half a year."
Kitazawa paused, then suggested, "I can bring Gaara back to the Konoha to treat him."
"No!"
Chiyo refused without hesitation.
"If your Suna can save him, then you can take him back."
Kitazawa didn't seem to care.
"…"
Chiyo fell silent.
In the entire Suna, she was the best medical ninja—and she had just tried. Conventional methods couldn't save Gaara.
Unless she used Kishō Tensei.
If Kitazawa had no other option, she would definitely do it.
But now that another path existed, she hesitated.
Because the Suna's situation was already dire.
Rasa was severely injured. The only ones left who could hold things together were her and Ebizō.
If she died, the Suna would become unprecedentedly weak.
At that point, other villages—like Kumogakure—would surely be tempted to start a war.
"Don't worry. Konoha won't do anything to Gaara."
Kitazawa added, "He's no longer a jinchūriki. To Konoha, he has no value."
"Then why save him?"
Chiyo stared at him.
"This is a transaction."
Kitazawa smiled. "After I save him, whether he can return to the Suna will depend on your sincerity."
Hearing that, Chiyo relaxed instead.
She understood Kitazawa's intention—he wanted to use Gaara to demand benefits.
If he had a motive, that was easier to deal with. At worst, the Suna would just pay a heavier price.
"I agree."
After thinking for a moment, Chiyo said, "Including the payment for your help this time, I'll send someone specifically to negotiate with you later."
"Fine."
Kitazawa agreed casually.
Under normal circumstances, that deal really could proceed.
But the Akatsuki's Eye of the Moon Plan had already begun.
Once their goal was exposed, the entire shinobi world would descend into chaos.
"Then I'll be counting on you, Kitazawa."
Chiyo took a deep breath, stood up, and said.
She had to return to the Suna as quickly as possible.
The two Sand jōnin who had left earlier would certainly have already delivered the news.
Right now, panic was probably spreading through the village.
Besides, she still needed to save the five Sand jōnin who had been poisoned.
Thinking of that, Chiyo suddenly looked at Kitazawa.
During the battle, she had briefly examined Sasori's poison, but she couldn't undo it.
And Kitazawa was Tsunade's student—second only to her as a medical ninja.
They already owed him twice. Owing him a third time didn't matter.
"Kitazawa," Chiyo asked directly, "Can you cure Sasori's poison?"
"I can give you a bottle of antidote."
Kitazawa thought for a moment. "Wait here."
Chiyo nodded.
To medical ninja, every formula was top secret.
She assumed Kitazawa was going somewhere to prepare it.
Kitazawa took Gaara and Naruto and left the cave.
He used Flying Thunder God and returned directly to Konoha's Ninja Academy.
"Naruto, the mission's done. Go back to training."
Kitazawa instructed.
"Got it, Kitazawa-sensei."
Naruto headed toward the academy training field.
After Naruto left, Kitazawa used Flying Thunder God again.
This time he appeared at Konoha Hospital.
He handed Gaara over to Yakushi Nonō, asking her to help maintain his life for the time being.
But just in case, he also placed a sealing technique on Gaara so he couldn't use chakra.
After all, Gaara's personality was currently terrible—he was the type who would pick a fight with the sky itself.
In the original story, it took Naruto beating him senseless before he finally calmed down.
Kitazawa then went to the hospital laboratory.
He hadn't seen the exact poison, but Sasori was in his hands—he could simply take it out and research it directly.
After preparing the antidote, he used Flying Thunder God once more and returned outside the cave.
"This is the antidote you wanted."
Kitazawa entered the cave and handed it to Chiyo.
"Thank you."
Chiyo suppressed her shock and accepted it.
She'd assumed Kitazawa would take a long time to make an antidote, but it hadn't even been half an hour.
That meant the gap between them was enormous.
Chiyo couldn't help feeling envious.
The Konoha truly had too many geniuses and powerhouses.
Compared to it, the Suna felt painfully shabby.
"You'd better hurry."
Kitazawa warned. "It's a slow-acting poison, but it's vicious. Even a normal jōnin can only last about three days."
"Thank you."
Chiyo said quickly. "I'll leave right now. Please take good care of Gaara."
After that, she rushed toward the Suna.
Kitazawa withdrew his gaze and used Flying Thunder God back to the Hokage's office.
Tsunade instinctively tensed—but relaxed when she saw it was him.
"I brought Sasori back."
Kitazawa got straight to the point.
"Sasori?"
Tsunade didn't react immediately.
"Sasori of the Akatsuki. Chiyo's grandson."
Kitazawa took out a scroll. "He's inside."
"You killed him?"
Surprise appeared on Tsunade's face.
Storage summoning scrolls can't hold living people, so she assumed it contained Sasori's corpse.
"No."
Kitazawa explained Sasori's condition to her.
"He turned himself into a human puppet?"
Tsunade shook her head. "That's… truly reckless."
"I also brought Gaara back."
Kitazawa added.
"…?"
Tsunade raised her head reflexively.
The back-to-back news was almost too much to process.
"Here's what happened."
Kitazawa explained everything from beginning to end.
"It looks like Naruto's strength is already not inferior to an average Kage."
Tsunade recovered, smiling.
If Sasori could kill the Third Kazekage, then he was already Kage-level.
And Naruto had defeated him head-on—his strength spoke for itself.
As Hokage, Tsunade was naturally delighted.
After all, Naruto was the Nine-Tails jinchūriki. The stronger he was, the more beneficial it was to Konoha.
And with Kitazawa—who had Wood Release and Flying Thunder God—she was even starting to look forward to the Fourth Great Ninja War.
"I think we should publicize this widely."
Kitazawa explained. "Naruto and the others have reached the age where they should start making a name."
"Isn't it too early?"
Tsunade frowned slightly.
"Fame should come early. Kakashi made a name for himself at that age too."
Kitazawa paused. "And more importantly, there's no way to hide this news."
"True."
After a bit of thought, Tsunade said, "Then make sure you keep them safe."
Fame had benefits—and downsides.
The downside was that if their reputation grew too large, other villages would start watching them.
But with Kitazawa's Flying Thunder God, it was manageable.
He could even give each student a Flying Thunder God kunai.
"Mm."
Kitazawa nodded. "I'll go to Anbu first and pass the order along."
"Also keep a close watch on the Akatsuki's movements."
Tsunade reminded him.
"I understand."
Kitazawa used Flying Thunder God and appeared at the Anbu base.
He glanced at the empty office and thought of Konan—wondering when she would return.
"Asuma."
Kitazawa quickly summoned Sarutobi Asuma.
"Kitazawa."
Asuma smiled. "Rare to see you looking for me. What's up?"
Even though he was the Anbu Deputy Commander, Kitazawa rarely contacted him directly.
More accurately, he rarely contacted him in person—usually he relayed orders through Anbu like Antelope and the others.
"There's an extremely important piece of news. I want you to spread it as widely as possible—to every corner of the shinobi world."
Kitazawa said in a deep voice.
Asuma's face showed surprise.
What kind of news needed to go worldwide?
"This news is that the Fourth Hokage's son, Uzumaki Naruto, defeated Sasori of the Red Sand—the one who killed the Third Kazekage."
Kitazawa spoke slowly.
"Huh?!"
Asuma's eyes widened. "You're kidding."
Sasori of the Red Sand was a major figure in the shinobi world lately.
As Anbu deputy commander, Asuma naturally knew plenty about him.
A member of the mysterious Akatsuki, Chiyo's grandson, the strongest puppet master—rumors about him were everywhere.
But now Kitazawa was saying Sasori had been defeated by Uzumaki Naruto, and Asuma couldn't process it.
Naruto was only eleven!
How was that even possible?
"Would I joke about something like this?"
Kitazawa asked back.
"…"
Asuma twitched his lips.
If Naruto could beat Sasori, then Naruto could beat him too.
He, the Third Hokage's son and Anbu deputy commander, couldn't beat an eleven-year-old brat—who would believe that?
"I'll arrange it right away."
Asuma snapped back to himself.
"Good."
Kitazawa nodded. "If there's any problem, come to me."
Asuma left immediately.
In less than an hour, the news spread across Konoha at an astonishing speed.
Part of it was Anbu efficiency.
But the bigger reason was that the news was simply too explosive.
Normally, the more outrageous a rumor sounded, the faster it spread.
And this one was outrageous—anyone who heard it would think it was pure fantasy.
At the Ninja Academy, Naruto used his break time to tell the Advanced Class all about his battle with Sasori.
That was just his personality—he couldn't keep things to himself.
"At eleven, he can already draw out six tails?"
Hiruzen subconsciously tugged at his beard.
Naruto was the Third Nine-Tails jinchūriki.
He knew the previous two fairly well—especially the last one, Uzumaki Kushina.
And her performance as a jinchūriki wasn't even close to Naruto's.
"I'm guessing among us teachers, only you and Kitazawa can beat Naruto now."
Maruboshi Kosuke sighed.
"Naruto's growth speed is just too fast."
Kakashi listened and really wanted to complain.
He'd become a jōnin at twelve, but a big part of that was the special circumstances of war.
Naruto was different—at eleven, he had genuinely beaten a Kage-level powerhouse, Sasori.
No—more than that. There was also the Third Kazekage.
Naruto had essentially fought one-versus-two and won.
It sounded like a dream.
"Naruto's ceiling will probably surpass even the Fourth Hokage."
Kosuke said firmly.
"He and Minato are two different types of ninja."
Hiruzen came back to himself. "But given how things look now, yes—when he grows up, he truly will be stronger."
"After this battle, Naruto's name should spread across the entire shinobi world."
Kosuke smiled. "Maybe he'll even earn a title, like the Fourth Hokage did."
"Then they'll have plenty to worry about. I get the feeling a lot of students in the Advanced Class will end up earning titles."
Hiruzen nodded.
"Agreed."
Master Chen said. "They definitely will."
By the afternoon, the news began spreading toward the major hidden villages.
After all, Konoha had plenty of spies from other villages.
Most of them weren't high-ranking, but for news like this, they didn't even need to investigate—it was everywhere.
In Amegakure, Konan received a message from White Zetsu and went to the tower where the Deva Path of Pain was.
"The Nine-Tails jinchūriki is Uzumaki Naruto."
The Deva Path spoke bluntly.
"How do you know?"
Konan's pupils shrank as she asked reflexively.
"News just came in. Sasori has been captured."
The Deva Path paused. "The ones who captured him were Kitazawa and Uzumaki Naruto."
"What?!"
Konan's heart jolted, shock showing on her face.
"Kitazawa arrived, but didn't fight. Uzumaki Naruto defeated Sasori using partial tailed-beast transformation."
The Deva Path continued.
Konan immediately understood how he knew Naruto was the Nine-Tails jinchūriki.
"Since we already know Naruto is the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, don't go back to Konoha. A new round of captures will begin soon."
The Deva Path spoke calmly. "At that point, the Akatsuki will become the shinobi world's public enemy."
Konan bit her lip.
Her mind was in chaos, and she didn't know how to respond.
Plans never survive contact with reality.
She had originally wanted to use the Nine-Tails jinchūriki as an excuse to stall for another six months—six months where she could stay with Kitazawa and enjoy what time they had left.
But she hadn't expected Kitazawa to take Naruto to capture Sasori.
"What's wrong?"
Seeing her silence, the Deva Path asked again.
"Nothing."
Konan shook her head.
"You may go."
The Deva Path didn't think too much of it, only reminding her, "If there's any news about capturing tailed beasts, report it to me immediately."
"I understand."
Konan answered and turned to leave.
Outside the tower, she walked down the street. Her usual cold expression became distant and dazed.
The next time she met Kitazawa, they would probably be enemies—blades drawn.
Konan sighed inwardly and returned to her room.
She opened the door—and froze.
A moment later, her expression shifted, worry appearing in her eyes.
"I used Flying Thunder God."
Kitazawa chuckled. "Don't worry. No one can detect it."
Nagato's Rain Tiger at Will technique relied on rainwater to function, but Flying Thunder God could bypass the rain entirely.
Konan felt a little more at ease.
She'd thought of that too.
"Come here."
Kitazawa beckoned to her.
Konan walked up and naturally sat on his lap.
Turning slightly sideways as she leaned into his chest, she also pressed her long legs together, snug against him.
"You look like you've got something on your mind."
Kitazawa breathed in the faint scent on her and spoke.
"I… my mission is complete. I won't go back to Konoha anymore."
Konan hesitated for two seconds, then told the truth.
"It's fine. I can come here."
Kitazawa patted her thigh. "Don't worry about something like that."
"Thank you."
Konan blinked, and the heaviness in her heart eased a little.
"Is the Akatsuki going to move against every jinchūriki next?"
Kitazawa's right hand slid up along her full thigh.
Konan soon felt a chill at her chest, but her expression remained calm.
"After you capture the first eight jinchūriki, help me arrange a duel with your leader."
Kitazawa's fingers slipped across skin.
"What?"
Konan's body trembled.
"I'm a straightforward person."
Kitazawa said casually. "If your leader really is that strong, then I'll surrender."
"Really?"
Konan looked at him instinctively, disbelief in her eyes.
From what she knew of Kitazawa, he didn't seem like someone who would give up so easily.
"Why would I lie to you?"
Kitazawa asked back.
"Our goal isn't to destroy the shinobi world."
Konan spoke quickly, almost urgently. "If Konoha hands over the Nine-Tails jinchūriki, I can guarantee your safety."
That wasn't a lie.
Although the Akatsuki were pursuing the Eye of the Moon Plan, Nagato's version and Uchiha Obito's version were not the same.
Nagato's "Eye of the Moon Plan," strictly speaking, was closer to a tailed-beast deterrence plan.
He wanted to collect all the tailed beasts and use them to intimidate the entire shinobi world—so no one would dare start wars again.
If Kitazawa had to choose, he would certainly support Nagato's plan more.
Because Obito's plan—plunging the whole world into Infinite Tsukuyomi—was simply absurd.
Unfortunately, even if Nagato's idea sounded good, it would be hard to accomplish.
Unless Obito and Black Zetsu were dealt with.
Under normal circumstances, Nagato couldn't solve that—especially with Black Zetsu lurking in the shadows, capable of tearing out hearts.
But Kitazawa could.
And his plan had always been to bring the Akatsuki under his control, then gather the nine tailed beasts, and finally deal with the other villages.
"Thanks."
Kitazawa gave a squeeze as he spoke.
Konan's breath hitched, a blush rising to her cheeks.
She suddenly straightened up. Her clothes fell, exposing her shapely body to the air.
Konan frowned, instinctively wrapping her arms around Kitazawa's head.
Kitazawa only felt softness and warmth, a faint fragrance.
He reached out and held her by the waist.
Konan bit her lower lip, forcing herself to endure the discomfort as she basked in Kitazawa's warmth.
Soon, her gaze grew hazy.
The bond between them became perfectly, tightly joined.
The next day.
Kitazawa returned to Konoha.
Naruto's reputation in the shinobi world had already surpassed Sasori of the Red Sand.
And to Kitazawa's surprise, Naruto had even gained a title: the Dragon of Konoha.
Clearly, that title came from the technique Leaf Dragon God—those green dragons were genuinely terrifying.
Kitazawa thought to himself that he needed his other two students to rise to fame soon.
Otherwise, the "Sannin" of Konoha would never become a reality.
~~~
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